This blog is an extension of my Youtube video showing how to make your own Deck of Many Things from D&D. I used foil to make them metallic.
I drew all the artwork for this deck. If you would like to preorder your own deck that I make check out this link:
Let's start making!
Tools Used:
Card Supplies:
>White and Black Cardstock (Purchased Locally at Michaels) >Super 77 Glue [Link Below]
>Acrylic Sealer Spray Paint [Link Below] >Rotary Cutter [Link in Step 7]
>Crop-a-Dile Punch [Link in Step 8]
>Metal Ruler (Purchased anywhere that sells office supplies)
Safety Supplies: [Most important tools] >Dust Mask or Respirator >Nitrile Gloves (If you are allergic to latex, like me!) >Safety Glasses >Ear Protection
Foil Supplies: >Cricut Maker - I purchased mine when it was on sale because coupons are where it is at. The design space comes with it. Link:
>Foil Quill - three sizes - I purchased mine locally with coupon. Link:
Other Option to Cricut Maker is We R Memory Pen: I have heard good things about these freestyle pens, maybe I will try it one day. Link:
THE STEPS
Step One: Draw out Cards
First I picked a style I liked. I was really influenced by tattoo line aesthetic because I knew I was going to use the foil to make these cards.
Step Two: Transfer Drawing to Cricut Design Space
Now, I scanned all of the drawings and separated them to then upload to my Cricut Design Space. To Upload, go to your Canvas and the upload button is on the left bottom. It takes some time but you have select all the areas you do not want and then select that it Cuts it not Print to cut. Once, you put it into your Design Space, you have make it draw in the drop down menu.
Step Three: Step Up Cards in Maker Space
I created my outlines and then just started adding all the cards in until they were all there. Since I knew how I wanted to construct them, it just became a matter of putting in the time to get all the letters, outlines, and line drawings in. I did color coat the draw function to match the size of the Foil Quills I was using. This helps when printing because the Cricut will ask you to change the pens and if you have the colors matching, you don't have to think about it.
TIP: Before hitting the Make it button, make sure you attach all of your objects in the space. This will make sure it prints out like your layout.
Step Four: Foiling Cards
Once the lay out was done, I sent it to print and we were on our way. I printed with the Foil Quills drawing in a well ventilated space. Since this tool burns the metal foil, I did not want to worry about potential fumes.
Step Five: Acrylic Coating
This is the pivotal stage. The part where you are in the middle of the build and you don't want to mess it up. ::heart pounds::
With any sealer, test before you use on your masterpiece. I used Krylon Clear Acrylic Matte Sealer. So it wouldn't dull down the shine of the metallic and wouldn't make the whole card metallic.
Step Six: Fold and Glue
Now, once you have done the coating and it is dry. It is time for the nerve wrecking moment of folding and gluing. I marked out where the fold would be a used a Bone Folder to create a nice crease. Once that was done, each of them was opened up and sprayed with Super 77. With this product, you want to spray and wait until it is tacky. If it is too wet, it won't stick well. So be patient. Sign the song you use to wash your hands and then fold.
Link Bone Folder: I purchased mine from Michaels but you can get these anywhere. The link shows you one similar to the one I use.
Link: Super 77 Can be purchased locally (Walmart & Lowes) and also online
First, elevate your piece to avoid attachment to table cover.
TIP: Start Super 77 off of project and then move on to ensure you get the ends.
Secondly, after waiting for it to get tacky. Press down the short side firmly, starting at the crease and moving up.
TIP: Heat can effect Super 77. In Texas, it can be 90-100 degrees easy so you do not have to wait long for the glue to set.
How all the sets look at this stage:
Step Seven: Cutting them out
You can use an X-acto knife and metal ruler but your life will CHANGE when you use a rotary cutter for the first time. I have one for paper and one for fabric. They are the cutting MVP.
Link to the one I use:
I drew out guidelines on the paper before cutting. This helps ensure your cards match up.
Step Eight: Cut Edges
Using the Crop-a-dile from We R Memory, the corners were completed so fast! There are other corner cutter out there but I use this one.
Link:
DONE!
Optional Step Nine: Quick Leather Case
Made a template. Cut it out. Punched some holes and TA-DA. It could be fancier BUT sometimes you just want simple and nice.
Thank you for reading this guide. Happy Making!
For more:
If you would like your own finished Deck of Many Things, click this link to my Etsy for Preorders: