So, I decided to make a tarot card shirt. It sounded like a fun project, right? Wrong. It was way more challenging than I anticipated, but I’m happy with the final result. Let me walk you through the whole crazy process.
First, I had to source the images. I didn’t want just any old tarot cards; I needed high-resolution scans of the Major Arcana. Finding good quality, royalty-free images proved trickier than I thought. I spent hours trawling the internet, sifting through low-res JPEGs and blurry scans. Eventually, I managed to cobble together a decent set. It was a real scavenger hunt!
Then came the design part. I’m not a graphic designer by any stretch of the imagination, so this was a steep learning curve. I used a simple image editing program – nothing fancy – and spent ages arranging the cards onto a shirt mock-up. I tried several layouts before I found one I liked. I wanted something visually appealing, but also functional – I didn’t want the cards to be too small or cramped together.
Next, I had to choose the shirt itself. I opted for a high-quality cotton tee, hoping the print would hold up well over time. I ordered it online, nervously waiting for its arrival. The wait felt like an eternity.
Once the shirt arrived, I had to prepare it for printing. This involved washing and drying it to remove any factory finishes that might interfere with the ink. I followed the instructions meticulously because I didn’t want to screw up after all that work.
The printing itself was a whole other adventure. I tried using iron-on transfer paper. Big mistake. The images were blurry and faded after the first wash. Seriously, a total disaster. I was ready to give up. But, I persevered, luckily. I decided to take it to a professional print shop. They were amazing; the final product was perfect. The colors were vibrant, the details sharp, and the cards looked fantastic.
The final step was inspecting the printed shirt. I examined it carefully for any imperfections, checking the alignment and color accuracy. There were a few minor flaws – nothing major, just a couple of tiny imperfections that only I would notice.
Overall, making the tarot card shirt was a learning experience. I learned a lot about image sourcing, graphic design, printing techniques, and my own stubbornness. It took way longer than I anticipated, and I definitely made some mistakes along the way. But hey, at least it turned out pretty cool, and I have a unique shirt to show for it. Now I can finally wear my love for tarot cards on my sleeve (literally).
