Thursday, April 2, 2026

Barnyard Gashapon Machine by Trinity Stamps


Hello friends!!!  I have a card to WOW! today.  Trinity Stamps has released a couple of new dies that will knock your socks off especially if you love the arcade games.  In addition to the dies, there are a couple of stamp sets that look like the old school font.  Then of course there is a stamp set to make the little stuffies that fill the "claw" machine. GAME ON!


This card was created with the new A-2 Window Box Card Die SetGashapon Machine Builder, and the Stuffies Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies.  I have a link at the bottom of this post to a YouTube process video I also did if you want to follow along.


To build the box, I used the A-2 Window Box Card Die Set. I used the large die piece to cut out two pieces of cardstock. However, on the first piece that I cut out, I used the die with both windows attached with temporary tape. (see blow)


On the second piece, I removed the center window and left in the side window.
 (see below) 


There is another die in the A-2 Window Box Card Die Set that cuts out a piece that goes inside the box for you to attach little elements to create the 3-D effect.  I cut two of them from the scrap cardstock.  One will go at the top of the window opening and the other one will go directly under the window.

The die puts two score lines in the piece.  One is about an eighth of an inch from the outside edge, which will be the tab that will connect the two pieces together and the other score line is to create a corner of the box.  I have found that the best way to make a sharp and precise corner is to gently fold it towards me to help break down the paper fibers and then fold it in the opposite direction.  I used a really thin metal ruler next to the score line to help me with the initial fold. Then I used my bone folder to give my piece a good crease once I have it folded how I want it.  (see below)


I took thin double-sided adhesive, about an eighth of an inch, and put it on the little tab piece and then on the right and left side openings of the windows.  I used a little bit larger tape, about a quarter of an inch, at the top and bottom of the windows.  I did this just to give the windows a little bit of a stronger hold.

I cut two pieces of acetate to 1.875” x 3.5” for the side windows and one piece of acetate at 3.0” X 3.5” for the center window.  Once the protective tape is peeled off, I placed the acetate in the openings.  It is very important that you make sure that the acetate isn’t preventing the card from folding at the fold lines.  You may need to do a tiny bit of trimming especially on the side windows. (see below)


On the inside tab pieces, I folded them at the die created score lines and added a piece of double-sided adhesive to each end.


For the background inside the machine, I cut a piece of white cardstock to 3.0” x 3.5”.  To help create my farm scene, I used a stamp from the We’ve Come For Cake Stamp Set. You want to make sure that you stamp it so that it is where you want it to be when you look through the front window.  I used my Misiti to help me get it lined up correctly. (see below)

I used a variety of Copic makers to color in my background.  Once it was colored, I glued it to the inside making sure that it is butted up to the fold and doesn’t extend past the outside edge.

For the inside tab pieces, I folded them at the die created score lines and added a piece of double-sided adhesive to each end. I generally prefer to use liquid glue for most of my cardmaking, however, this is one of the times, where it make things so much easier by using the tape. 

I peeled off the tape and adhere this piece to the side window piece lining it up with the top of the card and the short edge right at the long fold on that piece. (see below)

Now I can start decorating the A-2 Box Card with the pieces that the Gashapon Machine Die Set creates.  I applied double sided adhesive to the back of the cardstock that I am going to use.  Rip and Stick sheets work well for this.  Some of these pieces are so small, that it is really hard to glue and place them, even with tweezers, so that you don’t make a mess with the glue – having the adhesive makes it a whole lot easier.  

Another thing that I like to do is place the pieces on a piece of heat resistant Teflon once the protective back is removed.  This is especially helpful when you are using the same die a number of times to cut different colors of cardstock.  I start with the window trim first.  I cut the larger frame for the front window using the die in the Gashapon Machine Die Set.  The thinner frames have been cut using the window dies from the A-2 Window Box Die Set

Next, I want to get the game top placed to make sure that I have enough room to decorate the bottom of the machine.  

I cut my white picket fence using the Outdoor Borders And Scene BuildersSlimline Die Set.  I trimmed the fence so that it would fit the front of the box and then glued it on.  

I placed the prize door and coin slot on the card with a little bit of glue.  The wording on the prize door was created using the 8-Bit Birthday Stamp Set and Coordinating Die Set.  I heat embossed it on black cardstock using white embossing powder.  The “.25” is also part of the 8-Bit Birthday Stamp Set.  I carefully stamped the lower right corner of the coin slot piece.  It is always the little details that make these cards so special. (see below)

For the joystick, I cut the outline out of black cardstock and then used the other die, that has the individual joystick pieces to cut out yellow and red cardstock.  The different colors help to add whimsey to the project.  

I used the 8-Bit Birthday Stamp Set again to stamp the “instructions” on the game panel and then I'll build my game button.  I used two different colors to create definition and detail. 

To finish up the bottom of my card, I will trim and glue the fence pieces on the sides of the box.  

To finish up the top of my box, I will build my awning.  Again, I have used several different colors of cardstock to give it dimension.  

My little friends are from the new Stuffies Stamp Set and Coordinating Dies.  Since this is a little farm, I stamped, colored and cut the Cow, Pig, Sheep, and Chicken.  I think I made 4 of each animal.  For the little clump of stuffies that will go on the inside of the right side of the machine, I piled them up and glued them together. I glued the pile of stuffies on the bottom tab over to the right side of the machine.

To help create depth, I glued a few of my friends so that they are up against the window of the machine. 

