Gone fishing A pop up box card tutorial

Hello, lovely crafters! 

Welcome back to The Glittery Pink Craft Room!

Today I've got something a little different to share with you — my very first step-by-step cardmaking tutorial! And what better project to start with than this fun fishing-themed pop-up box card, which I made for my son's 16th birthday? 🎂🎣

I absolutely love making cards that have a little surprise when you open them, and this one certainly delivers! It's packed with colourful fish, fishing accessories and lots of lovely dimension.

The best bit? The basic box is made from just one sheet of A4 cardstock, and despite looking quite complicated, it's surprisingly straightforward once you know how.

Even better, it folds flat so you can pop it into an envelope!

So grab your cardstock, scissors and a cuppa, and let's get crafting! ☕✂️

What you'll need

• One sheet of A4 white cardstock
• Patterned papers of your choice
• Decorative images or ephemera
• Scoreboard and scoring tool
• Paper trimmer or scissors
• Strong double-sided tape or wet glue
• Acetate strips (optional, for floating embellishments)
• A ruler
• A little patience and plenty of crafty enthusiasm! 💗

A little shout-out: The gorgeous fishing-themed patterned papers and ephemera I've used for this project are from JSSscrapboutique on Etsy. I just love the cheerful colours and all those fishing accessories!

Step 1 — Score your cardstock

Start with your sheet of A4 cardstock in landscape orientation.

Using your scoreboard, score along the long edge at:

2¾", 5½", 8¼" and 11"

This gives you four equal panels and a narrow joining tab.

Next, turn your cardstock into portrait orientation and trim it to 4¾" high, keeping the leftover cardstock because we'll need some of it later.

Score along the height at 2" to create the fold line for your top flaps.

You should now have the basic outline of your pop-up box card.

Step 2 — Cut and prepare the box

Now it's time to turn those score lines into a box!

Cut down the four vertical score lines from the top edge to the horizontal flap score line.

On the narrow joining tab, remove the section above the flap fold line.

You should now have four top flaps, four lower panels and one joining tab.

Gently fold and burnish all your score lines so everything folds neatly.

Step 3 — Make the internal supports

This is the clever little part that makes all those lovely decorations stand up inside the box!  Cut three strips approximately 1" deep. If you used the piece you cut off earlier, the score marks are exactly the right width, so just trim either side leaving about 1/2 inch on either side for flaps.  The width of the whole tab should be approx 3 1/4 with score lines at 1/4 inch and 3 inches.

Each strip needs a small folded tab at both ends so it can be attached inside the box. Apply strong adhesive to the tabs. Position the strips inside the box, running parallel to one another. These will give you three separate rows for your decorations.

Once they're attached, fold the box at the first fold and secure the opposite ends of the supports. Finally, glue the joining tab to close the box.

And there you have it — your basic pop-up box!

My crafty tip: Before adding glue, check that your box still folds flat. It's much easier to adjust the supports now than after you've added all your decorations!

Step 4 — Add your patterned papers

Now for the fun part — adding some colour! 🎨I've used these gorgeous fishing-themed papers from JSSboutique, including a lovely blue wave design and a cheerful fish pattern.

Cut the following pieces:

Four squares measuring 2½" × 2½"

Three rectangles measuring 2½" × 1¾"

The squares are for the main box panels and the rectangles decorate the folding flaps.

Before cutting your papers, have a little think about which designs you'd like on each section. Some patterns look better facing a particular direction. Adhere the papers to the box, leaving a neat white border around each piece. I've used the blue wave paper on the main body of my box and the colourful fish design on the flaps.

Step 5 — Prepare your decorations

Now we're getting to my favourite part! 💕

For this card, I used a lovely selection of fishing-themed ephemera, including:

• Colourful fish

• Fishing rods and tackle

• Reeds and trees

• A fishing hat

• The number 16

• The alphabet and cut out the word SON

Carefully cut out all your chosen elements, leaving a small white border if you prefer.

I love arranging everything on my desk before attaching it. It helps me decide which pieces should sit at the front, middle and back of the box.

Step 6 — Build your pop-up scene!

This is where the magic happens! ✨

Start adding your decorations to the internal supports, building up your scene in layers.

I positioned the larger elements, including the number 16, towards the back, with the smaller fish and fishing accessories arranged at different heights.

For a few of the decorations, I used small strips of clear acetate. This makes them look as though they're floating above the box — perfect for those little jumping fish!

Keep checking your arrangement from the front and sides as you go.

Try not to overcrowd any one section. Leaving a little space between the layers helps create that lovely three-dimensional effect.

Once you're happy with everything, make sure all the embellishments are securely attached.

The finished card! 🎣💙

And here it is!

A colourful, dimensional fishing-themed birthday card, complete with jumping fish, fishing tackle and a big number 16.

