DIY Pop-Up Invite for The Girls’ Storybook Princess Party

July 5, 2011

My Sophia asked for a princess party..sort of. She really is up for anything..and I suggested that..a long with a few other ideas..and she jumped all over the princess idea!  I wanted to make it a bit more special and unique..so i’m going with a story book/fairy tale feel for the princess theme. I wanted to jazz up the typical pink princess party…i’m really excited with how it’s coming together! :)

I came up with the idea of doing a pop up card…to give the feel of one of those sweet children’s books..
and I wanted to give the guests a little sample of what the party would be like! So check out the tutorial below of how the invite came together..
It was easy, fun and crafty! You and your kiddos would love this project.
These directions are for a story book princess party invitation! but you could use the general idea to fit into any theme. A cute and fun DIY craft! This type of card would also be perfect as a get well card or thank you card! You could use the same idea for any of the holidays and end up with something super cute.  Hope this Pop-Up Cad Tutorial gets you inspired!
STEP ONE: Gather supplies
—Double sided tape


—Scissors
—Print outs(or you could use 
card stock/regular paper and draw by hand):

*Cover(regular paper)
*Inside Page(card stock)
*Pop Out Graphic(card stock)
*Map (optional)

STEP TWO: Cut out all of the pieces.
I created my design in Photoshop..but you could easily do something in word or even by hand if you don’t have that program!

STEP THREE: Fold the inside card stock paper
(the one with your wording) and your cover in half at the same time (helps with lining them up in the end..trust me..)…..
then cut two slits as shown in the page with the wording. 
open the paper back up and push out your little square.
fold the card again to get the crease nice and sharp.

I created my wording with space in the middle for the pop up!
Not sure where to put your wording? just cut out a sample for you to go by.

STEP FOUR: Attach your cut out 
with double sided tape.
open and close.
do a happy dance.
and feel all proud of your crafty self.

STEP FIVE: Time to attach the cover 
This is to hide your slits you made on the card stock paper.
I used double sided tape in each corner to attach it..glue stick was too messy. Just set it up like it’s ready to go and then just open a corner at a time to place the tape. soo easy that way.

This is how i made up my design…
I put a line of color down the middle for easy folding.

taaa daaa. cuteness.

I wanted to create a little sneak peek into what we will be doing at the party..so on the invitation I wrote out directions to get to their princess castle…and included a map I made up for them to follow along with! I felt it was very storybook-ish. 
Sophia makes me read this to her a few times a day..every time I get a bit more into character haha. you are totally missing out. I should video tape my amazing story telling….or not. ;)

each of the places on the map 
are a special area at the party..
I’ll be sharing all of those details over 
the weeks leading up the party!
All budget friendly..DIY..party fun!

I picked up some bright yellow envelopes from Staples. 
I believe they were $7 for 50. perfect!

Sophia likes to open 
and read the invitation…
then put it all back in!
Seeing her love it so much makes me excited for the details I am coming up with for the party itself. She and Sienna are my world..I love making their birthdays special!


12
  • Megan
    July 5, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    OMGSH. I love the invitations! I can’t wait to see the rest of the details.

  • Maine
    July 5, 2011 at 5:05 pm

    It really looks good. :)

  • Christen
    July 6, 2011 at 12:23 pm

    so so cute! great job!!

  • Krista
    July 6, 2011 at 1:03 pm

    These are fantastic – what a great idea! I always love to see what you come up with. Looking forward to seeing what activities you have planned.

    And love the pics – Sophia’s sweet curls always make me smile :)

  • Marjorie
    July 8, 2011 at 4:56 pm

    You’re so creative! They came out professional looking. Can’t wait to see the rest of the party (wish I had a lil girl just so I could do a princess party) :)

  • Cheryl E.
    July 9, 2011 at 7:42 am

    These are so cute! You are so talented, your girls are so lucky. But I must say you are one lucky mama to have such beautiful girls. I love all the pics of Sophia looking at the card…too adorable!!

  • Laura@Cowboy Boots
    July 11, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    My lily’s 3rd is also in sept. You’ve got such a precious theme. Ur Sophie is a ham

  • Antje
    August 25, 2011 at 8:50 am

    Oh, your invitation is so cute. Especially the map. It’s so funny you used the silhouette of my home country (Germany) and I now live in the cookie forest ;-)

  • Mandy Reese-Hufty
    February 22, 2012 at 11:35 am

    Ok…so I LOVE this whole theme. My daughter, Reese, will be 2 in April and this is PERFECT! She loves books so I want this party…but most importantly I want these invitations! Do you sell the printable for these invitations??? Thanks so much!!!

  • Natalie Catherine of TheBusyBudgetingMama.com
    February 23, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    Thanks!!! and Mandy..Message me at my etsy shop and we can make it happen! glad you like the invites. :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/theprettypaperie

  • Diya
    June 18, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Hi Natalie,

    I have to say you are a genius and what amazing talent. Your site is a great place for me to look when I am bored and interested in seeing some fun ideas.

    I would like to ask your permission to use your pop up invitation idea for my 3 year old’s birthday party. I love the way you put it together and just wanted to let you know. I will be referencing your site on the source for the idea.

    My daughter’s name is Natalie too. :)

    Take care and God bless your family.

    -Diya

    • natalie
      June 24, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      Sure! would love for you to use the idea and link back! Thanks. :)