How to Make a 3D Card: 23+ Card Making Ideas
Once you learn how to make cards, you will never need to buy again! Check out the bonus embellishments, too!
Do you know how to make a 3D card? 2D cards are easy to make, but 3D cards are a little trickier. Whether you want to make a DIY pop-up card or create DIY embellishments to give a flat card some texture, this collection, How to Make a 3D Card: 23+ Card Making Ideas will provide you with the inspiration to get started!
Take a look at these fantastic 3D card making ideas and 3D embellishments. Using various techniques, there's something for everyone. You'll never want to make another 2D card again after experiencing how fun these 3D cards are to make and how awesome a card can look.
PLUS! For visual learners, we have a video tutorial right below that features a gorgeous pop-up card that you can learn how to make by following along. This project can also be adapted for any occasion.
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Table of Contents
How to Make a 3D Card
Learn how to make handmade 3D greeting cards by following along with this simple how-to tutorial from Stephenie Hamen for Tonic Studios.
Supplies:
Paper trimmer
Craft knife
Floral tools
Adhesive tape runner
Stamps (1532E)
Cardstock
Patterned paper (floral)
Self-Healing craft mat
Stamping block
Black ink
Instructions:
1. Cut cardstock to 8-1/2" x 5-1/2" then fold down the middle. (images 1 & 2)
2. Cut an extra piece of cardstock to 5" x 1". (image 3)
3. Mark at 1" increments then fold. (images 4 & 5)
4. Adhere one of the folded sections to the bottom middle of the top portion of the inside of the card. (image 6)
*** If you are going to add in a fun patterned paper background, do this now or you will end up having to remove this later (image 16) to put it on when you are done.
5. Fold the rest of the piece to be a box, adhering the last panel to the first. (image 7)
6. Adhere the bottom of the cube to the top middle portion of the bottom half of the card. (images 8 & 9)
7. Cut a fun patterned paper square (approx. 2-1/2" x 2-1/2") and adhere to the front for the square. This will be the base to work from for the pop-up. (image 10)
8. Using your knife and craft mat, cut 4 flowers and 4 leaves from the floral patterned paper. (image 11)
9. Adhere 3 of the flowers to scraps of the cardstock. (image 12)
10. Adhere these to the back of the base, turning it into a vase (image 13) adding the leaves in as well.
11. Stamp a "hello" sentiment. (image 14)
12. Cut it with paper trimmer to look like a mini flag (image 15) then adhere to the vase.
13. Cut and insert patterned paper to write sentiment on.
14. Cut paper for the front panels (images 17 and 18) - layer and adhere.
15. Take the floral tools and add dimension to the remaining flower and leaves you had cut out. (image 19)
16. Adhere to the front. (image 20)
17. Admire and test out your finished DIY 3D card. (images 21, 22, & 23)
3D Card Making Ideas
From pop-up Christmas cards to floral cards and more, we have 3D card making ideas for any occasion! Use paper quilling ideas to make swirly designs on your next dimensional card, or follow easy cutting tutorials to make your cards pop open.
If you haven't hopped on the 3D cards trend, you've fallen behind! Catch up and be amazed at the results when you learn how to make a card that is amazingly dimensional.
3D Birthday Card Ideas
Looking for a card that will blow away the birthday boy or girl? Regardless of his or her preferences, you'll find a 3D birthday card template that's the perfect fit.
No need to be intimidated by these projects - these Hallmark-worthy cards are surprisingly easy paper projects!
PLUS! DIY Embellishments
Rather than crafting a 3D card, you can make 2D cards and add 3D embellishments! These DIY embellishments are perfect little projects because they're quick to make and can make any craft more dimensional.
Learning how to make 3d greeting cards is awesome, especially when you see how to add impressive embellishments. These projects are great to add to cards, but you can use them for scrapbooking and any other paper craft projects, too.
Have you ever made a 3D card? If so, how long does it usually take?
Let us know in the comments!
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Blando Calrissian
Aug 08, 2018
There are so many great ideas for 3D cards here! I'll never have to visit the card aisle again!!
Daughter of Light
Jun 18, 2018
3D cards are terrific! They are sooooo versatile and free spirited. They can be given for many different occasions. I usually have the materials already in my stash and I love that they can be tailored to the person you're giving them to without much difficulty. They are very easy to make up ahead of time and have on hand when a card giving occasion comes up unexpectedly. I find this especially true of floral ones like the one here!
Member 9109083
Aug 22, 2017
I love this a href="http//popupcard.net"3d cards/a too much. Really lovely cards . I am sure my child will love them.
Jen 8067345
Jun 19, 2017
It often takes me awhile to come up with an idea or design. Once I have something in mind, and have pulled out all my supplies, I make several cards. It can take several hours to make one card, and not much longer to make several. Occasionally I pull out just paints, markers, pencils, etc., and just make background papers!
pam 5542630
Jul 03, 2016
I LOVE making 3D Cards! They usually take more time to make, but the recipients are always so impressed and surprised when they open them. I think my favorites are the Cards in a Box. I made a batch of bases, so when I want to make one, all I have to do is decorate it. I also like stair step cards!
susanbaker2017 599 4095
Jun 13, 2016
I always make a prototype using cheap Walmart cardstock before making a 3-D card. That usually takes about 20 minutes, or so. The actual card takes much longer because it has to be decorated, maybe several hours longer. I love the look of 3-D cards!!!
angelikeme
Jun 11, 2016
It takes me at least 2 hours to make a 3-D card. I add my own flare. Thanks for the inspiration and for the opportunity to win a gift.
jmr63 1996018
Jun 08, 2016
I rarely make my own cards I have not tried to make a 3-D one but after reading, I might attempt to start trying! I enjoy crafts even though I am disabled with severe rheumatoid arthritis. On good days, I enjoy it!
karawaldner 306086 2
Jun 08, 2016
I don't usually make 3D cards except for very special occasions for a special person, but when I do it usually takes me a couple of hours sometimes even a whole day.
Rokmier
Jun 08, 2016
They usually take me just about two hours, which is why I make them for very special occasions.
MN crafter in TX
Jun 07, 2016
I don't generally make 3D cards as I mail most of mine, but do like pop ups so will have to check these out.
dkisamore 6587996
Jun 07, 2016
I don't own any of the fancy card making equipment, but I have made free hand flower templates of varying sizes, shapes, colors and then stacked them on a piece of cardstock or construction paper with a brad through the center. I made approx. 10 cards and envelopes with these 3-d flowers on them and it took about 2 hours. My biggest problem was stuffing the envelopes without crushing the flowers.
rosemaryschild
Jun 07, 2016
I have never triedmaking a 3-D card, but these are amazing! Great giveaway -thanks
Peppermint Pixie
Jun 06, 2016
I only made one once. It was pretty difficult and I was not happy with the results. It took several hours - I would say 4-5. Back then, we didn't have some of the nifty tools and things available to us these days.
nusbaumfamily 3661 673
Jun 06, 2016
It takes me at least 2 hours to make a 3-D card because it is a work in progress. I add my own flare. Thanks for the inspiration and for the opportunity to win a mystery gift.
jackiepos 8945586
Jun 06, 2016
I love to make 3-D cards! It is my gift to the recipient. It will usually take me a couple of hours (at least) to make a 3-D card. I am a perfectionist! I use pop-dots, paper quilling, paper flowers and layered die-cuts to make my 3-D cards. I would be SO excited to win! I don't know how to include a photo of the 3-D cards I have made. I am "old school" and am still learning "modern technology".
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