How to Make a Pop Up Card + Printables

Ready to add some wow-factor to your greetings? Look no further than the enchanting world of pop-up cards! These whimsical creations are like a burst of joy for any occasion, elevating your gift and message to a whole new level of awesome. What’s even better? Crafting them is an art form that’s delightfully straightforward. 

And guess what? If you’re up for the pop-up card adventure, our Personalized Art Set is your trusty sidekick. It’s the perfect partner in crime for turning your creative visions into charming reality. Let’s take your messages to the next dimension of fun and surprise!  

Pop Up Card Instructions

Materials

• 2 pieces of cardstock or construction paper
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Pop up card printables (or extra paper if you’re designing the art yourself)
• Art supplies to decorate with (markers, glitter)

Directions

1. Fold a piece of construction paper or cardstock in half. If you’d like to make a smaller card, cut the paper to size before you fold.

2. Cut slits at the center of your card. With the folded side facing you, cut two 1.5 inch slits. The paper between each of the cuts will form a tab that you’ll secure your pop up art to. Tabs can be wide or narrow depending on what kind of art you choose. Make multiple tabs if you are planning to add pop up art along the width of your card.

3. Open the card and fold tabs inward. Crease each tab at the center. They should now be on the inside of the card.

4. Print or draw your pop up art. Choose what will go on each tab—you can either print the images we provided or draw your own. Cut the pop up art out and use a glue stick to secure to each tab.

5. Fold your second piece of paper in half. This will be the outside of your final card. Glue the outside of the first piece of paper. Place the first piece of paper inside of the second piece of paper and press together, hiding the tab cutouts.

6. Decorate your pop up card and write a message. Put the finishing touches on your pop up card with glitter, stamps, or a fun message.

Plant Pop Up Card 

For the plant lover in your life, this card is a great way to show someone how much they’ve helped you grow. There’s no shortage of gardening or succulent puns—choose your favorite to celebrate a big event like a birthday, anniversary or even Mother’s Day! 

Bear Hug Pop Up Card 

This DIY pop up card is great for the adventure lover or outdoor enthusiast in your life. Remind them how much you love them with the help of a furry friend. Not included: the bear hug you’re going to give them along with this card. 

Message Ideas

• Thanks for bearing me, Mom!
• You’re the beary best!
• I almost can’t bear how much I love you.
• Life without you is un-bearable.
• Happy bear-thday!

Pet Pop Up Card

Who doesn’t love a puppy or kitten? Give the animal lover in your life an extra dose of cuteness with this pet pop up card. You’re sure to score extra points if you personalize it to look like one of their pets!

Instructions: This pop up card is a little different than the others. Instead of cutting slits in the construction paper, you will fold each of the pieces along the black dotted lines.

1. Glue the tail-side to the back of the card and secure the feet to the bottom of the card.
2. Glue the folded white section on one side of the rectangle. Attach to the the back side of the card overlapping with the back legs.
3. Glue the front legs to the other side of the rectangle and attach the front feet to the bottom of the card.
4. Glue on the head, and your puppy or kitten card is complete!

Message Ideas

• You’re the best doggone mom around!
• Tonight we’re going to raise the woof! Happy birthday!
• How’d I find such a pawsome friend like you?
• You’re purrfect in every way.
• I woof you a lot.
• Not feline well? I’m here for you.

Printable Pop Up Card Decorations

If you need a few more elements to take your card to the next level, these decorations are sure to help! We’ve included word bubbles, banners and other designs to decorate both the front and inside of your card.

Now that you know how to make pop up cards, who will you make one for first? With Mother’s Day coming up, it may be the perfect way to show mom you put a little extra effort into her Mother’s Day gift this year. After all, she deserves it!