How to Make Your Own Custom Playing Cards

Design and create your very own deck of playing cards for custom games or classic card play. HowTo: Family Edition: family how-tos that actually help.

1. Measure and mark your cards. Use your ruler and pencil to draw rectangles on your cardstock. A standard playing card size is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches. Make sure they are all the same size so your deck is fair to play with.
2. Cut out your cards. Carefully cut along the lines you drew. Ask a grown-up to help you if the cardstock is thick or if you have a lot of cards to cut out. Try to keep your edges as straight as possible.
3. Design your deck. Decide what kind of deck you are making. You could make a classic deck with suits and numbers, or invent your own characters, symbols, and rules! Use your markers to draw the designs on the front of each card.
4. Protect your work. If you want your cards to last longer, you can cover them with a layer of clear packing tape or self-adhesive contact paper. Smooth it out carefully to avoid bubbles, then trim the edges so they match the card shape.