How to make a pop-up scene

Created 21 March 2004 My son and I made this pop-up scene (click it for a larger view): It was easy and fun, and it really does fold flat then pop up when opened. You will need stiff paper, drawing tools, scissors, and glue. How much you plan the scene ahead of time is up to you. Take one sheet of stiff paper, and fold it in half. The geometry of the pop-up is straightforward: each separate element has a vertical front (the part with the drawing), and a horizontal support (that attaches to the backdrop). If those two gluing distances are right, then when the scene is opened, each element will form a rectangle with the base and the backdrop. Draw the backdrop and the base on the sleeve. Draw each separate element of the scene on a piece of stiff paper. Each element also needs enough paper left above it for the support. Each element will be cut in a long vertical strip, and then folded in three places. Fold the base tab. Repeat for each element, then sit back and enjoy your art! Related: