Scans can be seen at www.marytcusack.com/maryc/decks/html/Cards/Gemini.html

Gemini is a deck of completely custom illustrated poker size playing cards. The deck will be printed by Expert Playing Card Co. (NY, USA) on casino grade paper stock with their Classic Finish coating. While the campaign is run from here in Stockholm and is in Swedish crowns (SEK), the rewards will be fulfilled from the US.The choice of the name Gemini is based on the peculiarity of the court cards (JQK). At first glance the figures of each card look perfectly symmetrical, but they are not. I depicted them as twins (Gemini in latin) but they are not identical, so you will see small differences when you look closely. I thought that the Gemini zodiac sign would fit this idea, so it gets a bit astrological in its design. The archetype of Gemini is fascinating and intriguing.

With this deck, I wanted a classical, medieval feeling. The aces are depicted as axes and the figures on the court cards interact with their own pip, which becomes part of the illustration. The pips (2 to 10) are big and they take a lot of space. I used an unconventional index, which is horizontal instead of vertical. I used a prototype for testing and found that it is very playable and easy to read, especially for Burraco.

Gemini was made available as 3 different decks:

Gemini Terra: sienna back, tuck-box with embossing, copper and gold foil on thick black paper.

Gemini Ignis: red back, tuck-box with embossing, red and gold foil on thick black paper.

Gemini Noctis (stretch goal added later in project): blue back, tuck-box with embossing, silver (or silver-aqua) foil, black foil on black paper, and foil on the back of the cards.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/requiemcards/gemini-playing-cards

Heretic Playing Cards by Lorenzo Gaggiotti (Stockholm17) is based on alchemy and the hermetic world. Salt (for the Jacks), Sulfur (for the Queens) and Mercury (for the Kings) are the three basic ingredients of the alchemist. This PCDB entry is for the basic Noctis version of the deck, there also was a Lux version and uncuts of each. In addition, there was a VERY limited subset of both Lux and Noctis that were signed and wax sealed called Heretic Gran Riserva. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/requiemcards/heretic-playing-cards

Scans can be seen at www.marytcusack.com/maryc/decks/html/Cards/Gemini.html

Gemini is a deck of completely custom illustrated poker size playing cards. The deck will be printed by Expert Playing Card Co. (NY, USA) on casino grade paper stock with their Classic Finish coating. While the campaign is run from here in Stockholm and is in Swedish crowns (SEK), the rewards will be fulfilled from the US.The choice of the name Gemini is based on the peculiarity of the court cards (JQK). At first glance the figures of each card look perfectly symmetrical, but they are not. I depicted them as twins (Gemini in latin) but they are not identical, so you will see small differences when you look closely. I thought that the Gemini zodiac sign would fit this idea, so it gets a bit astrological in its design. The archetype of Gemini is fascinating and intriguing.

With this deck, I wanted a classical, medieval feeling. The aces are depicted as axes and the figures on the court cards interact with their own pip, which becomes part of the illustration. The pips (2 to 10) are big and they take a lot of space. I used an unconventional index, which is horizontal instead of vertical. I used a prototype for testing and found that it is very playable and easy to read, especially for Burraco.

Gemini was made available as 3 different decks:

Gemini Terra: sienna back, tuck-box with embossing, copper and gold foil on thick black paper.

Gemini Ignis: red back, tuck-box with embossing, red and gold foil on thick black paper.

Gemini Noctis (stretch goal added later in project): blue back, tuck-box with embossing, silver (or silver-aqua) foil, black foil on black paper, and foil on the back of the cards.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/requiemcards/gemini-playing-cards

Scans of each card can be seen at www.marytcusack.com/maryc/decks/html/Cards/GeminiNoctis.html

Scan of every card:

www.marytcusack.com/maryc/decks/html/Cards/Chatrouge.html

In summer 2018 Oath Playing Cards did a small print run mainly to test the use of UV inks on two-color pearlescent stock. They also played around with the varnish a bit, experimenting with new materials. These sheets remained in the printer's facility and were forgotten until Lotrek decided to cut them. The coating that was almost accidentally created has a great slip, far better than any other Lotrek produced so far. It will be the base for all of their future coating formulas and is -- considered by Oath Playing Cards -- a great milestone in the pursuit of creating the perfect coating.

