Homemade tarot bags/purses/boxes

[joy]

It looks lovely @Mirath, well done! Sizing is in my opinion one of the more difficult parts 😉 The next one will be the size you want for the deck, I am sure!

[Mirath]

Thanks @joy! I think I know where I went wrong, in not giving myself enough of a seam allowance.

 

Overall I’d say that took me about… 2 hours? Granted, I can’t get as tight a stitch hand-sewing than I would if it were machine-done (and lost count of the times I wished I’d had one!), but overall it looks pretty clean!

 

Attempt #2 has been started, with a bigger seam allowance, and trying more of a boxed look.

[joy]

2 hours thats great! Yeah a machine is handy but hand sewing is nice too. I am often just too lazy to bring out the machine and get it ready 🤪 I know the issue with seam allowance. I put my decks on the fabric, and loosely wrapped them and then hoped for the best. 😝

[Runa]

Here is attempt #3 at making a custom pouch for my mini deck (the first two were too bad to photograph and were quickly disassembled)...I have made many purses and bags but it turns out making something this tiny is exceedingly difficult. I may have to give up on the zipper pouch idea and go with something simpler, like a snap closure, or just a wrap. My goal is to just have something nice to contain my cards so that I can carry them in my purse if I want (I never go anywhere that I can see myself pulling out my cards so they will probably continue to live on my desk...but you never know).

 

I had to figure out how to draft the little pattern myself (which was a PAIN) and the only thing I'm not happy with is that there's too much extra space in the pouch and the cards wiggle around too much, I'd rather have a nice snug fit. I think this style of pouch will be great for a full sized deck (and MUCH easier to do), but as of right now this little mini deck is my only one 🙂 

 

 

[Mirath]

Attempt #2 was a success! I now have a home for my RWS deck that fits!

 

I found the best way for me to judge seam allowance was to use the short and fat edge of the box as a rough guesstimate - anything outside of that, and I was safe.

 

[Niobium]

While perusing reddit I came across a post by a reader who had decided to make new boxes for decks which needed them--tuck boxes that failed the test of time, decks which just didn't have any, etc. I have several decks like this and it inspired me.

 

First up, in part due to the new Hijo Lord of the Rings deck being unillustrated minors, I've decided to make a nice box for my LotR Fickes deck. (This is the unofficial, fanart deck available on Etsy.) I have plans for the box interior, and if the artist is willing to sell me a copy of the card back file I'll probably use that for the exterior. If not, it'll use the same interior: a personally made map of Middle Earth using Dungeon Draft. 

 

The tutorials I'm using: 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2020715/tutorial-graphics-wrapped-chipboard-card-boxes

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2020722/tutorial-creating-graphics-wraps-chipboard-boxes

I decided to go with vertical boxes because they can be laid flat for better deck storage, but also stood up when on the desk etc. Horizontal, two part boxes lack this option.

 

The reddit post which inspired me mentioned using washi tape for additional decoration, so I got some for the other deck boxes I'll be doing (Ink Witch, Sabotage, Tarot of Semitones, Okami Tarot, a few others as well). 

 

Pics forthcoming. 🙂

[Runa]

I gave up on trying to use a zipper for my teeny tiny deck pouch, so I settled on this design instead that I got from here: https://lemonsqueezyhome.com/purse-week-loyalty-card-holder-tutorial.html

I think this one works quite well and I might use the same design when I eventually get full sized decks. It's so small and cute! I'm so relieved to not use the tuck box anymore. The background of these pics is my new double sided tarot cloth I made from two fat quarters that were given to me in a trade by someone on reddit, the reverse side is the same print with a blue background 🙂

[Runa]

19 minutes ago, Niobium said:

While perusing reddit I came across a post by a reader who had decided to make new boxes for decks which needed them--tuck boxes that failed the test of time, decks which just didn't have any, etc. I have several decks like this and it inspired me.

 

First up, in part due to the new Hijo Lord of the Rings deck being unillustrated minors, I've decided to make a nice box for my LotR Fickes deck. (This is the unofficial, fanart deck available on Etsy.) I have plans for the box interior, and if the artist is willing to sell me a copy of the card back file I'll probably use that for the exterior. If not, it'll use the same interior: a personally made map of Middle Earth using Dungeon Draft. 

 

The tutorials I'm using: 

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2020715/tutorial-graphics-wrapped-chipboard-card-boxes

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2020722/tutorial-creating-graphics-wraps-chipboard-boxes

I decided to go with vertical boxes because they can be laid flat for better deck storage, but also stood up when on the desk etc. Horizontal, two part boxes lack this option.

