I've been making these for a while now too. I do mine a bit differently, but end result looks to be pretty much the same. This is one of my favorite crafts; I find it very relaxing for some reason. Very cool video! As always, looking forward to next time!
So I totally did this craft, but with a few modifications. 1) Put the backer card on later using the picture card as a base level so I only needed to cut out two layers for cool 3D effect. This also helps when making divots for the wire or stems you're using because you don't have to worry about the blade slipping and scarring your backer card. 2) I used scissors and cut out the borders on the rear of the cards for all but the last few because I didn't have time or patience enough to exacto knife all that. A huge time saver for me, but led to a slightly rougher finished product sans divider and to an additional step. 3) To help hide the cuts and to make it look snazzy I painted the outside edges black and then used acryllic sealer on both the picture and holder. 4) For the counter background (lower half) I cut a MTG card to size and 3D'd the logo. 5) My final change was to use different colored beads in 3 rows of ten to signify ones, tens, and hundreds. I am pretty happy with the finished product, despite some errors I made.
Very cool! You should post some pics over at the G&S forums. I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to see it! geekandsundry.com/forums/discussion/2275/nerdcrafting-pictures-post-them-here
Awesome. The vision required to turn this into a reality is fantastic. I would really be interested in seeing more of the finished product. I'm not even an MTG guy, but I really admire the creative spark that went into this. Please, show us more of the end result of your work.
I knew I could count on the comments to help me out :) I was hoping that something like that existed. I'll be grabbing some soonly to make some of these for my etsy store. Thanks very much!
A lot of people have been asking for it.. I'll be fixing this for future videos.. but for this one, I think I'll add a video of the closeup on my main channel soon!
@Paul, in addition to your demo, I love the print (that collage-like print) on display behind you at the beginning and towards the end of the video (in the intro and outro, to use RUclipsrs' terminology).
If you can't find the flower stems, a good idea would be to utilize plain 18 to 20 gauge wire, which can typically be found in any craft store, as well as the crafting aisles at Wal-Mart. As for the spacers, another option is utilizing double-sided foam adhesive, sometimes called pop-dots (though they come in all shapes). These come in various thicknesses, are adhesive on both sides, and can also be found in craft stores or online.
Nyvar had this to say: "I'd use Spray 77, but it can be tricky to work with. Using a sweeping motion while spraying with 77 can leave a little buildup on the side which will lead to a fluffy, tacky edge. Also, when spraying something light the force of the spray can sometimes blow the stuff you are spraying around. A light dusting of Spray 75 before putting your cards on the spraying surface can keep them from blowing around while spraying with 77"
I'd use Spray 77, but it can be tricky to work with. Using a sweeping motion while spraying with 77 can leave a little buildup on the side which will lead to a fluffy, tacky edge. Also, when spraying something light the force of the spray can sometimes blow the stuff you are spraying around. A light dusting of Spray 75 before putting your cards on the spraying surface can keep them from blowing around while spraying with 77 (75 is re-positionable, 77 is permanent). Hope that makes sense.
thank you for letting me know where i can find the wire! ive been doing 3d alters for a few years, but i havent been able to do life counters due to a lack of wire. thank you G&S for this!
Paul, it's funny you have a video of you making one of these come out now. I have been working on one for the past couple of days. Before I started making this I had made a life counter out of 2 mana cards where you spin 2 dials so your life totals show in little viewing windows. The people I play with found the dials easier because you can set your life anywhere from 00 to 99. I have also been working on adding a 0-9 infect token counter to the top of the card.
I usually use 4+ copies of the card I want to make, and the rest blank layers (I also use basic lands). Then I cut out a layer from each card (background, then middle ground layers, then foreground), and glue a few blank layers between each. It takes forever, but I like the 3d effect that I usually get from it. Also, I'm not sure of the cost vs the flower stems, but I use bead wire for the beads. And I agree, definitely try to get cards from the same set (or at least era); makes it way easier.
Whoa that was awesome! I'm definitely building that for Mythos CCG. I've got loads of completely useless "write down your own adventure" cards just asking to be cut apart.
Good idea for the spacers..I'll try that next time I make one! You could just use commons for the in between parts, and only use the land pieces for the pictures. Would reduce the amount of lands you needed to cut :)
I'd suggest using a glue that dries clear, such as Scotch's Clear Glue. The bottles have a two-way applicator; a fine point for detail work, and a dauber, for larger surface work.
This is brilliant! Thanks for the project idea. This'll be all the rage next FNM at my local card shop. Side note: Those poor Swamps.. Liliana would not be pleased.
Good point he needs a good close up shot of the completed abacus and it being used. Otherwise interesting video. I started way back at the beginning and haven't played in years but I just put beads on a wood skewer for similar use.
We've got the deluxe version.. so we just use the board.. but these would definitely be handy for munchkin too. Since you only need to hit 10.. it might make more sense to use the bigger beads, and go horizontal instead of vertical too. I might definitely have to make one of these now that I think of it :)
It's like I reached into your brain and sucked out an idea ;) It was actually a fan suggestion, and it seemed to work great for the timing of a new show on the channel The 2 card counters sound cool too. Good luck getting the third dial in!
Nice job. Only recommendation is that you have a camera for close ups. Maybe a down facing camera. We had a hard time seeing things as your doing them, results are nice, but the bulk of your video is it in the process.
I really like that you made the picture 3D...what a fun way get give more interest...I think I'd going to have to find a way to 3D one of my projects as well. :D
It also might help to see what you're making close-up before hand so we know where this is going. :) Sometimes there are steps that I don't understand the purpose of until later. Love your videos!
You could, but I really like the way it looks being made out of cards.. I don't think the foam would have the same feel to it. Would function ok, but not look as nice.
Awesome! This is because Felicia discovered MTG 15years late... :-P I can't wait for the new show. I stopped playing about 10 years ago, but love watching matches.
Awesome! I think you should make some for them to use on the new show. Also, do you actually need to use cards other than on the faces? I would think that unless you left parts of the pictures from each card in the upper section (maybe lower too) sticking into the frame, then you could use anything (other paper, or even wood pieces) and just paint the outside, to maybe save some time with less exacto cutting. Lastly: A reversible one with no backing on the bottom and 2 outward facing top scenes!
I really would like to make one of these but instead of using 20+ magic cards I was wondering if I could use a regular deck of playing cards to be the fillers, and then use MTG cards for the front and back. Has anyone tried it?
What type of glue should I be using (my husband had no idea what I'm making him for our first anniversary, just knows I have requested to kill numerous mtg cards). Also, I get using swamps for the skull, but mine will still be awesome using plains right? :-)
If you want even more of a 3D effect, they sell double-sided adhesive foam for just such an occasion :) Look in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.
Hey, sorry for the late reply, I don't often check these older vlogs. I'm using a retractable exacto knife. Kinda like this one :www.hardwarestore.com/retractable-x-acto-knife-131009.aspx
You betcha. My main channel is allhailskippy (can get there by clicking my name) and I'm all over social media.. check the video description for some links!
You should really show a close up of the craft at the end of the video. This is a cool idea, but it looks like a lot of work. It's probably something people could sell on etsy though.
I wonder if you could glue (and dry) the cards together first then use a craft saw to cut them all at once (evenly)? Anyone tried this? Such a cool craft, thanks!
Will it work? Yes. Will it look as nice? Nope. I'm a fan of the way stacked cards look along the sides, and foam core doesn't seem like a nice alternative.
Holy crap I wish I had one of those when I played MtG. I had a badass leech deck that I'd end up with 40+ life at the end of the game. Sold my cards though.
I LOVE your videos but I wish you would show the finished product for a moment at the end of your videos. Keep being awesome!
I've been making these for a while now too. I do mine a bit differently, but end result looks to be pretty much the same. This is one of my favorite crafts; I find it very relaxing for some reason.
Very cool video! As always, looking forward to next time!
So I totally did this craft, but with a few modifications.
