How to Make an Easy DIY Mother’s Day Pop Up Card

Make the most of the sweetest day of the year with this heartfelt craft! This DIY Mother’s Day pop-up card is perfect for kids (and even adults!) to create something truly memorable for moms, grandmas, or any mother figures in their lives. Using simple supplies like card stock, scissors and a glue stick or double-sided tape, you can craft a beautiful Mother’s Day pop-up card featuring a 3D heart pop-up inside.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• 2 pieces of card stock (one for the outside of the card, one for the inside)
• Scissors
• Glue stick or double-sided tape
• Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
• Optional: stickers, or printable elements
• A heart or pop-up flowers design (you can use the heart pop-up template included in our free printable!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Card Base

Take one sheet of card stock and fold it in half—this will be the outside of the Mother’s Day card. Choose a color Mom will love! Set it aside while you work on the pop-up feature.

Step 2: Cut the Paper to Fit

Take a second piece of card stock (this one will be the inside or interior of the card) and cut it so that it’s slightly smaller than the outside of the card.

Step 3. Design the Pop Up Mechanism

Fold the interior of the card in half. On the fold, cut two slits about 1–1.5 inches apart and 2 inches deep. If you’re using my free printable, just cut along the black lines as shown in the picture.

Gently open the card and push the tab inward to create a box-like shape—this is where your heart pop-up will sit.

Step 4: Glue The Interior Piece

Use a glue stick or double sided tape on the back of the interior piece to the card, avoiding the pop-up mechanism. Once you have applied sufficient glue, gently press the interior of the card onto the inside of the larger piece.

Step 5: Decorate the Heart

Use colored or white card stock to print your pop up designs: the heart, flowers and leaves. I’ve included both a flower with leaves and a heart so you can choose what you like best! Color and decorate them however you like! You can even write a sweet message for Mom on the heart itself.

Step 6: Attach the Heart Pop-Up

Use a glue stick or double-sided tape to attach the heart to the front of the pop-up tab. Attach the heart near (but not into) the fold so that it doesn’t get folded when the card is closed. Be careful not to get glue anywhere but exactly where you want it or else you might accidentally glue the card shut! Make sure the heart folds flat when you close the card and stands up when you open it.

Step 7: Add Your Special Message

Inside the card, use the blank space around the pop-up to write a special message to Mom. Think of something kind, thoughtful, or even funny to mark this special day. Encourage kids to write why they love Mom.

Step 8: Decorate the Outside of the Card

Now go back to the outside of the card and let creativity shine! Add drawings, stickers, or anything to make the card beautiful and unique. Add a title like “Happy Mother’s Day” or “Best Mom Ever!”

Be sure to check out this post about Cute Mother’s Day Gifts and Ideas for additional crafts and gift ideas.

Mother’s Day Heart Pop Up Card Printable

Get your DIY Mother’s Day Pop-Up Card Printable here!

Bonus Tips:

Score Folds for Crisp Lines:
Use the back of a butter knife to score fold lines before creasing. It gives your card a cleaner, more professional look.

Include a Gift Card Slot:
For a special treat, cut slits or attach a small pocket on the inside for a gift card to her favorite store, coffee shop, or spa.

Spray with Light Perfume:
Add a sensory surprise by lightly scenting the card with a fragrance she loves. Just be sure not to overdo it!

Seal with a Sticker or Wax Stamp:
Add a final flourish by sealing the envelope with a cute sticker or a wax seal for an extra touch of elegance.

Have Fun With This DIY Mother’s Day Pop Up Card

A handmade pop-up Mother’s Day card is a thoughtful, creative way to show Mom just how much she means to you. Whether you go simple or add lots of personal touches, the effort you put into making something by hand will make her feel extra special. Don’t forget to include a heartfelt message inside—it’s often the words that mean the most. Happy Mother’s Day!