Flip the script on the centuries-old tarot card-reading tradition by inviting kids to design their own tarot card deck, centering joy, imagination, and optimism.
I have always loved a little mystery…
Whether it was peeking behind a closed door, waiting to see what prize came out of a gumball machine, or trying to “predict the future” with a magic eight-ball, the thrill of the unknown was irresistible as a kid.
Inspired by that sense of curiosity, this DIY tarot card craft provides a playful, positive twist on fortune-telling.
Instead of the heavy, mystical symbolism of traditional tarot decks, this card-designing activity invites kids to dream up their own symbols of luck, joy, and good fortune – puppies, shooting stars, favorite foods – anything they look forward to!
With Halloween right around the corner, it felt the perfect time to share just a dash of the magical and mysterious, and this project gives kids a way to capture those imaginative thoughts and feelings without the fright.
Part art project, part game, and part optimism booster – this is a fun prompt made into a deck of cards that kids can proudly call their own.
To make your own DIY tarot card set you’ll need:
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BASIC SUPPLIES:
- Cardstock or heavy paper (white or colored)
- Scissors or a paper cutter
- Pencils, markers, pens, colored pencils, or crayons
OPTIONAL SUPPLIES:
- Our printable tarot card template set
- Glitter pens or metallic markers
- Stickers or stamps
- Watercolors
- A small box, tin, or envelope to store your finished deck
TAROT CARD Template Set
$1.99
An 8-page PDF set optimized for both color and black & white printing.
How to Make Your Own Tarot Cards – DIY Instructions
Prepare the cards.
If you’re using our templates, print the pages on cardstock and cut out the individual cards. Each template includes blank spaces for kids to fill in their own designs and titles.
If you’re starting from scratch, cut cardstock into evenly sized rectangles (around 2.75” × 4.75” works well, but you can make them bigger for little hands).
Choose your symbols.
Encourage kids to brainstorm things that make them feel lucky, happy, safe, or excited. These will become the “symbols” on their cards. Instead of a “Wheel of Fortune,” maybe they’ll draw a rainbow or a puppy. Instead of a “Sun” card, maybe it’s a birthday cake with candles.
Write down a list before drawing so kids have a plan (but keep it flexible so they can add ideas as inspiration strikes).
Draw and decorate.
Now comes the fun part! Kids can sketch their chosen symbols in pencil, then trace with markers or pens. Encourage them to add bold outlines and simple shapes—think doodles rather than detailed illustrations.
They can add their own flair by using metallic pens with pops of bright color, adding patterns (dots, stripes, swirls) in the backgrounds with markers or watercolor, or using stickers or collage scraps for extra pizzazz.
Create card backs.
Every tarot deck has a distinctive back design. Kids can decorate the backs of their cards with hand-drawn patterns (stars, zigzags, checkerboards) or by gluing a piece of decorative paper to one side for a uniform look.
Play!
Once the deck is complete, shuffle the cards and try them out. Encourage kids to “read” the cards by interpreting their special symbols—silly, serious, or somewhere in between.
Kid-Friendly Ideas for Positive Symbols
The heart of this project lies in the imagery kids choose. Here are some age-friendly ideas to spark inspiration:
- Happiness & comfort symbols: Puppy, kitten, teddy bear, hot cocoa, blanket fort, favorite book, smiling sun.
- Luck & good fortune symbols: Four-leaf clover, horseshoe, shooting star, rainbow, lucky penny, wishbone.
- Celebrations & joy symbols: Birthday cake, balloons, confetti, fireworks, party hat, wrapped gift.
- Friendship & love symbols: Big hug, best friend hearts, family portrait, group of smiling stick figures.
- Nature & wonder symbols: Butterfly, flower garden, ocean wave, mountain, full moon, lightning bolt.
- Silly & fun symbols: Dinosaur on a skateboard, dancing ghost, silly monster, laughing face, pizza slice.
Encourage kids to think about their own happy places, hobbies, or favorite things. A soccer ball might represent fun and teamwork, while a paintbrush might stand for creativity.
More Ideas for Use
Once your family has a deck of positive tarot cards, the creative possibilities multiply. Here are a few fun ways to use them:
1. Positive storytelling
Shuffle the cards and lay out three in a row. Kids can tell a short story using the three symbols—like a rainbow, a puppy, and a party. Maybe it’s a story about rescuing a puppy and celebrating under the rainbow with friends.
2. Daily affirmations
Each morning, draw a card and talk about what it means. A flower card might remind your child to grow slowly and beautifully. A “Lucky Penny” card could remind them to notice small joys.
3. Surprise reveal cards (for parents)
Parents can create their own set of cards filled with surprises. Examples:
- “I see a day off of school in your future…”
- “A trip to the ice cream shop is coming your way…”
- “I sense a pajama day ahead…”
Pulling one of these cards can become a special ritual for birthdays, holidays, or just ordinary days that need a spark.
4. Party activity
At a sleepover or birthday party, set up a “Tarot Station” with blank cards, markers, and stickers. Kids can each design a few cards, then combine them into a group deck to use during the party.
5. Classroom or library use
Teachers and librarians can use the deck for creative writing prompts. Each student pulls a card and writes a short story, poem, or drawing based on its symbol.
6. Family fortune game
Create silly fortunes together. Draw three cards, and everyone takes turns predicting the future:
- Rainbow + Pizza + Dinosaur = “I see a very colorful pizza party with dinosaurs in your future.”
- Puppy + Book + Moon = “A magical nighttime story with a puppy sidekick is waiting for you.”
7. Creative art prompts
Cards can inspire art projects. Pull the “Shooting Star” card and create a starry night painting, or the “Butterfly” card and make a butterfly collage.
GETTING READY TO TRY this?
I love seeing all the ways people make these ideas their own! If you're sharing the results of one of our projects, mention or tag me with @barleyandbirch, or share it in the comments of one of our Pinterest project pins.
