FESTIVE IRIS FOLDING
By Maruscha Gaasenbeek & Tine Beauveser
Forte Publishers (English Version by Search Press) - August 2002
ISBN: 9058771776 - PB
How-To Books / Making Greetings Cards

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde, MyShelf.Com
Buy a US || UK Copy

What is the latest Dutch papercraft? Well, there is probably something new out already but the last thing I heard, it was iris folding.

Nothing to do with the flowers, it is so called because the folds resemble the iris of a camera. In Holland, business envelopes have wonderful patterns printed inside them and these are split open and cut into strips ready for folding. This is a great way of recycling something that hitherto has only ended up in the trash but for those in other countries collecting such items might pose a problem; they can be found but are nearly always blue and nothing like their lovely Dutch counterparts. Don't despair, though, as there are plenty of other pretty papers to recycle - the outsides of some commercial envelopes, flyers, old wrapping paper, bits left over from other paper hobbies, wallpaper etc.

The diagrams are a bit sparse, and show the items laid out all ready and then the job nearly done. I would have preferred more showing the individual stages, and the written instructions could be clearer. There are some lovely cards in here, though, simple and uncluttered and shown with lovely toning colors.

There is a spring/summer feel to this book with apple, chick, tulip, Valentine heart and sun motifs as well as a baby bootee, party hat and balloon. Once you have got the hang of it, you won't be able to stop! This is a great way to recycle all kinds of papers.

Sites dealing with this hobby are not plentiful and there isn't much you need to buy which makes a refreshing change for a hobby book.

In the US http://www.stamporium.com sells templates and booklets
http://www.thewinniefactor.com has some helpful diagrams