How to Make a Rotating Circle Pop-Up Christmas Card 

Looking for a fun, interactive Christmas card that’s sure to surprise and delight? This rotating circle pop-up Christmas card brings the magic of movement to your holiday greetings. Also known as a circluar motion pop-up and triple rotating pop-up, there are several examples online, with lots of YouTube tutorials to follow.  Lawn Fawn have even brought out a swivel surprise card set of interactive dies, making this card a breeze. But, if you don’t have these dies, it’s still possible to make this kinetic card.

It’s my turn to host the challenges at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown challenge blog this month, and for today’s sketch challenge, I decided to flip the sketch and move the sentiment.  I also decided to include an added surprise element, which combines cute stamped penguins, rotating elements, and festive designer paper to create a unique card that’s bursting with seasonal charm!

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Circle Dies: 3 ¾”, 2 ⅛”, and 3″ diameter
• Mechanism: Cut cardstock to 3 ½” x 3″, then score at:
  • • on the 3″ side: 1″ and 2″
    • on the 3 ½” side: ½”, 1″, 1 ½”, and 3″
• Patterned Paper (DSP): Any holiday-themed paper
• Mama Elephant “Penguins Go Skating” stamp set and matching dies
• Spellbinders “The Winter Garden” Sentiment stamp set
• Alcohol Markers: For colouring the penguins
• Spellbinders “Notched Corner Frames” Dies: For creating the labels and mats
• Additional Tools: Bone folder, adhesive, and scissors

Step 1: Preparing the Base and Mechanism

1. Cut and Score the Base card: Start by cutting a piece of card to measure 5 ½” x 11″, score and fold at 5 ½”.
2. Cut and Score the Mechanism: Cut a piece of sturdy cardstock to 3 ½” x 3″. Score on the 3″ side at 1″ and 2″. Then rotate to the 3 ½” side and score at ½”, 1″, 1 ½”, and 3″. These score lines help to create tabs and folds that will be essential to the rotating action of the card.
3. Cut the Mechanism: Cut along the score lines to create the body and arms of the mechanism.
4. Fold the Mechanism: Use a bone folder to ensure crisp folds along each score line. You should see an arrow-shaped structure forming, with small tabs for attaching the mechanism to your card base.  Fold and unfold the mechanism a few times to train the cardstock and make it easier to move.

Step 2: Creating the Rotating Circle Elements

1. Die-Cut the Circles: Using circle dies, cut out the circles: one at 3 ¾” and use the 2 ⅛” one to die cut a hole in the centre, creating a donut shape, and one at 3″. These circles will serve as the focal points for your rotating design.
2. Decorating the circles: It’s best to decorate and stamp the circles before they are adhered to the card.  I chose to stamp sentiments on both the smallest and largest circles. Set these aside.

Step 3: Decorating the Card

1. Add DSP Layers: Choose festive designer paper (DSP) for a Christmas look. Trim pieces to fit the card base and attach them as background layers. If your DSP has fun patterns, position them strategically to highlight the design.
2. Stamp and Colour the Penguins: Use the “Penguins Go Skating” stamp set from Mama Elephant to stamp out a few cute penguins. Colour them with alcohol markers, choosing colors that complement your DSP and bring the penguins to life. Once coloured, die-cut each penguin with the matching dies.
   

   

Step 4: Adding Labels and Mats

1. Create Labels with Notched Corner Frames: Die-cut your labels using the “Notched Corner Frames” dies by Spellbinders. These frames add a touch of elegance and serve as perfect places to stamp your holiday sentiments.
2. Stamp Sentiments: Choose a cheerful holiday sentiment, stamp it onto one of the labels, and layer it on top of the background DSP. Position it thoughtfully so it doesn’t obstruct the rotating mechanism – here, I stamped it directly onto two of the circles.
3. Adhere the Label and Frame: Attach the label and frame to the card base using foam tape for added dimension.

Step 5: Assemble the Card

1. Attach Mechanism to Card Base: Center the rotating mechanism on the card base and secure it with adhesive on the right hand side, ensuring it sits securely but can still move. Add adhesive only to the small tab next to the arrow shape and nestle it into the centre fold.
2. Attach Circles to Mechanism: With the mechanism in the open position, secure the circles to the arms of the rotating mechanism using strong adhesive that allows the circles to pivot on the central mechanism. Make sure the mechanism’s motion isn’t impeded, as it needs to move smoothly for the card’s rotating effect. It helps to use temporary adhesive at first to check your card still opens and shuts correctly.
3. Attach Mechanism to Card Base: With the mechanism folded in its closed position, add strong adhesive the the left hand tab only and then close the card down onto the adhesive. Press well to ensure a strong hold.  Be patient if you are using wet glue – allow the glue to dry before testing the mechanism.
4. Attach Penguins to Circles: Place the penguins on the rotating circles, using strong adhesive, taking care to only add the adhesive where it touches the circle you’re attaching to. The penguins’ adorable expressions and skating poses add a playful touch that’s perfect for the holiday season. Test the mechanism to make sure the circles rotate smoothly and the penguins move with the card’s motion.
5. Add Finishing Touches: To give your card that final holiday sparkle, consider adding small embellishments like sequins, glitter, or snowflakes to the DSP background.

Tips for Success

• Check the Movement: Before attaching everything permanently, test the rotation to make sure everything moves smoothly.
• Mix and Match Colours: Choose alcohol marker colours that match your DSP for a co-ordinated look.
• Experiment with Sentiment Placement: Depending on the size and placement of your rotating elements, you might want to adjust where you place your sentiment for maximum visibility.

This rotating circle pop-up card is not only interactive but also has that extra “wow” factor that will make it a memorable piece for anyone lucky enough to receive it!

Don’t forget to share your card at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown and tag me on social media – I’d love to see what you create!

Happy crafting!