Craft in Motion: Iris Folding (Craft in Motion Series)

Nov 06

This book was my first insight into this craft and I am now addicted! This book is vital for any craft addict as it explores every aspect of this versatile craft. I am amazed at the intricate looking results from doing a few simple folds. I was a bit worried whether I would be able to master the skills as the cards looked so professional. However, I was suitably pleased when I found a whole section dedicated to the various types of folds. I have already completed a few projects already and I am looking forward to presenting people with the wonderful cards made as a result from using this book. With cards for every occasion including Halloween and new baby there is something unique for everyone to try!

January 06

Ever since the crafty Dutch started using their patterned envelopes to make patterns akin to the iris of a camera people all over the place have been coming up with their own special twist on the idea. In here are ideas not only for cards but for scrapbook pages too, and make more use of the basic design of a shaped aperture with a pattern behind it than the Forte books. You don't even need envelopes...

All sorts of papers can be pressed into service to make the patterns in here, and a range of easily available embellishments of the sort that many crafters already have. Look for glitter, wire, buttons, stickers, gems and beads and you have enough to get cracking - how I like this in a craft book as no vast outlay is required. Large, handsome photos explain the technique in true Search Press style so the family pet can probably understand them, and additional extras abound. How useful it is to include a page about matching colorways for a more pleasing result, and look, no gallery! All the cards in here have patterns even if they don't all have instructions. Make up the ones that have and then you will know enough - honestly - to try the rest. There is a lot of choice for all kinds of events and patterns include fairy princess, rainbow butterfly, golf ball in the rough, Halloween with bats and pumpkins, car driving at top speed and - my favorite - a tiger. A lot of these are suitable for men (hooray) so this is going to be a popular book with exasperated crafters fed up with flowers and general girliness. The best iris folding I have seen yet.