I love how all the little elements come together to create a miniature fishing scene!

And despite all those layers, the box can still fold flat, making it much easier to give or post. It fits into a 6x6 inch envelope.

Just remember to check the thickness before posting, as those extra embellishments may affect the postage.

Fancy making one yourself?

I've also put together a FREE printable tutorial with the measurements and step-by-step photographs, so you can keep it beside you while you craft.

🎀 Download the free pop-up box card tutorial here: Pop up box tutorial

You can also watch my quick video tutorial over on Instagram and TikTok at The Glittery Pink Craft Room.

And don't forget, you can use this same basic box design for so many different occasions — birthdays, Christmas, weddings, baby cards or just because!  Simply change the patterned papers and embellishments to suit your theme.

Thank you for crafting with me! 💕

I'd like to enter this into:

• Creative creases ATG
• AAA birthday - big and bold (the words and numbers)
• Allys angels - ATG
• Crafts galore encore - ATG

I really hope you've enjoyed my first tutorial!

If you give this pop-up box card a try, I'd absolutely love to see what you create. Leave me a comment or tag me over on Instagram.

And if you've enjoyed this tutorial, do pop back for more crafty inspiration, handmade cards and hopefully plenty more step-by-step projects!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Rachael 💗
The Glittery Pink Craft Room
✨ A Little Sparkle in Every Make ✨

Read More

Gingerbread from Christmas at the cottage

 Hello, crafty friends! 

Today I’m sharing a sweet little Christmas card packed with gingerbread charm, traditional reds and greens, and just enough sparkle to make it feel extra festive. The finished card is a 6 × 4 in top-folding design, and my favourite detail is the clear acetate section at the bottom.

I started by printing the already-coloured images from the Polkadoodles' Cottage at Christmas Downloads', then fussy cut the gingerbread couple and all those lovely festive foliage pieces. Using pre-coloured artwork made this a wonderfully quick make while still giving me plenty of time to enjoy the layering and arranging.

For the focal point, I cut cream cardstock with the Polkadoodles Pretty Scallop Ovals.  I removed the lower section of the card front and fixed acetate behind it, which gives the card its see-through window. A red gingham sheet from the Sparkling Christmas paper & topper pack went onto the inside back panel so the pattern peeks through beautifully.

Once the base was ready, I layered the gingerbread pair over the oval and tucked the poinsettia, berries, fir branches and little hanging heart around them. I used foam pads on selected pieces for dimension, then added the “With Love at Christmas” sentiment across the centre. A few tiny touches of Stickles brought the berries, snow and festive details to life without overpowering the artwork. You can browse more coordinating supplies in the Polkadoodles Christmas craft collection.

I love how the transparent lower panel makes the layered oval and gingerbread characters look as though they are floating, while the gingham behind adds warmth and pattern. It is a fun way to give a fairly simple card shape a little extra wow factor.

My project tip: Before sticking anything down, place the scalloped oval and all the fussy-cut pieces on the card and photograph the arrangement. It gives you a quick reference when you begin gluing, and it helps keep the composition balanced.

I’m really pleased with this cosy little Christmas scene — the gingerbread pair are such cheerful characters, and the acetate window adds a lovely surprise. Would you keep the red gingham, or try a snowy blue background for your version?

I'd like to enter this into:

Addicted to stamps - Christmas

Lil patch of crafty friends - anything goes

Crafty catz - anything goes

Creative fingers - Anything goes

Thanks so much for stopping by. If you do end up reading my rambles, I'd love it if you left me a comment, as I really do appreciate them all.  Also, I have other Social media channels listed above if blogging isn't your thing.

Crafting hugs

Rachael

Read More

Polkadoodles Hello Beautiful Autumn

 Hello crafty friends! Today I’m sharing a sweet little autumn card made with the gorgeous Polkadoodles Wishes in the Wind Winnie Autumn Wishes digital stamp. I loved the cosy feel of this image straight away — Winnie, the huge maple leaf, the little cat in the basket and the dog carrying a leaf all felt perfect for a warm, seasonal make.

I kept the card size at 6 x 4 and went for a clean white base so the colouring could really stand out. I printed the digi stamp, planned the placement of the sentiment above the image, and chose an autumn palette of olive greens, pumpkin oranges, warm browns and soft peach tones.

The main image was coloured with Ohuhu markers first, using them to build the base colour and shading. Once that was dry, I went back in with Polychromos pencils to add all the little details — leaf veins, folds in Winnie’s clothes, texture on the boots and scarf, and extra depth on the animals.

For the greeting, I used the Polkadoodles Big Hello sentiment die in olive green and paired it with a dark brown Rare Earth “beautiful” stamp underneath. I love how the bold die-cut word gives the card height, while the script sentiment keeps it soft and pretty.

