Mechanical Iris

Create a card with an interactive window.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Print Mechanical Iris template onto Pool Party cardstock. Cut and score according to template directions.
   
   Revised Mechanical Iris Template
   
   

   

2. Step 2

   Attach glue dots to the 3 crosshairs on the circular ring. Line up the shutter around the ring and attach the ‘TAIL END OF THE SHUTTER ONLY’ to the glue dot. The crosshairs on the circular ring should line up with the crosshairs on the tail in of the shutters. The inner curve of the shutters should be turned toward the center of the large circle.

   

3. Step 3

   Make sure the arrow-shaped ends of the shutters are free to move (not adhered to the ring).

   

4. Step 4

   Bend the arrow sides.

   

5. Step 5

   Turn the ring over and place the arrows inside the base of the template with the large hole in the middle and three slots along the outer rim.

   

6. Step 6

   Turn over the template and open up the arrow tabs so they are flush against the cardstock.

   

7. Step 7

   Twist and turn the iris to make sure it’s turning properly. It takes a few twist to get used to the grooves.

   

8. Step 8

   Place patterned paper on the front of the card with temporary adhesive. Open the lid and use a pen to trace the inner circle onto the patterned paper.

   

9. Step 9

   Use a paper trimmer to cut the patterned paper in half along the center of the circle. You simply want to cut the circle in half.
   
   An alternative to cutting the inner circles with an exacto or on the cutting tool is to use framelits or dies that match the size of the circle.

   

10. Step 10

    Use a 1 1/4" circle punch and remove the circle sections from the top and bottom of the patterned paper.

    

11. Step 11

    Reattach to front of card using adhesive, making sure to center the circle back in place.

    

12. Step 12

    Create a scallop circle with a hole in the middle.
    
    Hint:
    To center the hole properly, first create a hole using the 1" circle punch, then place the circle scallop over the 1" circle and then punch. Use paper piercing tool to create small holes around each scallop. Attach scallop to front of card.

    

13. Step 13

    Use decorative punches to create embellishments.

    

14. Step 14

    Create an arm for the iris by using the scrap left from the template. Cut a 4" x 1' strip. Score in the middle along the length. Cut about 1/4" – 1/2" from the top on the score side. This will allow you to open the arm and attach it to the wheel. Turn the iris so the shutters are closed.

    

15. Step 15

    Open the two sides of the arm and attach it to the ‘WHEEL ONLY”. Make sure you don’t attach it to any of the shutters. Also make sure that the top of the arm does not extend into the inner circle.

    

16. Step 16

    Attach a 4" square of neutral cardstock to the back of the card with temporary adhesive, covering the shutter tabs.

    

17. Step 17

    Turn card over, close front cover and scribble/mark inside the inner scallop onto the neutral colored cardstock. Remove the cardstock from back of card.

    

18. Step 18

    Punch a 1 1/4" neutral colored cardstock circle and stamp desired image onto the punched circle. Sponge the edges and attach this 1 1/4" circle to cover the scribble/mark you previously made. Reattach the neutral colored layer to the back of the card with permanent ink.

    

19. Step 19

    Open the card and attach two strips of Sticky Strip along the sides of the card. Be sure to leave the base of the card open for the handle to move back and forth.

    

20. Step 20

    Here is the card with the iris closed.

    

21. Here is the card with the iris open.

    

Video!

Mechanical Iris Card from Melanie Schulenberg on Vimeo.

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Mechanical Iris. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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