Cards can be printed on embossed paper or with lenticular effects to give the illusion of depth.
Greeting cards with added depth allow the designer to express their creativity in a fun and eye-catching way. Creating your own 3D cards is a great family project and holiday gift idea. Children always enjoy pop-up books in which three-dimensional objects rise from the flat surface of the pages. The same principle can be applied to the inner fold of a card. An added dimension can also be created by printing small cut-outs to be attached to the front of the card. Customized 3D photo cards can also be purchased from professional printers who use lenticular printing techniques.
Instructions
Pop-Up Cards
1. Download or draw a template for the object you would like to have stand out from the interior card when opened. It might be a flower, a Christmas tree or an animal.
2. Print or trace the template on thick cardstock. For a more elaborate pop-up, multiple cutouts may be required that interconnect.
3. Cut out the cardstock as indicated by the template and fold according to the template's specifications. The outcome will resemble an origami paper craft which folds together when pressed in at the sides.
4. Fold back the edges along the sides of more elaborate cut-outs that will need to be glued to the card. This will create flat tabs to attach to the inner card. Glue the tabs to the card by attaching them where they touch when folded.
5. Print the front of the card that will serve as a backing to the card's interior. The card size should be the same as that already created. Glue the front to the outside of the card, opposite the interior from which the pop-up extends.
Two-layer Cards
6. Print the front and back of your card using your own design or professional greeting card software. Print a duplicate card to cut out any objects that you want to appear in the forefront on the cover. These matching cutouts will be raised from the surface of the front of the card. You can also print separate cutouts if your initial card only includes a backdrop image or design.
7. Attach pre-cut foam adhesive squares to the front of the card where you want to attach the cutouts.
8. Attach the cutouts to the top of the foam squares with the foam adhesive or glue. This will give make the cutouts stand out from the surface of the front of the card.
9. Glue any other small objects on the card that you would like to include. These will give the card added depth and can include buttons, ribbons, small leaves or colored pieces of foam.
Lenticular Cards
10. Select a 3D card design from a photo and card website that prints personalized lenticular cards. Lenticular printing gives the illusion of depth, causing an image to move when viewed from different angles.
11. Customize your card by uploading personal photos to include in the design and adding text.
12. Proof and purchase the card, following the website's design and ordering procedures.
