The 12 Projects of Christmas 2025: Project #10

Occasionally I get a wild hair to do something a little nuts when I'm crafting, but more often than not, it turns out great, so it's worth taking the risk. This is one of those times where I was starting to think it was a bad idea, but then when it was done, I had convinced myself it was the right move. That move was the iris folding technique.

What is iris folding?

⭐ How it works

1. A template is placed behind an opening cut into cardstock (for example, a heart, star, circle, letter, or any shape).

2. Paper strips (usually patterned, colored, or foil paper) are folded lengthwise to create a crisp edge.

3. The strips are laid down one by one following the numbered pattern on the template.

4. As the pieces go around, they form a spiral, leaving a center that looks like the “iris” of a camera.

5. The center (the “iris”) can be filled with foil, a photo, patterned paper, or any contrasting material.

I used this technique to create a gorgeous ornament for my card, but I able to skip step two - folding the strips. With Stampin' Up!®'s amazing quality cardstock, I just used the strips of paper, measuring 5/8" wide, to glue around my template. The final product is just amazing!

I found a fun website that offers free downloadable templates for iris folding (http://www.craftwithsarah.com/iris-folding), and this one spoke to me. I love the way the Misty Moonlight and Secret Sea cardstock swirl to the gold center of the ornament. The 4" x 5 1/4" piece of Cloud Cover cardstock sets a perfect background for the blues. I got this color combination from the Peaceful Garden Designer Series Paper. The gold makes this card perfectly elegant, too.

Want to see the iris folding technique in action? You can watch my video tutorial for this card here:

Below you can find a list of Stampin' Up! supplies I used to create this card, along with links to those items in my online store. While you're shopping, don't forget to check out our NEW Product of the Month!

Happy techniquing!

Amy