DIY Guide: How to Make Your Own Tarot Cards

Have you ever wanted to create your own tarot cards? Making your own deck can be a fun and creative way to connect with the tarot on a deeper level. Not only does it allow you to customize your own deck, but it can also be a meditative practice that helps you to better understand the meaning and symbolism behind each card.

Creating your own tarot deck doesn’t require any special skills or tools, and with a little creativity and patience, you can make a beautiful set of cards that truly resonates with you. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the basic steps involved in creating your own tarot cards, as well as some tips and ideas to help you get started. Whether you’re a seasoned tarot reader or just getting started, making your own deck can be an enriching experience that allows you to explore the tarot in a whole new way.

How to Make Your Own Tarot Cards: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you’ve decided to make your own tarot cards, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get crafting. It may seem like a daunting task at first, but with a little patience and some creativity, you can create a deck that is truly unique to you. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make your own tarot cards.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start making your cards, you’ll need to gather all the necessary supplies. This may include cardstock or watercolor paper, pencils or pens, markers or paints, scissors, glue, and a ruler. You’ll also want to have access to a printer, as you may want to print out images to use on your cards.

Decide on Your Deck

There are many different types of tarot decks, each with its own unique style and symbolism. Before you start creating your cards, decide on the type of deck you want to make. Will it be based on traditional tarot decks, or will you create your own themes and symbols?

Create Your Card Templates

Using your ruler and a pencil, create a template for your cards. Tarot cards are typically 2.75″ x 4.75″, but you can make your cards any size you like. Once you have your templates, trace them onto your chosen paper and cut them out.

Design Your Cards

Now that you have your templates, it’s time to start designing your cards. This is where you can get creative and let your imagination run wild. You can draw your own symbols and designs, or you can print out images to use on your cards.

Add Color to Your Cards

Once you have your designs in place, it’s time to add some color to your cards. You can use markers or paints to add color to your cards, or you can leave them in black and white if you prefer.

Create a Card Back

In addition to your card designs, you’ll also want to create a card back. This is the side of the card that you’ll see when the deck is face down. You can use a single image for your card back, or you can create a pattern or design.

Assemble Your Deck

Once you have all your cards and your card back designs completed, it’s time to assemble your deck. You may want to use a glue stick or double-sided tape to attach your card designs to the cardstock or watercolor paper.

Test Your Cards

Once your deck is complete, it’s a good idea to test out your cards. Shuffle them and choose a few cards at random to see how they feel. You may want to make adjustments to your designs or card backs based on how they feel in your hands.

Make Extra Cards

When you’re making your own tarot cards, it’s always a good idea to make a few extra cards just in case. You may want to create some “blank” cards that you can use for your own personal symbolism or draw additional cards for your deck.

Cleanse and Bless Your Deck

Before you start using your new deck, it’s a good idea to cleanse and bless it. This can be done by holding each card and setting your intention for using them. You may also want to smudge your deck with sage or sweetgrass to clear any negative energy.

Now that you have all the steps to make your own tarot cards, it’s time to get started. Remember, this is your deck, so let your creativity and intuition guide you. With a little patience and some imagination, you can create a deck that is truly unique to you.

Section 2: Materials Needed to Make Your Own Tarot Cards

1. Choosing the right paper.

The first step to making your own tarot cards is to choose the right paper. You will need a quality paper that is thick enough to hold up to regular use and handling. A good option is a heavy cardstock paper that is at least 300gsm. This will give your cards the proper weight and thickness needed for a professional look and feel.

2. Choosing the right ink.

The next step is to choose the right ink for your cards. You want an ink that is permanent and won’t smudge or fade over time. A high-quality ink, such as a pigment-based or archival ink, is ideal for tarot cards. It is also important to choose an ink that will work well with your printer or the printing method you plan to use.

