Looking for a Valentine with a wow factor? This pop-up Valentine’s Day card opens to reveal a sweet layered heart design that pops right off the page. The simple message keeps it classic, while the 3D effect adds a fun surprise that makes this card stand out.
This DIY project is easy enough for kids to make, but charming enough that adults will have fun making it too. Use our printable template and cardstock to make the hearts, and then have fun gifting it to classmates, friends, family, or someone extra special.
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DIY Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Card
Materials:
See the craft in action:
Instructions:
Step 1: Find what you need
- Gather your supplies and materials.
Step 2: Make the card base
- Print our free pop-up Valentine template and cut out the pieces.
- Cut a piece of cardstock big enough to fit the large heart (at least 6 inches tall and 7-1/2 inches wide) and fold it in half.
- Trace the large half-heart with the flat center against the fold.
- Then cut out along the traced line, giving you a large heart with a fold in the center. This will be your card.
Step 3: Make the heart pop-up
- To create the pop-up element you’ll need a piece of paper at least 3 inches tall and 9 inches wide. Place the medium sized heart in the center.
- Fold the paper over along the right edge of the heart.
- Grab the heart and place it on top of the folded paper, with the right edges lining up. Cut off the left side of the top fold to match the other edge of the heart.
- Then fold the bottom left side of the paper under, creating an accordion fold.
- Trim the paper down around the heart and then fold the heart (and folded paper) in half along the center line.
- Cut around the heart shape while it’s folded. Open it to reveal the inner pop-up element!
Step 4: Add your Valentine’s message
- Fold another colour of paper to fit the small hearts.
- Trace the half-heart 3 times, lining up the flat edge with the fold.
- Cut out the small hearts and add glue tape to the back.
- Place the small heart on one of the accordion hearts. Repeat with the other 2.
- Then use black marker to write your Valentine’s message on the hearts.
- Now fold the hearts back up like an accordion.
Step 5: Add the pop-up to the card
- Add glue tape to the right side of the folded hearts. Place the bundle inside the card, about 1/2 inch in from the right edge.
- Add more glue tape on top of the folded hearts.
- Carefully close the card, pressing down to attach the bundle to the left side.
- Your pop-up Valentine’s Day card is complete!
Helpful Tips:
- You can also attach the pop-up hearts inside a regular rectangle or square blank card if you already have one on hand.
- This pop-up heart card isn’t just for Valentine’s Day — it also makes a sweet handmade card for Mother’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.
Download our free pop-up Valentine’s Day card template:
Click on the link below to download our free, printable pop-up Valentine’s Day card template! The PDF file will open in a new window. Then simply print the template on 8.5 x 11 (letter size) printer paper or cardstock.
>> Pop-Up Valentine’s Day Card Template <<
What message can I write in my pop-up Valentine’s Day card?
Looking for message ideas that will fit on the 3 hearts? Here are some cute ideas:
- I ♡ You
- I Love You
- I Heart You
- Love You Lots
- ILY
- Be My Valentine
- Happy Valentine’s Day
- You Are Sweet
- You + Me
- Hugs, Kisses, Love
- Best Friends Forever
- BFF
- HUG
- Best Mom Ever (swap “Mom” for Dad, Grandma, Teacher, etc.)
- X O X
What paper is best for making a pop-up Valentine?
Cardstock is the perfect choice for the card base and the small hearts. It holds its shape well and you can buy it in all kinds of colours.
You can also use scrapbook paper for a lot of the elements. It’s especially great for the pop-up hearts if you want to add a pattern, texture, or different pop of colour.
This pop-up Valentine’s Day card is a lovely way to share a little handmade affection! Pop-up cards are so fun to receive, and they’re surprisingly easy to make too. Follow our simple step-by-step tutorial to make this paper heart craft and gift your handmade Valentine to someone special!
Here’s even more DIY Valentine’s Day card ideas:
Now available
Low-Mess Crafts for Kids Book
72 cute and fun crafts that kids and parents alike can enjoy. All with as little mess as possible!
Where to buy:
You can purchase Low-Mess Crafts for Kids from Amazon, or wherever books are sold:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-A-Million | Indiebound | Amazon Canada
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