How to Make the Pop-Up Card

Read all of the steps before starting.

Step 1: Choose a Pattern and Print It

Choose the card you want to make, and download the pattern. Each pattern has two pieces: the top piece is the outside of the card, and the bottom piece is the inside of the card. Print the pattern on white paper or cardstock. The card will be sturdier if it is made using cardstock.

Tip: You can also add a heart pop-up to any handmade or commercial card using the Separate Pop-Ups pattern below. This pattern includes heart pop-ups in four sizes; the largest size fits the cards made in Aunt Annie's greeting card tutorials, and the smaller sizes fit the Heart-Shaped Cards. To use these pop-ups, pick one that fits inside your card and follow the directions below for making the pop-up and gluing it inside a card.

Happy Valentine's Day

Colored •  B&W

On this Valentine's Day...

Colored •  B&W

Separate Pop-Ups

Colored •  B&W

Patterns are Adobe PDF files. The Adobe Reader is available for free.

All of Aunt Annie's project patterns are designed to be printed on standard letter-size paper (8.5"x11" or A4). When printing from Adobe Reader, you may need to select Auto-Rotate and Center or Choose paper source by PDF page size to ensure the best fit.

Step 2: Color (optional)

Pick any colors you like to color the card. Pick red for the heart, or do something wild! How about polka dots on the heart or zigzag stripes? Use your imagination!

Tip: You may want to write a message on the inside of the card now.

Step 3: Cut

Cut out each pattern piece on the solid black line. Try to make your cuts very straight. The card will look better and go together more easily with straight edges.

Tip: It is easier to make straight cuts with a craft knife and ruler. Protect the table with thick cardboard or a cutting mat. Place the ruler along the line being cut, then carefully draw the craft knife along the ruler's edge. Be sure to keep your fingertips away from the knife. Kids, be sure to get adult help when using a craft knife!

Step 4: Fold

Fold both pieces in half on the center line. Fold them so that the marks are on the outside. If you are using cardstock, score the fold lines first.

Tip: Make a sharp crease by running your thumbnail firmly along the fold.

Step 5: Cut Pop-Up

The pop-up is on the inside card piece and is folded in half. Cut around the heart on the solid line, leaving the unmarked edge of the heart uncut. Fold the pop-up back and forth along this uncut edge.

Step 6: Refold Pop-Up

Unfold the card's inside piece, and refold it the opposite way. Open the card and pull the pop-up toward you. Change the pop-up from a valley fold to a mountain fold. Fold the card in half and press to sharpen the creases.

Step 7: Glue Card Pieces Together

Put glue on one half of the inside piece. Slide the two card parts together. That is, put the pop-up piece inside of the card's outside piece. Press. Turn the card over, and put glue on the other half of the inside piece. Press again. Be careful not to get any glue on the heart pop-up.

Your card is now complete! Open it to see the pop-up.

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