Hello G45ers!
Get ready to wow your friends and family with a birthday card that literally pops! Today on the Graphic 45 blog, we’re celebrating with a whimsical Pop-Up Z-Fold Card Tutorial by Brand Ambassador Evanjelene. Using the playful Hip Hip Hooray paper collection, this card brings a magical woodland party to life with just a few easy folds and festive embellishments. Whether you’re a seasoned paper crafter or a beginner looking for your next DIY project, this handmade birthday card is packed with fun, creativity, and joy. So grab your scoreboard and favorite patterned paper—it’s time to craft a card that’s almost too cute to give away!
Birthday Pop-Up Z Fold Card
Tutorial By Evanjelene
“Hello crafty friends!
Today, we’re heading into the woods for a charming little celebration and you’re invited! I’ve created a cheerful pop-up Z Fold card using the beautiful Graphic 45 “Hip Hip Hooray” collection and it’s perfect for bringing birthday smiles and forest vibes to your cardmaking table.
This card is a leveled-up version of the Hip Hip Hooray Card kit. With just a few simple steps, some favorite G45 papers and a sprinkle of imagination, you’ll have a party scene unfolding right from your hands.
#G45Reel
Make Someone’s Day with a Pop-Up Card – Tutorial by Evanjelene
Let’s Craft This Woodland Scene!
- Start with a 12×6″ Kraft paper and score at 3” and 6”. Fold along the scores to form the Z shape. This gives us the base for the pop-up.
- Choose your favorite papers from the “Hip Hip Hooray” collection. I went for a mix of greens and yellows to give it a fresh and playful forest look! Cover all panels of your base.
- Cut a 12×1.5” Kraft paper strip for the banner. Score it at 6” and 9”, then fold in a Z again. Cover it with coordinating paper and glue the ends to the base of your card. I used the “Hooray” banner elements here to set the party mood.
- Now take a 12×1” Kraft strip, score and fold like the banner. Cover with patterned paper. Then comes the fun part – layering the ephemera, chipboard and die-cuts to build your woodland party! I’ve tucked in leafy die-cuts, stacked animals and created a little forest where the celebration takes place.
- If you want to give your card a snug little hug, add a belly band. I added a “Best Day Ever” circle and a few extra leaves to complete the look.
Products Used:
- Hip Hip Hooray 12×12 Paper Pad
- Hip Hip Hooray Ephemera Assortment
- Hip Hip Hooray Chipboard Elements
- Kraft cardstock
- Scoreboard, trimmer and strong glue
- A dash of creativity and a love for birthdays in the forest!
This pop-up Z fold card is very quick to make. Whether you gift it to a little one or a nature-loving grown-up, it’s sure to be a keeper.
So grab your papers, scoreboards and a cup of ginger ale (like I did while crafting!) and create your own woodland birthday moment.
Until next time, happy crafting with Graphic 45!
Love,






Evanjelene – India
2024-2025 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador
Tips for Card Makers:
1. Start with the Right Base
Using a 12×6″ piece of Kraft cardstock gives you plenty of space to showcase layers and dimension.
2. Layer for Depth
Mix ephemera, chipboard, and die-cuts to create visual interest. Stack elements to draw the eye into the party scene.
3. Keep it Cohesive
Stick to a coordinated color palette. Evanjelene used greens and yellows from the Hip Hip Hooray collection to create a bright, forest-inspired theme.
4. Add Interactive Elements
Pop-ups and banners add that wow factor. Don’t be afraid to play with dimension and surprise.
5. Personalize It
Add a belly band with your own sentiment to make the card truly one-of-a-kind.
Ready to create your own pop-up woodland party? Follow along with Evanjelene’s step-by-step tutorial video and craft a birthday card that unfolds with fun. Don’t forget to share your finished cards with us on the Graphic 45 – Official Community Page on Facebook—we love seeing your creations! And if this project made you smile, send it to a crafty friend who’d love it too.
Happy Papercrafting!
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