Pink Gumboot!

by Valerie
(Otago NZ)

I made this Iris folding pattern from a googled silhouette and I used a pink and white paper on a floral background.

Christina says ...

Iris folding looks intricate and I am sure it takes patience to get the wonderful results that Valerie gets on her cards.

It is one of these crafts (like parchment) that produces the most incredible results and I always love the look of the finished cards.

Cut Out Flower Teabag Medallion

by Valerie
(Otago NZ)

This is a cut out medallion mounted on a diecut oval. The tile pattern and fold is from Lucy Jones.

I used ribbon with a bow as a finish on the top and bottom.

I added a pearl in the middle of the medallion.


Christina says ...

Teabag folding has been around for a long time and there are many patterns and folds to give you amazing results.

If you are new to this craft then you will find a Video Tutorial on one of the very easy and basic folds in the Tutorials section in the NavBar to your left.

I have used large pieces of coloured paper to give you a better idea of the folds, but once you have this then you can find many more patterns and folds on the internet.

Play around and experiment and add them to your cards for a beautiful look.

Stitched Hat

by Valerie
(Otago, NZ)

I haven't posted of late so I thought it was about time I showed you all what I've been doing.

1 A Stitched Hat
2 Mum & Dad Deer Iris Folding on Christmas b/g.
3 90th Birthday card with stitching and decoupaged Hummingbird.
4 Iris Folding Christmas card.

Christina says ...

Many techniques can be used to great effect when you are making cards and all you need is a little imagination to achieve good results.

These cards by Valerie show a range of ideas and Iris folding is always top of Valeries list.

You will find many ideas for you to try...take a look at the Easy Projects and then maybe try your skills at some of the harder ones.

There are also many other ideas such as envelopes and boxes in the Papercrafts section and all these will enhance the beautiful cards that you are going to make.

The Sitemap lists every page on the website and is updated every time a new one is added. You will find the link to it at the bottom of every page as well as in the NavBar to your left.

Iris Folding (Crane)

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Crane

Iris folding is something I love doing and I am always on the lookout for new patterns.

I found this pattern on Valita's blog, and couldn't wait to do it.

Christina says...

This is a lovely collection of Iris Folded cards from Valerie Anne and shows you the beautiful results you can achieve from this technique.

The colours are fresh and the Peel offs certainly highlight the bird..

Iris folding is a really old method of adding strips of paper to a pattern, and the way the paper strips are laid down can produce many lovely effects.

Try using pearly stips or some glitter paper for a really unusual touch. Or even ribbons for a luxury look.

It is an excellent way to use up those scraps that you just can't bear to throw away.

Give it a try and if you aren't happy with our first attempt then try again.

It is not a difficult technique to do and you won't be disappointed.

Iris Folding Spice Jar

by Valerie
(Otago, New Zealand)

Oriental Delight No 2

I made this card recently and I am very pleased with the way it turned out.

I don't do much stamping, preferring to cut paper and make flowers.

I haven't done much Iris folding either, but this is one result. The blue papers look lovely.

Christina says...

Iris folding is becoming more popular and it can produce some stunning effects.

These shades of blue all work well together and the result is beautiful.

There are many patterns for Iris Folding available on the internet and many magazines will give away free ones from time to time.

Just by varying the papers and colours will give you a different look from each pattern every time you use it.

You can also experiment and make your own.

Then adding extra "Bling" will bring the card to life and give it your own individual mark.

Decoupage

by Valerie Anne
(Otago New Zealand)

Blue Flowers

Another pyramid card, mounted on silver card, with a ribbon trim & butterfly.
Sheet from the Papercraft Tutor.

Christina says...
Another refreshing card Valerie Anne and thank you for all those you have sent in. I love the butterfly, it looks real and if it has just landed on the edge of your card.

Decoupage & paper pricking

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Decoupage

I enjoyed making this card.

Christina says...

Very pretty card, love the lacework behibd the flower.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

Stitched Poppies in a frame

by Valerie
(Otago NZ)

I love doing stitched cards and I made this "Erica Fortgens" pattern.

I layered it on the card base and cut out a frame from patterned paper, to go round the edge.

Then added peeloffs on the edge of the frame.

I also stitched two more from the same source, Rudbeckias & Marguerites.


Christina says ...

These are just beautiful Valerie and must take alot of patience to do. I love the Poppies one it is my favourite. Thanks for sending them in.

