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Paper Engineer Designs Incredible Pop-Up Cards That Bloom and Burst Before Your Eyes

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

Germany-based paper engineer Peter Dahmen takes the art of pop-up cards to the next level. In a new video showcasing his extensive portfolio—entitled Most Satisfying Video of Pop-Up Cards designed by Peter Dahmen—his intricate hand-crafted objects are revealed, unfolding from pages and boxes to the music of Johann Strauss’s Blue Danube.

In a short film by Christopher Helkey, Dahmen explains that he first started making paper pop-up cards during his third semester studying graphic design in college. He was asked to create a 3D object entirely out of paper, and while he enjoyed the challenge, he faced the problem of transporting it on the train ride home. To avoid damaging his paper creation, he decided to design it in a way that allowed it to collapse into a flat pop-up book. Since then, 3D paper art has been his focus.

For Dahmen, the most interesting thing about pop-up cards is the movement they create. He describes opening the cards as a “magical moment.” This is clearly evident in his portfolio video. The intricate paper masterpieces range from large-scale architectural structures that erect themselves between white card, colorful ornamental flowers that seem to bloom before the viewer’s eyes, and a perforated peacock’s tail that fans out as the card is opened.

Dahmen’s work may look complicated, but is fully accessible to try yourself thanks to free online tutorials on his website.

Paper engineer Peter Dahmen creates impressive sculptural pop-up cards.

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

“PEONY” pop up card.

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

Pop-up Sculpture

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

“Flower & Crystal” for the Print China 2015 Trade Show.

Pop Up Cards by Peter Dahmen

“Flower & Crystal” for the Print China 2015 Trade Show.

Watch how Peter Dahmen’s impressive paper pop-up portfolio unfolds.

Peter Dahmen: Website | Instagram
h/t: [Sploid, The Kid Should See This]

Images and video via Peter Dahmen.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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