Tuesday, April 7, 2026

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















Monday, April 6, 2026

Ciao Adventure - Crafty Crew Kit Exclusive by Crafty Stamp Co.


 Hello there!  Today, I have this fun card with the lovely Meadow from Crafty Stamp Co.  This young lady that is out on an adventure and is a stamp set from the new Crafty Crew Kit.  This stamp set is called Ciao Adventure.  The pre-order window is open from April 1-15.  Shipping is scheduled for May 5th. 

For the background on this card, I used one of the adorable patterned papers included in the kit on a piece of blue cardstock that coordinates with the paper.  Since this is a travel themed card, I shopped my stash and found a camera die cut to add to the background and tie it all together.

Meadow and her travel accessories have been colored with Copic markers in the following colors: 

  • E30, E21, E33 - skin
  • T5, T7. 100 - hair
  • YG00, YG23, YG17, G07 - greens
  • C00, C2, C5, C7 - tires
  • RV42, R14, R17, R29 - reds
  • B21, B23, B45 - blues

Once she is colored, I popped her up on foam dots to add dimension to the card.

The sentiment is from the stamp set.  I used a piece of scrap paper from the paper collection to trim it out.  

I just love this stamp set - Meadow on her scooter just puts a smile on my face.  I hope she makes you smile also!

Thank you for stopping by today.  I am linking a YouTube process video if you would like to follow along.

Sandy



Sunday, April 5, 2026

Baby Gashapon Card

 

Hello!!!  I have been so excited to share some cards with the Trinity Stamps new release!!!  This is one of the cards that I created with the new Gashapon Machine Die Set along with the new Stuffies Stamp Set and Coordinating dies.  I decided to create a "baby themed" card with soft colors.  

While the Gashapon Machine Die fits perfectly on the new A-2 Window Box Die, it also works great as a shaker card.  The little shaker bits on the inside of this card are the Candy Cottage Confetti Mix.

I used the Stuffies Stamp Set along with the coordinating dies.  I colored them with Copic markers in the following colors:

  • Y11, Y13, Y15, Y38 - Duck
  • E50, E51, E53 - Puppy
  • C0, C2, C4 - Lamb
  • E41, E42, E43 - Bunny
  • RV11, RV31, RV91 - Pig
  • G00, BG32, RV91 - Dino
  • E30, E33, E35, E37 - Bear

I used the Simply Sentimental:Baby Die Set for the "Baby" at the top of the machined and the Simply Sentimental: Baby Stamp Set for the "Hello Baby" on the prize door and for the sentiment on the inside of the card.


This card just puts a smile on my face, and I am sure that whoever receives it will just love it also!

Thank you for stopping by today!

Sandy



Saturday, April 4, 2026

May Crafty Crew Unboxing



 
Hello!  Today I have a card that I created with one of the new stamp sets by Crafty Stamp Co.  This set called, Ciao Adventure, is only available in the May Crafty Crew Kit.  The pre-order window is from April 1-15.  Shipping is scheduled for May 5th.

This kit is travel themed and I love everything about it.  It has two really cute stamp sets, Ciao Adventure and Toad Travel.  The patterned paper is totally next level - all the prints are AMAZING!  There is also a really fun stencil, and it all comes in a great zipper tote.  Monthly subscribers also get a special embellishment.

I had so much fun coloring Meadow with black hair.  I have always been intimidated by black hair, but I am thrilled with the way it turned out.  


I am linking my unboxing video below.  Make sure you check out all the fun things included with it.  

Until next time!

Sandy