Iris Folding Tulip

by Valerie
(Otago, New Zealand )

It's not a Bell-it's a Tulip!

I made this card for a challenge on another forum, it was to make a card from a pattern of a bell... but not a bell!

So I made a Tulip.


Christina says...

Very clever use of the pattern, and shows that it always pays to think outside the box.

It is worth looking at your patterns, templates, stencils and sometimes stamps to come up with another way to use them for a fresh new look.

The addition of the butterfly works well.

Use a stamped image, a chipboard insect or a rub on. Any way that you have to create the butterfly that is available to you.

I like to add peel off butterflies to Acetate or Mirror Card and curl the wings slightly.

They look as if they have just landed on the card.

I also have a lovely Diecut butterfly with lacey effect wings that looks really stunning on some of my cards.

You will find lots of Ideas that will inspire you in the Projects sections in the NavBar.

Iris folding Hummer

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Humming bird

Another Iris folded card, this time of a Humming bird.

Christina says...

This is another well constructed card. The colours are subtle and compliment the pale blue backing paper.

Once again peel offs have been used to accentuate the corners and it is another card that can be used for any occasion.

I was in California last September and Humming birds visited the garden of the house we stayed in on a regular basis.

I never realised just how tiny these beautiful birds are, and so fast.

There one second and in the blink of an eye ...gone...to visit some one else. So Fickle!!

Iris Folding Sillhouette

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Sillhouette

This Iris Folded Silhouette Card is for our Grandaughters 21st birthday in December.

It was a new style for me and I really enjoyed making it.






Christina says...

The versatility of Iris Folding is truly enormous, and some beautiful results can be achived from the patterns.

By varying the colours this girl could be a red head, blonde or brunette, and can made to match the recipient for a really flattering card.

The peel off border outlines the card.

I find peel offs are a really mis-understood addition to any crafters stash.

They can be in many colours and styles and can enhance your projects if used tastefully.

Try making a topper from corner peel offs, by adding them to some Mirror Card and using them as a centre piece.

Thinking outside the box and using things in a manner other then there intended one can have some good results.

Iris Folded Red Hat Lady

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Red Hat lady

I made this for a challenge on another forum.

As I am a "Red Hatter" I used red, purple and "Bling" for my card.

The technique is Iris folding. Hope you like it!

Christina says...

So you are a Red Hatter eh! Fabulous organisation for ladies of a certain age, who don't want to grow old gracefully.

It is all about forming friendships and sharing the joys of life with other members.

They have their own society and anyone can join. It is worldwide and there are places to meet everywhere.

Each group is called a "Chapter" and if there isn't one in your town then you can start your own.

Just add Red hat to your browser and find a society in your part of the world.

There you will find all the help you need to form a group and join in the fun of being a RedHatter.

Iris Folding (Kimono)

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Kimono

Iris folding is something I love doing and I am always on the lookout for new patterns.

This template is by Joyce T. of Oriental Stamp Art.


Christina says...


The Orient is so popular in the cardmaking arena at the moment and you will find cards everywhere with this theme.

There are some beautiful papers to compliment the theme and hand made papers are so ...to die for!!

This Kimono looks gorgeous and the colours all go well together.

The pearl paper makes the robe look almost like silk and the papttern is lovely.

There are many Iris folded patterns on the internet, and some very varied patterns for you to try.

Iris Folding Kimono

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Kimono No 2

Iris folding is something I love doing and I am always on the lookout for new patterns.

I found this pattern on the Oriental Stamp Art site. (Template by Dominique Scholtes)


Christina says...

This Iris folded Kimono is lovely and you certainly know how to finish the card off Valerie with the extra embellishments that you use.

It is the attention to detail that makes a card something special, and of course the pattern is beautiful.

The letters at the bottom of the card probably say something really nice...well I hope they do!!

Stitched christmas Card

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Stitched card

I have just started stitching cards and this one is my first.

Christina says...

What a lovley first attempt Valerie. I love stitching on a card it makes it so original.

Iris folding Swan

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Swan

Iris folding Swan made with holographic paper.


Christina says...

The holographic papers used in this beautiful Iris folded Swan card have a really stunning effect.

And the more you turn the card to catch the light the more it shines.

The silver peel offs in each corner enhance the card and it can be used for any occasion.