The modern restoration of one of the rarest and most sought after decks in playing card history. Beautiful fully restored Dondorf Hundertjahrkarte Centennial Jubilee deck AND the Player's deck both in dual deck tuck box made to exactly recreate the original. The main "Restoration" deck will have original German K/D/B indices for the courts and green-gold tone back border. It will have gold metallic ink accents on both the faces and back, exactly like the originals. It will be printed on 310gsm black core German casino bond stock, and hand gilded by Cartamundi in Belgium. The "Players" deck is the same but with no gilding.

"I C O N S" Imperial edition

It's the first deck ever printed having both Gold and Silver hot stamped foil on the back of the cards.

"IMPERIAL" edition is a strictly limited production: Only 555 decks produced.

THE TUCK:

For such a special edition, Lotrek wanted a special tuck case. He started searching and experimenting with various materials until he decided on velvet: The most obvious and appropriate option, came last as it often happens...

The tuck box is made of velvet and has embossing and gold foil accents.

THE DECK:

The Back design - the gem of the deck- with Gold and Silver hot stamped foil on a purple background, is inspired by Byzantine mosaics. It features the two-headed eagle, the Imperial symbol.

The deck features gold metallic ink on the faces, gold and silver metallic on the back and an intricate tuck case that was amazingly stamped on 2-sided color "metallic" stock, pushing the limits of detailed foiling. 600 numbered decks will become available out of the 700 produced and ICONS “SACRED” will never be reprinted. As it was technically very demanding, and before I go to the press for IMPERIAL edition's final print, I decided to “sacrifice” this deck and use it in order to test my new printer’s efficiency and also to experiment with various production aspects from cutting methods and metallic inks’ behavior to playing card finish.  I used my own varnishing formula which has a feel that I like but appears a bit sensitive to rubbing and should be handled with care. That said, crafted with much love, devotion -and some risk-, ICONS SACRED is an experimental deck, more an art object than a deck for playing games.  But who can actually play games with the Sacred? That would be a sacrilege…

Kingswild Short subscription 2019 June Limited deck

Only available with the Cabinet of Curiosity pledge, the Apothecary White Gilded Elixir deck is similar to the Black Gilded Deck; however the tuck is different and the cards are gilded in holographic foil.

Inspired by the intensely curious works of Escher, this deck was meticulously designed and illustrated to create a reality-bending deck in the most sincerest form. Good illusions blur the lines between dual designs, trying to persuade you to see something not quite there. But great illusions solidify those lines to transform these designs into unmistakably new perspectives. Large windows blend the boundaries between cards and box. Each deck in this year’s collection contains a singular perspective that controls the “reality” of the designs inside it, creating a stunningly visual change to the actual cards themselves. Will you be of the King’s persuasion and see his crown ? Or will your deck be captured by the Queen revealing a completely DIFFERENT set of pieces in tow? Bring home the world’s first dual perspective changing deck and keep a piece of playing card history for your shelf. This deck truly takes the genre to a whole new level. A quick video shows the utterly stunning visual change side by side between one “reality” and another to truly appreciate the amazing results these small perspective boxes can do. The Queen Version has Red Gilding

Inspired by the intensely curious works of Escher, this deck was meticulously designed and illustrated to create a reality-bending deck in the most sincerest form. Good illusions blur the lines between dual designs, trying to persuade you to see something not quite there. But great illusions solidify those lines to transform these designs into unmistakably new perspectives. Large windows blend the boundaries between cards and box. Each deck in this year’s collection contains a singular perspective that controls the “reality” of the designs inside it, creating a stunningly visual change to the actual cards themselves. Will you be of the King’s persuasion and see his crown ? Or will your deck be captured by the Queen revealing a completely DIFFERENT set of pieces in tow? Bring home the world’s first dual perspective changing deck and keep a piece of playing card history for your shelf. This deck truly takes the genre to a whole new level. A quick video shows the utterly stunning visual change side by side between one “reality” and another to truly appreciate the amazing results these small perspective boxes can do.

