How Card Printer Works, Correct Paper size to paint Tarot card & other tech questions

Cards images are printed onto larger cardstock then cut to preferred card size with round corners, this process is not perfect & drift is possible in any direction so most Print On Demand have 3mm (0.125in) accepted off center drift/shift.

Meaning img you need to submit is usually around 6mm (0.25in) larger dimension than your expected printed card size. 

That's why card printers use Card Templates with marked Printing guidelines for creating your tarot card art & design layout, with marked image size, cut line & so called safe area (usually within around 3mm on each side of expected cut line) to ensure you place all important img part inside this inner doted line space & extra space around edges (usually around 3mm on each side of expected cut line) is so called bleed area expected to be cut in printing process & not present on printed cards unless there is drift in which case it serves to make drift less noticeable & prevent white lines showing around card edge. (here are some pictures to give you idea!;) download full size on pic here!;)

1st pic is card size you need to upload, 2 is printed card size & 3rd is drift sample!;)

also top picture line is borderless & modern gold borders & text design & 
bottom pic classic white border & text box design

last pic is modern style borderless card img & white bottom text line:

                   Note: card img is from my Elemental Tarot 
 

Correct Paper size for painting Tarot card depend on your card size preferences & printer card Template you'll use. 

Start by downloading correct card size Template from thegamecrafter that you can print and use for reference; https://www.thegamecrafter.com/help/templates as imo most cards sizes are standardized & I recommend these but if you intend to print with specific printer ask for their card templates & print requirements (including preferred image quality standard for print is 300dpi & usually png or other format!!;) & be sure to check that card template size in pixel for proportions if you are working larger format or traditional media!;)

Here are some standard card sizes info in inches cm & pixel size with 300dpi resolution with img proportions you need to upload for better understanding how printing cards works; 

Standard Printed Tarot card size (after print & cut) is 2.75x4.75in or 7x12cm

But image you need to upload to printer is bit larger (usually adding 6mm or 0.25in to card img dimensions )

=3x5in (or 76x126mm) & given in pixels; 900x1500 & printed with 300dpi (note meaning 1inch covers 300pixels!;)

so here for Standard Tarot size your img/paper size proportion should be 3:5 

Bridge card size after cut; 2.25x3.5in (57 x 89mm), img size you need to upload 2.5x3.75in or 750x1125pixels, proportion 2:3 

Poker card size after cut; 2.5x3.5in (64x89mm), img size you need to upload; 2.75x3.75in or 825x1125 pixels, proportion 11:15 

mini card size 1.75 x 2.5in/4,44x 6,35cm, img size you need to upload 2x2.75in or 600x825pixels, proportion 8:11

tip; I don’t recommend painting in mini size & it’s good to know Tarot size can be easy resized to poker and mini! And poker/bridge size cards have best printing price + people luv smaller size so be sure to consider this eventually!;) 

Note these numbers are minimum requirements if you make your art digitally! You can make it larger or non digital/ traditional way but keep the aspect ratio! & even if you don’t stick to this as there is always resize or other option to fill free space!;) will share my *method in some of my next post!; ) 

Printer tips;

*playing cards stock including Tarot are actually made from 2 layers of cardboard glued in the middle with carbon based glue aka black core to give it snap & durability & enable long use!:)  

 

*graphic designer on fb explained curved card stock is printer issue with paper printed on the wrong side of the paper grain as you should always print against the grain, not with it, otherwise, it leads to bending.

 

*there is also synthetic Art paper options that works well!:)

* Printed colors are called cmyk & usually much darker and less vivid than you PC screen rgb colors that use screen light!;) so best to keep your colors bit lighter also printer may blend similar color shades/gradients and flatten you color!? & type of cardstock & lamination also affect printed color so test print is must & will give you best idea about how your printed cards will look I recommend http://www.drivethrucards.com/ (my fav! as they print any number of cards & have best shipping for publisher home address!;) btw be sure to pick Embossed Card stock as those are best!;) you can also order your test print from thegamecrafter, printerstudio or makeplayingcards (best selection of cardstock & extra options!;) just be sure you are using *linen cardstock or specification you intend to publish for best idea how your finished art will look like!;)

* CARD STOCK Quality is determined by card core & finish! SIZE SHAPE & PROPORTIONS are also important & determine your print cost as well! 

