Two finished paper polaroid camera cards, a pink one pulled open reading Hello Bestie and a blue one

This one is for the friend you do not get to see enough. A paper polaroid camera card looks like a cute little instant camera, but pull the tab at the bottom and a hidden message rolls right out of the top like a fresh photo. It is part of the A Gift for Every Friend series, five handmade Friendship Day projects where every tutorial makes a complete gift for a different kind of friend.

You will build the camera from three cardstock layers, add a clear roller strip that carries your note, and decorate the front with a lens, flash, and tiny stickers. When your friend pulls the “PULL” tab, your “Hello Bestie” message (or whatever you write) slides into view. It takes under an hour and uses basic paper-craft supplies, and the surprise reveal is what makes this paper polaroid camera card so fun to give.

This series is shared through Create & Celebrate, where we release craft series for 15 occasions throughout the year. Get all the project templates by joining Craftaholic Premium or grabbing the Friendship Day Craft Bundle, or just make this card on its own.

Paper Polaroid Camera Card at a Glance