This DIY pop-up card is magical, and perfect to give to your Valentine or Galentine! Learn how to cut it on a Cricut; the tutorial shows how it’s assembled step-by-step.
Six frames balance on each other and rise up when the card is opened. Fill the frames with photos of you together.
Tip: Store your card open and up, as shown in the photo below. If you keep it closed, soon the paper will not want to pop out anymore.
Materials needed to make this pop-up valentine card
- the free SVG – it’s design #48 Pop-up Photo Frames Card SVG in the Free Files Folder (if you are using a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air)
or
it’s design #47 JOY Sized Pop-up Photo Frames Card SVG in the Free Files Folder (if you are cutting with the Cricut Joy) - a cutting machine, such as a Cricut Maker or Cricut Explore Air or even the cute little Cricut Joy
- cardstock such as Light Cardstock (65 lb/176 gm) 18 colors, 72 sheets, both sold colors and patterned
- acetate or a laminating pouch laminated (with nothing inside)
- glue such as Aleene’s or Art Glitter Glue or extra-strong double-sided tape
- Six printed photos
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How to use the free SVG in Cricut’s Design Space
1) Download the ZIP file. The regular version of the card makes the stack of frames 7 inches tall, while the Joy-sized version of the card makes the stack of frames just over 5 inches tall.
Upload the SVG to Design Space. I’ve explained each piece in the SVG below.
2) Cut and score all of the pieces with your cutting machine.
Fold each piece back and forth along the score lines.
How to put the Valentine’s Pop-Up Frames card together
2) Trim the photos down to the correct size, using the purple squares you cut out as a guide. Glue the photos in place.
3) Glue the acetate in the window.
4) Flip the pieces over and glue on the frames.
5) Glue the photo frames closed on the bottom.
6) For the base, glue the two pieces inside the outer card base.
If you are cutting using a Cricut Joy: you will need to make the base by folding half of a sheet of cardstock in half. Trim two pieces so they are slightly smaller than the base, and then glue them on. Alternatively, you can use the pre-made cards from Cricut.
7) Place the largest frames inside the card as shown. Make sure that the center of the frames are in the exact center of the card. Now, put one finger in the frame as indicated by the pink arrow.
Close the card. When it folds up, does any part of the frame stick out of the edge of the card? If it does, adjust the position of the frame.
8) After it’s positioned correctly, glue down the right side of the frame only, making sure the folded frame is right in the center of the card. Hold it closed while the glue dries. (It’s not long if you are using tacky glue.)
9) Now, fold the piece down, and glue the bottom of the left frame. Fold the card closed and hold it in place while the glue dries.
10) Next, glue the middle frames in place. Just make sure the center fold of the frame lines up with the center fold of the card.
Test how it folds up. Everything should just pull down into the center when the card closes.
11) Finally, glue the smallest frames in place, making sure that the center fold of the frame is aligned with the center fold of the card.
Your card is finished!
Isn’t this DIY pop-up card perfect to give to your Valentine or Galentine?
Don’t forget an envelope! It’s hard to find the correct size for larger cards. I’ve created an envelope that will work. (Of course, you can resize the free SVG as needed.)
Ready to download the free SVG or printable? Head over to the 📂 Free Files Folder and enter the ✨ magic word. ✨ (If you don’t have the magic word, just fill in the form below first.)
MonaLisa says
That is the coolest! Thanks for sharing!
Emily says
You’re welcome! It’s super fun to make.
Sarah says
I love this! How do you get your photos the right size? Do you use print-then-cut?
Emily says
That’s one way to do it, and I’m working on a tutorial on how to do it that way! I also use Social Print Studio and sometimes InDesign to get them exactly like I want.
Tonya says
I think your files and instructions are fantastic and I’m so glad I found you.
Emily says
Thanks Tonya! This card is one of my favorites.
Kathy says
Thank you so much! Your design is delightful. I hope that I can manage to get one made someday. Thank you again!
Emily says
You are welcome! There are so much fun to make, and actually not as complicated as it looks. 🙂
Melinda says
This is so awesome – thanks!
Emily says
I’m glad you like it!