 

So do your homework first and check POD templates & printed card specifications!

Ask for; black/carbon core as best & linen (Embossed canvas like!;) texture card surface is my fav & recommended!

Avoid; anything less than 300gsm, art paper, gloss finish & square corners!

also be sure to check box options quality & booklets & any other extras options & price as well as shipping/fulfillment option!;)

Read my next post for info about:

How to publish & Why Selfpublishing with US based Print on Demand is best 

or return to Summary Page:  Complete Guide for Artist How to Create Print & Publish Your own Tarot or Oracle Dec

Chakra Lenormand extra cards ideas and basic menings

Extra cards in Chakra Lenormand Oracle deck

In addition to 36 cards that are traditionally considered Lenormand I added 16 more cards with corresponding playing card insertions to make it a full playing card deck and 2extra cards without numbers and playing card insertions, here is their meaning in short with numbers and corresponding playing cards insertions;

37 Blue Roses 5L meaning miracles other is impossible, if there is love we can make it through hardships/we can make our miracle!^^ 

38 Spider net 5C connection intrigue  

39 Butterfly!  4C  Transformation! Change!  transformation into something beautiful!:))

40 Umbrella  5H hold tight storm is coming, prepare cuz it’ll  rain!:)) water element ruin, depression,  

41 Trumpet  4L  wake up call it means WAKE UP! MOVE! N Make something better for yourself!”)) 

42 Party 3H card to say it’s a party time!:)) lolz  chaos, mess, make you feel dizzy! And think ah! What a crazy party my head hurt who will e cleaning all this mess! Enjoy it but don’t over do it! And prepare for cleaning the mess once all excitement n fun is over!:))

43 S card/intimacy 2H

44 Clock 2C time, waiting for something,

45 Cockroaches 4H  Something you don’t like to see in your spread or life but it's there under your nose!:)) something resilient, similar to mices,

 46 Monkey 5C  personality,  bar fight or making fool of yourself?:))   don’t make fool of yourself! And watch your behavior!:))   

47 Sheep 3C  personality it may be someone just used or trick you?:))

48 Parrot 3D  something exotic extravagant, personality exotic person, showing of in front of others, trendy modern talkative,

49 Banana  2D interesting combination especially combo with monkey!:)) can be a warning to watch your steps or you could slip on banana!:))

50 Lemon  2L when life give you lemon make a lemonade? That’s like advice we get as in each bad situation we have two choices, think bad sit n cry or make a lemonade? Best we can with what we have?:)))

51 Onion 3L tears n sorrow, multilayer, something complicated, suspicios situation,

52 Window  4D be more open! Open yourself to the world your breathe easier an feel better!:))

Extra cards numberless n signless jokers!

Healing sign to end all negative emotions, situations,events!

Arrow up straight up head up!:)) importance of good posture and stance for good functioning of mind and body!

Ideas behind extra cards

I had idea for this from the start, that is for extra lady n gent card but decided to toss those out and instead paint people cards with hats so you can guess hair color!:)) god idea ha?:))  and as  I realized there was much more extra cards I can make! And even full deck of playing cards, and before I know it I think I get overboard with extra cards and have it more then playing deck?x,x Oh well, guess that why we call it jokers! Lolz  

Assigning numbers and playing cards insertions to each extra card to make it full playing card deck required some serious thinking!  somewhere from the start I had idea/wish this to correspond to tarot?

