How to Make a Pop Open Card
Homemade gifts are often the most appreciated gifts received as they show that thought and effort have been put into the process, as opposed to simply selecting something commercially produced. Those seeking to make a pop-open card may feel that they are out of luck; however, creating a pop-up greeting card is a fairly simple task when you learn to create and design a pattern.
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Things You'll Need
- Printer (optional)
- Pen or pencil (optional)
- Card stock
- Paper clip
- Scissors
- Glue
Instructions
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1
Print off a pattern for a card, such as the beginner's patterns found in the Resources section, or draw your own pattern. Use card stock for a strong card that holds its shape. If designing your own card, there are two types of folds needed. The first are the main folds, which are used to provide depth for the card. Your designs also need to have extra card stock that is not a part of the 3D shape; instead, it will act as an anchor point for your 3D shape and will be glued down to the piece of stock that is the body of your card.
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2
Trace along the dotted lines of the pattern using a paper clip. These will be the fold lines that give the card its 3D shape.
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3
Cut out the patterns along the solid lines. Do not cut along the dotted lines.
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4
Fold the pattern along the dotted lines, positioning the dotted lines so they are facing the back of the card and will not be visible when the card is glued together.
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5
Fold the anchors of the card in the opposite direction as the main folds, which are designed to give your shape depth. This will allow the large fold to cause the shape to pop out when open. In the Valentine's Day pop-up card example pattern provided in the Resource section, the smaller hearts in the pattern are the anchor points.
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6
Glue the anchors of the folding pattern in place over the portions of the card pattern designated as the anchor point. In the example pattern, there is a small, heart-shaped space on each half of the card.
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7
Close the card after the glue has dried, making sure the 3D shape folds in along its fold lines so it does not get stuck and create new creases.
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