Craft tutorials and free templates

8-bit popup cards

Hello! Remember that pixel heart card I made a while back? Well it has been one of my most popular tutorials to date so I thought I would add another few designs to the collection. Meet ‘space-invader popup’ and ‘skull popup’:

8-bit popup cards

Like the heart card, they are really minimal (which I just love) and easy to make once you have got the hang of it.

8-bit popup cards

You definitely need a craft knife (and a steady hand) to make these cards this project is only really suitable for adults or teenagers.

8-bit popup cards

8-bit popup cards

8-bit popup cards

If you want to have a go at making them you will find full instructions and downloadable templates after the jump.

HOW-TO

Suitable for: Teenagers & grown ups
Card size: 8.5cm x 6.5cm
Envelope size: 9cm x 7cm

8-bit popup cards



You will need:
♥ Paper
♥ Craft knife
♥ Ruler (preferably a metal one)
♥ Cutting mat (optional)
♥ Needle (or compass point) for scoring

1. Download the card and envelope templates and print out (I used paper rather than card). Using some scissors trim around the edge of the template.
Space invader template
Skull template
Envelope template

Then cut and score along the correct lines on the template (see diagrams below for more guidance). Do ensure that you cut and score as accurately as you can. (I use a needle and ruler for scoring).

2. As you (slowly) fold the card in half the space invader, or skull, should begin to pop-out. This is the trickiest step so make sure you take your time. If the shape does not automatically pop out you can use a toothpick (or something similar) to ease the shape out as you are folding. When your card is shut smooth down.

If you are having problems with this step refer to the heart popup card tutorial for a more in-depth explanation.

3. Cut out the outer card and glue/tape popup insert inside. I kept mine plain (I like the minimal look! but you can use patterned paper if you fancy it).

4. Cut out your envelope template

5. Pop card inside

6. Stick down!

If you have any questions then do ask (leave a comment below).

8-bit popup cards

8-bit popup cards

8-bit popup cards
More 8-bit goodies

My older brothers used to have a ZX Spectrum (I would have been about 8 at the time) and occasionally i was allowed to have a go on Jet Set Willy which I l-o-v-e-d. I was thrilled to find a version that you can play online here. Yay!

Dafont has a whole collection of free pixel fonts. Including a great pixel invaders font!

86 thoughts on “8-bit popup cards

  1. Lovely cards . So hard to find one for my nephews. Perfect
    Thank you for the tutorial .

  2. I love these! Definitely going to give them a try. I did a pop-up card course a few months ago and it takes patience, but I think these are worth the effort 🙂 x

  3. These are AMAZING. FYI – There is a small error in the template for the space invader – some of the green lines around the legs should be red. Thanks so much for this tutorial 🙂

  4. Hello Anne…thank you for such a lovely comment. It brightened my day.

    Love back to France
    x

  5. Hi Gallentitaa,

    They look fantastic…well done you. (Great also that you managed without a printer). I spotted the error in the template (thanks to Helen) and have adjusted it.

    Cheerio for now
    Kate ^_^

  6. I totally made an 8-bit heart card today so I wanted to try these out but I downloaded the skull pattern and there seems to be a problem with the template. Could you email me a PDF of it without a huge box right through the middle of the pattern?

    Thanks,

    Danielle

  7. Hi Danielle,

    The pdf I have is exactly the same as the one on the site…so I don’t think emailing it would fix the problem. Try saving it to your hard-drive first and see if that sorts it. Kate ^_^

  8. Hi, I only found your site because you linked to my remake of Jet Set Willy – I’m glad you liked it! These cards are amazing! I hope I can try making one of these out for myself one day!

  9. Thanks Matt…yeah…loved the remake….bought back memories! I never really got into the newer computer games….I do love the old-school ones though…

  10. Brilliant, absolutely love it! Saw this link on NOTCOT, will be making them all. ;-D

  11. yay…thanks for pointing me to your version Carol…you managed to figure out the little antennae too which is cool. I was scratching my head about that one.

  12. These were pretty and not too hard to do, althought the process of folding out the “invader” was a bit tough for a first timer at pop up cards.

  13. Hi Miliezebomb. i just popped over to your blog…your card looks great. Hope your Dad like it. Kate ^_^

  14. Thanks for posting these – have just made some and they turned out great! What program do you use to design the templates?

    thanks

  15. This is an EXCELLENT IDEA! You’re soooo talented! Thanks for sharing this awesome craft 😀 <3

  16. Muito obrigado pelas informações me ajudou muito
    E acho tudo lindo e muito criativo

  17. Hi Kate,

    This was to make sure you know i TOTALLY ENJOY reading this website.

    I made so many cards for my friends using your website and OMG they like the cards SO MUCH!!
    Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful crafts.
    Please put more!! Thanks again for sharing
    From,
    Emily

  18. Thanks for the kind comments Emily…its the summer holidays here at the moment so production is pretty low at the moment 😉 Both my boys will be in school from September so the blog will be much more active then ^_^

  19. if you want me to send some ‘colour blind friendly templates’ to your email address let me know

  20. I think the success of these cards lies in the simplicity. I cant think of any simple star wars motif that would lend itself to this kind of design. If you have any ideas do let me know ^_^

  21. hello, your cards are beautiful, could you do the format for a heart? I can not figure out how to get it up (pop-up in short) thanks ^ ^

  22. Wow I loooove this card!!
    I have been looking for such creative cool pop up card!!
    Your idea is amazing! XD
    Naomi @Japan

  23. Aw, this was an incredibly good post. Spending some time and actual effort to make a great article… but what can I say…
    I put things off a lot and never manage to get anything done.

  24. HI there!
    your pop-up are really awesome!fresh, cool!Really good post, great work! I made them for my friends and they were just..so pleased!Some people ask me if i can do them for a charity event to earn some money, but i was wondering about your copyright and stuff!
    greetings from Italy! ^_^

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  26. I just love these! I always want to make gifts and cards and things more personal, and I have since found that simple ones do the trick:) That makes these designs (especially the space invader) ideal. If you have any other ideas for cards like these that would be even better!

    Thank you so much for the designs:D

  27. I’ve just made the pixel heart card, and tomorrow I’m trying these! Thank you for the inspiration and for the designs 🙂

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