1) Put the backer card on later using the picture card as a base level so I only needed to cut out two layers for cool 3D effect. This also helps when making divots for the wire or stems you're using because you don't have to worry about the blade slipping and scarring your backer card.
2) I used scissors and cut out the borders on the rear of the cards for all but the last few because I didn't have time or patience enough to exacto knife all that. A huge time saver for me, but led to a slightly rougher finished product sans divider and to an additional step.
3) To help hide the cuts and to make it look snazzy I painted the outside edges black and then used acryllic sealer on both the picture and holder.
4) For the counter background (lower half) I cut a MTG card to size and 3D'd the logo.
5) My final change was to use different colored beads in 3 rows of ten to signify ones, tens, and hundreds.
I am pretty happy with the finished product, despite some errors I made.
Very cool! You should post some pics over at the G&S forums. I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd like to see it!
geekandsundry.com/forums/discussion/2275/nerdcrafting-pictures-post-them-here
Awesome. The vision required to turn this into a reality is fantastic. I would really be interested in seeing more of the finished product. I'm not even an MTG guy, but I really admire the creative spark that went into this. Please, show us more of the end result of your work.
I knew I could count on the comments to help me out :)
I was hoping that something like that existed. I'll be grabbing some soonly to make some of these for my etsy store.
Thanks very much!
I was tempted to find a really expensive card and cut it up to make everyone cry.. but I couldn't do it to you guys. I like y'all too much :)
This is pure genius! I've been wanting to get back into Magic, and this excites me to do so! Can't wait for the new show
A lot of people have been asking for it.. I'll be fixing this for future videos.. but for this one, I think I'll add a video of the closeup on my main channel soon!
I couldn't think of a use for cut out land pictures.. got any suggestions? I'll be making more of these, so I'll have lots more pieces to work with.
Yup.. I definitely think I can make that happen. Thanks for the suggestion!
I really like the 3-D effect! I make greeting cards and post cards and you just inspired me!
@Paul, in addition to your demo, I love the print (that collage-like print) on display behind you at the beginning and towards the end of the video (in the intro and outro, to use RUclipsrs' terminology).
Do tell us about that print...and how you made it!!!
I'll try to do this in the future as well. Thanks for the suggestion!
Good job and great idea. I made some 3d-ish cards a while back but to make a life counter is even better. Will definitely try this
If you can't find the flower stems, a good idea would be to utilize plain 18 to 20 gauge wire, which can typically be found in any craft store, as well as the crafting aisles at Wal-Mart. As for the spacers, another option is utilizing double-sided foam adhesive, sometimes called pop-dots (though they come in all shapes). These come in various thicknesses, are adhesive on both sides, and can also be found in craft stores or online.
... You want me to do what to my magic cards? I mean i know they're just lands but... still, I'd feel like I was cutting into a friend.
I used white glue, but that wasn't necessarily idea. You may want to follow nyvar's suggestion, or try some other kinds of spray glue.
Nyvar had this to say: "I'd use Spray 77, but it can be tricky to work with. Using a sweeping motion while spraying with 77 can leave a little buildup on the side which will lead to a fluffy, tacky edge. Also, when spraying something light the force of the spray can sometimes blow the stuff you are spraying around. A light dusting of Spray 75 before putting your cards on the spraying surface can keep them from blowing around while spraying with 77"
I'd use Spray 77, but it can be tricky to work with. Using a sweeping motion while spraying with 77 can leave a little buildup on the side which will lead to a fluffy, tacky edge. Also, when spraying something light the force of the spray can sometimes blow the stuff you are spraying around. A light dusting of Spray 75 before putting your cards on the spraying surface can keep them from blowing around while spraying with 77 (75 is re-positionable, 77 is permanent). Hope that makes sense.
thank you for letting me know where i can find the wire! ive been doing 3d alters for a few years, but i havent been able to do life counters due to a lack of wire. thank you G&S for this!
Paul, it's funny you have a video of you making one of these come out now. I have been working on one for the past couple of days. Before I started making this I had made a life counter out of 2 mana cards where you spin 2 dials so your life totals show in little viewing windows. The people I play with found the dials easier because you can set your life anywhere from 00 to 99. I have also been working on adding a 0-9 infect token counter to the top of the card.
