Step-by-Step Pop Up Cards

Pop-up greeting cards add a special touch to any celebration.

You can make an thoughtful card without having to spend a lot of money. Handmade items always send the message that you were thinking about the recipient and wanted to do something special. Don't be intimidated by this craft project. You can become a pro at making pop-up cards and impress your friends and family with your handmade cards. Pop-up cards are great for giving to kids and provides an extra spark of fun to your note.

Things You'll Need

• Decorative paper
• Scissors
• Glue
• Envelopes

Instructions

1. Fold your piece of paper in half. It does not matter what size you start off with. This will be the inside of your card.

2. Cut two notches into the folded side of the paper. The notches should be perpendicular to the fold and one inch apart.

3. Fold the smaller flap created by the two cuts in step 2 over, making a crease, and then unfold the flap back into place.

4. Open the piece of paper and pull the smaller flap toward you. It should make a small "box" in the center of your card.

5. Fold a second sheet of paper that is at least the same size of the original.

6. Glue the second piece of paper on the outside of the first. Do not glue down the smaller flap.

7. Add any decorations such as flowers or letters to the smaller flap. It will "pop" when you open the card.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't have to put the smaller flap in the center every time. As you get more comfortable making pop-up cards, you can change the location of the small flap to different sections of the fold.

• You can also have more than one flap on each card. Make one flap smaller than the other so the card has layers.

• Try using scrapbooking materials to add embellishments to your pop-out cards. The letters, cutouts and paper will really make your cards pop!

References

• Celebrations: How to Make a Pop-out Card
• Robert Sabuda: Simple Pop-out Cards

Resources

• Celebrations: How to Make a Pop-out Card