And best part is that ideas I had for all extra cards fit surprisingly perfect with corresponding tarot cards!

what a coincidence? so here is interpretation;

Hearts/cups this is probably my fav as all cards fits perfectly! And here is why;

2of hearts /s card in whole tarot deck this card is best to be s?:)) and what a coincidence to be minor I can use for lenny! Lolz it makes me wonder did mis L had this card but publisher from that time decided not to included cuz that time lady should not be using something like this!^^ ;)) lolz

3of hearts /party!:)) again what better card to say it’s a party time!:)) lolz

Design is based on b day card I painted g a while ago, but in process I get idea to make it all with balloons in the air and you can't see the floor on purpose!:)) and there are confety all over the place giving it chaotic messy look! And that was my point! To make you feel dizzy! And think ah! What a crazy party my head hurt who will be cleaning all this mess! And that is the meaning of the party card! Enjoy it but don’t over do it! And prepare for cleaning the mess once all excitement n fun  is over!:))

4 cockroaches he he I know what you think do we really need this? but check on guy on rw tarot? It's like he don’t like something! And that fits perfectly here! Something you don’t like but it's here under your nose!:))

5 umbrella prepare cuz it’ll  rain!:)) water elemet ruin, depression, person in RW is wearing raincoat? lolz

Leafs/Spades/swords again one of my fav sign even mening is mostly not so happy?:))

2 lemon when life give you lemon make a lemonade? That’s like advice wee could give to person on rwt as it looks like torn hard choice, as in each bad situation we have two choices, think bad sit n cry or make a lemonade? Best we can with what we have?:)))

3 onion what better card to say tears n sorrow?:))

4 trumpet this is wake up call I like it cuz it’ funny if you look at rw person is lying like dead?!:)) But I like this card better cuz it means WAKE UP! MOVE! N Make something better for yourself!”)) don’t just lye there like your dead or something… rolf

5 spider neet I was not sure about this card but person in rw is looking back for something like praying? So I used that here?:))

Diamonds/Coins

2 banana he he this is another card that fit perfectly cuz person in rw is looking like balancing two coins and if not carefull it could slip!:)) n card here have a similar mening wach your steps or you could slip!;))

3 parrot not sure for this one as person in rw is showing of in front of others!:))

4 window person in rw is looking like holding to tight to something so meaning here is be more open! Open yourself to the world your breath easier n feel better!:))

5 roses miracle! I like this card n message! Not sure for mening as rw is kind of poor scene but it mentions love so it can be seen like something if there is love we can make it trough hardships/we can make our miracle!^^ or something like that?:)

Clover/Treff/wands

2 clock, he he like this as it fits perfectly with rw person looks like waiting for something?

3 sheep, in rw this look like same person from previous card but back so it can mean something is over or no? not sure why but I decided to take it for sheep card as it may be someone just used or tricked you?:))

4 butterfly! Rw is positive n happy scene so my guess is transformation into something beautiful!?:))

5 monkey in rw few people look like fighting but not for serious more like bar fight or making fool of yourself?:)) so that’s why I take it don’t make fool of youself! And wach yourbehavior!:))

similar to above numbering of the extra cards is based on numerology!:)) and there is a reason for each card number!:)) surprisingly adding numbers turn out to be not so simple as I expected it to be! 

As I wanted to assign numbers with meaning I left it for last n check on numerology so here is order I end up with;

37 roses miracle!  5k/ 3n7perfection 10 perfect start/completion!:))

38 spider 5l /communication n connection/ 11 individuals 2 connection!:))

39 butterfly  4t /perfection 3 and9!^^;)) 

40 umbrella 5h/ sad time 4stabile n 0 loop

41 trumpet  4l same sign 4and l start!

42 party 3h 4 n2 union completion 6 imperfection

43 s 2h/  cuz in tarot empress is 3 n emperor 4!^^ union together 7 chariot/movement/action!:))

44 clock 2t/ 8 infinite time

45 cockroaches 4h/sum9pefect organism resistant! ;)

46 monkey 5t /4emperor n 6 human imperfection sum 10 but this time bad start

47 sheep 3t /4 emperor human n 7perfect good sheep total 11 this time not so lucky

48 parrot 3k/ 4stabile n 8loop sum 12 good progression up from 1 to 2n 3 all god   

49 banana  2k num13!:))

50 lemon  2l/   5 not stabile something that can make you frown n loop bad

51 onion 3l/same as above but this time 1 is a start bit better progression moving on

