Mechanical Iris Greeting Card

Need an awesome card for your next special occasion? How about something with moving parts that reveal a surprise photo or image?

While these mechanical iris cards are a little time consuming to assemble, they're definitely worth the effort. The versatile design can be used for everything from adorable baby announcements to party invitations. Create a camera for a picture perfect valentine's day card or a submarine porthole for a steampunk Christmas card - the possibilities are endless.



If you're into irises, you should also check out these awesome instructables that were instrumental in making this card come together:
Mechanical Iris by carlbass
Paper Mechanical Iris by dombeef
Paper Iris Glasses by art.makes

Step 1 What you'll need

You'll need:

• the template provided with this instructable (in either pdf or Adobe Illustrator)
• cardstock or thin cardboard
• mini brads
• an x-acto knife or scissors
• double sided foam tape - you can use cardboard and glue if you don't have foam tape
• a printer

Depending on how you want your finished card to look, you might also want:

• a glue stick or other glue
• paint
• markers
• photos
• glitter, stickers, sequins or other decorative stuff

Finally, if you plan on making lost and lots of these cards (for wedding invitations or a big holiday mailing list), you may want:

• a digital cutting machine

or

• an account with Ponoko or a similar service

Comments

[tinker234]

wow i love the idea i think i might make one of these someday

[strmrnnr]

Thank You. My dream home will have a larger scale version of this iris in it somewhere. I think air powered by a low voltage compressor.

[bajablue]

Love it!

[dvillegas duque]

I wonder if you want to make a camera, how to use a rubber band to make it ''automatic'' you know you pull the outter ring to close the iris (in this case the camera's diaphragma) it automatically opens again, like taking a photo. Any idea? i want to make for my brother.

[Ymerej88]

This is an awesome idea, and great timing too!
I'm going to try making an Aperture Science version for my brothers birthday (only 2 days away, aaaah!). It will go perfectly with the present, a Portal 2 water bottle from Think Geek.
Thanks for the istructable, I'll post a pic or two here if you like, when (if) I finish it.

[drknotter]

If you're interested in a Portal-themed iris, check out my Aperture Science Business Card instructable.

[monsterlego]

Cool idea.