You could make it in pastel colours for a spring time look and send it for a special birthday.

It is the type of theme that could be used for all your male cards too ....and we all know how difficult the men are to make cards for.

Iris Folded Bluebird

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Bluebird

Another Iris folding card, made with the insides of envelopes.

Christina says...

Recycling is always worth doing as it can save you some money in the pursuit of your card making hobby.

And what an excelllent way to recycle envelopes.

No one would ever know and the result is lovely, and the peel offs in each corner enhance the bird.

Also consider removing the bows and buttons from old clothes before throwing them out.

And re-using Christmas cards that would otherwise be consigned to the rubbish bin.

They make excellent tags for some new cards that you may want to make.

For more ideas on Re-cycling click that button on the NavBar.

We crafters never throw anything away.

Iris Folded Collie dog

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Robbie!

This is an Iris Folding pattern and I made the card for my brother and sister in law as they lost their wee dog before Christmas.

As soon as I saw this pattern, I knew I had to make it!

They are totally rapt with it!


Christina says...

They must have been really sad to lose their dog especially if they have had him for some time.

But the card ...as all the ones you make Valerie is lovely and I am sure they where pleased with it.

The punched detail in each corner is very effective and sets the dogs head off to perfection.

Using different paper colours would give the dog a totally new look and for a fun occasion some large googly eyes could be added.

That then would make a lovely birthday card to give to a child who owned a dog, and would be sure to delight.

Fancy Folding Rose

by Valerie Anne
(Otago, New Zealand)

Rose

This is called Fancy Folding, a derivation of Iris folding.

It has printed vellum as an embellishment.


Christina says...

The intricate petals of the flower are shown to perfection here and the pearly paper gives them a special sheen.

The butterfly paper in the two offset corners compliments the flower and it would be a delightful card for a girly birthday.

By varying the colours a different flower could be achieved, from the same pattern, thus giving you more use from each one.

If you like to add lots of "Bling" to your cards then a touch of glitter could be added to the petals.

But as with all card projects stamp your own personality to each one and give them with Love.

Iris folding ATC's

by Valerie
(Otago,New Zealand)

ATCards

I have become hooked on making ATC's.
I tried these the other day and I'm really pleased with the way they turned out.
They were a bit tricky, being so small and I chewed my tongue a lot!!!
Hope you like them.

Christina says...

ATC's (Artists Trading Cards) have been around for a long time and they are the cardmakers business card.

These miniature works of art can be as intricate as you want to make them...but they only be a certain size.

The rules on the size are strict and they need to be no bigger than 64mm x 89mm (2 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches)

They are what cardmakers swap between them selves and are a way to promote their own work.

You can add stamping, painting, needlework, beading, photographs and collages to the card, and some of them are very beautiful.

There are many online swap shops if you want to get involved, and it can be a lot of fun.

Type ATC's into your browser and have a look at what the many groups have to offer.

Last Iris Folding cards for 2010

by Valerie
(New Zealand)

I made these for something to do between Xmas and New Year!!!!

I hope you like them.


Christina says...

I certainly do Valerie they are lovely and I admire your skill at Iris folding too.

Thanks for all the photos over the last year and I hope there will be more in the coming one.

The variety in the subjects of all this collection shows what can be achieved with some strips of paper.

By changing the colours and the texture of the papers some really stunning results can be achieved, and give a different look to the pattern each time it is used.

With a little bit of practise this skill can be attained and you too could make cards as beautiful as Valeries

Cutout shapes

by Valerie Anne
(Otago New Zealand)

Blowing in the Wind

As it is Autumn in New Zealand, I made an Autumn themed card for a swap. This is number two.

Christina says...
Lovely card and I like the texture on the leaves and center panel. It looks like felt or fabric.

Teabag Folding Christmas Card

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Teabag Folding Christmas Card

I enjoyed making this card.

Christina says...

Teabag folding has been around for a long time and it always looks original.
There are lots of different ways to fold the papers too, so why not experiment for yourself and see what your design looks like.

Floral card in black and white.

by Valerie
(Otago, New Zealand)

Black & white dotty Flower

This card is one of two I made for my twin aunts 80th birthdays.
I enjoy making cards like this.

Christina says...
The black and white theme always looks elegant to me, and this card looks lovely. Thank you.

