Got A Deck of Cards? Let’s Alter Them!

Most people that scrapbook also love to alter. Well, I have found a new passion-altering jumbo playing cards. They are a great size, they have many different uses, and they are quite sturdy once altered.

Where to Find

I use the jumbo playing cards sold at Walgreen's. They are $1.99 a pack so you really get a lot for the price. Some people prefer to use children's flashcards, and others like the regular-sized playing cards. I find that the jumbo cards are a perfect size. They measure 3 ½" x 5".

Uses

There are many, many uses for these cards. You can use them for all sorts of swaps, make tags out of them, use them for a Book of Me, create address cards, etc. The list is endless. I am currently using them for a weight-loss album. They are just perfect for using up your scraps.

Creating

To create each card:

1. Trim paper to 3 ¼" x 4 ¾".
2. Round corners with a small corner rounder.
3. Ink the edges if desired.
4. Use a glue stick to cover the back of your patterned paper with glue.
5. Use a brayer to make sure there is a good bond between the paper and the slick, plastic surface of the card.
6. Decorate with embellishments, titles, doodles, etc.

Tip: I decorate both sides of the card with patterned paper first before I add my lumpy embellishments to either side.

Binding and Storing

Just as the uses for these cards are endless, so are the ways to bind and store your cards once you have finished them. I punch a hole in the upper left corner of each card, and I store mine on a ring.

Other binding and storage ideas include:

• Provo Craft tin
• Maya Road tins
• Bind-it-All
• Bind on left side with several rings down the side

I hope you will try to alter some of these cards. They truly are fun and addicting. Post your ideas on the message board and show your cards off in the gallery. We would love to see them!