Create a Thanksgiving Pop-Up Book: A Craft Kids Will Love!
- Jill Ross Nadler
- Nov 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Unleash Your Creativity with Pop-Up Cards
This is one of my favorite holiday crafts! 🎉 Once you make one pop-up card, you can whip up a few more and turn them into a whole pop-up book that kids will absolutely gobble up! 🦃 All you need is cardstock, scissors, crayons or markers, and a sprinkle of imagination.
These pop-up projects are not just fun; they’re a fantastic creative literacy activity for kids. I first got hooked on making pop-ups after taking a workshop with Robert Sabuda, the pop-up king himself! 👑
My book Such a Library! was about to be published, and I wanted a craft that would bring the story to life. The book features a wise and wacky librarian (Miss Understood!) and her magical book where things literally pop out and dance around the library. Picture this: monkeys, clowns, children with party horns… and, of course, chickens! 🐔 For Thanksgiving, those chickens have been transformed into… turkeys! 🦃
Why Pop-Up Cards Are Awesome
Pop-up cards are more than just crafts; they’re gateways to creativity! Here’s why I think they’re awesome:
Engagement: Kids love the surprise of a pop-up! It adds an element of excitement to storytelling.
Creativity: Each card can be unique. Kids can choose their colors, designs, and themes.
Learning: While crafting, kids enhance their fine motor skills and learn about shapes and dimensions.
Bonding: Making pop-up cards together is a great way to spend time with family or friends.
How to Make Your Own Pop-Up Card
Ready to dive in? Let’s get crafting! Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making your own Thanksgiving pop-up card:
Materials Needed
Cardstock (any color you like)
Scissors
Crayons or markers
Glue (optional)
Imagination! 🌈
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by cutting a piece of cardstock to your desired card size. A standard size is 5x7 inches, but feel free to get creative! Fold it in half to create your card base.
Step 2: Create the Pop-Up Mechanism
Now, take another piece of cardstock and cut out shapes for your pop-up. For Thanksgiving, how about some adorable turkeys? 🦃 To make them pop, cut slits in the base card where you want your shapes to spring up.
Step 3: Decorate!
Here comes the fun part! Use crayons or markers to decorate your card. Draw a festive background, add some autumn leaves, or even write a sweet message inside.
Step 4: Assemble
Carefully insert your pop-up shapes into the slits you made earlier. If you want to secure them, a dab of glue will do the trick!
Step 5: Show It Off!
Your pop-up card is ready! 🎉 Share it with family and friends, or even use it as a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.
The Joy of Storytelling
Crafting pop-up cards is a wonderful way to encourage storytelling. Kids can create their own narratives around the characters they’ve drawn. Maybe the turkey is on a quest to find the best stuffing recipe! 🦃📖
This creative process helps kids develop a love for reading and learning. It’s all about fostering their imagination and emotional intelligence through engaging activities.
Conclusion: Let’s Get Crafting!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your supplies and let’s get crafting! 🖌️✨ Remember, the best part of this activity is the joy it brings. Kids will love making their own pop-up cards, and you’ll cherish the memories created together.
And don’t forget to check out the video below for a fun demonstration on making these delightful Thanksgiving pop-up cards!
Happy crafting, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with creativity and joy! 🦃❤️
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