That was awesome! Great idea, loving the use of Tome Scour with a swamp background... since I play a black/blue mill deck. Keep it up!
Sorry about that.. not sure what happened, but I'll be more careful about the sound in the future
Decoupage? Maybe on to aged wood for a box for book ends or goblets or the cover of a journal? Or cut them apart to make 3D scenes encased in resin?
I usually use 4+ copies of the card I want to make, and the rest blank layers (I also use basic lands). Then I cut out a layer from each card (background, then middle ground layers, then foreground), and glue a few blank layers between each. It takes forever, but I like the 3d effect that I usually get from it. Also, I'm not sure of the cost vs the flower stems, but I use bead wire for the beads. And I agree, definitely try to get cards from the same set (or at least era); makes it way easier.
Whoa that was awesome! I'm definitely building that for Mythos CCG. I've got loads of completely useless "write down your own adventure" cards just asking to be cut apart.
Good idea for the spacers..I'll try that next time I make one! You could just use commons for the in between parts, and only use the land pieces for the pictures. Would reduce the amount of lands you needed to cut :)
Great walk through video. I would have loved to see a close up in the end.
I don't have any up yet, but I'll definitely be putting them on my etsy store in the near future!
I'd suggest using a glue that dries clear, such as Scotch's Clear Glue. The bottles have a two-way applicator; a fine point for detail work, and a dauber, for larger surface work.
Okie dokie.. I'll keep future cut outs :) Those all sound like great ideas :)
I'm definitely going! I'll only be there on Saturday though.
Glad to see you've considered coming to Montreal Comiccon! What day(s) are you going? Be sure to tweet them, and I might bump into you.
So cute! I would love to do something like this for Munchin too. But maybe just use some cardboard or foam for the filler. Thanks so much!
This is brilliant! Thanks for the project idea. This'll be all the rage next FNM at my local card shop.
Side note: Those poor Swamps.. Liliana would not be pleased.
Good point he needs a good close up shot of the completed abacus and it being used. Otherwise interesting video. I started way back at the beginning and haven't played in years but I just put beads on a wood skewer for similar use.
We've got the deluxe version.. so we just use the board.. but these would definitely be handy for munchkin too. Since you only need to hit 10.. it might make more sense to use the bigger beads, and go horizontal instead of vertical too.
I might definitely have to make one of these now that I think of it :)
This was an awesome idea! Definitely going to try this out, though I might need a few more land cards first...
It's like I reached into your brain and sucked out an idea ;)
It was actually a fan suggestion, and it seemed to work great for the timing of a new show on the channel
The 2 card counters sound cool too. Good luck getting the third dial in!
Nice job. Only recommendation is that you have a camera for close ups. Maybe a down facing camera. We had a hard time seeing things as your doing them, results are nice, but the bulk of your video is it in the process.
This will be part of my friends birthday present, such a cool idea
I really like that you made the picture 3D...what a fun way get give more interest...I think I'd going to have to find a way to 3D one of my projects as well. :D
this looks awesome! way to go, Paul!
It also might help to see what you're making close-up before hand so we know where this is going. :) Sometimes there are steps that I don't understand the purpose of until later. Love your videos!
whoa I WANNA SEE THE FINISHED PRODUCT but this is amazing *A*
+1 internets for the dwarf fortress music. Where else can we see your work, do you have a channel or blog?
You could, but I really like the way it looks being made out of cards.. I don't think the foam would have the same feel to it. Would function ok, but not look as nice.
Awesome! This is because Felicia discovered MTG 15years late... :-P I can't wait for the new show. I stopped playing about 10 years ago, but love watching matches.
I haven't tried it, but I expect it would probably work pretty well, if not better than mine turned out.
I love Kevin Mcleod for his music.
You sir are a genius!
Cx
Wish we could of seen more of finished craft... Though a good video.
You could always use commons you don't want for the middle as well.
I love these, especially the "3D" ones. You have pretty much limitless customization.
