Introduction: Balsa Box for Two Card Decks

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About: I feel like Instructables tapped a vein of creativity I never knew I had. Both of my grandfathers were great tinkerers and makers of all kinds of stuff, and I wish they were around to see the things Instructa…

Back in college, I had a deck of cards called "Reflexions" that I used for readings with friends.  They were something like tarot, but much more simplified, with single words and abstract images.

I also had a deck of the Wonderland Tarot, which I used in a similar way.  I decided I wanted to make a box to hold both decks, and this was the result.

It's made from standard balsa wood pieces from the hobby shop.  Sides, top, and bottom were cut from 1/4" planks, with a smaller piece glued to the lid to provide a tight fit.  Larger blocks were used in the bottom to make the recess for the tarot deck. 

I used some scraps of suede to make a full-length hinge and a couple of strap closures which fit over the heads of two brass wood screws.

The whole thing was put together with wood glue, sanded smooth, decorated with a woodburning tool using images from the cards, and then finished with linseed oil.