How to Make a Pop-Up Card with an Accordion Fan

Steps

1. 1. Score the Cardstock Down the Middle

   Start with a piece of cardstock about 8.5 by 5.5 inches. Run it through a scoring board down the middle so it folds cleanly in half.

   

2. 2. Accordion-Fold a Strip of Paper

   Take a separate strip of lightweight paper - lighter weight than your card so it doesn't bulk up the closure. Fold it back and forth like an accordion, with each fold about half an inch wide.

   

3. 3. Fold the Accordion in Half

   Once the accordion is fully folded, bring the two ends together and fold the whole strip in half at its center. The two halves of the accordion now sit back-to-back, forming the basic fan shape.

   

4. 4. Glue the Fan Halves Together

   Run a thin line of glue (or double-sided tape) between the two innermost faces of the folded accordion - the two faces that touch when you fold it in half. Press them together firmly along the spine, then clip with a binder clip and let it dry for a couple of minutes.

   

5. 5. Stamp or Decorate the Front

   While the fan dries, work on the outside of the card. Stamp a sentiment, hand-letter a greeting, or add stickers - whatever fits the occasion.

   

6. 6. Tape the Fan Inside the Card

   Add double-sided tape to the back of both halves of the fan. Peel off the backing.

   

7. 7. Add Decorative Elements

   Now decorate the inside. Add stamped or printed elements around the fan - characters, flowers, words, anything that makes sense with your theme.