A pop up card or book has a page that unfolds to surprise us. Pop ups can also go by the name mechanical or movable cards or books. The page changes before our eyes, and the effect is thrilling for the viewer. The history of pop ups go back to the Middle Ages, and grew from mathematic and scientific studies. There is currently an exhibit in Virginia specifically on this topic with some content that can be viewed online. It is fascinating and worth taking a look. (The link to this site is be provided below.)

Making a pop up card is much easier than it seems. There are two methods that are primarily used. The simpler method entails a cut out of something symmetrical, like a snowman, folded in half lengthwise with two end tabs that can be glued down. Easy to follow to templates can be found on Robert Sabuda’s web site (The link to this site is provided below). Robert Sabuda is a well-known pop up artist who has illustrated many books that are fascinating to look at. While this method is basically simple, Sabuda takes his art to a much higher level by using more than one cut out at a time and creating intricate moving pop ups.

Once you download one of the template, don’t forget to make the project your own. You can rubber stamp the paper, emboss it, and color it for the best visual effects.

A simple example of the second method can be seen on Tom Nelson’s web site. It is easier to use two card blanks for this method. The two cards will eventually be glued one inside of the other. For a more decorative look, the inner card blank can be trimmed smaller to create a layered look. Before gluing, two slits can be cut with a craft knife from the center fold about ½ inch apart and about 1- 2 inches long. The slits can be separated from the center fold and folded in the opposite direction of the card. The inner card should be glued to the outer card; with the slit remaining unglued and folded out. The pop up will be glued onto the unglued folded slits. Now that the mechanical work is done, the fun begins.

Your pop up can be rubber stamped art cut out and embossed, glued onto coordinated paper and attached to the tabs. Tom Nelson’s site shows samples of how to make your pop up a true work of art. If the pop up cut out is of a butterfly, the card background will have elaborately colored trees surrounding it. There are beautiful examples that must be seen!

These sites are truly worth looking at if you want to learn more about pop ups:

https://www.lib.virginia.edu/small/exhibits/popup/
https://www.RobertSabuda.com
https://www.tnphoto.com/ppu