Features and creation of crafts using the iris folding technique

The original style of any interior presupposes not only an unusual design, but also an interesting decor. Self-made objects look very impressive - thanks to their inherent uniqueness and thoughtfulness, they harmoniously fit into any room.

One of the most popular techniques these days when creating decor items for rooms has become an applique called iris folding. Using this method, you can create small paintings, as well as rather impressive panels.

The name of the technique suggests the so-called rainbow folding - multi-colored stripes of paper are placed in a special way one after another in the form of a twisting spiral at a slight angle relative to each other.

Each iris folding workshop includes several stages of work. For starters on cardboard denote a pattern, which is then cut along the contour. After that, form special templates, the shape of which must match the model of the completed work. All elements of the template are designated with numbers - this is necessary so that the sequence of gluing the colored stripes is clear.

Further cut out the required number of color fragments - this must be done with the expectation that the sheet will have to be folded several times to give the image volume and the necessary strength. Paper strips are fixed on the sides of the picture so that each subsequent one slightly covers the previous one.

Initially, paintings using the iris folding technique were created from ordinary colored paper, however, over time, the technique has improved, and today, in addition to paper, masters often use satin ribbons and cardboard... Elements in the iris folding technique are found in the form of decor in paintings, panels, as well as collages and postcards. However, they can also be created as an independent composition.

The homeland of the Iris folding technique is the Netherlands - Dutch masters made large volumetric paintings with a spiral print from cardboard and multi-colored paper. The resulting masterpieces were somewhat reminiscent of the diaphragms of the cameras popular at that time, and were also visually similar to the iris of the eyes.

The technique quickly gained popularity among Dutch craftsmen, and soon came to other countries of the Old World. The secret of the success of Iris folding is explained by the ease of learning the principles of the technique, the availability and low cost of consumables, as well as the possibility of self-compilation of stencils and diagrams.

Crafts in the direction of iris folding attract with their appearance and literally motivate creativity. The simplest options are available for preschool children for work; they get acquainted with complicated models already at an older age.

This technique is very popular with young mothers and is becoming a permanent hobby for girls and women, whose area of ​​interest is related to the development of children. In addition, it is a source of inspiration for craftswomen in search of unconventional techniques and practicing methods of combining those already studied.

There are two basic directions for iris folding, depending on the method of forming the pattern.

In the first performance the spiral is scrolled so that an empty space is formed in the core in the form of a small figure... This unoccupied area is usually sealed with a piece of cardboard, cloth or a piece of paper. In accordance with the second method of work, the strips are placed so that the middle at the end of the work is completely filled - this technology is in demand for the manufacture of notebooks, postcards and photo albums.

Before starting work, you need to decide on its topic. For example, you can make cards for New Years, name days, or Valentine's Day.

In order to work on a project without interruption, a set of necessary materials and tools should be prepared in advance. You will need:

• one-sided colored paper 4-5 tones;
• hard cardboard that can be used as a base;
• ruler;
• sharp scissors;
• regular paper clips;
• pencil;
• scotch tape or glue stick;
• sharp knife.

Any work performed by a craftswoman in iris folding involves using a working template or a combined composition of two or three templates. The simplest stencils are superimposed on a previously compiled thematic drawing. The basic templates for inexperienced needlewomen are the simplest geometric figures - triangle, square or circle. The basic element of the Dutch technique is a rectangle or a triangle.

For drawing decoration the required number of elements should be prepared, which should differ in size, shape and color. Then the process of placing them on the prepared template takes place, as well as fitting and finishing fixation.

There are many ready-made templates available. The direction of iris folding has its own basic rules - due to the existing variety of stencils, the shape of the finished product is limited only by the flight of the artist's imagination and the wealth of consumables.

If you have some work skills, you can always create your own sample so that it perfectly matches the dimensions of the craft. To do this, you will need:

• a piece of paper in a cage;
• simple pencil;
• eraser.

Before starting to work, you need to choose the basic shape - it can be a circle, triangle or square. Experienced craftsmen can use more intricate shapes.

Let us dwell in more detail on the scheme for forming a stencil based on a square:

• draw a 14 cm square on a piece of paper;
• mark 10 mm on each side to the left of the corners;
• as a result, you will have 4 points that need to be connected to each other - thus, you get a "square in a square";
• in the second square, mark again the points to the left at a distance of 10 mm, they also need to be connected and form a third square.

Similarly, work templates based on a triangle are created. Please note that absolutely it is not necessary to make a step 10-15mm wide - it can be anything in the range from 7 to 25 mm, depending on the idea of ​​the master.

Complex stencils usually have numbering - it shows what should be the sequence of laying out the prepared multi-colored stripes in bright shading schemes. The templates are additionally marked according to color wishes.

Depending on what kind of print you plan to make, iris folding includes several sequential steps.

