DIY Deck Edge Treatment~Faux Gilding

The Antiquarian Lenormand's first edition had hand-inked edges applied to all 150 decks using black permanent ink. In my opinion, the cards are beautiful with this additional detail. However, the next printing will not come with this black edge treatment. It's very easy to do on your own, but way too many decks for me to tackle. I invite you to edge treat your decks! It creates a finishing touch that gives the Antiquarian Lenormand its elegant aesthetic. You can use this process to edge treat any of your card decks that have a black border on both sides. 

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The video post below shows how to do this yourself.  It's very easy and takes about 10-15 minutes to do one deck. I use the jumbo size Avery Marks-A-Lot Permanent Marker but you can use the medium size. As long as it has the chisel tip you're safe from making mistakes.  This wide chisel tip prevents accidental clumsy marks that can occur when using a non-chiseled tip.  Since it is perpendicular to the card, it's rather fool proof.  Watch the video, you'll see what I mean.  I only show one card as an example to keep the video short but I think you'll get the idea.  It's important that you ink one card at a time.   It doesn't take that long and it will eliminate any bleed through that may happen from trying to ink all the cards' edges in a stack. 

The reason I use The Avery Marks-A-Lot Permanent Marker is because it is non-toxic, low odor and non-fading.  Other brands smell and fade over time.  I have no affiliation with this company.  I have tested a few markers out and this marker particularly is the best, IMO. 

When you're finished, you'll have a lovely black faux-gilded edge treatment. It can become addicting, trust me.  I've edge-treated several decks in my collection. :) I also use Tim Holtz Ink pads for some of my decks.  You have to be careful with his inkpads as they are water-based and could be too wet for your more precious decks.  His inkpads fade easily since they are not permanent.  I have also used his markers, which are also water-based and act the same way as his inkpads.  So please choose your decks carefully when using the water based or the permanent inks for that matter.  I would suggest that you don't use your delicate or treasured cards!

Tips:
*It's best if the borders on the front and back match.
*Try any of these tools on a test or title card first if your deck came with one. ​

My Mary-el Tarot using the same edge treatment I used on the first edition of the Antiquarian Lenormand.

A non-edge-treated deck on top of the Game of Hope Lenormand. Using Tim Holtz' Antique Linen Inkpad.

Lo Scarabeo Lenormand Oracle Cards. Trimmed and then edge treated with Tim Holtz' Peeled Paint Inkpad. This is half the deck face up and face down.