Introduction: How to Get a Full House

About: kreationism.com I am a senior this year at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. I expect to graduate with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2013. I've always loved science, but i find i stretch myself t…

This is my first instructable and i cannot take all of the credit for this creation. I have seen it elsewhere online; however, i have made quite a few modifications and the wallet now functions better and lasts much longer (some of my friends have been using theirs daily for months now and they are still in perfect condition). Essentially this intructable is a wallet comprised entirely of old playing cards. The more expensive and thus thicker cards are preferable as they will last longer and will resist bending. The other major component of this wallet is tape..and lots of it. For the purpose of visability, i used brown packing tape for the pictures listed whereas on a normal wallet I would certainly use clear tape. Now lets begin shall we?

Step 1: Begin Taping the Inside Cards Together

There are going to be two opposing sides where face cards are visible...this happens to be the interior of the two. The cards used are obviously personal preference. Because i had created so many of these for my friends, i created a rig to hold the cards better while i taped; however, this is not a necessity.

Lay three cards face up about 1/4 inch apart. Cut a strip of tape to hold them together.

Flip the three over using caution and tape the same spot on this side as well -- the doubling of tape will not only make the seam stronger, but also prevent your money from sticking to the pocket.

Step 2: Cut Pockets

Now I use my other rig to cut three cards down by about an inch. I use a razor blade now but in the beginning scissors worked just fine (razor blade is just quicker, only difference). Use cards which you do not care about as they will not be seen.

Once they are cut, lay them face down onto the face up side of the cards from step 2.

Step 3: Tape Pockets On

After the pockets are laid down across the three cards as pictured in the previous step, tape them with one stip of tape intitially across the center.

This next step is crucial in keeping the wallet together. Use a razor blade (scissors will get stuck and become a pain) to cut two strips of tape -- approximately 6 inches long by 1/4 inch wide. These will be used to reinforce the new seams and make sure your valuable cards do not slip out later.

Now that your strips are cut, begin wrapping them around the seam starting in the back and carefully going along the entire seam. Start low enough that the strip both starts and ends on the back side of the seam -- this will make the tape stick togher when the wallet is constantly opened and closed. You will want to do this two both of the seams.

Step 4: Secure the Pockets

Now that the pockets are essentially attached, you will want to secure them in place. It would certainly be a shame to have an awesome attention-grabbing wallet only to lose your credit cards because of carelessness.

To do this step, cut 2-3 inch strips and wrap around all five edges (two sides and three bottoms).

Step 5: Now Start the Outside

The inside is now done and it is time to begin the outside. This is the same process as step 2 so i will not explain it, only post pictures.

Step 6: Joining the Inside and Outside

Now comes the meticulous part. Place the finished inside face down and place the outside face up on top of it -- the space in between becomes the pocket for storing money.

Once the layers are lined up, carefully pick up and use another 2-3 inch strip of tape to secure them together. Do this for all three bottom edges.

Adjusting if necessary, make sure the layers are still lined up and tape the edges together. The wallet is essentially finished; however, it will become tattered in no time if it is not reinforced better with the process from the next step.

Step 7: Aesthetic and Functional Reinforcements

Begin by placing the wallet outside face up. Use a long enough strip to completely span from one edge of tape to the other. This piece is paramount as this and the following step are what protect delicate cards from wear and tear; it also keeps the outside clean looking.

I apologize in advance for how dark the next picture is. Nonetheless, cut a strip roughly 4 1/2 inches long. Start on the inside and place 3/4 of an inch on the bottom edge. Wrap completly around the front smoothing as you go. Hopefully there will be between 1/4 and 3/4 of an inch of tape left at the top. Carefully open the pocket and fold the tape against the backside of the outside layer.

Step 8: Enjoy Your "New" Card Wallet!!!

The pockets are the perfect size for credit cards and driver's licenses and such. The main pocket also can expand enough to hold a fair amount of money if you ever feel so inclined; however, if you want need to carry that much money, just get a debit card.

I also posted pictures of the first wallet i made. As i mentioned in the introduction, i was only using brown tape for visibility, so please to not use brown tape but rather clear tape. I would also not suggest using the Ace of Spades for the outside -- yes, everybody wants it, but i personally find the writing to be gaudy and not necessary. I think that random cards work best to make the wallet feel authentic and original. Thank you all for following my very first instructable.