Cutting Cards

• 1). Print out an outline of a Christmas tree on card stock or thick construction paper, centering it on the paper horizontally. Robert Sabuda, a New York Times best-selling children's book creator, offers free images to print at his website, robertsabuda.com.
  
  
• 2). Print out the backing card Sabuda provides. This will be a vital piece to make the card actually pop up.
  
  
• 3). Place the card with the outlined tree on a table and line up the edge of a ruler with the dotted line that represents the center fold.
  
  
• 4). Run the rounded edge of a paperclip along the edge of your ruler to score the paper, making it easy to fold. Score the remaining dotted lines with the paper clip, as well.
  
  
• 5). Cut the card on the solid black lines that form a rectangle around the perimeter of the tree.
  
  
• 6). Fold the card in half along the scored center line, keeping half of the tree visible.
  
  
• 7). Cut along the solid black line that separates the top of the tree from its first segment. Fold that segment against the card, creasing with your finger along the dotted line that was scored earlier, and return it to its original position.
  
  
• 8). Unfold the paper like a tent and push the entire first segment through with an index finger.
  
  
• 9). Continue cutting the remaining sections until the entire tree has been cut along each solid black segment line and pushed through the paper.
  
  
• 10
  
  Put the tree aside and place the other sheet you printed out (the backing card) on the table. Score it along the center line with the paper clip.
  
  
• 11
  
  Cut the backing card out along the solid black line, folding in half along the dotted line with the line inside when finished.
  
  

Putting Cards Together

• 1). Turn the Christmas tree card over so the dotted line is visible. Place a thin layer of glue along the right and left sides of the card, from bottom to top.
  
  
• 2). Line the backing card up with the edges of your newly glued card, keeping the dotted line on the backing card facing the glued side of the Christmas tree card.
  
  
• 3). Press the two cards together, making sure the edges are lined up flush. Apply even pressure over the entire card.
  
  
• 4). Turn the card over and open it carefully. The Christmas tree should pop out toward you when you open it up.
  
  
• 5). Decorate it as you wish, using markers, glitter, sequins, crayons or puffy paint.