 Once I attached the claw to my cow, I wanted to fortify it a little bit, so I added a little piece of acetate to help hold it up on the top tab. 

I attached the piece of acetate along with wire and the box to the top of the tab.  

With both of the tabs decorated, I can close the box.  I placed a very thin bead of glue to the tab piece of each large machine piece and glued them together paying close attention to lining up the top and bottom and going right up to the fold.  I did that on both sides.  You may have to reach in the box to make sure the side is completely adhered.  

Now for the tricky part – I need to attach the ends of the tabs to the inside of the box.  I peeled off the tape, added a little glue to the tab and then reached in and glued it to the side of the box.  It was too difficult to try to add glue to the bottom tab, so I just relied on the adhesive tape to hold it in place.  You can also collapse the box and give those spots a good press.


Since the box is the actual card, I cut a piece of white cardstock 2.75” x 5.25” and stamped a sentiment on it.  I glued this on the back of the box so that the person giving the card can sign it.  I also had a few little friends left over, so I added them to the sides and the bottom of the box. 


This was a really long post but there are a lot of steps in making this card, but it is so worth it.  There are so many ways you can do this card.  I will be posting more cards to this blog, and I will have some more YouTube videos because I just love the way this card turns out.

Thank you for stopping by today.  I hope this has been somewhat helpful in making this card.  My YouTube video makes is really easy to follow along if you want to check it out.

Sandy





Alien Arcade Machine


Hello Fellow Earthlings!!!!  I am so excited to share this card for the Trinity Stamps Instagram Hop for their new release.  This whole release just sings to my heart!  From the stand-alone Arcade Machine to the "Claw" Machine.  There are so many fun memories wrapped up in both those.

For this card, I decided to make the Arcade Machine Die Set into a shaker card, however, it also works perfectly with the new A-2 Window Box Card Die Set.  I will have some more posts showing how to create that in addition to some YouTube process videos on my channel.

Back to this card........ when I make shaker cards, I prefer to use cardstock to build my shaker wells.  For this card because there are so many components to make the machine, I cut multiple pieces of cardstock to build it up. Meaning, I cut eight pieces of cardstock for each component, such as the machine base, instrument panel, sign holder and the actual screen that creates the well for the shaker bits.

I filled the shaker well with the new Tangerine Sparkle Stars and the new Bubblegum Sparkle Stars along with a few Iridescent Kiwi Shaker Pops for extra movement and noise.

My little alien is from the Tiny Alien Die Set. I think he was just made for this card - just sayin.  

To make a background that blended with the rest of my card, I used the Papercrafting Magic Coordinating Die Set.  This die set has a ton of little dies that are perfect to make little filler pieces for background.  It also has a stamp set which is perfect for giving instructions for interactive cards but I just needed the shapes for this background.  

The sentiment on the inside of the shaker and the inside of the card was created using the 8-Bit Birthday Stamp Set.  Talk about retro!!!!  Love! Love! Love!  The same set also has the tiny little stamps for the coin slots and the game panel instructions.  



I just don't know if I could be any happier with this card!  I hope it puts just as big of a smile on your face that it does mine!

Thank you for stopping by today.

Sandy



Wednesday, April 1, 2026

A Lorelai Hi!


Hi there card makers!  I seem to have a slight obsession with the Make A Moth Die Sets by Emily Moore Designs.  I just love how you can mix up the little bits and pieces that come with the die an if you combine the different sets, then you have even more goodies to play with.  

As I was making another card with a number of moths, I got to playing around with the placement of them and figured out that they looked really neat in a circle.  I loved that idea because it left room for one of the Hi, Hey, Hello Word Dies - Big & Bold sentiments.  All three of the dies fit if you are wondering.  

I made five moths using the Make A Moth: Lorelai die set.  However, I also used the little die from Make A Moth: Betty that cuts out the little decorations for more decorating options.  

I arranged and glued four of my moths on a piece of teal cardstock that I had embossed using the Altenew Woven Basket 3-D Folder.  I also splattered it with a little metallic gold watercolor mixed really thin.  

I cut my teal paper, at 5.25" x 5.25" and glued it to a 5.5" x 5.5" piece of cardstock.  I didn't factor in the depth that the layers of cardstock created, so it wouldn't fit in the envelopes that I purchase for my square cards.  When I make this card again, I will reduce my background pieces by .25".  The wings on the moth might extend off the inside layer of cardstock but I think it will still look fine.

To create the card base, I cut a piece of cardstock 5.5" x 11.0".  I scored it at 5.5" and folded it in half.

I cut another piece of white cardstock at 5.25" x 5.25".  I used the All The Happy Things Stamp Set for the inside sentiment.  I also glued my fifth moth inside for a little extra embellishment. 

I have a very short YouTube video linked below if you would like to follow along with the process.  

I just Love! Love! Love! this card even if it was a little bit too big for my envelope and I had to make my own.  It was a good little mistake because now I know what will work better.  What does Bob Ross call those?  Happy Little Mistakes - I think.

Thank you for stopping by today.  

Sandy

 

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Worry Ends


Good morning, friends!  I just have a really simple card today.  This one had been rumbling around in my head for a while.  It is quick and would be perfect for that special someone in your life that might be going through a tough time.    

I used the new Trinty Stamps Simply Sentimental: Faith Stamp Set along with one of the Wildflower Stamps Set and the Coordinating Die.  

I didn't do any crazy coloring or ink blending on this card.  I wanted to keep it as simple as the message.

Thanks for stopping by today and I hope that this post finds you well!

Sandy