Inspired by the intensely curious works of Escher, this deck was meticulously designed and illustrated to create a reality-bending deck in the most sincerest form. Good illusions blur the lines between dual designs, trying to persuade you to see something not quite there. But great illusions solidify those lines to transform these designs into unmistakably new perspectives. Large windows blend the boundaries between cards and box. Each deck in this year’s collection contains a singular perspective that controls the “reality” of the designs inside it, creating a stunningly visual change to the actual cards themselves. Will you be of the King’s persuasion and see his crown ? Or will your deck be captured by the Queen revealing a completely DIFFERENT set of pieces in tow? Bring home the world’s first dual perspective changing deck and keep a piece of playing card history for your shelf. This deck truly takes the genre to a whole new level. A quick video shows the utterly stunning visual change side by side between one “reality” and another to truly appreciate the amazing results these small perspective boxes can do.

Apothecary 2

From the award-winning card design company of the world's first color changing cards, SEASONS returns with more interactive curiosities from the other side.

The Apothecary is an elaborate art project that captures the intangible concepts of ideas and thoughts and transforms them into physical totems that you can hold. Represented through the medium of playing cards, these ethereal concepts are captured to deliver an inspiring and awe-provoking experience that you've never felt before with regular handheld art. The Apothecary is an homage to all things handcrafted and inspiring featuring intaglio printed sleeves, patented responsive inks, and fantastical illustrations & design.

Features of the Seronda Virtues

• Gorgeous gold hot foil stamp highlights the deck.
• Upgraded sculpted embossed tuck cases printed on exquisite linen-textured stock.
• Cards printed with our winning combo of linen (Aristocrat) stock and coated with premium magic finish for professional grade handling.
• Mysterious "Ingredient Logs" and "Directions of Use" on each pack.
• Cards printed with the United States Playing Card Company

Color Changing White Label

• LIMITED EDITION: Only available on Kickstarter during preorder. Not available in stores.
• Each deck is artfully GILDED BY HAND displaying true craftsmanship.
• Introducing the world's first color-changing tuck box using patented heat-sensitive technology that responds to your touch. Seronda box colors turn from Anthracite to Blush to the touch. Virtue boxes transform from Apricot Orange to Yellow when handled.
• Printed on premium linen stock.
• Cards printed with linen (Aristocrat) stock and coated with magic finish with the United States Playing Card Company.
• Exclusive offering by Seasons Playing Cards

Apothecary 2

From the award-winning card design company of the world's first color changing cards, SEASONS returns with more interactive curiosities from the other side.

The Apothecary is an elaborate art project that captures the intangible concepts of ideas and thoughts and transforms them into physical totems that you can hold. Represented through the medium of playing cards, these ethereal concepts are captured to deliver an inspiring and awe-provoking experience that you've never felt before with regular handheld art. The Apothecary is an homage to all things handcrafted and inspiring featuring intaglio printed sleeves, patented responsive inks, and fantastical illustrations & design.

Features of the Seronda Sentiments

• Elegant silver foil highlights the deck.
• Premium sculpted emboss tuck cases printed on exquisite linen-textured stock.
• Mysterious "Ingredient Logs" and "Directions of Use" wrap each pack.
• Cards printed with the United States Playing Card Company with our winning combo of linen (Aristocrat) stock and premium magic finish for professional grade handling.

Color Changing White Label

• LIMITED EDITION: Only available on Kickstarter during preorder. Not available in stores.
• Each deck is artfully GILDED BY HAND displaying true craftsmanship.
• Introducing the world's first color-changing tuck box using patented heat-sensitive technology that responds to your touch. Seronda box colors turn from Anthracite to Blush to the touch. Virtue boxes transform from Apricot Orange to Yellow when handled.
• Printed on premium linen stock.
• Cards printed with linen (Aristocrat) stock and coated with magic finish with the United States Playing Card Company.
• Exclusive offering by Seasons Playing Cards

Welcome to the Apothecary...

...where curiosity thrives and inspiration is always at your fingertips. The Apothecary is an homage to the mystical, to the handcrafted, to the detailed, and to the inspirational. It emphasizes the craft of what it takes to create playing cards, embracing the mystery of what we strive for.

Features for Standard Insights Pack:

Elegant silver foil highlights the deck. Raised embossed tuck cases printed on exquisite linen-textured stock. Metallic gold ink throughout the deck for added class. Cards printed with our winning combo of linen (Aristocrat) stock and coated with premium magic finish for professional grade handling. Mysterious "Ingredient Logs" and "Directions of Use" with each pack. Cards printed with the United States Playing Card Company.