The pop up cube how-to

29/05/2015 by UKMA 10 Comments

This is a multi-step process and I hope it will be clear.  Let’s begin with an annotated template that will act as an overview of the steps. This is the BACK SIDE (inside).

1. Print and score the template as shown. It will need to be on decent but not super heavy-weight cardstock, although see my note later for a method to use thinner paper.

This is what it will look like

2.  I use two interlocked loom bands as the mechanism.  It’s not as springy as a slightly larger rubber band, maybe about  an 1 1/2, twisted into a figure 8 would be, but it works well enough and it’s what I have.

You can see where the rubber band goes.  it fits into the valley behind the mountain folds – this is the front/outside you see.

The two sides get stuck together, encasing the rubber band. Then the flaps get stuck to the flat inside.  Now you are looking at the back/inside of the cube.

 

You can cut just the hourglass section again, and reinforce it on the inside it the rubber band looks like it is tearing the cardstock. This will let you use scrapbooking paper rather than cardstock.

 

3.  Looking at the annotated template, you will stick the tabs to the triangles.

 

Be aware that at this point, the cube will do it’s best to self-destruct.

 

 

Do this in pairs – the two top

and then the two bottom

4. Collapse the sides so you have a flat piece.  You are likely to think an extra hand would be useful about now.  Do one side

then the other.  The last tab gets tucked inside and stuck.

 

Once you release the tension, the cube will pop up!

This is the paper-weight version and it pops beautifully.

Hopefully that will help.  You can print or otherwise decorate the outside before you begin, or cut squares and add them to a plain cardstock base.

Have fun with it.