How to use templates to make a pop up card

How to use templates to make a pop up card

In my tutorials, I make the assumption that you know how to cut out the card using my templates. If you don't, this tutorial will give you some guidelines or tips on how to use my templates to cut out a popup card by hand. The instructions below will give you several options for using the templates. If you have a cutting machine, then this wouldn't apply to you. There are 3 different ways to use these templates.

  • Print the template directly on the card stock.
  • Print the template out on paper, then tape it to the card stock.
  • Print the template out on paper, then temporarily glue it to the card stock.

I talk about these 3 methods in the video below.

1. Printing directly on the card stock

The first method is to print out the template directly onto the card stock. This is the easiest, but in some cards, you may see the black lines after you assemble the card. You'll want to cut slightly inside the black lines so that you will not see the lines. This can be a little tricky when cutting out very intricate geometries, like the lettering. The advantage of this method is that the template will stay aligned with the card stock. Another advantage for this method is that you can print out additional text and colors to your card to customize it. The picture below shows a template printed directly on the card stock.

2. Print the template out on paper, then tape it to the card stock.

The second method is to print the template out on paper, then tape the template to the card stock. Cut out the pieces of the template, getting reasonably close to the black lines. Then tape the four corners down over your card stock. This is what I did up until I bought a cutting machine. It's ok if you tape the template and card to your cutting mat. Make sure you cut from the center outwards. For the example shown below, cut starting with the text, then the ribbon, then the outside of the card. Always cut the outline of the entire card last. Otherwise, your template will become detached. This method is the simplest and does not leave print lines on your card. This method can be difficult sometimes if the pattern is very intricate. If your template becomes detached, then it may be hard to realign it. The picture below shows a template taped onto the card stock.

3. Print the template out on paper, then temporarily glue it to the card stock

The third method for transferring the template to the card stock is to temporarily glue the paper template to the card stock. This is the method I would recommend. Use a repositionable adhesive, such as Krylon's Easy-tack. This is a very light rubber cement, similar to post-it note glue. After you print out the template, spray a very thin layer coating of Easy-Tack to the back of the template. I would suggest doing this outdoors so you don't get glue residue over everything. Spray at least 12-18″ from the paper template. If you put too much glue, you will leave a thin sticky film on your card. It is critical that you do not put too much glue. You may want to experiment with some scrap paper first. This will take some practice. Note that the glue will barely feel tacky to the touch. Let it dry for a few minutes, and then press it down onto the card stock. I would still cut from the center outwards. This method will prevent your template from getting misaligned from your card stock. The image below shows a template glued to the card stock with Easy-Tack.

I've shown you 3 different methods for cutting the template patterns out of card stock: printing directly on the card stock, taping the template on the card stock, and temporarily gluing the template to the card stock. Try this out, pick a design, print the template and make the card.

Updated 4th method:

You can use a  repositionable glue stick to attach the template to the card stock.  This works well because you can use it on small pieces cut out from the template.  It is also not as messy as the spray.  This has become my preferred method for hand cutting templates out.  Here is what the repositionable glue stick looks like:



37 Comments
  • Allison
    Posted at 18:46h, 26 August Reply

    Firstly, I love your work! I was wondering though, what is the brand of cutting machine you use? I’m looking at buying one but I’m unsure which is better, your advise would surely help.

    • Creative
      Posted at 20:55h, 26 August Reply

      Hi Allison, thanks for visiting my site! I use a KNK Element. It’s over 3 years old. I’m in the market for a new cutter also. I’m torn between the Silhouette and the new KNK Zing that’s coming out. I’m probably leaning toward the Zing because I think it comes with Make The Cut.

  • Hazel
    Posted at 05:08h, 03 September Reply

    Thanks for another wonderful pop-up. Just love your love work and the fact that you so willingly share it.

  • Teddy Bear Pop Up Card: Tutorial and Template | Creative Pop Up Cards
    Posted at 10:05h, 22 October Reply

    […] Cut out the templates using the methods I’ve shown in this post: How to use templates to make a pop up card. […]

  • jean
    Posted at 10:13h, 31 October Reply

    I love your Teddy Bear pop-up card, but I wish I was able to print the directions. I have trouble remembering what to do. I’m just learning how to cut out templates so I appreciated you teaching how to do it. Thank you.

