Light & Sturdy Tarot Storage Box
Introduction: Light & Sturdy Tarot Storage Box
Reading tarot is a simple and unique way to find a moment of introspection in the hectic world. However, most decks come in flimsy cardboard packages that lack durability and offer little protection for the cards.
I wanted to create an alternate storage system to keep my cards safe between uses, as well as to bring a personalized feeling to my readings. This project is accessible to crafters of all skill levels-- little to no woodworking or sewing expertise required! Stick with me and I promise to guide you through each step in the creation of your own mystical storage box.
For my design I focused on the following themes:
* Lightweight & Durable: My box should be portable and easy to store, while also sturdy enough to last for years to come (as opposed to the cardboard box which lasted only a few weeks).
* Protective Interior: My box should protect my cards from bending, tearing, and exposure to the elements.
* Use Upcycled/Scrap Materials: My box should be made predominantly of materials I already own (this is up to you if you want to purchase all-new materials for your box; I had a good amount of scrap from past projects which I used).
* Intentional Aesthetic Design: My box should be decorated to complement the atmosphere of my readings.
Read on to find out how I implemented these themes into my box, and keep in mind that this design is highly customizable. Throughout the instructable, I will highlight opportunities for personalization so that you can make this creation truly your own!
Supplies
Tools*
* Tinkercad - for modeling & visualizing the design
* heavy-duty utility knife - for cutting the wood panels
* ruler - for measuring & making straight cuts
* 180-grit sandpaper and/or sanding block (here's a very simple way to make your own sanding block)
* hot glue gun - for tacking wood panels into place
* quick-grip clamps - for lining up the box geometry
* rotary cutter - for cutting fabric
* sewing machine and/or sewing needle - for sewing the fabric lining & cushions (if you really don't like sewing, you can use fabric glue)
* screwdriver
*These are the tools I used; I've included the purpose of the items so that you can use your own methods depending on what you have on hand.
Materials
* 1/8" thick hardwood (I used leftover luan scraps)
* wood glue
* painter's tape
* paint (I used black, blue, gold, and white spray paint)
* clear glaze
* fabric (I used an old green shirt that had torn)
* thread
* stuffing (for this I dissected an old stuffed animal)
* (optional) buttons for decoration
* (2) hinges + screws
* (1) clasp + screws
Step 1: Design
Step 1 is to design your box! At this point, the sky is the limit. Try asking yourself what you plan to use the box for, and what feelings you want your box to evoke. 622
Are you looking for something simple and distinguished? Or colorful and psychedelic?
When I do a tarot reading, I imagine myself starting with a broad, expansive inquiry and narrowing it down to its root. By clarifying the question, I am able to think about the nature of my response. I decided that I wanted my design to represent this process-- a galaxy on the exterior of the box would represent endless possibilities and an earthy interior would symbolize grounding those possibilities in reality.
You can use lots of methods to help with this process-- I used pencil & paper, a Pinterest board, and Tinkercad. Tinkercad was especially helpful for understanding where the different panels of wood would join together, and for easily checking the dimensions of each piece. I started by measuring my physical cards, then creating a box-shaped "hole" with those dimensions (add 1/8" to each measurement for clearance). Then I built my panels at 1/8" thick around the hole.
Here is my design if you'd like to use it as a starting point: Tinkercad Tarot Box
You don't have to use a 3d modeling software, but I highly recommend doing a detailed drawing of your box so you can understand the construction.
Step 2: Cut Wood for the Base
Next, take the measurements from your Tinkercad model or drawing and cut out panels of wood for the base of your box.
My panels were the following dimensions:
* (1) 4.875" x 3.000"
* (2) 4.875" x 1.375"
* (2) 3.250" x 1. 622