Feb 14, 2012

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.

6 lovely comments:

Kitty B said... Best Blogger Tips

Oooh thanks for such a good explanation! Love this idea!!! I wouldnt have been able to figure it out on my own!
Thanks for linking up with LSJ this week!

Kari said... Best Blogger Tips

How adorable is that! Kuddos to you for figuring out how to do it...I would have been so frustrated!!

Becky said... Best Blogger Tips

I saw that same photo on Pinterest. Now I'll have to go add your wonderfully detailed tutorial to my board so I can give this a try someday! Thanks so much.

Betsy Escandon said... Best Blogger Tips

So cool! Maybe next year.

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

I did have a few moments of frustration trying to figure it out. Ben loved it, but wouldn't you know, Leah just dismantled it... That girl.

content2be said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for pinning it!