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DIY Pop-Up Polaroid Album Tutorial — A Clever Handmade Mini Album You’ll Love to Open!


Hello G45ers!

Are you ready to take your handmade albums to the next level? This DIY Pop-Up Polaroid Album tutorial is bursting with creative ideas, clever folding techniques, and that satisfying “wow” factor we all love in interactive papercrafts. Whether you’re a seasoned scrapbooker or just dipping your toes into the world of paper crafting, this mini album is the perfect weekend project to spark your imagination.

In this fun and easy step-by-step guide, Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Evanjelene shows you how to transform simple cardstock into a 3D keepsake that’s as fun to make as it is to open. You’ll learn how to create pop-up layers, add interactive movement, and style your album with personality and charm. Think of it as a little explosion of creativity—perfect for photos, memories, or a handmade gift that makes everyone say, “How did you do that?”

Grab your paper trimmer, adhesive, and favorite patterned papers, and let’s craft something truly unforgettable. You’ll be amazed how quickly this clever pop-up album comes together, and how much joy it brings when those layers unfold like magic!

 

Polaroid Pop-Up Album

Tutorial by Evanjelene

 

“Hello crafty friends,

Today I am here to share something that is as fun to make as it is to open. Using the bright and cheerful Seas the Day collection from Graphic 45, I created a mini pop up album that brings the ocean to life right in your hands. Think of it as a pocket-sized aquarium!

 

#G45Reel

@graphic45_papercrafting

✂️ Watch this sheet of paper POP into a mini album masterpiece! This DIY Polaroid Pop-Up Album is giving ✨handmade magic✨ — and yes, it’s easier than it looks! Save this reel for your next craft night 💕 Album by Evanjelene #DIYAlbum #PaperCraftingMagic #Graphic45 #PopUpAlbum #CraftTok

♬ Calm Sea - Amanda Rosa

 

 

Materials Used

Seas the Day 12×12 paper collection pack

Seas the Day Ephemera and Chipboard pieces

Kraft paper

G45 Square Tag Metal Die

Paper trimmer and scoreboard

Scissors

Corner punch

Adhesive of your choice

 

Step by Step Process

 

Step 1: Create the Card Base

Take a Kraft paper sized 11 x 5.5 inches and fold it in half.

Die cut it using the G45 Square Tag Die.

Tip: When die cutting, make sure to place the die slightly away from the fold so the fold remains intact. This way you get a card base instead of two separate tags.

 

Step 2: Add Patterned Paper

Cover the base with patterned papers from Seas the Day. This is where the collection really shines with its undersea magic.

 

Step 3: Make the First Pop Up

Cut a patterned paper strip of 8 x 4 inches. Score at 2 inches, 4 inches, and 6 inches, then fold it to form a W shape.

Punch the corners with a round corner punch so it matches neatly with your card base.

 

Step 4: Create the Pop Up Window

On the center fold of the W strip, cut a small slit about 0.5 x 3 inches. This will act as a window for your pop up elements.

 

Step 5: Add the Pop Up Support

Take another strip of paper sized 8 x 2 7/8 inches. Score at 0.5 inches, 4 inches, and 7.5 inches and fold into a W.

Adhere the 0.5 inch ends to either side of the card base so that it sits across the center.

 

Step 6: Insert the Window Piece

Slide your first W strip (with the cut slit) into the pop up support you just glued down. This is where the magic starts happening.

 

Step 7: Multiply the Fun

Repeat this process to create two or more pop up layers and stack them together for a fuller interactive effect.

 

Step 8: Decorate the Album

Bring your ocean alive by adding ephemera and chipboard pieces from Seas the Day. Fish, corals, turtles, and shells all add that finishing touch.

 

Tips

Always crease your folds well with a bone folder to ensure the pop up action works smoothly.

Use foam tape behind your ephemera to add extra dimension.

Balance the colors of the sea elements so the album feels lively without being too crowded.

 

And there you have it—a mini pop up album that is easy, fun, and sure to bring smiles. This little project is perfect as a gift or as a cheerful addition to your craft shelf.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this project inspires you to Seas the Day and dive into your papers. Until next time, happy crafting!”

 

Warmly,

Evanjelene

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Evanjelene

2025-2026 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador

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Looking for more Seas the Day project inspo? Check out the Album Kit and Card Kit.

 

SHOP SEAS THE DAY

 

And there you have it—a clever, compact, and oh-so-fun DIY Pop-Up Polaroid Album that’s sure to inspire smiles! Whether you make one for a friend, display it on your craft shelf, or tuck it into a handmade gift, this little project proves that papercrafting is all about joy, creativity, and connection.

We’d love to see your version!
Share your pop-up albums with us by tagging @Graphic45 so we can celebrate your creativity.

Until next time, keep crafting, keep creating, and most of all—keep finding magic in paper!

Happy Papercrafting!
 
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