There are hundreds of different ways to create cards, but one method that always manages to put a smile on the face of the receiver is the pop-up card. A popup card is a 3D card that uses a third dimension to really make the design pop!

In this tutorial, crafter Karen gives us a step-by-step walk-through on how you can create your own pop-up card with a wow effect!

 Triangle Pop-up card

The card in this tutorial is inspired by this Youtube video, created by JanB UK #7 Top Stampin’ Up! Independent Demonstrator.
The video is long but very helpful. I’ve made my own slight modifications, and have attempted to show my steps and variations, below.

For this card, I used glitter cardstock and some holographic sparkle vinyl adhesive, which I’ve found can be used on cardstock, if you’re careful not to have the transfer tape too sticky. I’ve created a Cricut Design Space file which should be available to any Cricut users.

Supplies needed:

• Cardstock
  I used 8-1/2” x 11” sheets:
  – 2 white
  – 1 dark blue solid
  – 1 blue butterfly print
  – 1 blue abstract print
  – 1 light blue glitter sheet
  – 1 pink glitter sheet
• Adhesive vinyl (if desired)
• Dimensional double-sided tape
• Sticky-back hook and loop tape
• Glue/adhesive of your choice

Measurements for the card:

• The base of the card in this tutorial is 8″ x 8”
• The score lines begin and end at the midway points of each side of this base
• The over-laying squares and triangles are sized to fit within each section of the scored/cut base
• The scalloped circle (and the scalloped circle with the flat edge) is 3.25” in diameter
• The medallion base “circles” should be just slightly smaller than the scalloped circles, so it is hidden behind when assembled

How to create the pop-up card

1) The dark blue solid cardstock forms the card base. Crease it as shown. Note that the lower half of the square has a vertical cut from the bottom of the sheet to the mid-point.

2) Attach all of the white cardstock shapes to their corresponding positions on the card base.

3) Attach the main print pieces over the white cardstock, as shown. Note that the lower left-hand corner remains white. This is where you can write a personal sentiment and/or sign the card when it’s complete. At this point, you should be able to see how the card will stand up, with the lower right side overlapping the lower left side. This means that anything you write on that lower left portion will be hidden when the card is displayed.

4) Fold the white double-circle medallion base as shown.

5) There are two scalloped circle pieces, one of which has a flat edge. That flat-edged piece should be attached to the non-scored half of the medallion base, lining up the flat edge with the center score of the medallion base.

Line up the top of the full-circle scalloped piece with the top half of the scored section of the medallion base. When they are properly attached, and the medallion base is folded on its score lines, only the top, full-circle scalloped piece will be visible.

6) For this tutorial, I cut a flamingo out of pink glitter cardstock. This goes in the center of the full-circle scalloped medallion piece. I like to use some dimensional tape here to make it pop a bit.

7) Now you’re going to attach the whole double-circle mechanism to the card base. You will want to line it up on the diagonal from upper left to lower right, as shown, so when the card is displayed, it’s properly centered. It may be helpful to fold the card (see the end of step 3) to help you place this piece.

8) I used some holographic adhesive vinyl to “write” my greeting, and used some not-too-sticky transfer tape to attach it to my white oval cardstock piece. I used some dimensional tape on the back of the oval. It’s important for this piece to stand a bit away from the card base, because it will hold the medallion in place when the card is set up in display mode.

9) Almost finished! If you look carefully, there is a small square of sticky-back loop tape in the upper left corner of the white section. The corresponding hook tape is on the back side, lower inner corner, of the square that holds the medallion.

And that’s it!

The card folds flat for mailing, either as an 8”x4” rectangle or a 4”x4” square. It may be confusing for the recipient, though, as it may not be really obvious how the card can be positioned for display. I’ve seen it recommended that this card be given in person for that reason.

Happy Crafting!