Pop-Up Box Card

Tuck a surprise inside a box-shaped pop-up card! Many thanks to Monica Gale for her inspiration.

Supplies

Step-by-Step

1. Step 1

   Cut cardstock to 8.5” x 12”. Score on the long side at 2.75”, 5.5”, 8.25”, and 11”.

   

2. Hint:
   For scoring boards not marked at quarter inches, score at 5.5” and 11” first. Move the cardstock .25” to the right, then score the other lines at 3” and 8.5”.
   
   

   

3. Step 2

   Cut off a 2”x12” strip , and set it aside. This will be used later.

   

4. Step 3

   Turn the 6.5” x 12” panel a quarter turn to the left, and score at 2.75.”
   
   Hint:
   For scoring boards not marked at quarter inches, move the cardstock .25” to the right, then score at 3”.
   

   

5. Step 4

   Cut down 2.75” to this score line along each of the 4 perpendicular score lines.

   

6. At the 11” score line, cut in at a slight angle up from the edge of the cardstock to remove the excess above the score line and create a tab.

   

7. Step 5

   Cut the 2”x12” strip at 4.75” from the end with the 1" score line. Cut the strip in half the long way to create two strips, 1”x4.75”.

   

8. Both strips should be scored in 1” from each end. Fold both tabs back.

   

9. Step 6

   Cut patterned paper to decorate each panel, as follows:
   1 inside back panel - 2.5”x6.25”
   3 lower panels (outside only) – 2.5”x3.5”
   6 upper panels (sides and front, inside and outside) – 2.5” square
   
   Cut one 2.5”x6.25” outside back panel from white cardstock.

   

10. Center and adhere each panel as indicated above.
    
    Hint:
    Attach the longest decorative panels to the section next to the tab.
    

    

11. Step 7

    Fold the decorated card on the 5.5” score line, and attach the tab inside with adhesive.
    

    

12. Step 8

    Apply adhesive to the end tabs of the 1”x4.75” strips, and adhere them to the inside of the opened box, aligning them with the top of the opening. Turning both tabs toward the outside front or back of the box will help ensure straight placement.
    
    Hint:
    Close the box in both directions and secure the score lines to ensure that it will lie flat for mailing.
    

    

13. Step 9

    Adhere die cuts, stamped images, and/or other embellishments to the strips and inside front and back of the card. Stick them down lightly at first, as they may need to be repositioned. Inside elements should be placed so that they are not seen when the card is closed.
    
    Hint:
    A 3" square sticky note is the approximate size of the visible area to be decorated, and can be used as a template to plan the arrangement of the diecuts and other inside elements.

    

14. Smaller die cuts can be attached to 3.5" strips of clear acetate. These will wave slightly when the card is opened.

    

15. Step 10

    Embellish the inside front flap if desired.

    

16. Step 11

    Complete the project.
    
    Note:
    Finished card fits in a 6"x9" envelope.
    Measurements for standard A2-sized cards are listed below the video.

    

Video!

Variations

1. For a standard A2 card (vertical): Cut cardstock to 7 1/2"x9 1/4". Score at 2 1/8", 4 1/4", 6 3/8" and 8 1/2". Rotate the cardstock to the left. Cut off 2" as above. Cut the 2" strip at 3 5/8" and cut in half lengthwise as above for the inside tabs. On the card base, score at 2 1/2" and cut down to the score lines. Assemble as above.
   
   DSP sizes are as follows:
   5. 1/4" x 2" - one patterned and one white/neutral for the back.
   1 7/8" x 2 1/4" - six of these.
   2 3/4" x 1 7/8" - 3 of these.

   

2. For a standard A2 card (horizontal): Cut cardstock to 6 1/4"x12". Score at 2 3/4", 5 1/2", 8 1/4" and 11". Rotate the cardstock to the left. Cut off 2" as above. Cut the 2" strip at 4 3/4" and cut in half lengthwise as above for inside tabs. On the card base, score at 2" and cut down to the score lines. Assemble as above.

   

Your Turn

You've seen the tutorial, now you try it! We've got a section of the gallery set aside for Pop-Up Box Card. Try this technique, then upload your artwork to the gallery. Show us your creations!

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