 

The reddit post which inspired me mentioned using washi tape for additional decoration, so I got some for the other deck boxes I'll be doing (Ink Witch, Sabotage, Tarot of Semitones, Okami Tarot, a few others as well). 

 

Pics forthcoming. 🙂

This tutorial is fabulously in depth, I can't wait to see your versions! 

[Chariot]

OMG.  I'm a newbie to Tarot, Tea & Me, and just took the time to read through most of this box/bag making forum.  What beautiful creations!  Just when I think I see a favourite, I see ANOTHER favourite!

I have 'made' boxes for some of my decks ...the ones that either come in those flip-top boxes that are a bear to open, or the ones that are overpackaged. But I cheated.  I just bought some of those plain cardboard craft boxes available on Amazon and eBay, and simply attached a photocopy of one of the deck cards to the lid, to identify it. It was great, when I could get the right sized box, but that's not actually all that easy to do.  This thread makes me feel as if I could surely have done MORE!

One suggestion occurred to me. At some point early in the thread—I think it was the wonderfully talented @Raggydoll —somebody mentioned that the foldover bags with the button closure aren't as sturdy as boxes—and the cards can get 'bent.'  I'm wondering if it would be possible to construct the same bags with a cardboard insert at the back, between the outer fabric and the liner fabric, to help keep them lying flat?  With just a couple of (decorative?) stitches on the outside of the bag, to hold the cardboard in place?  Dunno.  Might work as a compromise between bag and box?  

Edited September 3, 2022 by Chariot

[Raggydoll]

10 minutes ago, Chariot said:

OMG.  I'm a newbie to Tarot, Tea & Me, and just took the time to read through most of this box/bag making forum.  What beautiful creations!  Just when I think I see a favourite, I see ANOTHER favourite!

I have 'made' boxes for some of my decks ...the ones that either come in those flip-top boxes that are a bear to open, or the ones that are overpackaged. But I cheated.  I just bought some of those plain cardboard craft boxes available on Amazon and eBay, and simply attached a photocopy of one of the deck cards to the lid, to identify it. It was great, when I could get the right sized box, but that's not actually all that easy to do.  This thread makes me feel as if I could surely have done MORE!

One suggestion occurred to me. At some point early in the thread—I think it was the wonderfully talented @Raggydoll —somebody mentioned that the foldover bags with the button closure aren't as sturdy as boxes—and the cards can get 'bent.'  I'm wondering if it would be possible to construct the same bags with a cardboard insert at the back, between the outer fabric and the liner fabric, to help keep them lying flat?  With just a couple of (decorative?) stitches on the outside of the bag, to hold the cardboard in place?  Dunno.  Might work as a compromise between bag and box?  

I actually haven't had much issue with decks bending due to storing them in foldover bags. The biggest culprit of bent decks have, for me, been if I have stored the deck standing up in a box. Only very sturdy cardstock will survive that for a longer period, the rest tend to bend. But I do think it could be a good idea to add a stiff insert if you would like an even firmer deck pouch. Try it and let us know how it turned out! 

[stephanelli]

2 hours ago, Chariot said:

OMG.  I'm a newbie to Tarot, Tea & Me, and just took the time to read through most of this box/bag making forum.  What beautiful creations!  Just when I think I see a favourite, I see ANOTHER favourite!

I have 'made' boxes for some of my decks ...the ones that either come in those flip-top boxes that are a bear to open, or the ones that are overpackaged. But I cheated.  I just bought some of those plain cardboard craft boxes available on Amazon and eBay, and simply attached a photocopy of one of the deck cards to the lid, to identify it. It was great, when I could get the right sized box, but that's not actually all that easy to do.  This thread makes me feel as if I could surely have done MORE!

One suggestion occurred to me. At some point early in the thread—I think it was the wonderfully talented @Raggydoll —somebody mentioned that the foldover bags with the button closure aren't as sturdy as boxes—and the cards can get 'bent.'  I'm wondering if it would be possible to construct the same bags with a cardboard insert at the back, between the outer fabric and the liner fabric, to help keep them lying flat?  With just a couple of (decorative?) stitches on the outside of the bag, to hold the cardboard in place?  Dunno.  Might work as a compromise between bag and box?  

You can get stiff heavyweight interfacing which would work well.  You can get iron on interfacing or sew-in interfacing and layer it with one (or both) of the outer and inner fabrics.  You can do as many layers as you need, particularly if you use sew in interfacing.  Its also washable which might be a consideration for the future.

