13/05/2019
Today, we’re going to show you how to make an 8-Bit Pop-Up card in the style of your favourite 80s retro games! This tutorial is courtesy of Kate Lilley from Minieco, which happens to be one our favourite craft blogs. It’s killer – check it out.
Now, when we were nippers all computer games looked, well… a bit pixelated. We still remember our first Atari and those big old clunky cartridges to this very day.
If like us, you do get nostalgic over retro gaming, then this is for you! Equally, this would be perfect for your gee… we mean, you adorable friend who loves old games. We think children might just like this too… heck! We KNOW they will.
So, how do you make a retro game inspired card? Read on and you will find out.
Note: templates can be found at the end of the tutorial.
1. Print out the envelope and card templates. Set your printing preferences to ‘photo’ and ‘greyscale’. Cut out the outer card, popup insert and envelope (dotted lines).
2. Take your pop-up insert and using a craft knife and ruler cut along the black lines. Next score along the grey lines using a ruler and sharp point (a compass point or needle for example). Take your time and cut and score as accurately as you can.
3. Turn the card over so that the printed lines are facing down, then fold the card slowly along the mid-line and start to fold the bottom of the pixel character. You will notice that the design starts to pop-out. This is the trickiest step so make sure you take your time – you might even want to do a test run first using some cheap printer paper. If the shape does not automatically pop out then use a toothpick (or something similar) to ease the shape out as you are folding. When you have folded the popup insert completely in half, smooth down.
4. Score and fold your envelope template.
5. Glue or tape the pop up insert inside the outer card. I kept my outer card plain but you can use patterned paper if you fancy it.
6. Write your card. You can seal the envelope with some washi tape or a sticker.
Here are some ideas of how your cards can look – wow, right?