How to Make a Graduation Pop-Up Card (Easy Fun Fold)

1. 1

   Step 1: Score the Gatefold Base

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   Start with a 3.5 by 8.5 inch piece of navy card stock for the regular-size card, or 5.5 by 8.5 inches for the larger version. Score in at 2-1/8 inches on each side.

   The two score lines create matching gatefold flaps that meet in the middle when the card is closed. Both card sizes use the same 2-1/8 inch score on each side - only the height of the card stock changes.

   Tip:

   If you don't have a scoring board, run a bone folder along a metal ruler at the marks. Press firmly so the fold sits flat without cracking.

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   Used in this stepNavy Card StockPaper TrimmerScoring Board

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2. 2

   Step 2: Cut and Score the Pop-Up Flap

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   From the same navy card stock, cut a 2.5 by 1.25 inch strip. Score it at the 1 inch mark to split it into a 1-inch flap and a 1.5-inch flap.

   The 1.5 inch section sits inside the card. The 1 inch flap drapes over the top of the closed gatefold and carries the graduation cap. That overhanging flap is what makes the cap appear to float on top of the closed card.

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   Used in this stepNavy Card Stock

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3. 3

   Step 3: Adhere the Pop-Up Flap to the Inside

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   Glue the larger 1.5 inch section onto the inside center of the gatefold. Position it so the score line sits just above the top edge of the card. The 1 inch flap should hang over the top of the gatefold when the card is closed.

   Without this flap the gatefold won't stay closed by itself. Once the flap is in place, the closed card holds its shape on the table - no clip or sticker needed.

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   Used in this stepLiquid Glue

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4. 4

   Step 4: Close the Gatefold and Add the Front Panel

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   Close the gatefold so both flaps meet in the middle and fold the small 1 inch flap down over the top. Add glue to the small flap.

   Cut a 3 by 3 inch square of navy card stock. Line up the points with the top of the card and press the square onto the glued flap. This square stretches across both gatefold flaps and locks the card closed - which is why the graduation cap appears to be sitting on the front of a regular folded card.

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   Used in this stepGlue Stick

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5. 5

   Step 5: Stamp and Add the Inside Panel

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   Cut a 3.25 by 4 inch piece of white card stock. Stamp a graduation greeting on it - something simple like "Congratulations, Graduate!" along with a small graduation cap or banner image.

   Open the card and glue the panel in the center, covering the pop-up flap. The recipient sees this panel when they open the card. It's the only place inside that has stamped color, so don't overload it.

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   Used in this stepWhite Card StockGraduation Stamp SetInk Pad

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6. 6

   Step 6: Cut and Adhere the V-Shape Triangles

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   Cut a 2-1/8 by 3 inch rectangle of yellow or crushed curry card stock and slice it once on the diagonal. You'll have two matching triangles.

   Glue one triangle to each side of the front, lined up against the top edge and the outer side of the card. The two diagonals meet in a V shape at the bottom-center of the gatefold seam, which is what gives the front the graduation-cap silhouette.

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   Used in this stepYellow Card StockPaper Scissors

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7. 7

   Step 7: Make the Twine Tassel

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   Wrap baker's twine around two fingers six times to create a small bundle. Cut the end. Take a separate piece of twine about six inches long and slip it through the top of the bundle - this is the cord you'll use to hang the tassel.

   Take a second short piece, slide it under the bundle just below the cord, and tie it in a tight double knot. That double knot binds all the wraps together and forms the head of the tassel. Cut the bottom loops open with scissors and trim the strands to your preferred length.

   Tip:

   Any twine color works, but for a graduation card pick a color that matches the school. Yellow reads as gold, navy plus yellow gives a classic mortarboard look, and red plus white works for school spirit themes.

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   Used in this stepBaker's Twine

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8. 8

   Step 8: Attach the Tassel to a Graduation Cap Embellishment

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   Tie a small knot in the top end of the tassel cord and tuck the knot inside the cord loop so it disappears. Stick a mini dimensional foam square to the back of a graduation cap embellishment, peel the backing, and press the cap onto the center of the front panel where the V triangles meet.

   Drape the tassel cord across the front of the card so the tassel hangs naturally to one side. A tiny twist in the cord helps it sit flat. The card is done.

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   Used in this stepMini Foam SquaresGraduation Cap Embellishment

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Keep going

How to Make a Card: Beginner's Guide to Handmade Greeting Cards

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