I finished the panel with a hand-drawn stitched border and kept the embellishments simple — no sparkle this time, just lovely autumn colour. I also die cut and displayed leaves using the Polkadoodles Winter Botanical Bits dies, which tied in beautifully with the falling leaves in the stamp.

My project tip: If you like colouring with both markers and pencils, keep the marker layers smooth and simple first, then use pencils to add the tiny details at the end. It gives the image a lovely hand-finished look without overworking it.

I’m really happy with how this one turned out — it feels cheerful, cosy and very autumnal. If you fancy making your own version, you can find the Winnie digital stamp on the Polkadoodles website using the link above. What autumn colours are you reaching for at the moment?

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks you for stopping by in my little crafting world - for more inspiration, please do click on the social links above, or leave me a little comment!

See you soon - crafty hugs

Rachael

Read More

Polkadoodles leafy umbrella - Winnie is back!

 Hello crafty friends! 

Today I’m sharing a cosy autumn card using the gorgeous Polkadoodles Leafy Autumn/Fall Umbrella Winnie Autumn Wishes digi stamp. I absolutely loved colouring this one — Winnie with her giant leafy umbrella is such a sweet rainy-day image, and the little squirrel beside her makes it feel even more autumnal.

I made the card on a 6 x 4 base and kept the main image as the focus. After printing the digi stamp, I coloured the scene with Ohuhu markers, using warm oranges and browns for the leaf umbrella, olive greens for Winnie’s coat, soft yellows for the scarf and cool blues for the rain and puddle.

Once the marker colouring was dry, I added Polychromos pencil details over the top. This helped deepen the shading, pick out the leaf veins, add texture to the boots and clothing, and give the puddle and raindrops a little more definition.

For the bottom of the card, I used the Polkadoodles Winter Botanical Bits Craft Cutting Dies to create a dark brown leafy border, then added a couple of small coloured leaves for contrast. I finished it with a little twine, a button and the “Autumn Wishes” sentiment strip.

My project tip: If you’re mixing alcohol markers and pencils, let the marker layer dry fully before adding pencil work. You’ll get cleaner detail and much better control for tiny areas like leaves, hair and clothing folds.

I'd like to enter this into:

• Send a smile for kids - Cute fall/halloween.
• Creative inspirations - anything goes
• Time out challenges - Seasonal colours where you live (Autumn in UK) 
• Classic design challenge - AG with optional twist use autumn colours

I’m really happy with how this cheerful rainy-day autumn card turned out. It has all the cosy seasonal details I love — warm leaves, tiny raindrops, a sweet character image and a natural twine-and-button finish. Have you tried colouring this Winnie image yet?  There is a whole collection of these lovely images in the new release - check out the collection here!.

Thank you for stopping by!

See you again soon!

Rachael

Read More

Sparkling Mistletoe joy card Polkadoodles die cuts

 Hello crafting friends

I’ve been having a lovely festive play with layers, sparkle, and a really cheerful pop of colour, and this 5 × 7 in Christmas card is the result! I wanted the design to feel crisp and bright, so I paired soft grey gingham with zingy green mistletoe and a bold red “Joy”. All products come from the new Polkadoodles range called Sparkling Christmas

I started with a white card blank and added a panel from the Polkadoodles Sparkling Christmas paper pack. The pale check gives the card a wintry background without competing with all those lovely die-cut details. A white scalloped eyelet panel on top adds another clean layer and frames the whole design.

Next came the fun bit: lots of die cutting! I used the Polkadoodles Sweet Mistletoe Ribbon dies (PD9200) for the leafy sprays and statement bow, then the Polkadoodles Joy die (PD9183) for that fabulous oversized word. I cut extra pieces and layered them up, which makes the shapes feel sturdier and gives the finished card much more depth.

I arranged the mistletoe first, overlapping the stems so it looked loose and natural, then tucked the big red bow across the top. The flowing ribbon tails help lead your eye down towards the “Joy” sentiment, which I placed across the lower half of the card for a really bold finish.

For the final touch, I dotted Tonic Studios Nuvo Glitter Drops in White Blizzard (758N) over the mistletoe berries. They dry into raised, glittery little accents, so the greenery catches the light without needing loose glitter everywhere — always a bonus!

My project tip: Before you glue anything down, photograph your arrangement on your phone. It makes it much easier to rebuild the layers in the right order, especially when you have lots of delicate mistletoe stems crossing over one another.

I love how fresh this one feels — traditional Christmas red and green, but with that cool gingham background and plenty of dimension. Would you keep the classic colours, or try the bow and sentiment in something completely different?

I'd like to enter this into:

Craft rocket Challenge - use dies

A perfect time to craft - anything goes

Classic design challenge - Anything goes with optional twist of die cuts

Merry little Christmas - anything Christmas goes

Thanks so much for dropping by  - I love to see you here!