  • marie house
    Posted at 12:18h, 07 December Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing your talent and time. You are very talented. I just found your site and really enjoy seeing all the cute cards. I am pretty new to this and right away knew I wanted to make pop up cards. I could never figure out the mechanics of making one work so you can imagine how appreciative I am of your willingness to share and instruct.
    Have a wonderful Christmas Season

  • paula
    Posted at 18:51h, 09 December Reply

    hello I’m from Chile, so I’m taking a language translator, so I hope you can understand my message.
    I ask is if I can send the spreadsheet Pop Up Card Teddy Bear (the bear has a heart) and the other form of Pop Valentine’s Day Card (the heart in 3D). implrimirlo and power to carry out, or if I can post the link of your website where encentra sheets because in their website I can not find. thanks

  • Christmas Pop Up Card: Magical Snowman Tutorial | Creative Pop Up Cards
    Posted at 18:14h, 23 December Reply

    […] the template, cut the card parts out of card stock. You can use these instructions on using templates or you can use a cutting […]

  • Teri Terrific
    Posted at 04:05h, 24 December Reply

    Thank you so much for sharing your fantastic pop-ups! This Frosty the Snowman card is just FUN!
    I have the Silhouette SD and really like it. It has a lot more versatility than other cutters.
    Congratulations on the baby girl. Merry Christmas!

  • Sue
    Posted at 16:31h, 29 December Reply

    My goodness WOW I love it and I as dowloaded the teddybear. Youyyyyyyyy

  • Sue
    Posted at 16:33h, 29 December Reply

    Sorry my comp is messing up. You do awesome work. Thank you for sharing.

  • Julie
    Posted at 17:58h, 18 January Reply

    When I click the “print template”, I don’t have the file to get it? Is there another way I can get the template?

  • mital maru
    Posted at 16:23h, 03 February Reply

    hey i want to down load the template of this card , how should i do this ?

    • Creative Rich
      Posted at 18:19h, 03 February Reply

      Hi Mital, you can go to the the template store and purchase a template. After you purchase the file, you can download the file from you “Account and Downloads.”

  • Hooi Amo
    Posted at 07:37h, 03 April Reply

    i love the pop card.. but why no free?? =(

  • alejandra victoria
    Posted at 18:59h, 26 December Reply

    hello ! where and how can i get the letters ? i purshed the ring templet but i want to put my husbands names and mines in the rings …how can i do that ?

    • Creative Rich
      Posted at 01:06h, 27 December Reply

      Hi Alejandra, I just updated the file (Linked_Wedding_Rings_v2.zip) to include some letters. You may need to resize the letters to fit the rings.

  • Jibs Alva
    Posted at 17:50h, 10 January Reply

    First off, I would like to say awesome stuff man. Real works of art.

    Now my question…

    Is the template size adjustable? I sort of envisioned placing the card inside this woman’s wallet I was planning to give as a gift to my girlfriend for Valentines. The dimensions of the wallet are:

    3 1/2″H x 5 1/2″W x 1″D

    So basically I was hoping the card could be more or less 3 inches by 5 inches in size. Would this be possible?

  • Jason Alvarez
    Posted at 21:29h, 01 February Reply

    How do you score for folding?

    • Creative Rich
      Posted at 05:50h, 02 February Reply

      Hi Jason, I use my knife and cut very gently across the line i want to score. I’m careful not to cut all the way through the paper.

  • patchy
    Posted at 13:14h, 08 February Reply

    i love this card

  • Diana
    Posted at 03:29h, 12 March Reply

    Hi,

    I have a question. I’m also looking to buy one cutter machine and i think i found one what seems good but… what to you think about Pazzels inspiration Creative Cutter (also if i buy it can i use your templates)?

    • Creative Rich
      Posted at 22:47h, 13 March Reply

      Hi Diana, You should be able to cut my templates using the Pazzels cutter if you buy the Pazzels pro version or a third party cutting software like Sure Cuts A lot. I provide the .svg files for most of my templates which should be compatible with most cutting softwares. I don’t know much about the Pazzel’s machine but I think at this point, most machines are pretty good.

  • Gisella
    Posted at 07:22h, 21 May Reply

    Good morning, I was wondering if you can send me the files of this card for Mother’s Day in pdf via email, because I live in Brazil and found your amazing idea and I love your site.Se der visit my blog.
    Grateful and look a contact.

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 21:55h, 21 May Reply

      Hi Gisa, you can get the free Mother’s day card template by subscribing to my website at the top of the hope page or you can click here: Free Mother’s day Pop Up Card Template.

  • tam yern
    Posted at 10:42h, 08 July Reply

    where to find those paper that u have prepraed ?

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 21:48h, 09 July Reply

      HI Tam, you can buy the card stock in any craft store or office supply store. Look for 60lb card stock.

  • erham
    Posted at 00:52h, 16 August Reply

    where do you get the templates from

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 11:04h, 16 August Reply

      Hi Erham, you can purchase the templates in the template store. Thanks!

  • alejandra landazuri
    Posted at 16:35h, 17 January Reply

    quiiiero las plantillas !!!!!

  • bhavna
    Posted at 21:02h, 30 January Reply

    hi,
    i love this card and i wud like to make it for my husband.
    but i dont have credit card. wud u please send templates by post. i will pay cash on delivery for sure.

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 04:36h, 31 January Reply

      Hi Bhavna, My website accepts Paypal also. You can also try using some of my free templates. Thanks!

  • SIDDHARTH MODY
    Posted at 07:31h, 10 February Reply

    Hi,
    I really liked the card and i purchased the template. In the video you said that there are notes along with pdf on how to score. but i couldn’t find. Can you please help?

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 10:57h, 10 February Reply

      Thank you for supporting my website. Scoring helps you crease or fold the paper. I use an X-acto knife and very gently cut partly through the paper on one side. Then you can fold the paper away from the side with the crease. You may want to practice on some scrap card stock until you get the hang of it. You dont want to cut all the way through the paper. You can also use a ball point pen that has run out of ink. use a ruler to make sure you are scoring a straight line. I hope that helps!

  • nicola
    Posted at 22:42h, 20 April Reply

    First I want to congratulate for the wonderful work you do.
    I wanted to take this opportunity to suggest my method I use to cut a design without printing on paper, are sold in stationery fogi of A4 adhesive at a price of 15-20 cents di euro a sheet mold design on this sheet I remove the protective film from the adhesive side and apply it on the cardboard base that I have chosen.
    Finished all the work of cutting to remove the adhesive paper without tearing the cardboard used to pass on the paper with a rag soaked in white spirit not too much of the hardware, let dry 1 minute more, and the paper comes off without the risk of tearing the cardboard.
    Advantages of this method, the very cheap can of glue spay costs from 10 to 15 euro, the model remains securely attached to the end without moving at all.
    Drawbacks, for those who can not stand the smell-smell dell’acquaragia

  • Beth
    Posted at 10:13h, 16 March Reply

    Thank you for the wonderful cards! I purchased all three of your Easter pop-up card templates. I have a question in regards to cutting out the templates. Are there any tools (like a ruler) that you can buy to help you follow the curved lines? My hands are not as steady as they used to be and I find that I am any where but close to the lines. I would appreciate any suggestions.

    Also, did you get a new cutter and which one did you buy?

    Thanks for your help and time.
    Beth

    • CreativeRich
      Posted at 15:12h, 16 March Reply

      Thanks for visiting and supporting my website! Yes, it’s difficult to follow the curved lines with a knife. I dont know of any ruler that will let you do that. I use the Silhouette Cameo. My template files are compatible with this machine. The hardest and most tedious part of making a card is cutting out the pieces. That’s why i got a cutting machine. Yes, it’s expensive, but it takes out the grueling part of making a card. I can spend the rest of the time making and decorating.

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