How To Make Pop-Ups by Joan Irvine is one of those craft reference books that I can’t imagine not having. This book not only a great introduction to making pop-ups, it has lots of ideas pop-up fans can build upon to make complicated projects. I’m always amazed how a simple cut and a bit of glue can turn paper into moving, three-dimensional cards.
The book begins with easy explanations on folding and scoring. Detailed illustrations accompany directions. Some of the projects use an X-acto knife for cutting in the center of the page. Most of the projects can be done with scissors, and most can be done by elementary aged children. The first projects involve making a pop-up strip. The book has suggestions for rectangle, house, egg, and butterfly shaped cards. One of my favorites is the talking mouth card. You can make the mouth belong to a frog, or a lion, or a monster.
How To Make Pop-Ups guides the reader gently into more complicated projects. The second part of the book teaches different folds. It’s so easy to make a spiral that pops out when the card is opened. The third part of the book teaches how to make pull tabs. Projects include a blasting rocket, doors and windows that open, and a dragon that breathes fire. Turning Circles are really fun. You can make a TV that changes pictures, or a face that goes from happy to sad.
My favorite part of the book is Part Four “Combining Ideas”. These projects take a little more time, but the results are worth it! Instructions include a fold up zoo with caged animals and using a lot of different ideas for making a pop-up book.
You can search inside the book at Amazon. You might also take a look at the authors Easy To Make Pop-Ups, How to Make Holiday Pop-Ups and How to Make Super-Pop-Ups.
I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun afternoon of child friendly projects, or to crafters. I’d especially recommend it to those who want to add an extra fun touch to homemade greeting cards, scrapbook pages, or to altered book projects.
Also See:
The Lost Art of Towel Origami – Alison Jenkins
Sticky Note Origami – David Mitchell
Vintage Pop-Up Cards – Taylor Hagerty