Last Updated on April 19, 2023 by Ellen Christian
Looking for an iris folding template? Get the free printable iris folding pattern for this Autumn Maple Leaf framed project and make it today.
Posts may be sponsored. This post contains affiliate links, which means I will make a commission at no extra cost to you should you click through and make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Autumn Maple Leaf Iris Folding Project
Iris folding is a paper folding technique that originated in Holland. Strips of folded colored paper are taped into place over a pattern to create a spiral design that looks like the iris of a camera.
These designs can then be used in note cards or framed and hung on the wall for a gorgeous accent piece.
Iris folding is a paper craft technique that involves folding strips of paper to form a design. The center of the design is similar to the iris of a camera. I typically do iris folding with origami paper because it’s the easiest to fold.
Iris folding template and materials:
3 sheets of origami paper in different colors
1 piece of heavy card stock
scotch tape
scissors
Self-healing cutting mat
Exacto blade
Iris folding directions
- Print the pattern and cut it out. You will need to right click and save the image below and print it out.
- Trace the pattern on the back side of the card stock
- Carefully cut out the pattern from the inside of the card stock so there is basically a hole in the center of the card stock where the pattern is. Do not cut through the outside of the card stock.
- Cut each origami sheet into 1 1/2″ strips.
- Fold each strip in half so it is 3/4″ long.
- Tape the pattern into the hole left in the card stock so the pattern can be seen from the back side of the card stock.
- Carefully tape each strip, following the numbered key, onto the card stock. Trim as you go so you don’t have an excess of origami paper on your card stock.
- Do each color at a time and then move clockwise to the next color.
- Flip the card stock over and carefully tuck any stray edges in. Frame or use mounted on a note card.
Related reading
- Sunprint paper kit tutorial
- Spring garden card with washi tape
- Framed Irish proverb
- Homemade wrapping paper
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Thank you for the leaf pattern lay out! I used it to trace inside a smaller leaf die! I’d love to share a tip! Follow the pattern in numerical progression rather than doing one color at a time as shown in the photo. If you do your paper pieces will surely fit and the front will look much smoother with no paper too short. Tape your cut paper to the pattern paper you’re working on giving you access to flip it over and check your progress during throughout. ❤️🧜♀️
Thank you for the tip & for stopping by!
would like to try this myself. Looks very good and professional
brich22 at earthlink dot net
That is really beautiful. I enjoy paper crafting but you have a true talent. Thanks for sharing.
That looks amazing. I had never heard of Iris Folding before.
That’s so cool, I’m not sure I would have the patience to do it but it’s so pretty!
Wow! That is so neat and just beautiful!!
This is so pretty!
Very cool one, I love the Iris Folding idea.
Never heard of Iris Folding. Very cool affect… i already know i wouldn’t have enough patience for this.
I am so very uncrafty, but this looks easy enough that even I might be able to do it 🙂 Thanks!
that looks really cool! You have a lot of patience!
This is cool. .Ive never heard of it before. Nice post.
I’ve been wanting to work with “oragami”, I wanted to try and see what neat ideas I could come up with. I love this idea. Relatively easy directions to follow and it is a beautiful piece! Love it!
Wow – great idea!!
What a neat idea, This will be so fun to do with the kiddos while we are snowbound this weekend thank you
This is a great one. I love all of these