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Kaleidoscope cards are made using a technique called tea bag folding that creates a stunning optical pattern similar those you see in a kaleidoscope. These fascinating designs are commonly created using designs made with clear hobby rubber stamps. There are a few variations you can use in tea bag folding which you will learn about on this page.

Kaleidoscope Card Making Ideas with Tea Bag Folding Techniques

The Medallion

Instructions for Medallion Folding

Referr to the photos for Medallions as you read these instructions.

Cut a 2 1/2" circle and fold it in half.
Fold the circle in half the other direction
Reverse the fold in step 2 and fold the top of the circle down to the folded edge.
Turn the circle over
Holding the folded edge at the top, fold the side down toward the bottom bringing the edge over to the vertical fold line.
Repeat step 5 on the other side.
Just folding the layer on the surface, fold the top curved edge from the top down to complete the section.
Repeat step 7 on the other side. Make 3 more and arrange with the points meeting in the center.

Variations Below:

LEFT:This medallion has been trimmed with scalloped scissors to enhance the finished project.

RIGHT: This medallion was created with a stamped flower (Mum Messages) on the back side of the circle. Each piece was finished with glitter being added on the top behind the folds.

Tea Bag Medallion

Teabag Deluxe

Tea Bag Folding Variation that Makes a Beautiful Three Dimensional Kaleidoscope Design

Basic Tea Bag Folding Instructions

Referr to the photos for Medallions as you read these instructions.

Cut eight 2" squares and stamp your preferred design on them. Then fold the first square in half.
Unfold and then fold the square in half the other direction
Unfold the square then fold it from corner to corner, both ways.
Using your fold lines, fold two of the across folds back in towards the center. In the image we have folded all four of the across lines back in towards the center.
You now have a smaller triangle that is two thickness or layers.
Fold the left of the outer tips on the top layer behind and up to the tip of the triangle. Do the same for the right side.
Repeat for the remaining seven squares. Tuck each separately folded triangle into each other. Be sure to tuck them tight twoards the center. Be sure that you overlap the same flap each time you add the next piece. Drop a dab of glue behind the flaps to hold the pieces in place.

Variations:

To create the card at the top of this page, stamp the design on differnt colored 2" squares using the clear stamp of your choice. Fold as above but stop at step five. Repeat for the other seven squares then tuck them together as above. For the card making tutorial visit our Tea Bag Folding blog article.

Three Dimensional Flowers

Pretty Paper flowers decorate a Paper Mache box

Instructions for making these flowers are pictured below.

Cut a 2"x2" or a 3"x3" square to begin with. Follow the pictured folding instructions. Once all the folds are in place, put a little glue on the inside piece and secure using a partially open paper clip to hold the petal in place while it dries. Assemble the flower as shown in the pictures of the purple flower. Complete the flower with a pearl or gemstone in the center when the glue has dried.

This technique can be jazzed up by using your clear hobby rubber stamps to decorate the paper you will fold.