How to Make Altered Cards

What are altered cards?

Altered cards are something I think I invented. I was in awe of the people who could create altered books (go on, look it up and be impressed) but I was foiled by the difficulty. I decided to create something called “altered cards”, called such because they are made of playing cards.

Materials (Necessary)

• Deck of cards

• Gesso (prepares the surface)

• Cardstock or other paper material

• Glue (liquid) 

• Modpodge (as a sealer)

• Scissors

Materials (Supplemental)       - Stickers

• Stencils

• Stamps

• Magazine clippings

• Anything that could embellish a card

• Paint

• Paper cutter

1. Acquire a deck of cards. Any type of card will do so long as they are all around the same shape. Cover one side of the card in gesso. Wait 24 hours to dry before flipping and doing the same to the other side. Gesso will prepare the card for the colored cardstock or paint that will coat the card next. 

2. If you are using cardstock to cover your paper, trace the card to get an accurate size. Use scissors or a paper cutter. 

3. Glue onto card, creating an altered card.

4. Time to decorate. Let your imagination run wild. In my opinion, altered cards look best when they are covered by a variety of mediums from a variety of sources in several different colors. Now is the time to decide if your altered cards will have a theme. 

5. Apply modpodge to the deck to coat it and ensure that everything stays.