[Chariot]

1 minute ago, stephanelli said:

You can get stiff heavyweight interfacing which would work well.  You can get iron on interfacing or sew-in interfacing and layer it with one (or both) of the outer and inner fabrics.  You can do as many layers as you need, particularly if you use sew in interfacing.  Its also washable which might be a consideration for the future.

Yeah ...being washable is a good point!  Cardboard wouldn't do so well, would it?  I never thought of interfacing ...mind you, I'm not a seamstress either.  But I do know what interfacing is.

I suppose another workaround could be simply a pocket within the lining, where you could stick and/or remove a piece of cardboard. But that would be an extra complication. Ach well, just banging around a few  ideas.  What has been created and shown on this thread is jaw-droppingly great.  And like many others, I've been totally put off by what is commercially available ...the 'witchy' stuff, etc. It's just not me either.

What I really like about this thread is how it encourages people to do what individually suits them.  Love it.

[stephanelli]

1 minute ago, Chariot said:

Yeah ...being washable is a good point!  Cardboard wouldn't do so well, would it?  I never thought of interfacing ...mind you, I'm not a seamstress either.  But I do know what interfacing is.

I suppose another workaround could be simply a pocket within the lining, where you could stick and/or remove a piece of cardboard. But that would be an extra complication. Ach well, just banging around a few  ideas.  What has been created and shown on this thread is jaw-droppingly great.  And like many others, I've been totally put off by what is commercially available ...the 'witchy' stuff, etc. It's just not me either.

What I really like about this thread is how it encourages people to do what individually suits them.  Love it.

Personally I've not had any problems with pouch style covers just made from 2 layers of cotton, even in decks that I've thrown in bags and taken camping!  I also really like wrap style covers that open out into a reading cloth.  I'm going to make another one of those soon for one of my decks whose tuckbox is totally falling apart.

But yes, lots of nice ideas in this thread 🙂

[Niobium]

A small update on the boxes: I did my first prototypes for the graphic wraps and I've got those in hand. Sadly I failed to order the right kind of paper (Linen stock, not smooth!) so I have to wait for that to get here. Additionally, my Xacto knife is NOT up to the task of cutting chipboard, not one bit. I've seen some folks comment that utility knives are better in this case, but as we didn't have a rotary cutter/trimmer with a heftier blade I went ahead and ordered (along with my correct paper!) a rotary trimmer with a 10-page capacity. That ought to work for the chipboard, at least with 2 or so passes; the Xacto knife it was taking me too many cuts and the results weren't smooth and precise. I did get a box made but it's quite uneven so I'm more likely to use it for gaming storage or similar. (Haven't decided just yet.)

 

So, in summary: if you want to cut chipboard to make your own boxes, I highly recommend a decent heft rotary cutter!

[Niobium]

Rotary cutter achieved! Also decent paper, so I spent the last couple of days making my first box. It looks terrible but I learned a LOT and have a much better idea of what to do differently.

 

 

I did myself no favors by picking a complicated design that required fine precision to line up. I got close, but not quite. I also had trouble cutting the riser lining  corners, so they didn't fold smooth. Additionally, the black toner from the top is actually wearing onto the riser (despite the acrylic sealant) which was something that had occurred to me. I think overall I need to only have blank paper on the insides as much as possible, to keep it off the cards. My other thought was to use washitape along the edge of the box and the riser, thus giving a decorative and protective layer.

I'm going to do the Dragon Age box next, since I was planning on a much simpler style of panels which won't suffer for misalignments. Onward!!

 

Edited September 16, 2022 by Niobium

[Raggydoll]

4 hours ago, Niobium said:

Rotary cutter achieved! Also decent paper, so I spent the last couple of days making my first box. It looks terrible but I learned a LOT and have a much better idea of what to do differently.

 

 

I did myself no favors by picking a complicated design that required fine precision to line up. I got close, but not quite. I also had trouble cutting the riser lining  corners, so they didn't fold smooth. Additionally, the black toner from the top is actually wearing onto the riser (despite the acrylic sealant) which was something that had occurred to me. I think overall I need to only have blank paper on the insides as much as possible, to keep it off the cards. My other thought was to use washitape along the edge of the box and the riser, thus giving a decorative and protective layer.

I'm going to do the Dragon Age box next, since I was planning on a much simpler style of panels which won't suffer for misalignments. Onward!!

 

What a great start, you’ll be a pro in no time!

 

I have actually purchased some fabric and plan on making bags for my runes once it arrives. 

