Artist Trading Card Box...Nothing New Under the Sun Series

Listening to the rain as it hits my window, I am shifted into a meditative state. I wonder if time is standing still for some of us in our own creativity. Are we where we’re supposed to be? For some. But some of us are just arriving. It’ true for me. I am enlightened with these thoughts as they float through my head. The words come to me.

“With the rains comes the growth of a seed. A seed to be watered, nurtured. And in time, one will cultivate the gifts that have been given.”

What is to become of the artists that we are currently?

“In time, the phenomenal gift that you possess will be a blessing to all. So let the rain water surround your creativity today.”

Once again creativity erupts from the depths of a land that stills leaves a lot of untapped wonders in my life. My Muse lives there and has beckoned me once again to come visit. Sometimes she comes to me just as I am waking from a deep sleep (just before I’m fully awake). Those are some of the better prompts I think. At times I sit and go into lucid dreaming and she comes to hang out with me. And at times I could be in the middle of doing something else and she bombards me with creative ideas. Today she is a bit serious. She is playful most of the time. By playful I mean that nine times outta ten I have no idea what the final piece will look like or turn into. I am learning to trust where she takes me. Leading me by an invisible hand on this and other plains. Seeking, discovering parts of me that are in need of awakening. Letting me know that I have yet to tap into the places of where I really should be. And I am starting to feel it too, just below the surface. If I pay attention, listen and create when the promptings come, I reap the gifts that are offered me. I am always grateful. This is one of the gifts, and I share it with you.


This little box is made to hold 8-10 Artist Trading Cards (ATC) but you can put other things in too. You can hang it just about anywhere. If you want to wear it as a necklace, you’ll need to extend the length of the cord. The finished Box is 9 1/2 long (with cord) by 1” wide...First I have to confess that I have some bad habits. One of them comes as a beverage in 12oz cans (12 or 24 packs) in a red box with white lettering as you can see. Make no substitutes, it’s just not the same.

The other is listening to my Muse. I also have a habit of recycling and reusing (this is a good thing). My Muse came to me the other week with a “What if…” and took my on another journey to create with it. This information comes through her. None of it was written anywhere, until now. Oh, did I mention that at times she makes me work hard in trying to figure stuff out? All I have is this big empty box that’s screamin’ to be cut and I just wanna cut it!

“What if you took it apart to make it smaller and easier to work with?”

Oh hey there. Ya gonna give me something’ to work with today?

“Yup. Gonna make an ATC Box today. And I’ll even help you make the template for it too.”

Really now? Hot dawg! Well let’s get started. Went gathering.

Ruler
X-Acto knife
Manila folder or paper (to make the template)
Your choice of chipboard, cereal, cracker, soda pop, etc. (not too thick, you wanna be able to cut, score, and fold it)

She watches as I meticulously cut the box into smaller pieces (OCD moment). Then taking the best piece and cutting out the Box to hold the atc’s. Wait, the cards won’t fit. Remember what I said earlier about listening? Well, I didn’t. Wound up cutting another box apart and going back to do it the right way.

“Jeez”

Her head shakes back and forth as it goes into her hand. I could see the smile on her face. She’s very patient with me.

This template was made from a manila file folder. Box: 8 1/2” long x 3” wide (front/back). And 101/2” long x 1”wide for sides. Top: 2 3/4 wide x 4 3/4 long with the sides coming in at 3/4” on the folds.

*NOTE* may need some adjustments. I suggest you do a mock up (scrap paper) with the folds before cutting the actual box (‘cuz me and measurements dun get along all the time). Once you get it to your specifications, trace the top and bottom onto your chosen chipboard and cut them out.


“Now that that’s done, you’re gonna score and fold your Box and Top. And get you some nice papers to cover the box too.”

Yeah, yeah! *excitement*...and some rubber stamps…and ooh, how’s about a Twinchie?

She’s got a big smile on her face.

“You really like the Twinchies, huh? OK then, add a Twinchie.”

So wait, I’m foldin’ and scorin’, but what about taping it so I can cover it?

“Patience. Go and gather these things.”

Ooo, she’s so serious…..scary.

Coordinating 12”x12” papers: Prints (outside), Solids (liner)
Distress inks
I used Worn Lipstick and Black Soot
Rubber stamps
Glue stick
Glue (I use *Beacon’s 3-n-1 Instant Grab.)
*Use in a well ventilated area.
Gold cording for trim (flat)
25” Cording for hanging
(I used leather cording.)
Embossing tool or Bone folder for scoring
4 Eyelets (extras if you tend to miss the mark like I do. Striving for perfection.)
Eyelet tool of choice
2 Beads
Heat gun

…hmm, something may be missing. OK, so now what?


“What if you taped the Box together and then added the eyelets? What would happen?”

Well then I would…(had a Columbo moment). Wait! If I taped it, the Box would get crushed. It would be too tall and narrow for the eyelet tool and my hands to fit. So it needs to stay open to set the eyelets.

“You got it. Excellent deduction there kiddo. And you answered your own question”, she says as she pats me on the shoulder and smiles.

“Score the Top and bottom of the Box and fold. Now, lay them flat on the liner (inside cover) trace and cut out.”

“Lets do some random stamping on the outside paper.”

But it’s already printed.

“Yeah, and pretty plain too. Get the glue stick ready. Next you want to cut the outside piece for the Top piece adding a selvage of 2/4” on all sides, allowing for folding under. Take your glue stick a do a little dab in the middle on both sides of the Top to hold the papers in place. Make two holes close to the edge and set the eyelets. You can tape the Top sides together now. Glue and fold the outside paper first, tucking the selvage to the underside. Apply glue to the liner, press and hold.”

Wait, wait, that was too easy! And what about the outside piece for the Box bottom?
Thinking all the while about how she would have me put it all together. That part seemed like it was gonna be hard.

“Yeah, so? I can make it complicated if you want me to. *blows a raspberry* You gonna finish up the Top now?

Yup *blows a raspberry* Back at ya! Gave a grunge look to the Top corners with Black Soot ink. Set it with the heat gun. Whipped out my trusty Beacon’s to add the trim. It dries crystal clear and fast. It’s also acid free and waterproof.

“And now for something completely different.”

Oh gawd, there she goes. I can see a glint in her eyes. What are you gonna have me do now? You gonna make me pay for what I said earlier about this being too easy, huh?

“Me? I wouldn’t do such a thing. *smirk* I think the glue is going to your head.”

She may be right. *turns on the fan*

“Better now? Can we continue?”

*another raspberry* Let’s continue.

“For the rest of the Box and to finish, apply a dab of the glue stick to the inside bottom to hold the liner. You’ll need to cut a strip for the underside of the outside bottom. Run the glue stick down the middle of the strip (just a dab) leaving the edges free.”

“Make the holes for the eyelets (close to the edge) and set them. Apply glue to the inside walls, leaving 1/2”-1” around the top. Fold and crease the Box and liner, smooth out. Nowwww you can tape the sides together.”


Finally.

“OK, you know that big piece of stamped paper you have left?”

Yeah.

“Turn it over (print side down). Put the box on top leaving 1/4” selvage for the bottom and 1/2” selvage for the top. Roll the Box and paper till all sides are covered slightly creasing for placement (like a present) allow for overlap. Starting with one side, use the glue stick to apply paper to the Box. Snip the top/bottom selvage corners, fold and glue under the liner and the bottom strip. Finish off by gluing the liner and bottom strip down. Grunge the top and sides of the Box. And don’t forget to set it with the heat gun.”

*NOTE* Due to the placement of the eyelets for the Box bottom, you may have to snip a little more from those sides.


Whaaaa, this is so cool.

“Yeah, I know. Doesn’t take much to make you happy does it? C’mon, let’s finish this. What you want to do now is glue the trim around the bottom. Thread the leather cord through the top, then through the bottom to make it one piece. Once you get the desired length, tie knots at the bottom Add the beads and two more knots. Now add your Twinchie and you are done.”

Oh my gawd, this is brilliant! I can put a least 8-10 ATC’s in here.


“I take it that you are pleased with the results then?

You betcha. Thank you so much for showing me how to do this.

“It’s nothing new under the sun. I just wanted to gift you with a different way of discovering through your creativity. You can be sure that there is more to come. I’ll be back soon.”

I love my Muse. She is welcomed with open arms. Let your creativity flow.

Blessings.