52 window  4k/ sum is 7 open up and connect with others!:))

so here it is!:)) as you can see all fits perfectly!:)) like i was inspired by that divine intervention to make this!:)) and it all fits perfectly!:)) so now while writing a book I'm happy to see all cards in one place with text and all it looks even better!^^ btw thise are all my draft notes! actual book may vary! and my PS order is stil in print! facepalm hopefully untill it arive I'll have my book ready to print!^^YEY!^^ looking forward to hold it in my hands!^^:))

 till next!^^

 

Book update Lenormand Cards basic meaning

                                        Lenormand Cards & meaning

 Lenormand cards are combination of images numbers and French playing cards. Each lenormand card has its own image number and card from classical playing deck that together represent its basic meaning and provide a variety of opportunities for interpretation,

Playing cards signs symbolize the four elements / classes (learn this for easier interpretation of the cards!);   

Hearts (Hertz/Heart)- is the element of water, corresponding to the astrological signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. It symbolizes the army, emotion, love, passion, blood, sensibility, subjective experience of reality, in love, illusion, idealism, home, family, marriage, intuitive, artistic ability. Herc card always indicate that something good could happen, a good outcome of work, a love relationship, the possibility of a good bargain/deal, marriage etc. Next to bad cards, especially pik, can mean romantic problems but with them there is always possibility for happy twist. Can mean great happiness and emotional fulfillment. If in spread preveal hearts cards you should be careful when making decisions and more use reason rather than feelings. If prevailing reversed hearts cards you are too subjective, and therefore can come into conflict with the environment or be unhappy in love and social life.

Diamonds - Fits the element of earth in astrology and signs Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Symbolizes trade/merchant class, something concrete, material reality, money, job, career, convenience, home, health, ambition, responsibility. Can mean determination but slow pace as well, it all depends on surroundings cards. If diamonds prevails in the spread you should look at problems from a practical point or that can mean that a person is too occupied with everyday problems. Reversed can mean health problems.

Pikes (Spades/Leaf) - the element of air corresponds to Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Symbolizes the ruling class and government, thoughts and ideas, the need for decision-making and change, insight, mood, disease, unpleasant twists, crisis, goodbyes, replies, open enemies, rivals. When in spread prevail spades, it indicate a lack of optimism, fear of failure and need to analyze the problem from another angle, search for new solutions. Reversed Pikes cards in large numbers in spread are hint of nerv tension, moodiness and presented open or hidden enemies, problems.

Clubs (/Clovers / Treff )- is element of fire, and corresponds to the fiery signs of the Zodiac: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Symbol of the agricultural classes, actions, activities, driving energy, vitality, speed, anger, determination, initiative, generosity, creativity, passion. Many clubs cards in spread, person is making a big plans in life and is rushing to realize them as soon as possible. If many cards are in reversed position, it is no time to approach the realization of what the cards represent and suggest or there will be a delay in the plans execution.

The following is a brief introduction and description of each of the cards in this deck
 

1. Rider: 9  H~ good card, success, victory, news, action, speed, agility, movement, new message/person/thing coming, transportation, an athletic man; or an actual rider or horse. if Cloud is between Rider and significator card/ lady gent baby etc/ it mean bad news

Body locomotion system skeleton tendrils n muscles especially legs knees n feet

Timing January or September

Mercury in Aquarius

2. Clover: 6D ~ good card, luck, chance, opportunity, hope, taking a chance; or literally grass or herbs. With clouds sorrow, with character card short-term grief and quickly getting better

3. Ship: 10L~ trip,journey, travel, foreign country, exploration, commerce, long distance, overseas connection, difficulty, fears and worries, transactions, inheritance, prosperity, anything nautical or ship related. near significator card travel

4. House: King H~ home, family or close relations, real estate, property, safety, sanctuary, stability. and security, a father figure, close to person card mean luck, if in the middle of spread warns of caution!

