Does your child want to craft a card that really stands out—and up? This charming animal-themed card adds a 3-D twist to a typical Valentine! By experimenting with different cuts and folds, your amateur card maker will be introduced to the concept of spatial reasoning and gain a better understanding of geometry, as well. Plus, opening a card with a 3-D surprise will be great fun for the recipient!
What You Need:
- Paper
- Crayons, colored pencils, or markers
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
What You Do:
- Have your child fold two pieces of paper in half. These halves will become the outside and inside of your card, so they need to be the same size.
- Instruct your child to fold the inside card (this can be either sheet of paper) closed. Guide your child in making a cut or a series of cuts with scissors on the folded end. Keeping the card closed, instruct your child to fold these cuts to make angles.
- Open the card, and have your child punch the angles forward to create 3-D pop-up shapes. These shapes will become the base of decoration for the card.
- Help your child decorate the inside card as a friendly talking animal. Your 3-D shape will be the animal’s beak or mouth. Use crayons, colored pencils, or markers. You can add stamps, stickers, or other supplies, too.
- Prompt your child to come up with a creative design for the inside of the card. Add a “Happy Valentine's Day” message, or a greeting suited to a different special occasion.
- Encourage your child to draw small animals on the outside card that match the talking animal on the inside.
- When she's finished decorating, make sure the shapes in the inside card are punched forward to be 3-D. Have your child fold both the inside and outside cards closed. Place the inside card in the fold of the outside card, and help her glue the cards together.
- Make sure she allows the glue to dry before giving the card to a favorite friend or relative!
These cards are quick and fun to make, and the final product is much appreciated by relatives, grandparents, and friends. Your child can craft a cute 3-D card as a gift for birthdays, holidays, or just for saying, “You make me happy” with a big pop-up smile!
Carly Schuna is a freelance writer and editor who enjoys writing and reading children's literature. She has written and edited dozens of puzzles and activities and has served on the editorial staff of Highlights for Children and Highlights High Five magazines.
California Virtual Academies
Full-time, tuition-free public charter school serving California students.
Learn More »
Add your own comment