Super Mario Savings Bank

As part of our Super Mario master bedroom decor I decided to make a savings bank that looks like one of the mystery blocks. I think it would look better if it were a wooden box with the design painted on but I decided to work with what I already had so I made this one using a cardboard box and colored cardstock.

Start by taping your box closed then cut a slot in the top to put your money in.

To get the perfect 8-bit look, measure the front side of your box and divide by 16 to figure out what size each square would be (my box was six inches wide so each square is 3/8-inch). Create an 8x11 grid making each line the measurement you came up with. Then mark the squares in the pattern above.

Cut away all of the squares that were not marked. This is the template for your brown cardstock. Then cut your template down to match the size that you would need for the orange question mark. You will need two of each.

Cut down a piece of yellow cardstock to match the size of your box and glue it to the front. Then use a gluestick to glue down the brown question mark. Glue the orange question mark on top of the brown one. Cut out four single squares and glue about 3/4-inches from the edges. Repeat on the backside. 

On the left and right sides glue down a sheet of tan or beige cardstock. Cut several strips of brown cardstock into 3/8-inch strips. Divide the side of the box into four horizontal sections. Glue strips down onto the three lines dividing the sections. Cut down the vertical strips and glue into place as shown above. Repeat on the opposite side of the box.

Glue a piece of brown cardstock onto the top of the box. Cut a slit where the coin slot is and fold the excess paper inside the hole and glue down. Cut brown cardstock into twelve 7/8-inch strips fold in half longwise to create an even crease then cut down to match the height and width of your box. Use a glue stick to attach to each side of the box. 

Now start saving! You could create some kind of removable cover on the bottom to access your money but I chose to keep it closed up to discourage myself from dipping into our savings. When I do decide to get the money out I can just cut open the bottom of the box.

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