3. Selecting the right images.

Tarot cards are all about the imagery, so it is important to choose the right images for your cards. You can create your own images or use existing ones. If you are creating your own images, make sure they are clear, easy to understand and relate to the tarot card meanings.

4. Lamination.

Laminating your cards is an important step in making sure they last. This will protect them from damage, moisture, and fading. You can either use a home laminating machine or have them laminated by a professional.

5. Cutting tools.

Having the right cutting tools is important to ensure precision and accuracy when cutting your cards. A good option is a rotary paper cutter or a paper trimmer. These tools will help you create clean and professional-looking edges on your tarot cards.

6. Rounded corner punch.

Having a rounded corner punch is an additional tool that can help add a touch of elegance to your tarot cards. A rounded corner punch will give your cards a softer, more professional look, and prevent them from getting bent or damaged over time.

7. Guillotine cutter.

A guillotine cutter is a more professional tool that can help make the cutting process faster and more accurate. It is ideal for cutting large quantities of cards at once, and can help ensure that each card is the same size and shape.

8. Distributor/seller packaging.

If you are planning on selling or distributing your tarot cards, you will need to package them appropriately. This could include shrink-wrapping them, placing them in a box, or creating custom packaging with your logo and branding.

9. Optional tools and materials.

There are a few additional tools and materials that can help make the process of making your own tarot cards easier and more enjoyable. These might include a bone folder for creasing folds, rubber stamps for adding extra design touches, and metallic pens for adding accents and details.

10. Creativity.

Finally, the most important tool you will need when making your own tarot cards is your own creativity and imagination. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different designs, colors, and layouts. Let your creativity flow and allow your intuition to guide you as you create your own unique tarot deck.

Materials Needed to Make Your Own Tarot Cards

Making your own tarot cards is a fun and creative way to connect with your spiritual side. Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary materials. Here are the essential materials needed to make your own tarot cards:

Choosing Your Designs

The design of each tarot card is crucial, as each image represents a specific meaning and message. When creating your own cards, you have the freedom to choose your designs and symbolism. A good starting point is to examine traditional tarot decks for inspiration.

Research the origins and meanings behind each tarot card, as well as the symbols and colors used. You can also incorporate personal themes or symbols to make your deck more unique to you.

Creating Your Designs

Once you have chosen your designs and symbols, it’s time to put pencil to paper. Sketch out your designs lightly, using a ruler for straight lines and symmetry.

When creating your designs, keep in mind that the images need to be easily recognizable and clear. A cluttered or confusing image can detract from the meaning and impact of the card’s message.

Adding Color

After sketching out your designs, it’s time to add color. You can use markers, colored pencils, paint, or any other medium that suits your preference.

Make sure that the colors you choose correspond with the meanings and symbolism of each card. For example, red may symbolize passion and energy, while blue may represent calmness and peace.

Printing and Cutting

Once your designs are complete, it’s time to print and cut the cards. Print your designs onto the cardstock paper and then use scissors or a paper cutter to cut each card to the desired size.

Ensure that the cards are of the same size and shape, and that the edges are straight and even. You can also consider rounding the corners for a professional finish.

Cleansing and Blessing

Before using your homemade tarot cards, it’s important to cleanse and bless them. This process helps to rid the cards of any negative energy and to infuse them with positive energy.

You can do this by holding each card and passing it through incense smoke or candle flame. You can also say a personal blessing or prayer that aligns with your intention for the cards.

In conclusion, creating your own tarot cards is a meaningful and enjoyable way to explore your spiritual side. By following these steps, you’ll be able to create a unique and personalized deck that resonates with you. Remember to take your time and have fun throughout the process.

Time to Create Your Own Tarot Deck!

I hope you found this article helpful and informative in your quest to create your own tarot deck. Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to designing your cards, so let your creativity flow and trust your instincts. Take your time to fully immerse in the process and enjoy the ride. The journey of crafting your own tarot deck is as significant as the final product. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again soon with more fascinating tips and tricks on the mystical world of tarot!