So after putting it off for a while, I finally snatched up a pack of two decks the other day while out on an excursion with the kids. I decided that the double pack was better because I could make one into a Lenormand, and use the other to do playing card readings Tarot-style.
Lenormand decks only have 36 cards - just the sixes to the Aces, like a traditional piquet deck, but with the addition of the extra four six-cards. So I used my Blaue Eule deck as a reference, and went right on ahead with my Sharpie, drawing little pictures and numbering the cards from 1 to 36. I had space issues on certain cards where there wasn't much room to fit in a good image, where I had to improvise a bit, but it worked out fine, I'm happy to report. I've heard that you can also use a razor blade to scrape off extra blank surface area in the middle of the card to free up drawing space. If I create another deck in the future perhaps I'll try that, but all in all I'm happy with the final result:
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| Homemade Lenormand from a deck of playing cards |
So what do they look like laid out in a spread?
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| Line of 5 with homemade playing card Lenormand |
They're easy on the eyes, clear and I've had some great readings with them thus far. If you're considering jumping into Lenormand study but aren't sure what deck to get, keep in mind that you can make your own for a very small cost ($1-$3) and the process may well help you become more familiar with the Lenormand deck style and features, which is an added plus!
A great idea. You can also scribble words on the cards like on the Etteilla decks. I've tried to make my own deck once with little collages but for some of the cards I couldn't find the right pictures and printing them felt like cheating.
ReplyDeleteTrue, and some people who don't feel capable of making drawings can just write the name of the card instead (Man, Tree, Bear, etc). Your collage cards looked really nice! I hope you can finish them some day, but I'm sure it's a challenge to find the right materials :)
DeleteSometimes I think you and I were sisters in a past life. I've been sketching tiny Lenormand pictures for a while. Last week, I picked up some clear "plant" rocks to paint Lenormand pictures on them. I was then going to put them in a bag, toss bag around, reach and fetch. I like your idea better. Out foiled again!!!!
ReplyDeleteI like this idea a lot too This reminds me of The Magpie lenormand and runes at the same time :)
DeleteHa! Actually, Ellen's right, that's a great idea! It's like Lenormand runes! It would be interesting to experiment with that style of reading and see how it works!
DeleteRobin Tisch Hollister has painted some Lenormand stones that are lovely (though I haven't got them), and Carrie Paris' Magpie Oracle is a set of charms, each representing a Lenormand card. They read wonderfully, and you can literally throw them on a Lenormand Houses sheet - fascinating idea ;)
DeleteReally awesome!! I really impressed with your idea about making your own deck cards. It's really a very suggestive and helpful post for everyone. keep posting with best wishes Make Your Own Playing Cards
ReplyDeleteThank you! I will admit that I was inspired to do this from seeing others create "practice decks" but it certainly was a great experience and wonderful way to study! :)
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