Creating Your Own Oracle (or Tarot)
Before I start, a little disclaimer. I am not very artistic but I do enjoy the process of creating something. This project in particular has been a long time coming and I'd like to give others who maybe aren't so artistic either a little bit of guidance and show that they are perfectly capable as well. I am not a professional, this isn't a full proof guide, do not blame me if you fuck up, thank you. On with with guide.
Tarot Card or Card Stock Blanks
Preferred Medium (Paint, Alcohol Markers, Pencils, Gel Pens, etc.)
Rulers, Compasses/ Other Measurement tools
Sealent (Will be discussed in later step)
If you are doing tarot cards this is a little easier, but if you're not there is a lot more you have to consider. How many cards do you want? What do you want on them: key words, symbols, servitors, archetypes, herbs, etc? Are you going to be doing the backs as well as the fronts? What size do you want? Give yourself a lot of time to choose what sort of words or symbols you want as you want to avoid redundancy. A good way to avoid that pitfall is by assigning meanings beforehand to get an idea of what you already have and what you want to include. Once you have a list of words or designs, move onto the next step.
Personally, I will be creating a sigil deck by sketching my designs out on the card stock with a 6H drawing pencil and going over and coloring them with alcohol markers. I chose to stick with a simple color scheme of black, white, and red (Original, I know). But you can use anything you please and any colors so long as the cards can withstand it without bleeding or warping.
Things like stamps, printed out images, stickers, and even fabric may be used. Although the latter may be more advanced. Look at decks you have and others online to get an idea of what sort of direction you'd like go in.
Vision/Dream Board Deck (Visual representations of any dream/visions you've had to be used for divination)
Altar Deck (Create deity, spirit, and witchcraft tool cards)
Intention Cards (Choose certain intentions and use specific colors or objects you associate with it, these can be helpful in spellwork)
Above are the tools I'll be using as an example (I also use a ruler). Based off of the card stock you've chosen (I recommend a playing card stock) you might have to avoid heavier mediums. If you're using any sort of glue for collaging make sure it will not warp the paper. Be careful when using a compass as the needle can damage the paper noticeably if you press too hard.
Step 4: Choose Your Cards
For this project I will be using blank tarot cards sold by U.S. games. Mostly because they are a reasonable card stock quality and they already have backs to them. They also come in a pack of 80 cards which is quite large but I want a larger oracle deck (And there are back up cards if when I mess up). These cards do have a varnish applied which means the ink will smudge very easily unless a clear coat is applied or the varnish is gently removed from the cards with a high grit/fine sandpaper.
Another great option, although the backs are blank, is this make playing cards deck that comes with 40 cards. Though amazon has many options including colored paper.
Avoid paper with a very smooth finish or with a very low weight or gsm. 300+ gsm is generally going to be a very high quality card, the card stock I've chosen is 0.64 lbs (unsure of gsm) and has a blue core which is average quality. Choose a card with at least a blue core otherwise it will be very flimsy and won't hold up to continued use.
Step 5: Create a Test Card
Pick one card out of your deck and test each of your chosen supplies on it. Marker, glue, pens, pencils, all of it. Pay attention to how the paper reacts and how long it takes for certain markers and paints to dry. Perform a smudge test to see if certain inks run when you press you finger on them. Test if the paper itself has a tendency to pick up finger prints in general. Also mark the middle of each side of the card so you can use it as a reference later on.
This information will prevent annoying surprises later on in the creation process.
Step 6: Create Those Cards
Hopefully, you've done the hard part of designing your cards earlier . You did that right?
In all seriousness, this is going to be the most lengthiest part of this process and there is a good chance you'll probably get sick of the whole thing here. Don't beat yourself up if you decide to put away the project for a little while. When you do start, go slow with it as the faster you work the more likely you are to make a mistake.
Some tips for this process:
Sketch out designs first with very light lines and a light pencil. (HB pencils are too dark, try at least a 2H)
Wear gloves, it will reduce the amount of smudging, fingerprints, and skin oils that get onto the cards
Don't force yourself to make cards if you don't want to, they will not come out well
Measure twice, draw once, rulers are gods in the world of crafts
Allow one layer to dry COMPLETELY before adding any color on top
If you do mess up, stop and breath. Do not throw away the card outright. Instead take some extra time to think of a way to salvage it, get creative with what you have and try to make it work.
Below is a finished, unsealed card
This is the hardest step to explain because it is wholly dependent on your chosen medium, the paper used, and preference. I will be using mod podge spray for my cards. But for those unsure about what to use, here is a very helpful guide about different types of coats for you to have a gander at. From there you have to decide what is most prudent for you to use.
If you'd like to have a deck with colorful or black edges, this can be done in a few ways. The only caveats being that you'd have to be 100% sure the card stock won't allow the color to run much and be okay with a potential micro-border on the edges of your cards. If you are confident you can meet these criteria, here are some helpful videos that explain how this process works
How to Edge a Tarot (or Oracle) Deck with Stamps
How to Edge a Tarot (or Oracle) Deck with Markers