Floral card

by Valerie
(Otago, New Zealand)

Red dotty Flower

This card is one of two I made for my twin aunts 80th birthdays.
I enjoy making cards like this. Will upload the other one as well, it's the same but different!

Christina says...
Lucky ladies, I'm sure they were delighted to get them.
Paper flowers are such a lovely way to finish off a card especially when you use the same papers that were used for the base.
It is a good way to use up the scraps that we all hate to throw away. Especially when it's your last bit!

Decoupage

by Valerie Anne
(Otago New Zealand)

In the Looking Glass

This is a decoupage card, which I loved doing. The sheet was from Cards2Craft.

Christina says...
Beautiful, just beautiful.

Teabag folding

by Valerie
(Otago,New Zealand)

Some tea bag folding cards for your comments.This is something else I really enjoy doing, it is interesting to see how the papers you choose turn out. Can be a bit tricky,but very satisfying.

Christina says...

What can I say but "WOW" and as always thank you for sending them in. Teabag folding is real art and you make it look stunning.

Decoupage

by Valerie
(Otago,New Zealand)

Decoupage cards I have made for your comments. The one of the sweet peas has a teabag medallion on it.

Chrisitna says...

You are very prolific Valerie and as usual your cards are really lovely. Take a look at some of Valeries Iris folded cards fo more inspiration.

Double Easel card

by Valerie
(Otago NZ)

Double Easel Card

I made this up to see if it was going to be easy ... or not.

I found it quite simple once I got my head round the way it folded.

I used two different Black and White papers for the backing.

I mounted a decoupaged "Lady in Red" on one side, and a Black and White teabag medallion on the other.

I will use it for my daughter's birthday card in June.



Christina says...

Easel cards are very unusual and they are easy to do.

They can be made to suit any occasion and will suit the men in your life that you make cards for.

There is a Video on how to make the card in the Tutorials section.

You will find the written instructions to make the Double Easel the Twisted Easeland last but not least the Double Twisted Easel in the Easy Projects section.

All the links to these and other pages are in the NavBar to our left.

Anniversary card

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Pearl Anniversary

I made this for my sister and brother-in-law who are celebrating their Pearl wedding.

It is an Iris folded card with punched corners from a Martha Stewart punch.

I added a pearl added to the iris centre.

Dark blue backing card on lighter blue card, and ivory folding paper.


Christina says...

This is beautiful Valerie and the linking fingers are just so romantic. Love, love, love it!

Twisted Easel card/teabag medallion

by Valerie
(Otago New Zealand)

Twisted Easel Card

I made this with a tile as a background and I used the same tile for the teabag medallion.

I used shiny paper for the backing, and added peeloffs for accent.

No sentiment yet, don't know what I'll use it for!

Christina says...

This lovely Easel Card is so easy to make, and yet very effective.

The instructions to make the card are in a Video format and you will find them in Tutorials on the NavBar to your left.

It would be suitable for any occaion and for male or female too.

You can find the instructions to make the Double Easel Card...the Twisted Easel and the Double Twised Easel all in the Easy Projects section.

You will find many more ideas there, and don't forget to browse the other sections to find something that you can try.

Papercrafts...Novelty Cards...Kinetic cards all offer that idea that you can personalise to make your own individual creation.

Frangipani Pyramid Card

by Valerie Anne
(Otago New Zealand)

Frangipani Pyramid Card

I made this card from a freebie (can't remember where from).
It is a pyramid card. I really enjoy making this type of card and it is fun to see the finished product.

Christina says...
This is gorgeous Valerie Anne and thank you for sharing it. The colors are lovely.
I too enjoy making Pyramid cards, coz I can't be bothered with all the fiddly cutting out for decoupage. I am definitely scissor challenged!!

New techniques

by Valerie
(Otago NZ)

These cards are all 140mm x110mm.

I started by swiping an ink pad over a CB folder and embossing. I then made a frame with a Martha Stewart PATP punch and cut out the middle and layered up with foam pads.

Then added Nesties flourishesand hand made flowers, with pearls in the centre. The pink card has a ribbon bow.

Next card is a wax paper resist card from Splitcoast Stampers. I really enjoyed getting my head around this technique!!

Christina says ...

What stunning cards these are and I love the green one. It looks so beautiful and I am not surprised that you enjoyed making them all.

The Spellbinder Floral Flourish is suh a useful little die to have and it can really add that extra something to any card.

Can I go on your mailing list for the green one please ....