How to make a custom set of playing cards - Approach 2

In How to make a custom set of playing cards - Approach 1 I presented the approach I currently use to make playing cards for games I am prototyping. I think it is the best approach, but it is not the cheapest. This instructable shows a previous approach that is cheap, easy and surprisingly playable. The only real downside is that the area for customization is quite small.

Step 1: Assemble your supplies

For this instructable you will need:
1) Your card designs
2) Cheap pack of playing cards
3) Mailing labels

The playing cards can be picked up at the dollar store (2 packs for $1 at my local Dollar Tree) as can be the mailing labels. That means you can create 112 unique cards (these decks have 4 jokers) for $2 in supplies.

Comments

[lobby]

A good place to do your cards without being too expensive is http://www.makeplayingcards.com. they're a professional manufacturer with no minimum order. I've been doing a lot of designs with them.

[jcandy]

You could create your images and then just upload it onto online playing card makers such as http://www.printerstudio.com/ which is the best that I've come across yet. I make them for my school.

[kerryrant]

I work in a casino in Vancouver, BC, Canada. If you ask the person at Guest Services, they will give you a box of cards, which includes 12 decks, for free.

[CapnTac]

They do that because they probably feel guilty about taking all of your money.

[blart]

Cool. But could you show us how to make a cover box for the cards? It would be pretty usefull. Thanks.

[twisted]

why would anyone want to do this....??

[battlecalculator]

I did this so that I could prototype a new game I was developing call "I, Detective". In general someone would do this if they were making a new game, or recreating an old one that was missing cards.

[twisted]

ooooohhh. Duh. lol. i guess i dident knotice the potential. haha. nice instructable! ~Twisted

[TheCheese9921]

What did you make with the playing cards?

[battlecalculator]

I used this to prototype a game I developing. I ended up using the technique covered in the instructable How to make a custom set of playing cards - Approach 1.

[TheCheese9921]

cool I'm excited to see the finished product be sure to post it!

[i.am.mozman]

Could you do it in Word as some sort of mail merge?

[battlecalculator]

Yes, but I don't know how to do that. :-)

[AdamK]

Could you not just print off paper with something on it in the size and shape and then glue/tape them on? You'd have a lot more freedom with customization, to the point that you could even make your own Magic cards or something if you wanted. I don't understand your labels, that's the thing - is that your own game with crimes and stuff?

[AdamK]

Just read your other instructable (Approach 1). It's a much better idea. Slightly more expensive, but one shouldn't be nit-pickety about a few quarters.