This pop up Christmas tree card looks hard and is not. A strip of green paper folded like a fan turns into stacked branches, and a little brown tab holds the whole tree up off the page when the card opens. The design comes from Natalia of the Natalia's Toolbox channel. Her video shows two pop up Christmas cards: a stack of presents first, then the tree. This page covers the tree card only. If you want the cut-and-push pop up method from the first half, see how to make a pop up card.
Pop up Christmas tree card: what you are making
The tree is five or so tiers of accordion-folded green paper, small at the top and wide at the bottom. Each tier is glued to the one below it, and the bottom tier sits on a folded brown trunk that is glued across the center fold. Close the card and the tree folds flat. Open it, and the trunk pushes the tree forward and the branches fan out.
Card size, card base and paper weight
An A2 card (4.25 x 5.5 in folded, from half a letter sheet) works, but a 5 x 7 card gives the tree more room to stand. Use white cardstock around 65 to 80 lb for the base so it stays stiff when it opens. For the tree, use thinner green paper, about 20 to 24 lb or a light 65 lb cardstock. Heavy cardstock fights the folds and the branches spring open.
Natalia used an A5 green sheet (about 6 x 8 1/4 in). Half a sheet of letter paper is close enough.
The envelope and mailing
A 5 x 7 card fits an A7 envelope, and an A2 card fits an A2 envelope. The tree folds flat, but it still adds thickness, so press the card under a heavy book overnight before you post it. If the envelope bulges or feels stiff and uneven, the post office treats it as a non-machinable letter and it needs extra postage. Ask at the counter the first time. Need an envelope for an odd size? Here is how to make a paper envelope.
Ideas to change it up
- Colours. Try a dark green tree on kraft card, or a white tree on a red or navy base for a snowy look.
- Kid-friendly. Pre-cut the green strips and let a grandchild do the folding and the sequins. Use a glue stick, not liquid glue.
- Quicker. Make three tiers instead of five. It still pops.
- Trims. A small paper star on top, tiny pom poms, or a stamped greeting inside.
For a fuller paper tree to set on a mantel, try how to make a paper Christmas tree. For other ways to lift paper off the page, see how to make a 3D card.
Making a batch for your Christmas card list
Work in stages, like an assembly line. Fold and cut all the card bases. Fold every green strip, then cut all the tiers and keep each card's set in a small pile. Fold all the trunks. Only then glue. Ten cards take one evening this way. Matching Christmas gift tags are a good use for the green scraps.
Troubleshooting
- The card will not close. The trunk is too far from the fold. Glue it closer to the center line.
- The tree leans. The trunk was glued crooked. Line it up with the fold before the glue sets.
- Branches pop open. Press each tier for a few seconds and give it time to dry.