[Niobium]

Thank you @Raggydoll 🙂 It was a great experience even if I didn't get it right the first try. I'm hoping to finish my second box this weekend, which hopefully should go a bit better. Good luck with the rune bags!

[Raggydoll]

41 minutes ago, Niobium said:

Thank you @Raggydoll 🙂 It was a great experience even if I didn't get it right the first try. I'm hoping to finish my second box this weekend, which hopefully should go a bit better. Good luck with the rune bags!

You should have seen MY first attempts at making boxes 😁 I made every mistake possible before making any progress! 

[AnomalyTempest]

I've been wanting to make new boxes for some of my decks but I've felt so intimidated. May I ask what you are using for the box itself? Poster board seems a little thin, but other things seem too thick.

[Niobium]

In my case, medium weight chipboard, which is about 1.5mm thick. I purchased a pack in 12x12" made of recycled stock, which in and of itself is very nice board. I'd say it's slightly less than the weight of your average decent 2-part or magnetic lid box; not so thick a rotary cutter or utility knife can't handle it, not so thin as to be flimsy. My first box there, in all its misshapen glory, is very sturdy once the tacky glue is all set.

 

Although the tutorial used an Xacto knife, and I watched another where she used some heavy duty scissors, IMO a rotary cutter is a better call. Xacto was much, much too difficult. A properly sharp utility knife could do it, I think, but we don't have one handy.

 

 

[Niobium]

Okay, Dragon Age box was a BIG step up. AND, after making it I realized the problem with the color rubbing: I forgot to set the paper type on my printer. With a laser printer this is especially significant as the fuser needs to use different temperatures to bond the toner at on different papers. I redid the bottom panel and it came out MUCH better. So, that's one for next time!

 

 

Main issue was the bottom and top panels came out too big, which wasn't obvious until I put the riser in and there was a lot of space between it and the sides of the bottom. This resulted in a loose fit for the lid. I fixed that by gluing in 2 spacers into the lid interior, and that took care of it. I'll be remaking the box regardless, but I wanted this one functional ASAP because this deck's bag, the one it came with from the game, is rubbing black dye onto it. !!!! UGH. Wish I'd noticed sooner. This is why I prefer to always store in a box, and went on this box making spree.

 

So tomorrow I'll remake this one, and re-do Sabotage with a simpler box bottom design. I may still swap to craft paper for ease of use, but I can print some custom graphics, glue them down, and use the acrylic coat to bind them. 

[Raggydoll]

54 minutes ago, Niobium said:

Okay, Dragon Age box was a BIG step up. AND, after making it I realized the problem with the color rubbing: I forgot to set the paper type on my printer. With a laser printer this is especially significant as the fuser needs to use different temperatures to bond the toner at on different papers. I redid the bottom panel and it came out MUCH better. So, that's one for next time!

 

 

Main issue was the bottom and top panels came out too big, which wasn't obvious until I put the riser in and there was a lot of space between it and the sides of the bottom. This resulted in a loose fit for the lid. I fixed that by gluing in 2 spacers into the lid interior, and that took care of it. I'll be remaking the box regardless, but I wanted this one functional ASAP because this deck's bag, the one it came with from the game, is rubbing black dye onto it. !!!! UGH. Wish I'd noticed sooner. This is why I prefer to always store in a box, and went on this box making spree.

 

So tomorrow I'll remake this one, and re-do Sabotage with a simpler box bottom design. I may still swap to craft paper for ease of use, but I can print some custom graphics, glue them down, and use the acrylic coat to bind them. 

Well done!!! Impressive improvement! I suspect people will try and persuade you to make custom boxes for them soon 😊

 

 

[Niobium]

3 hours ago, Raggydoll said:

Well done!!! Impressive improvement! I suspect people will try and persuade you to make custom boxes for them soon 😊

 

 

 

Thank you so much! 😊 It's been a fun project, should be perfect for the winter days which are soon approaching. 

[Raggydoll]

26 minutes ago, Niobium said:

 

Thank you so much! 😊 It's been a fun project, should be perfect for the winter days which are soon approaching. 

I hope you keep sharing! It’s so much fun to see 🥰

[AnomalyTempest]

11 hours ago, Niobium said:

Okay, Dragon Age box was a BIG step up. AND, after making it I realized the problem with the color rubbing: I forgot to set the paper type on my printer. With a laser printer this is especially significant as the fuser needs to use different temperatures to bond the toner at on different papers. I redid the bottom panel and it came out MUCH better. So, that's one for next time!

I didn't even know there was DA deck. 🤯I'll never get all the decks I want. 😂