What's different about the way you make yours?
Awesome! I think you should make some for them to use on the new show. Also, do you actually need to use cards other than on the faces? I would think that unless you left parts of the pictures from each card in the upper section (maybe lower too) sticking into the frame, then you could use anything (other paper, or even wood pieces) and just paint the outside, to maybe save some time with less exacto cutting. Lastly: A reversible one with no backing on the bottom and 2 outward facing top scenes!
I really would like to make one of these but instead of using 20+ magic cards I was wondering if I could use a regular deck of playing cards to be the fillers, and then use MTG cards for the front and back. Has anyone tried it?
+Miranda S Just use land cards. They would actually be worth less than a deck of cards.
Miranda S they sell really cheap spacers you can use. No, MTG cards aren't the same shape as a standard deck.
What type of glue should I be using (my husband had no idea what I'm making him for our first anniversary, just knows I have requested to kill numerous mtg cards). Also, I get using swamps for the skull, but mine will still be awesome using plains right? :-)
this was lots of fun to watch
what'd you do with the other parts of the cards?
If you want even more of a 3D effect, they sell double-sided adhesive foam for just such an occasion :) Look in the scrapbooking section of a craft store.
"ain't nobody got time for that" teehee ^___^ I do very much enjoy your ideas Paul!
Can you show a picture of your crafts at the end of the videos?
A couple of ideas, using foam board for thickness, and using a proxy instead of cutting up your cards. Just a thought.
Paul, what kind of exacto knife are you using? It looks more like a point?
Hey, sorry for the late reply, I don't often check these older vlogs.
I'm using a retractable exacto knife. Kinda like this one :www.hardwarestore.com/retractable-x-acto-knife-131009.aspx
Hey no problem! Thanks for the reply!!
You betcha. My main channel is allhailskippy (can get there by clicking my name) and I'm all over social media.. check the video description for some links!
I did this with one of my Jaces. It was a good sculptor.
Finally, something to do with all my extra MTG cards!
What glue do you recommend?
Yay, MTG on G&S. Finally!
MTG SHOW!!?? Yea I'm stoked :p
A proxy is basically a copy of a card printed from the computer. My brother uses them for casual play.
You should really show a close up of the craft at the end of the video. This is a cool idea, but it looks like a lot of work. It's probably something people could sell on etsy though.
I wonder if you could glue (and dry) the cards together first then use a craft saw to cut them all at once (evenly)? Anyone tried this? Such a cool craft, thanks!
I'll put something on my main channel soon!
Thank you!
This is awesome. If your good enough with wood you can save some cards.
Love the music
Some close ups of the finished project would have been nice.
I'll take all the points!
Will it work? Yes. Will it look as nice? Nope. I'm a fan of the way stacked cards look along the sides, and foam core doesn't seem like a nice alternative.
Thanks, think I will try the scotch clear.
This is very cool. But he sounds very Canadian hehe. Good job! I am going to make one this weekend!
Do you have a Minnesotan accent? Or a Canadian accent?
Excellent!
Freaking mind blown!!! Genius!!
And if I ever get a camera that has that, I'll be all over it :)
I'm not sure what you mean by using a proxy
Love it. I don't play enough magic, but if I did...
Some spray mount would greatly expedite this process
Holy crap I wish I had one of those when I played MtG. I had a badass leech deck that I'd end up with 40+ life at the end of the game. Sold my cards though.
glue is... messy, i'd use spray adhesive ^_^
Super cool idea though~
PaigeyLeighWolf your profile looks like my cousin. Are you my cousin? Her name is Sarah.
That would probably be because I am Canadian :)
I hope your counter turns out great.. eh!
Sweet!
Looks cool.. but you're right, I have no idea how it would work :)
One card on the bottom and a layer of foam core in the middle will save you some cards.
Very cool
Super crafty I say! and have said it before.
I want one of these! :)
I don’t understand your abacus. Where are your tens?
Did anyone else make an embarrassing noise when he cut into the first card? Sure it was only basic land.. but.. gah!!
Pretty neat idea though.