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POP UP CARDS

Pop-up cards change a typically two-dimensional greeting into a three-dimensional world by use of flaps, revolving parts and other movable pieces to enhance the text. These cards are enjoyed by both children and adults. Their history and features are as interesting as their designs are in variation.

How to Make a Step Pop-Up Card and Mechanism

Read through the tutorial before starting.

Step 1: Supplies and Prep

You'll need two card blanks of the same size for the card face and the pop-up mechanism. The pop-up mechanism is made separately and is glued inside the card face. It's best to use card blanks of the same color to camouflage the pop-up mechanism somewhat.

To make stamped pop-up elements you will need white cardstock and colored cardstock for mats.

Gather a variety of paper and cardstock that coordinate with the colors used in your card.

Use one of the card blanks to make the card face. The card face can be made using any technique you like; however, it is important that the card have a horizontal aspect to make the most effective use of the step pop-up. Set aside the completed card face while you make the pop-up.

The sample birthday card features serendipity squares that make good use of your paper scraps—see the Serendipity Square Cards tutorial.

Pop-up elements are glued to the pop-up steps/platforms. Anything that is flat and will fit inside the folded card can be used. For the sample card, a stamped, matted message card and a stamped cutout are used. Your matted message card should be about 1¼" to 1½" by 3¼" to 3½". The cutout can be up to about 2" square.

Tip: Use felt-tip markers to color the stamped image and tiny rubber stamps to decorate the message card.

Use the second folded card blank to make the pop-up mechanism. To form the pop-up steps/platforms, you will cut parallel slits from the folded edge of the card blank.

First, use the pencil and ruler to draw a line 1½" from the folded edge and parallel to it. Next, draw two vertical lines from the first line to the folded edge—they should be about 2½" apart and parallel to each other. The left line should be about ¾" from the left edge of the card blank.

About ¾" to the right of the first step, draw a second step. Draw a line 1¼" from the fold with vertical parallel lines that are ¾" apart.

Tip: For a simpler pop-up, only make the first step. It can be drawn anywhere along the fold, but no closer than ¾" from either side.

Tip: Skip the measuring by using templates. See the side bar to the right for details.

Fold the cut steps on the horizontal line between the cut lines. Unfold.

Test your pop-up mechanism by making sure it folds flat. Also, use repositionable tape or glue to attach the pop-up elements to the pop-up steps. Fold the pop-up flat and make sure the pop-up elements do not extend beyond the edges of the folded card.

Make any adjustments needed before proceeding.

Glue the pop-up mechanism inside the card face, being sure to align the edges. Apply glue to one side of the pop-up, avoiding the step, and slip it inside the card face. Apply glue to the other side and fold the card face over onto it.

Open the card and allow the glue to dry.

Glue pop-up elements to mechanism Glue the pop-up elements to the steps. Decorate the card behind and around the pop-up steps. You might stamp more images of the cutout, add a greeting or write a message. Use your imagination!