Permaculture is Common Sense ... for a world ... where sense is no longer common

How to Create Your Own JEDAI Permaculture Cards

A technical guide for building, adapting and generating card sets

Introduction

This guide explains how to create your own version of the JEDAI Permaculture Cards using Canva and bulk creation tools. It is intended for facilitators, educators, and community organisers who want to adapt the cards for their own context.

If you are new to the cards, you can first explore the main resource here: JEDAI Engagement Framework Cards

Before You Start

Before creating your own version of the cards, ensure you have the following:

  • A Canva account
  • A Google account (required for bulk creation method)
  • Basic familiarity with editing text and documents

The JEDAI Cards are released under a Creative Commons Attribution–ShareAlike (CC BY-SA) licence. You are free to adapt and build upon them, but any derived versions must retain the same licence.

Method 1: Simple Canva Editing

Best for small-scale edits or manual customisation

  1. Open the template: Canva Template
  2. Make a copy of the template into your Canva account
  3. Close the original to avoid accidental editing
  4. Edit each card manually with your content
  5. Export as PNG or PDF depending on your use case

This method is simple and flexible, but becomes time-consuming when working with larger card sets.

Method 2: Bulk Create (Advanced)

Best for generating multiple cards efficiently

  1. Open and copy the spreadsheet: Google Sheet
  2. Edit your card content in the spreadsheet
  3. Open the Canva bulk template: Bulk Create Template
  4. Make a copy of the Canva template
  5. In Canva, go to Apps → Bulk Create
  6. Select Google Sheets as your data source
  7. Connect your spreadsheet
  8. Match fields between spreadsheet and card template
  9. Click Continue
  10. Select “Create designs”
  11. Open your generated card set

Good Practice When Creating Cards

  • Keep language clear, accessible and inclusive
  • Avoid assumptions about users or communities
  • Ground content in real lived experience where possible
  • Test your cards in real workshop or community settings

Translation and Localisation

When adapting cards for different languages or cultures, focus on meaning rather than literal translation. Adjust examples so they are relevant to your local ecological and social context.

Exporting and Sharing

Once your cards are complete, you can export and share them in different formats depending on use.

  • PNG format for digital use and flexible editing
  • PDF format for high-quality printing
  • Shared digital versions for collaborative work

Always ensure the CC BY-SA licence is retained when sharing adapted versions.

Resources and Templates

Related Resource

Explore the main JEDAI Engagement Framework Cards:

JEDAI Engagement Framework Cards