Reverse Iris Folding Card

I found this on http://operationwritehome.org/tutorial-reverse-iris-folding/
Here is my example of this project.

I cut my papers 5.25"x3.75" and pasted it all onto quarter fold size card.  My problem is with the top layer not me large enough.  So if I redo this project I will still cut my papers to 5.25x3.75 but just make my template smaller so it doesn't doesn't quite go out to the edge on my top layers.

Reverse Iris Folding

This is a fun and easier variation of traditional reverse iris folding. The traditional technique uses the same image (photo, print etc) reproduced 5 times, cut, layered and combined. The end result is the original image appearing as a combination of all of the layers. The artist needs to be very precise both in the cutting and layering since even a small variation will make the image appear distorted. This variation of the traditional technique is quite forgiving and easy to master. (And you won’t end up with distorted faces or other disjointed images!)

Materials list:

-5 coordinating or contrasting papers-lighter weight scrapbooking papers work best (you can use heavier papers but you will need to score the folds and your design will be bulkier) cut into 5 1/4’” x 3 ¾” pieces.

-Straight edge or ruler

-Exacto knife

-Cutting mat

-Push pin, awl or other pointed tool -to make guide holes in the pattern and then poke through pattern for marking where to cut on each of your papers

-Scotch tape

-Adhesive for assembly of layers(ATG or other papercrafting roll on adhesive or tacky glue lightly applied. Glue sticks will NOT be strong or long lasting enough)

This is the pattern you will use to mark each of the 5 papers for cutting:

The template can be found here

Print it and attach it to a piece of cardboard that is 5 ¼” x 3 ¾” (same as your 5 sheets of paper)Notice the holes in the 4 corners of each shape, 1-5. Use pushpin or awl and enlarge each hole on the pattern.

After you decide the order of layers for your finished card, place paper for top layer behind your cardboard pattern(printed side facing back of pattern).

Use your pin or awl to poke 4 holes through the pattern and paper on each side of shape #1. The holes are marking your cutting lines for the next step. I use a piece of fun foam with the pattern and paper on top and just poke through both papers into the foam.

Repeat this hole poking in corners of shapes for #2-5 for each of the remaining papers, stacking each behind the pattern separately as you did for #1.

Now you are ready to cut-use the ruler/straight edge and cut 2 diagonal lines from hole to OPPOSITE hole. It’s way easier to see the holes and cut on the back side of your patterned paper. You will have 4 pointy wedges on each piece.

Work on the back side of your papers. Fold back each wedge from back of paper, trim so that the wedge doesn’t extend past the paper edge and tape to secure it down flat. *see note at end of instructions about using heavier papers

Repeat folding, trimming and taping with all 5 papers.

Almost finished! Time to assemble. Stack up all 5 papers in order, #1 on top to #5 on bottom and admire how cool it looks! Glue it all together by applying adhesive along edge and placing next layer on top. Don’t worry if edges aren’t perfectly aligned. You can trim it all after everything is together.

This size of layered papers will fit on a standard A-2 card(like most of our OWH cards) with a small border all around. If you want a center that is a different color than your card base, on the back side of the stack, tape a square of the desired paper. If you have a small sentiment that goes in the center, this is a good method of getting it placed well. Embellish the center as you wish otherwise. Use tacky glue or some other strong adhesive to attach gems, layered punched papers, stickers, brads, buttons etc.

A few ideas for different paper combinations:

Monochromatic colors can look cool if they are of differing textures. Try using embossing folders to add texture.

Try stamping an all over design on sheets of plain paper and using that for several or all of the pieces.

Don’t forget to stop by Lindy’s blog, Paper-Ravin’ to see some more excellent examples of this technique and to see some other really beautiful folded cards! Who is brave enough to give this technique a try? I love that you can use up tons of light weight patterned paper for these cards. I’ll add an InLinkz so that you can all show off your skills… Don’t forget to email me if you have any tutorial requests or submissions!