Make Your Own Tarot Box: Decoupage Project

Decoupaging is something that anyone can do. To decoupage with tarot cards you will need a printer with scanner, a few in expensive craft supplies and your favorite tarot deck.

I use an ordinary inkjet printer. The ink is water-based which means that it can run. But I have had no significant problems with ink running using Mod Podge (a special decoupage glue).

Decoupaged boxes can be simple or complex. If this is your first decoupage project, you might want to go with simple or if you're feeling adventurous, try a more complex design like this box. I usually get my boxes at AC Moore or Michael's or Joann's craft stores because if I go in with a coupon I can get a pretty good price but these boxes are also available on Amazon. 

The supplies that you need are: 

1.  An unfinished (or repurposed) wooden box from your local craft store (or amazon) 
2. Mod Podge or other glue if you choose to use something else. 
3. Your tarot deck or online images A printer with scanner if you want to use images from your deck. 
4. A decent pair of scissors. 
5. A brush - I use inexpensive foam scrapbooking brushes because bristle brushes can leave strands stuck to your work which is never fun! 

You will want to work on a clean--pet hair and dust free surface--but the process is pretty simple. You will also want to carefully remove any hardware and lightly sand holes before you start to decoupage. 

I like to work with one side of the box at a sitting (or less if the design is very involved), scanning, printing and cutting out all my images and arranging them dry until I get them just how I like them.

Then I coat the back of each image with Mod Podge and put in place. You can't move the images once they are stuck down (usually) without tearing them but one of the great things about decoupage is that, in its way, it's very forgiving because if you don't like what you have you can just go right over it with another image and the small variation in thickness isn't noticeable to most people at all. 

When you have the pieces in place brush Mod Podge over the top and let the box air dry. You can also decoupage or paint the inside of the box. If I like the backs of the decks, I'm working with I like to scan and print those and use them as a liner for the inside of the box. 

There are a lot of options with this project - you can create a design with your images, for example, or just put a single favorite image on the top of your box and paint the sides. Some people like to use embellishments like glass "gemstones" or ribbon or glitter as well. But however you design your box - please take your time. 

If you do a bit at time and let the box dry in between you'll have fun - if you try to rush (like I did with my first box) you WILL get frustrated. 

My method now is to work on a TV tray in the evening when I'm hanging out with my family and enjoy the process. But working with music playing in the background is very nice too. 

Decoupage is a great medium and the results can be beautiful. Once you've done your tarot box, you can do a tarot tray or the cover of your own tarot workbook - or really anything you want. Enjoy your project and please feel free to share your results or ask any questions you might have in the comment section below!