This is a simple technique that can yield some real WOW factor for workshops and cards. It's based on an old Eastern paper-folding craft, and is ideal for using the Stampin' Up! designer papers. Since it uses so little of these papers, crafters can get a lot of bang for their buck. It can also be used with ribbon or cardstock.
The "Iris" in this technique refers to the window through which viewers look at the pretty papers you've layered behind it. Much like the iris of your eye reveals the soul within, the philosophy goes, the window of the Iris technique reveals the soul in the paper.
Literally any shape can be made the window. The Big Shot Movers and Shakers dies, for example, could make really interesting windows. In fact, my first attempt at this technique used the basic tag opening:
I quickly figured out, though, that using simple punches could create a window opening. This tutorial uses the Circle Scallop punch, Very Vanilla cardstock, and assorted scraps of the Tea Party Designer Series papers. For the back, I used Razzleberry cardstock, cut with my Top Note die on the Big Shot.
Step One: Punch your window out of the front of your card stock.
Step Two: Lay a line of SNAIL adhesive around the outside edge of the window on the BACK side of the cardstock.
Step Three: 
Using short, narrow strips of designer series paper, cover the window from the back, overlapping each piece, with the side you want visible from the front facing down. I used the scallops on the scallop circle as my initial guide, just covering two scallops at a time. Repeat your pattern as you overlap each piece of paper. I used three different, light, contrasting pieces of DSP for my circle.
Continue overlapping until you cover all but the very center, or IRIS, of your window.
Tack each layer of paper down with SNAIL. (You could also use a non-tacky glue or adhesive to help you place the pieces until you get a feel for the technique.)
You can take advantage of the Iris to place pretties, embellishments, or other fun things in the very center. It's a spot for a little "tease." In this case, though, I opted to just use a contrasting colored cardstock to back the entire piece.
This is, of course, the secret. Trim your edges, then cover the entire back with a second piece of cardstock.
Step Four: Cover the back of your cardstock with another piece of cardstock. In this case, I used a Top-Note Die cut out of Rich Razzleberry card stock.
When flipped over, the rich, deep color peeks through the iris in the window on the card stock.
Here is the finished iris. Accent, trim, and embellish as you'd like.
I decided to give it one more try, using the Square Scallop Punch as my window, and Green Galore CS as the base. I used the same DS paper for my irising. I think the contrast works much better here:
I finished this with a Circle Fire Rhinestone Brad in the center, "Hello" from the Fundamental Phrases Stamp Set, stamped in Green Galore Ink, using the modern tag label. This little guy is just 3.5 by 3.5 inches, backed by another full square of the same colored cardstock.
Give irising a try!
All samples and images here were created by Amy Lauters. Sentiment and papers courtesy of Stampin' Up! All rights reserved. Feel free to share the link to this tutorial far and wide. (With thanks to the Man of the Place for taking some of the images when my hands were needed elsewhere.)
