I was always so impressed with those store-bought pop-up books in which I could see something that popped out really far. My own pop-up card images do pop out, and they look impressive. But they probably pop out no more than three or four inches from the page.

I went back to my collection of store-bought pop-up books. And there it was – a magnificent pop-up that towered above the page. I was determined to modify and produce that design so that it would pop out from my homemade pop-up cards.

I decided not to rip apart the pop-up from the book, and use it for a template. So, I worked on several prototypes, using inexpensive cardstock until I discovered a design that seemed to work. I then scanned my design template into the computer and gave it a leopard skin appearance, using Adobe Photoshop Elements. I printed it out on glossy photo paper.

I folded the new design just so, using a ruler to make sharp folds. I glued the pop-up onto my card, folded it according to plan, and closed the card.

Much to my delight, when I opened my card for the first time, my super-pop out almost hit me in the nose. I ran for my ruler, and measured the length of the pop out: 14 inches! I was in pop-up heaven. Then I realized the bad news. With such a long extension of paper, I could not attach anything as heavy as an image printed out on glossy paper. I attached a plain paper image, and that worked, but I wasn’t quite satisfied with the resulting appearance. It was back to the drawing board.

Happily, though, I now have three of these super pop-outs to see each time I look up from my computer. They are fastened, in an open position, to my cabinets above. I am a proud pop-up guy, even if it’s only me who will enjoy the fruits of my recent labors – for now.

Each time I make a pop-up card I learn something new. I am the engineer my dad always wished for – and the artist, like my mom.

Peace at last.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com