Bat+Ball=One thick custom...booklet style

For anyone that's dabbled in customs, you'll probably understand that it's the execution that's the most important. Well, for customs, booklets are a headache for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the layout depends on the the thickness of all pieces so that the spines can be correct. Then it's a matter of the left and right edges of the center panel. Obviously you can't cut them down after they have been mounted to the backing. All the while, you have to make the final folded booklet 3.5" x 2.5".

For this custom, it includes a bat barrel nameplate, sweet spot signature and a game-used bat knob. As both the game-used broken bat and autographed baseball were authenticated by Major League Baseball, I wanted to make sure that the MLB holograms could be used as well, so each of those were embedded into the back of the card (behind the sweet spot panel).

The final specs of the card...
- weighs approx. 1.6 ounces
- approx. 3/5" thick
- measures 11.25" long when open
- measures the standard 3.5" x 2.5" when folded

Below are various steps from the process of building this card.

1. The pieces, with the "face" cut off of the baseball


2. Main components of the memorabilia side, in pieces...


3. The memorabilia panels without the artwork adhered...


4. The panels being clamped down, after adhering the artwork to the backing.


5. The four separate panels after the adhesive set (the bat pieces will get adhered when the top and bottom join)


6. All panels adhered together, and clamped down


7. The final card, cut down to size and folded


8. The back of the final card, showing the MLB holograms embedded into two windows on the back panel.


9. The thickness of this beefy card when folded.


10. The opening fold


11. Completely open memorabilia side


12. Left panel


13. Center panel


14. Right panel

That is amazing.

Absolutely amazing work! That is one great looking card.

That is....amazing!

This is absolutely amazing. Just wow. Do you make these upon request or for money or fun? Really cool

Very nice booklet! I always enjoy seeing your work. I'm assuming this was for chris which in that case, very nice PC pickup

Sent from my DROID X2 using Sports Cards by Freedom Card Board.com

Holy crap. Unreal work.

Nice way to incorporate the MLB holograms. Congrats.

Another perfect job from Mr. perfect 200lb.

I hate you, every time one of these are posted I am like hey I need one.

That's just NASTY!!! :shock:

AMAZING looking card!

Well Done Mike!

This is terribly awesome..Id do bad things for a Griffey like this!

Incredible Mike, This is how you make game used cards! I want one :lol: Looks like I now have a couple projects I have to throw your way. Just awsome.

If I ever meet you in person you're getting a big bear hug, a high five, and an "Atta Boy!"

Don't post here much, but dam that card is better designed that anything Topps or any other company has put out recently. Just amazing work really.

That is possibly the best booklet ive ever seen.

Awesome f'n job!

Very very nice!

What is the story with the rest of the bat?

I would be interested for a little project of my own...

Beautiful.

Honus Wagner foldout?

jbhofmann said:

Honus Wagner foldout?

Click to expand...

Hahahahaah!!!!