Birthday Pop Up Card: Square Cake Tutorial

Birthday Pop Up Card: Square Cake Tutorial

This tutorial will show you how to make a birthday pop up card. This pop up card has a square cake in the center with 5 candles. As you will see from the template, you will easily be able to alter the design to customize it for other occasions such as: wedding cards, baby showers cards (although 5 candles may not make sense) or even a graduation card. The design of the card uses the square box technique. I cut small short semi-circles along the edge where the top of cake will fold. These semi-circles give the cake a little texture and look like the frosting at the edge of a cake. It may be a little tedious to cut. If you don't have the patience to cut the semi-circles out, then you can score the edge straight. Here is a pic I took of 3 cards I made:

Here is the tutorial video:

Here are the instructions:

  1. Purchase the template for this design here:  Birthday Pop Up Card Square Cake Template.
  2. Print out the template.
  3. Cut the template out on the card stock of choice. If you have cardstock with different colors on each side, then the cake will be a different color than the rest of the card. You may even spray paint one side of the paper first so that the cake will be a different color.
  4. Make sure the “Happy Birthday” words are backwards so when you fold up the flaps, the wording will read correctly
  5. Score the sections that will be folded.
  6. Fold the card at the scored areas. Make sure that the creases are very loose. This will help the card sit flat when opened. Otherwise the top of the cake will look like a house roof. It will still be slightly angled, but the looser it is, the flatter it will be.
  7. Insert the candles into the holes.
  8. Glue the candle flaps to the card.
  9. Assemble the top of the cake by sliding the tabs together, matching the slots. Be careful not to rip the tab off. If you do, don't worry, just glue the pieces together.
  10. Assemble the side flaps of the cake, again using the slots and the tabs.
  11. Cut out 2 card backings 6 3/8″ x 4 5/8″. This will give you a little boarder around your card. It will also allow you to use a standard 6 1/2″x 4 3/4″ invitation envelope.
  12. Glue the card backings to the center card. Use a strong glue right below the candle. Then use a non wrinkling glue, like a glue stick, to the rest of the card.

There you have it. Here is my first Birthday pop up card tutorial.

10 Comments
  • Patti
    Posted at 08:57h, 17 March Reply

    Great tutorial……..the cake is very detailed. I still can’t believe it is all cut out by using a craft knife (or fine scissors)………….wow………..this will take practice for us novice……the results are great!!! Love it!!! Thanks for the follow-up………….I love Pop-ups!!!!

  • Cynthia
    Posted at 08:44h, 20 March Reply

    From the other side of the continent (argentina): thank you
    You’ve have made great tutorials! (even the one you said that was poorly video edited). Once again thanks!

  • Amber
    Posted at 06:42h, 05 July Reply

    Oh~That’s great!! thank you!!!

  • Shahidah
    Posted at 00:08h, 07 January Reply

    I have been starting pop-ups since i was 6 now i’m 12. I love making pop-ups b/c they are really fun and easy. I want to make the best birthday card for my new best friend. I want to make her happy. Many people underestimate me because i’m young. Can you help me find a card that is amazing. Not too simple please. If it’s hard i don’t mind. I can do it 😀 thanks.

    • Creative
      Posted at 01:37h, 07 January Reply

      Hey there, this is my hardest birthday card. That’s great if you can make this one! Keep at it!

  • Shahidah
    Posted at 04:53h, 07 January Reply

    you’re talking to me right? if you are then : i can but i want something really special since she my best friend in the world! I’ve been finding for 2 days.

  • Shahidah
    Posted at 02:03h, 10 January Reply

    Hi again, well i have found the right pop up to make so you i don’t need any more help. I’m nearly done with my pop up, it’s the perfect gift for her. I love your pop ups and all though. I’ll be back for more 😉

  • monxee
    Posted at 12:13h, 26 January Reply

    I gave as I find it difficult to cut because they are not as

  • Haroon Dawood
    Posted at 19:03h, 05 February Reply

    Hey somebody tell me from where i can take templates to make pop up cards ?? Plzzzz give me some advices

    • Creative Rich
      Posted at 13:10h, 06 February Reply

      Hi Haroon, You can purchase the templates at the Template store. Click on the tab “Store” above. Thanks!

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