Crafting hugs

Rachael

Read More

Witchy wishes from Polkadoodles

 

Hello crafting fiends (yes, we are no longer friends; it's Halloween making time!)

Firstly a bit of a disclaimer... I have started using ChatGPT to brighten my background layouts to show off my cards.  A short blurb into the software, along with the photo and some details of the items you want it to display in the background, and it creates a perfect layout to display my project.  If you see stuff on my pages stating AI-generated, please know that my cards are all totally handmade, from scratch, using real supplies!  Only the photo editing and background are done via AI. 

I had such fun making this bright little Halloween card! I started with a clean 5 × 7 inch white base, then built a colourful focal cluster using the witch, broomstick, cat and “Broom Parking” sentiment from the Polkadoodles Grab Your Broomstick Matchables stamp set.  This stamp and die set is no longer available, but... if you go to the Polkadoodles website, there are plenty of other cute witchy characters and stamps you could use to replace the one I used.

For the background, I raided my scrap box and tore up little pieces of Polkadoodles backing paper. The lime green, purple and monochrome patterns were layered behind the characters, keeping the panel fairly compact so there was still plenty of fresh white space around it.

I stamped the images onto colouring card and brought them to life with Ohuhu markers. I went for a wonderfully witchy mix of green skin, glossy black hair, deep purple clothes and bright orange stars, with warm brown on the broom. Once everything was coloured, I fussy cut each piece and left a slim white border to keep the outlines lovely and crisp.

When I assembled the card, I tucked the broom behind the witch, popped the tiny black cat beside her skirt and ran the “Broom Parking” sentiment across the right-hand side on a longer black strip. Trying the layout before adding glue made it much easier to balance all those bold shapes.

The final touch was a scattering of purple Nuvo Drops in different sizes. I placed nine in clusters around the image, mostly in the white space, then left the card flat until they were completely dry. They add just the right amount of shine and dimension without stealing the spotlight from that fabulous witch.

My project tip: A slim white border around fussy-cut stamped images works like a built-in frame. It keeps even black hair and tiny broom details clear when they overlap patterned papers.

I really love the mix of cute characters, bold colour and scrappy texture on this one. It feels spooky without being scary—and the little cat in its tiny witch’s hat might just be my favourite bit! Which detail catches your eye first?

I'd like to enter this into:

Colour dare challenge - use colour palette 

Creative inspirations challenge - Anything goes

Tic tac toe challenge - using grid (bottom line die cut (fishtail and banners), patterned paper (even if only scraps) bright colours

Thanks for dropping by - leave me a comment, and please click on the icons in the right corner to follow me on other social media platforms.

See you very soon

Crafting hugs

Rachael

Read More

Tropical 40th birthday card

 Hello crafty friends! 

Today I’m sharing a bright and cheerful 40th birthday card made especially for my sister-in-law Donna, featuring the fabulous Stamping Bella Summer Bundle Girl and Puppy Hula Dance rubber stamp.

I started with a bold pink polka-dot background, layered onto black cardstock for a crisp border. For the centre, I blended yellow and orange inks onto white card and added a fine script stamp over the top. I love how that little bit of texture makes the panel feel lively without competing with the main image.

Next, I framed the inky panel with white stitched and scalloped die-cut layers. The clean white frame gives all those tropical colours room to shine and creates a lovely stage for the girl, her puppy and the oversized birthday greeting.

I stamped the Stamping Bella image onto smooth colouring card and used alcohol markers to bring the flowers, grass skirt, pink outfit and sweet little puppy to life. After fussy cutting the pair with a narrow white border, I raised them on foam pads so they sit proudly in front of the frame.

For the wording, I mixed several die-cut styles to make the milestone feel really special. I used the Julie Hickey Designs sweet pea numbers die set for the big pink “40” and its small black “th”, then added the black script “birthday” from a Crafter’s Companion die set. The Time for Tea Designs Hey, Hello, Hi Sentiment Die creates the bold layered “hey” across the right side, and two separate Crafter’s Companion word-die set called relations provided the pale yellow “sister” and “in-law” lettering along the bottom. A tiny pearl accent finished everything off.

My little tip: lay out all the large sentiment pieces before sticking anything down. They take up more space than you expect, and arranging them first makes it much easier to balance the characters and keep every word readable.

I had such fun combining the hot pinks, sunny oranges and tropical flowers on this one. It feels bright, playful and perfect for a milestone celebration. Do you enjoy mixing lots of different sentiment dies on one card, or do you usually keep the greeting simple?

I'd like to enter this into:

Thanks so much for stopping by - leave me a message if you can; it makes my day to read them, other social media can be found in the top right corner of my blog page.

Crafty hugs

Rachael

Read More