Tarot Box

How To Make One

Tarot box is an elegant and practical way to store Tarot decks in.  If you've always wanted one, look no further!

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While I don't think it's necessary to store your Tarot cards in a special box or wrapped in fabric, it's a nice touch.  I like silk but if you have a number of decks, it's not as practical unless you have a set storage space for them.  Enter the Tarot box.  

I tend to be hands-on (and frugal) so I love making my own things.  I found everything I used at local art, dollar and thrift stores.

What You’ll Need

• Plain box

• Paper or thin fabric

• White glue or Modge-Podge

• Rubber Cement
• Paintbrush
• Scissors
• Box Cutter or craft knife
• Optional 4 Glass Tiles (for feet)
• Decorations (alphabet tiles, sequins, ribbon, feathers, trim, brads or whatever else your glam/not-so-glam heart desires)

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How to Do It

1.  Cut the top off.

Cigar box lids are usually hinged by a piece of paper at the back edge.  When the box is covered, the lid won't close properly anymore.  Use your box cutter to cut along the paper hinge and separate it.

2.  Test Run (Part 1)

I like to wrap the inside of the Tarot box first.  When I say wrap, I just mean glue the paper or fabric to the box itself.  I normally place the box lid and box down on the paper and trace around the edge.

I allow extra for the depth of the box and a little extra for aggravation (so there is less).  Once the paper is cut, press it into the box or on the lid and make sure there is more than enough to cover.

You'll notice that it will crease into the corners.  To get it smooth, pick one corner at a time and use the scissors to cut vertically into each corner.  The paper can then be repositioned into a tab.

3.  Glue it down

You're now ready to get everything stuck in place.  If you're not partial to white glue or are using something very thin like silk, look at a spray adhesive like Super 77.  Use all recommended safety equipment if you go this route.  

Apply the glue directly to the paper or fabric, and position it over the interior of the box and lid.  Gently smooth out any air bubbles and press into the corners of the box.  Spend a little extra time on the edges to make sure they don't lift.

4.  Do Something Else for 30 Minutes

Give the inside a chance to dry before wrapping the exterior of the Tarot box. There’s less chance of ripping the paper.

5. Test Run (Part 2)

Before glueing the outer wrap on the box and lid, do another test run.  Be generous with your measurements so you don't get caught short.  After you've made your creases and are ready, get glueing. 6. Repeat # 4

7.  Put The Top Back On

Using some of the same paper or fabric (the length of the back of the box and 5" wide), fold it in half (by width) and glue it together.  You can either make a hinge the length of the the  Tarot box, or cut the paper to make several smaller hinges.  It's really a case of preference.  Place the lid on the box and glue half the hinge to the top of the box and the other half to the back. 

9. Glam it Up.

I love words so you'll see letter tiles popping up frequently in my design.  Other things you can use include beads, paper cut outs, silk flowers, tarot cards (from an old deck, natch) - let your taste and imagination guide you.

This is also the part where you can glue the letter tiles on the bottom of the Tarot box for feet.

10.  Enjoy.

Part of the reason I like having Tarot boxes is the sense of occasion it brings to card reading.   They make me feel as special as my Tarot cards.  I hope you feel the same! 

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