5. Tree: 7 H~ health, growth, peace and contentment,   lineage, roots, family tree, ancestors, memories, karmic connection, the slow & steady passage of time, a really long time. if far from significator good health, strength, happiness and fulfillment of wishes

6. Clouds: King C~ Dark side of Clouds next to a card is negative; it brings doubt, fear, confusion, depression, worry, or stormy/cloudy/hazy weather to that card's meaning. male person businessman or a hustler . The bright side of the Clouds is positive; If by the bright side is a signifier happiness, it brings clarity, hope, good news & improves the card to its left.

7. Snake: Queen C~ fast and intelligent person, a wise woman, a rival, bad enemy, intrigue, temptation, depends on how close to the person card, can also mean a loss,  jealousy, deception, lies, betrayal, problems, change of course; or literally something curvy like a snake: such as wiring, hoses, or pipes.

Watch your steps, danger may be lurking where you can’t see, open your eyes and be careful of your actions and environment.

Body parts all that resamble a snake; large intestine/ digestive system, veins circulatory system, spinal cord etc

Timing july or 7/summer

Mars /Uranus in cancer/Scorpio

8. Coffin: 9~ end and transformation, something is finished /closed or hidden, death, painful ending, loss, illness, accident, emptiness; or an actual box or coffin, weight depends on how close to significator

9. Flowers: Queen~ a good card, generous gift, happiness, joy, meeting,  something beautiful, art, wish comes true, a surprise, an invitation, an abundance of love, beauty, pleasure & joy; the Spring time, or literally flowers.  

Body face hair smile odor

Timing 5 or 9

Venus in Virgo

10. Scythe: Jack D~ a cut, removal, or harvest, anything sharp: such as words, tools, or weapons, something happening quickly & unexpectedly, danger, pain, bodywork, bodyguard, military policeman, speed, danger, accidents, sudden end, beware! Unexpected danger but will not last if surrounding cards are good. Autumn.

11. Whip: Jack C~ bad card, misunderstandings, quarrels, conflict, fight, discussion, repetitive pattern, rhythm, obsession, passion, addiction, something painful, punishment, abuse. Time to clean up something, problems at home, discord disease depends on the position of the person card,

12. Birds: 7  D~, gossip, conversation, communication, interview, messages, phone call; talent, good news, songs nervous energy; any pair: siblings, couple, an older couple; can mean gossip depending on the surrounding cards; or simply birds.

 Short-term problems, if it is away from significators good trip and time,

13. Child: Jack L~ children, childhood, innocent, naïve, young, a beginner, novice, student, child-like, youthful, something new, new beginning, anything small in size; literally a child, son or daughter.

Aperiance small, pettite childlike youthfull carefree spontanous temperament, cozy relations, kindness and tenderness

Body   reproductive organs, disability disorders

14. Fox: 9 C~ clever, resourceful, cunning intelligence, a trickster, a lie or deception, envoy, jealousy, something hidden, something false, a conman, a detective; a small job, career, or income; can literally represent a fox or small animal, like a cat. warns of such people if close to significator

15. Bear: 10 C~ great effort, but the strength and protection in hard times as well, aggression, pressure, ; financial investment, a high level job, career, or income; diet, weight control can represent a bear or large animal, powerful person, the boss, manager, authority figure, protective, motherly, good if far and bad if close to significator because it warns of caution!

  

16. Stars: 6H~ the cosmos, astrology, fate, destiny, big dreams and expectations, hopes and wishes, guidance, clarity, intuition, imagination, metaphysics, networking, fame, reputation, talent, the evening; or the literal stars. sign of happiness in all areas of life, but close to the dark side of the Cloud can mean accident

17. Stork: Queen H~  changes,  moving, relocating or change of place of residence, something new arrives, a birth/pregnancy, promotion, an improvement; a literal stork or someone with long legs. close to significator card change if further circumstances that delay or prevent changes

18. Dog: 10 H~ companionship, faithfulness, loyalty, friendship, a loyal friend, trustworthy partner, reliable, dependable; cooperative playful, or a dog or other pet. trust, a close friend if close to significator and vice versa if far, if with Clouds beware of false friends and betrayal

