Arcade Builder A-2 Box Card

Today I have a blast from the past for sure!  The new Trinity Stamps release has put playing with paper on a whole new level.  This card reminds me of days where my husband and I played Ms. Pacman for hours.  Of course, I never beat him, but I sure did give it a try. 

These dies, create the neatest dimensional card that is sure to put a smile on the recipient's face.  I know I had a smile when I was making it.   I have a video up that I will link at the bottom of this post, if you would like to see the process.

To start this card, I am using the A-2 Box Card Die Set.  I have already foiled my cardstock using the Starfield Letterpress plate with silver glimmer foil.  To make the box, you need to cut two pieces.  The first piece is cut using the die without either of the window pieces inserted.  The other piece is cut with the center window in the opening.  I use a thin mint tape to hold it in place while I use my die cutting machine to cut the pieces.  Before you put that die away, make sure to cut two of the longer tab pieces; they will be used as a bridge inside the box later.  I cut mine from the scrap left from cutting the box pieces.

The die places score lines on these pieces.  Fold along the score lines towards the inside of the box.  

I use a thin double-sided tape on the tab pieces on the side of the box panel die cut pieces.  I also apply double sided adhesive around the window openings. 

I have used the new Arcade Machine Builder Die to cut the pieces to build my machine.  For most of the pieces, I put double sided adhesive on the back of my cardstock before I cut them out - especially the real little pieces.  Another thing I do, is peel the backing off the pieces and place them on a sheet of hear resistant Teflon.  This allows me to organize my pieces without misplacing them.  I currently have an obsession with matte metallic paper.  For this project, I am using Encore Paper in Regal Purple, Turquoise, Periwinkle and Lilac.  I love, love, love this stuff.  

Once I have my pieces cut using the Arcade Machine Builder Die, place them on the A-2 Box Card Piece (that is the front of the box).  It is much easier to work on these pieces before the box is constructed but don't worry, I'll get to that in a bit.  Make sure to put a piece of acetate cut to 3.0" x 3.5" over the window opening.

To create the scene inside my box, I used a couple of planets from the We've Come For Cake Stamp Set and Coordinating Die Set along with the Out Of This World Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies.  I colored my pieces with Copic Markers in the following colors:

• B00, B02, B05
• YG13, YG05, YG09
• Y02, YO8
• YR82, YR12, YR09
• RV52, V05, V06  

I used the planets to hold up the sentiment.  I've glued the sentiment between the two of the planets then glued the planets to thin strips of acetate.  The thin acetate strips are what will hold the planets on the bridge tab to give them an appearance of floating.  

The sentiment is from the new 8-Bit Birthday Stamp Set and Coordinating Die Set.  I stamped, cut and heat embossed the sentiment for the inside of the box on a bright orange cardstock.  While I have my supplies out, I also make stamp my sentiment for the back of the box.  

To decorate the sides of the box, I use the new 8-Bit Alphabet Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies. I stamp a variety of gaming characters and symbols and heat emboss them.  I used the coordinating dies to cut them out.  I glued the sentiment on the back piece of the box and the little pieces on the sides of the box.  I also glued a couple of colored planets on the back of the card to fill in some of the blank spaces.

I removed the protective tape from the tab edge of the back box piece and put a thin bead of glue over it.  I placed the front of the box on top of the tab making sure to line up the top and the bottom.  Make sure that you are placing the top piece up to the fold line and not over it.  This will ensure that you have a nice corner.  

I removed the tape from the end of the long tab piece and placed it right next to the fold line on the inside of the front panel of the card.  I put these tabs at the top and bottom of the window.  

Next, I attach the piece that has the planets and sentiment to the bridge piece so that it is looks like it is suspended in the window opening.  I glue the little Martian in his flying saucer in the bottom left corner on that tab to also create dimension.  To finish the inside of my screen, I glue one more little planet to the upper right side of the background.  

Next, I removed the protective tape on the other side of my box and place a bead of glue over it.  I press the edge of the box on the tab and seal up the box.  

To finish up this scene, I remove the protective tape on the ends of each of the bridge pieces and press them up to the side of the box.

Is this not the absolutely the coolest card????  I just love the way it turned out.

I have tried my best to explain the construction of this card, but I do recommend you go to my YouTube video to see the process in action.

Thank you so much for stopping by today and I hope you create a card to put a smile on someone's face today!

Sandy