Forget e-cards, send handcrafted pop-up Christmas cards instead

"Simbang Gabi" pictures the devotional nine-day series of Masses

Filipino paper engineer Amy Lopez Nayve believes that in the increasingly digital world, there is a unique sentimentality found only in physical items. This holiday season, amid the growing popularity of e-cards and online greetings, the artist-entrepreneur unveiled handcrafted pop-up Christmas cards that can be admired and cherished year after year.

The Christmas Cards Collection by Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio features the enchanting art of digital illustrator and character concept artist Soleil Fuentes

For the young founder of the Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio, warm well-wishes written by hand are a tangible reminder of the sender’s affection.

“Star ng Pasko” highlights the Filipino tradition of hanging a parol (lantern)

“Our inspiration comes from the heart of Filipino Christmas—the family,” Nayve explained. “We wanted to capture the essence of our diverse families, relatives, and clans, especially those with loved ones overseas.”

The series encapsulates the soul of “Paskong Pinoy.” It comes in three designs that feature the enchanting creations of promising digital illustrator and character concept artist Soleil Fuentes (@soltytears_ on Instagram).

“Star ng Pasko” highlights the Filipino tradition of hanging a parol (lantern), whereas “Simpleng Bagay” reflects the message of gift-giving.

“Simbang Gabi,” on the other hand, pictures the devotional nine-day series of Novena Masses.

Priced at P300, each card has ample space for a handwritten message and comes with a charming reversible and reusable envelope to minimize package waste.

The Christmas Cards Collection by Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio

This project channels Nayve’s commitment to provide a platform for budding creators to showcase their works and receive the recognition and compensation they deserve. The Industrial Design graduate from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde said proceeds from this initiative will help to raise funds to expand production capabilities and collaboration opportunities.

The Christmas Cards Collection by Pumapapel Pop-Up Design Studio features reversible and reusable envelopes to minimize package waste

As the first Filipino paper engineer to gain international credit for her work, Nayve’s mission is to pioneer the Philippine paper engineering industry and inspire the next generation of its practitioners.

She is part of the 2024 cohort of the SHE Fellowship, a prestigious eight-month leadership and crowdfunding program by The Spark Project and the Tokyo-based Sasakawa Peace Foundation, which supports women entrepreneurs. This opportunity has fueled her goal to grow Pumapapel and crowdfund for the benefit of Pumapapel Artists.

Visit pumapapelcrafts.com.