talkmagic.co.uk

I've started trying to make my owned gimmicked cards.
Simple things such as double face/backed cards.
I was wondering what I should do to keep the cards from getting destroyed because they are much weaker.

Maybe put under a lot of books?

I assume these arent standard double fronts and backs, since they are so cheap to buy. Why would they be weaker? While the glue is drying I press them inside books for 24hrs. but after that they should and feel like regular cards. Cards are made of 3 layers so when split youre left with one single and one double. Are you only using 2 layers?

I tried making my own double facers by splitting them, that was a total nightmare. I ended up just glueing two cards together, worked well enough.

I found it easier just to buy the cards, the quality was far better than anything I could do and they're really not that expensive either.

I'll offer a bit of advice here, but realise one thing: I'm not saying this because I SELL gaff cards, I'm saying it because it's true. And this isn't a sales plug... I'm trying to help!

1. If a gaff card already exists in the style you're trying to make, buy it. It's undoubtedly been crafted far better than a home-made one, and if you weigh up cost/time/effort, it's probably cheaper too. The fact is, I sell a deck called a Special Assortment deck, and consists of 6 of each of the following:
Red back, no face
Blue back, no face
No face, no back
Face, no back
Face/face
Back/back blue
Back/back red
Red back/blue back

Plus one of each of the following:
Tree of diamonds
Three and a half of clubs
Shattered ('broken') heart.

To make any of those cards by hand is a pain in the bum. But they are freely available at almost any magic store. You don't have to buy a full deck, either.

2: If you're making gaffs which AREN'T available, I'd advise you get a good card-splitting guide. Several could be recommended, and are relatively cheap. Using the correct techniques, materials and procedures, your gaff cards would be as good as regular cards—if not more hard.

3: There are several members of this forum who make gaff cards to order. I'm sure they've suffered the same pitfalls, and may even offer advice.