Tounge and sense of taste n smell agility

Time October fall

Venus

19. Tower: 6 L~ rules, laws, legal offices, government, school, or hospital, structure & infrastructure; boundaries, independence, solitude, loneliness or isolation, separation or divorce; or an actual building. a sign of a long and happy life but with Clouds vice versa,     destructive habits and behavior,

20. Garden: 8 L~ a party, event, convention, meeting place, group, community, the public, any kind of meetings and socializing whether in person or online; or literally a garden or park, weekends, holidays, close to significator advancement in society, numerous and influential friends, if far watch out on people in your surrounding because they can not be trusted

21. Mountain: 8  C ~ difficulties, big business/job or obstacle, challenge, a difficult uphill process, delay; blockade, or an actual summit or mountain range.  near significator strong enemies, if far long-term friendship

22. Crossroads/Path: Queen  ~ choices, decisions, more options, our path in life, a turning point, an alternative; a literal pathway or road crossroads, thoroughfare, if with significator and if there are no Clouds out of current problems, with Clouds bad

23. Mice: 7 C~ theft, loss, deplete, decrease, damage, shortages, sickness, stress & worry; problems, temptation, trouble or literally pests. If close to significator you’ll return lost and stolen, if far permanent loss
 

24. Heart: Jack H~ good luck, love, romance, sweetheart or even sweet friendships, compassion, sympathy, courage, emotions; heartly, honesty, or the heart.  

Person Affectionate dramatic

Body Heart n Blod vessels, stress, fatigue, tired

Venus

Timing January winter

25. Ring: AceC obligation, commitment, contract, bond, proposal, engagement, marriage; legal documents, an actual ring or jewelry. on  right side of significator happiness and joy, a good marriage or contract, if  left or further possible problems and separation,

26. Book: 10  D ~ Learning, files, exams,  mystery, secrets, hidden knowledge, the occult, education, studies, writing, publishing; an actual book, diary, or deck of cards.

success, money,

27. Letter: 7 L~, written correspondence and communication,  actual letter documents and reports email, fax, sms, chat, good news, if close to clouds bad text,

Body part related to communication face hands fingers n eyes oral throat n voice brain

28. Gentleman: Ace H~   Male querent or someone of importance for f querent. 

29. Lady: Ace ♠ ~ Woman querent or female important for m querent.   .  

represent female questioner or women if the questioner is a man

30. Lily: King L~ peace, harmony, healing, purity, secrets, satisfaction, experience, passion, sex, maturity, wisdom, an elder, usually male; the Winter.  above significator its virtues, if below flaws, near a happy life, with Clouds domestic concerns,

31. Sun: Ace D~ a good card brings great luck, good opportunity, joy, success, victory, optimism, enlightenment, energy, exposure, vitality, heat, warmth, daylight; the actual Sun, the Summer., luck and success if near significator, if further delay and doubt in achievement of goals

32. Moon: 8 H~ the actual Moon and cycles, night, nighttime, dreams, fantasies, illusions, intuition, feelings, emotions, creativity, art, psychic abilities, recognition, with honor uncertainty, mother, the shadows. Close to significator great honor, if further accidents or secret love

Body female reproductive organs and organ related to water blood kidneys lymph etc

Timing night month

33. Key: 8  D~ good card the Yes card, answer, mystery solved, an idea, a new way in, opening doors, certainty, security, confidence, skills, talents, ability, an expert, the A-HA! moment, triumph, destiny; a literal key. you have the key for solution and creating of new opportunities and success if near significator, and reversed if further

34. Fish: King D~ money, profit, success, luxury, abundance & wealth, commerce, an entrepreneur if close significators, farther it is shows more of financial worries and difficulties in achieving ambitions,

35. Anchor: 9 L~ anchoring, attachment, stability, security, safety, staying put, long-term success, perseverance in career;, usually the work card. a sign hope, success and progress in commercial ventures, a good job and buying, reciprocated love, if far from significations, bitter disappointment, stagnation, appeasement,

36. Cross: 6 C~ burden, suffering, sacrifice, pain, martyr, cross you bear, sickness & health, challenges, grief, guilt, depression, karma, fate, faith, religion, spirituality, beliefs. Patience, bad sign, near significator short-term accident