How to Make a Pop Up Card on Cricut (With Pictures)

DIY Pop Up Cards are easier than you think!

You don't always have to start big with grand designs - I like to start small and work my way up. 3D paper crafts are always intimidating but they don't have to be when you start with a simpler design for your Cricut cards. I have included a FREE Pop Up Card Template for you to dip your toes into card making and a step-by-step tutorial to go with it.

If you are having any trouble - learn how to download and upload all of the free SVG files on my website.

Since the making of this blog post I have created a system to make your own pop up SVG files in inkscape - you can find the full blog post here or watch the YouTube tutorial below! Mobile users, turn phone or find the YouTube tutorial video here.

Basics of Pop Up Cards

Materials and tools:

• A cutting machine - you can use a Cricut machine or a Silhouette. Card making is is accessible for all machine sizes, from the Cricut Joy up to the Cricut Maker.
• Paper - I use 65 lb weight in most of my designs when crafting - the higher the weight, the thicker the paper. Paper projects like this are more based on how you feel and the look. Handmade cards should feel sturdy but you also want to be able to make nice creases and folds.
• Craft Glue - I use Bearly Arts, its a quick drying craft glue that also dries clear.
• Foam Mounting Tape - the squares are my favorite and are a great way to add dimension to your crafts.

SVG Files and Templates:

Free templates are hard to find! Free SVGs can be too - I have some available and exclusives like this one if you sign up for my newsletter below.

As for pop up cards - you can check out Etsy for some unique ones ranging from simple to crazy cool, like a pop-up box card, or even Bearly Arts has some available. As for free Cricut card designs, there are tons of website with free SVG files and templates, it just may take a little bit more time searching on your end.

You can find this Spring Pop Up Card SVG file in my free resource library. Keyword: Spring Pop.

DIY -ing a 3D Pop Up card has been trial and error for me.

The biggest thing to look at when making a pop up is you don't want it to stick out on the sides. To trouble shoot this it can be as easy as moving the item down slightly or folding the image again (as long as it doesn't distort it).

Try and try again with crafting, I think you grow when you mess up, even if it takes 2-3 times of the same mess up. You will eventually get something to click and the next time you create it becomes easier.

Making the Pop Up Card on Cricut

Once you upload my free file to your Cricut Design Space you only have to change the middle lines to score lines and reattach. If you do not have a scoring stylus or a scoring wheel then you can always use a bone folder tool to create this. I love using my bone tool for clean crease lines. I sized my card to be about 5x5 when folded. If using your own template files or creating your own card design, you want to have a score line down the middle (like most greeting cards).

For cutting, I used my Cricut explore air and my go to setting for cardstock paper is usually the medium cardstock setting on fast mode. Fast mode is one of my favorite Cricut tips and tricks.

Cricut Access has been adding more cards into their paid files - I was subscribed and stopped because I wasn't utilizing the files enough. You can check theirs out for more ideas and even attempt to make your own in inkscape.

Building the Card

Delicate Fonts and Details

I love to use HTV (heat transfer vinyl) for my delicate fonts and details. I find it easier to weed and there is less chance of ripping. I use my mini heat press on the lowest setting and press for about 10 seconds. Just remember to let the paper and vinyl cool completely before removing.

This template would also work great as a Mothers Day Card, just delete the words I included and add some loving sentiments to mom.

You can also break out your Cricut pens and use some writing fonts to create your personal note that way. Utilize different colors to create beautiful cards and give that extra wow. I love using writing fonts, it makes a finished card look extra personalized. The text layers are always the fun part of card making in my opinion.

For the flowers, I assembled them first and then attached to the back of the grass. This version of a pop up card as a separate base piece with the grass but you can make the pop within the card. You would make a smaller card base for the inside and add the score like in the middle as well. Then create two cut lines in the opposite direction parallel to each other (see the MOM card). Start small in turns of size of these cut lines and again, use some trial and error. The bigger the cut lines down the center of the card the bigger the chance that your inside cut file might pop out the sides. For these two rectangular pieces (the outside and inside) most people tend to make them two different sizes with the inside layer being smaller.

If using my cut layers: test your spacing before you glue down. Measure twice and cut once can also apply in crafting! The assembly process can get confusing but again, these are so much fun and you will learn as you try a new technique.

The Inside of the Pop Up Card

Trial and Error

Like I said - you have to trouble shoot these sometimes. They aren't always going to be perfect the first time (I feel this way towards crafting in general).

I initially thought it would be one fold down the middle - alas I had to fold in an accordion style so that the flowers fit inside the card and didn't hang off the edge. This is what we want to avoid!

You can see the inside peaking out - so we need to make that accordion fold seen above for a simple pop. If you used the two slits over the score line like in the MOM card, then it's a great

Now everything should close beautifully and you can attach this inside piece to your outer card!

If your card stock is heavy and the flowers are falling over - try to connect them together so they support each other! This is a great idea for any paper craft project that might be slouching over.

The Final Results

For the front of the card I used glitter paper and foam tape to add a little depth. You can use the pop-up card technique inside the card and make the outside have a beautiful effect with pattern papers or even make shaker cards. The back of the card I left black but if you plan on making a business out of card making, don't forget to add a logo to it!

The black HTV peeled beautifully for this delicate font. Using fonts like this is one of my favorite things because it really makes a lovely card.

The inside of the card turned out super cute and only took a little bit of glue and HTV.

While you're practicing these it could also help to mark with a pencil where you want to put the ends so you don't end up with torn paper and glue residue.

This beginner pop up card tutorial and file are a great place to start when paper crafting! I can't wait to see what you make! I think using this technique as a Happy Birthday card for an upcoming birthday would make anyones special day memorable. A handmade card truly is a great gift.

Stay Crafty!