How to Alter a Playing Card

More often than not, there are stashes of decks of playing cards here and there throughout homes with one or more missing cards. Don’t let these decks continue to be lost, forgotten or collecting dust. Don’t throw them away, either! Let’s make some art!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A playing card
• Glue stick
• Decorative paper
• Stickers
• Distress ink
• Eyelets
• Eyelet setter

Creating an Art Card From a Playing Card

1. 
   Any style paper will work for this project.

   Glue the decorative paper to the playing card with the glue stick. Cut the paper so there’s a small border extending passed the edges of the card so, when glued down, it can be wrapped around to the back and create a clean edge.

2. 
   Choose stickers in various sizes and colors.

   Add sticker embellishments fitting the theme selected for the card. For this card, three travel themed stickers were chosen.

3. 
   Black ink will also work depending on the color of the decorative paper chosen.

   Distress the edges of the card using an inkpad with brown distress ink. Continue inking around the edges until the desired darkness and depth has been achieved.

4. 
   There's a wide variety of finishes for eyelets, so don't be afraid to explore.

   Using the eyelet setter, add an eyelet to each of the card’s corners. This will add an extra bit of dimension and pop.

Tips & Warnings

• Use brads, rather than eyelets.
• Add a blank piece of paper, rather than a larger sticker, for a quotation or other interesting text.
• Touch decoupage or gel medium to the edges over the distress ink and then sprinkle with glitter or mica.
• Allow a little time for the ink to dry so it won’t smudge or smear into areas that should remain clean.
• Be sure to burnish down the card on to the decorative paper (using the edge of the capped glue stick) to be sure it’s adhered well and to work out any air bubbles.

Resources

• Mixed Media Arts
• Art in Your Pocket: ATCs

[jennhollowell]

on 5/12/2008 Thank you, amylaine and psaysofavril! I hope you stop by again!

[amylaine]

on 4/9/2008 Interesting.

[jennhollowell]

on 12/18/2007 Thank you very much, psaysofavril! :)

[psaysofavril]

on 12/18/2007 Interesting craft ideas!