How to make a pop-up penguin card

Make this adorable pop-up penguin card using our free Northern lights printable paper collection!

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Holly Spanner

Published: November 18, 2020 at 1:51 pm

Are you looking for an idea of what to do with your free northern lights paper collection? How about making this pop-up penguin Christmas card? In this step-by-step tutorial, we show you how to construct a pop-up card using the Lawn Fawn stitched hillside pop-up die. You will also need a die-cutting machine. If you're thinking about buying a die-cutting machine, but are undecided as to which one you would like, take a look at our guide to the best die-cutting machines of the year. All tried and tested by our dedicated team of crafters to give you the best possible advice.

Download your free northern lights paper collection to get started.

If you like these, check out our other free patterned papers, there are lots to choose from and you’re sure to find something for every occasion. We love these delightful free Christmas penguin patterned papers for card making!

Don’t forget to share your cards on Facebook or post them on Instagram, we love to see what you make!

Inspiration for Northern Lights printables

You will need:

  • White card
  • Glitter card (silver)
  • Die (stitched hillside pop-up by Lawn Fawn)
  • Die-cutting machine
  • Adhesive
  • Scissors

Step 1

Northern lights printables

Cut a 21 x 14.5cm piece of white card, and fold in half to create your card base. Cover both inside faces with silver card. If you want to be thrifty, you can gut your mats (cut out the middle as it won’t be seen) and save for another project!

Step 2

Northern lights printables

Cut out the Northern Lights scene from your free northern lights paper collection. Attach to the back panel on the inside of your card base using double-sided tape, leaving a small border of glitter card around the edge.

Step 3

How to make a pop-up penguin card – step 3.jpg

Using the Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside pop-up die, cut two sets of hills from white card. Keep one as it is, then trim the small hill and top-left tab from the other, as shown in the picture. Discard the small hill and tabs.

Step 4

Northern lights printables

Fold your die-cut hills along the score lines. Position the single hill in the centre of your card and attach with double-sided tape, so the bottom part lies flat on your card base.

Step 5

How to make a pop-up penguin card – step 5

Using the first hill as a guide, fold and position the second set of hills in front. Attach to the base of the card with double-sided tape, and tuck the back tabs down behind the first hill.

Step 6

Northern lights printables

Choose a penguin from your free northern lights paper collection, and cut out. Use découpage scissors to cut around finer details. Also cut out a cabin, fence, lamp post, tree, star and a smaller different penguin.

Step 7

Northern lights printables

Cut a 1 x 10cm strip of white card. Fold into a triangle to create a wedge behind the main penguin to allow him to stand up but also fold down for postage. Finally, position the other elements in your scene (sticking onto the pop-up hills in the background) to build up your winter wonderland!

Holly Spanner

Staff Writer, BBC Science Focus

Holly is the Staff Writer for BBC Science Focus and looks after the popular Q&A section. She holds an MSc (distinction) in Geoscience (Space and Climate Physics) from UCL, and specialises in astronomy and earth sciences. Before joining Our Media, she worked as a geoenvironmental consultant and engineer, informing on ground risk and remediation in the north of England, while hunting for exoplanets in her spare time. Alongside this, she was regional editor of a popular theatre website for nine years, and has a solid background in curating and developing content for the digital space. Holly is also an artist and illustrator, and regular contributor to the craft website, Gathered. She has previously worked with the RSPB, English Heritage, Disney, Pilot and Brother, as well as on BBC Good Food magazine, Home Style magazine, and Papercraft inspirations magazine. She enjoys photography and has a sustained interest in antiques.
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