.JPG "Retro Gamer Birthday Card | Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall")
Hey there, crafty friends!
Today, I’m sharing a super fun project that’s sure to bring a smile to any gamer’s face! I recently got my hands on the new Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall Retro Game Fancy Dies, and I couldn’t wait to dive in and create this nostalgic, interactive birthday card. The set is designed to instantly spark joy for anyone who loves retro video games (hello, '90s kids!), and it gave me so many creative options to play with.
Card Design Overview
For this project, I wanted to capture the full '90s gaming vibe, so I started by die-cutting the main video game console face. The die set includes everything you need to create a super authentic look, from the directional pad and buttons to a game cartridge that you can actually switch out!
Tip: Before snipping the dies apart, I used a template technique. I first die-cut the face of the console in one solid piece to help with the exact placement of all the buttons and details. This made it super easy to piece everything together on my final card.
Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall Retro Game Fancy Dies
Intens-ified Black Ink Pad - Black stamped ink
Clear Card Panels - Acetate
Distress Oxide Inks - Picked Raspberry, Twisted Citron, and Hickory Smoke
Distress Spritz - front panel - Picked Raspberry, Fossilized Amber, Twisted Citron and
Peacock Feathers
Foam Tape
.JPG "Retro Gamer Birthday Card | Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall")
Creating the 90’s Vibe Panel
For that classic, retro look, I used Distress Sprays in a few fun colors:
- Fossilized Amber
- Picked Raspberry
- Twisted Citron
- Peacock Feathers
I spritzed the top panel with these colors to give it that vibrant, splattered effect that just screams '90s arcade! The mix of neon and bright colors instantly gave the card an upbeat, nostalgic feel. You can also see a little splatter around the edges, which adds to that playful, carefree gamer energy. This also add a touch of shimmer!
Interactive Cartridge Fun!
What really makes this card interactive and unique are the game cartridges. The die set includes a cartridge die, and I made three interchangeable cartridges for this card! The recipient can swap them out for different messages depending on the occasion (or their mood). For this version, I went with a birthday theme, but you could easily change it up for a love note, a thank you card, or even a fun holiday message. These fun stamps come from the coordinating HA + RT Retro Game Stamps.
- Sentiments: I stamped phrases like "New Level Unlocked - AMAZING!" and "You're the only person I'll let be Player One" to keep with the gaming theme. The options are endless, and it's such a fun interactive element for your cards!
.JPG "Retro Gamer Birthday Card | Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall")
Adding Dimension with Foam Tape
To ensure that the cartridges would easily slide in and out, I used double layers of foam tape around the edges of the game console screen. This created the perfect amount of space for the interactive element to work smoothly. I also mounted the console panel onto a shaped card base to give it that classic Game Boy look, making the whole card feel cohesive.
Final Touches
Of course, I had to finish it off with some playful embellishments, including bright heart and star details. These little extras really tie everything together and add that extra level of fun.
.JPG "Retro Gamer Birthday Card | Hero Arts + Ralph Tyndall")
This project was such a blast to make, and I hope it inspires you to bring some retro gaming magic to your next card! Whether you’re crafting for a fellow gamer or just want to create something interactive and unique, this die set is an absolute must-have.
Thanks for stopping by, and don’t forget to level up your creativity!
Ilda 🎮
