How to Make a Pop-Up Card

In this instant digital world, much of what fills our mailboxes are bills and the ubiquitous junk mail. On birthdays or holidays you might get a physical card but more times than not they are sent and received electronically. Many even feature sound or animations or some other sort of interactivity. Give someone a thrill this year by sending not only a card, but a handmade card. Not only a handmade card, but one with a little surprise inside. Pop-up cards can be deceptively simple to make. While some are truly elaborate works of art featuring multiple layers and free moving pieces, all it really takes is a little know-how and a few simple cuts of card stock to make the base for your creative card.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plain card stock
• Bone folder
• Pencil
• Straight ruler
• Triangular ruler
• Scissors
• Adhesive
• Decorative paper
• Stamps, stickers, pens and other embellishments as desired

1. 
   Good creases make good cards.

   Fold the plain card stock in half using a bone folder to make a sharp crease. This will be the inside of your card and form the backdrop for both the pop-up portion and whatever message you include in your card. The back will be covered with your decorative paper of choice to hide the pop-up mechanism.

2. 

   On the outer folded edge, find the center point and measure 1/4 to 1/2 inch on each side of the center. Using the triangular ruler draw a line perpendicular to the fold at least 1 inch high on either side of the center mark. The cut strips should be at least 1/2 inch wide but larger pop-ups may need wider strips to support the decoration. The length of the slit determines how far forward the pop up will be from the back of the card.

3. 
   Creating the mechanism that supports the pop-up.

   Cut along these lines and fold the section up and away from the original fold.

4. 

   Unfold the card almost all of the way and press the center section (between the slits) to the inside of the card. Return the card to the folded position with the center section folded inside and press all edges firmly.

5. 
   A side view once all the layers have been assembled.

   Open and flatten the card with the back face-up. Attach the decorative paper that will be the outside of the card to the ceased and cut card stock being careful to avoid getting any adhesive onto the center section. Allow to dry completely then refold the card with the center slit pulled inward.

6. 
   Ready to send.

   Attach the pop-up to the bent portion of the card and decorate as you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Measure the piece that will pop up to make sure it will fit inside the card when closed. Measure the inside of the card from the bottom edge to the bottom of the bent portion and if your pop up is larger than this space you either need to make a larger card or find a smaller piece to pop.
• To create multiple layers or add visual interest you can cut multiple slits at varying depths or even try out an asymmetrical cut.

Resources

• Printable Pop-Up Card Patterns.

[spankyandcranky]

on 9/30/2008 I've always wanted to do this!! I learned how once in elementary school, then forgot. Thank you :)

[showpup]

on 11/29/2007 Thanks for writing this article. I was looking for a unique way to make my own party invitations for my 2 sons who are both graduating this year. Trying to avoid those unnecessary costs. Besides, it looks like fun!