1. First you need to select a drawing that you will lay out in the future.
2. The drawing is transferred to a cardboard or a sheet of hard paper. You need to circle it, and then cut it out so that a window is formed - you will place rainbow ribbons in it.
3. Next, a template is selected that matches the picture.
4. A sheet of paper with the outline of the drawing cut out on it is placed on the stencil with the back side up. Then the entire structure is fixed with paper clips or tape so that the template does not move during work.
5. Next, you need to make paper strips of all shades from which you plan to lay out the pattern.
6. The strips are folded in half along their length so that the cut points are not visible.
7. Exactly according to the pattern used, the strips are glued to the paper until all areas are completely filled. The strips must be fixed with an overlap, that is, with a slight layering, superimposing one on top of the other.
8. Next, a sheet of paper with a laid out print is removed from the template and the seamy part is glued with cardboard.

In the style of iris folding, you can easily make a Christmas tree, it will work even for inexperienced needlewomen or small children. The design of such a postcard includes several sequential steps.

1. Colored paper of several shades is carefully cut into strips 4-5 cm wide. Initially, at least 10 stripes of each color should be made, and their final number can be adjusted in the process of further work. Fold each strip in half.
2. A Christmas tree is drawn on a piece of cardboard and carefully cut along the contour with scissors.
3. A suitable template is selected, then cut out and placed on the cardboard from the back side, tightly attaching with paper clips.
4. First, the trunk is laid out, for this the strips are placed one on top of the other and fixed with glue.
5. The branch strips are fixed exactly according to the pattern, they are laid out as neatly as possible. The central part is decorated with a shade slightly different from the rest of the shade palette.
6. The finished craft is turned over to the outside of the workpiece and decorated to your liking, the back side is covered with plain paper. Most often, Christmas trees are trimmed with artificial snow, glitter, and contrasting beads.

As a holiday card for primary school students or even pupils of the senior group of kindergarten, you can offer make a hat for Santa Claus. It is not at all difficult to draw up such a blank - manipulations should be started from the middle of the cap in front of the fold.

1. The lines should diverge in different directions by analogy with the sun's rays.
2. The multi-colored stripes are cut into a rectangular shape, with each one folded in half along the long side.
3. The overlay of stripes is performed from top to bottom, using a scheme with alternating multi-colored and monochromatic details.
4. When the entire module is completely sealed, the work is turned over and a sheet of cardboard with a cut out hole of the desired shape is placed on top.
5. The craft is decorated with cotton wool and a pompom, and the voids are decorated with snowflakes or stars cut from foil.

1. To create this unusual postcard in the form of a woman's silhouette, you can take braid or ribbons of two colors instead of paper.
2. Having drawn the outlines of the dress, you should outline the layout of the thin strips of fabric, starting from the straps and the bodice zone.
3. After that, lines are drawn in a diagonal direction, moving from the top of the bodice to the middle of the hem.
4. When gluing a satin ribbon, it is necessary to act according to the same scheme - they start fastening from above, first lay out the bodice, and they are engaged in the design of the lower part as the last turn.
5. A bow is attached in the section where the rays are connected.
6. Cutting the craft along the contour, it is advisable to make wavy lines on the white cardboard at the bottom.

For inexperienced craftswomen, it is better to use ready-made craft templates - you can always find them on the Internet or draw yourself.

1. The template is laid on hard cardboard, outlined with a pencil and the heart is cut out in the center.
2. The resulting template is attached to the cardboard with paper clips.
3. Next, you need paper of three colors, it is cut into strips 4 cm thick, each of them is folded along its length - thus, you are preparing blanks for your Valentine.
4. Multi-colored stripes are laid out in turn in accordance with the color scheme, fixing them with glue or tape.
5. After all the blanks are over, the middle is laid out with any color scheme that matches the shade range.
6. The postcard is almost ready - all you have to do is turn it over, decorate the front part to your liking, and seal the back with any one-color paper.

As a gift for February 23, a star in the style of Iris folding is often made. The step-by-step instructions assume the following actions.

1. First you need to copy the template and transfer it to half an A4 sheet.
2. After that, the maximum distance between the individual sections of the star is measured, and a couple of millimeters are added to the resulting value - they will go to corrections and gaps. The resulting value will correspond to the width of the colored stripes.
3. Then you need to take paper of 3 different shades and cut into identical strips in accordance with the previously calculated width parameters.
4. The sticker starts from the corners, moving sequentially towards the center.

When creating pictures using the iris-folding technique, you need to keep in mind the following nuances:

• be sure to take into account the location of your future craft in order to correctly think over all possible ways to mask the back of the product;
• at the end of the complete filling of the stencil with multi-colored stripes on the back side, you can attach a flap of fabric, as well as velvet paper;
• the front is usually decorated with stickers, beads or ribbon.

Looks very creative home-made decor elements made using the technique of felting from wool or scrapbooking... It is advisable to glue all volumetric elements with a hot thermo gun. You can use decorative hole punches to decorate lace elements.

The iris folding technique is quite fun. In addition, it forms patience, as well as perseverance, scrupulousness and accuracy - this is especially true when it comes to children of preschool and primary school age. Iris folding helps to reveal hidden creative possibilities, work allows you to relax and fully enjoy creativity - we can say that the process of creating a picture using the rainbow folding method gives the craftswomen real moral satisfaction.

• Especially beautiful in this technique turns out heart.

• And kids will surely like the idea of ​​folding out of paper swan, cat, owl or apple.

• In the direction of the iris folding, they even make interesting vases.

To learn how to make an applique using the iris folding technique, see the next video.