Valentine's Day Pop-Up Card {Tutorial}

I saw this sweet card on Pinterest and wanted to try my hand at recreating.  I started to click on the link to see if there were more detailed instructions, but the tab popped up with Chinese characters, so I just closed the browser down.  I was afraid it might be a virus.  I just used the illustration as shown, and dabbled till I got something close to what I wanted.

Here's what I did:

Open a new Word document.  Using Arial Black font, size 130, I typed "U" and "I".  Place cursor between U and I.  Type the U before I because you'll be cutting it from the back.

Step 1

To make the heart, go to Insert > Picture > AutoShapes > Basic Shapes (the button with the square, heart and triangle) > Heart Shape.

Step 3

In the drawing box that appears, just click and drag your cursor till you get a nice size heart shape.

Step 4

Crop the drawing box to tightly fit around the heart by grabbing the dark corners and sides of the drawing box. The box should settle itself nicely between the U and I.  The height of the heart should be 1.28" and width works well at 1.45"--format the heart by right-clicking withing the drawing box.

Step 4

For cutting, we just need the outline of the letters, so go to Edit > Select All.
Now go to Format > Font.  Click the "Outline" box.  Click  OK.

Step 6

Print page. Print on the back side of the paper.  I chose one of Grace's numerous works of art to print it on.

Employ your inner artist and draw the sides of the heart out so that each side touches the U and I.  Once cut, the heart will only be attached at the sides. Free-hand a smaller heart within your new heart shape.

Using a ruler, draw a line 3/8" above the top of the letters.  With the ruler, extend the top of the U and  I to meet the line.

Using the diagram pictured here, use an X-acto or very sharp utility knife to cut on every straight line, and fold on every dotted line. Note the bottom of the U and I are not cut, but folded. Be sure to protect your work surface from being cut through.  I just used a thick newspaper. 

Fold the letters first, then fold the card.  The card is folded in half at the point 3/8" higher than the bottom of the letters, along the straight cut around the heart.

 Cut the card to your desired dimensions.

Glue the back to a contrasting sheet of stock paper, being careful not to get glue on the letters.

This post is linked to Tute Tuesday and Tuesday Talent Show.