Illuminated Playing Cards by Caitlin Keegan

[Räpylätassu]

Custom double deck from the artist Caitlin Keegan. You can buy them from Amazon for 16,99 USD

Pre-Order them here (release date is April 9th)

[Räpylätassu]

The release date for these are in two days (April 9th)

It's certainly a rather good looking deck and that 16,99 USD price is not bad considering that it is a double deck. Anyone here planning to buy any?

[Bradius]

According to the biography of the Artist, this is an updated release of a deck issued earlier. It might have been a Tarot though.

[PipChick]

oh f*ck yeah! This is most definitely a buy for me! Plus, because it's through Amazon, I can add it to my already overflowin' cart that I've been shamelessly dumping all the other books and random internet things I can't afford but still "just gotta have" lol and the combined order will make it all eligible for free shipping, which will most certainly justify the frivolous spending... lol

the only question is: how the hell did I miss this post a month ago?!?!? God, I'm really slackin' these days lol

According to the biography of the Artist, this is an updated release of a deck issued earlier. It might have been a Tarot though.

I also looked into that; it appears that the cards of the tarot deck are quite a bit larger and feature the art in full color - same designs, but full vibrant color and a lot larger than standard poker size - it also comes with an instruction booklet like this one (perhaps the same one but recolored to match the cards/set?). The prior tarot deck is also available on Amazon here and you can get a look at some of the other designs of that deck that'll most likely be featured in this one too:




tbh, even though I do like bright bold colors, I kinda feel like the limited palette of this deck allows the details of the fine linework to shine through and can be appreciate more. And, imho, the color palette of this deck also feels just a tiny bit more aesthetically sophisticated for me - don't get me wrong; I still like the full colored tarot; but between the two decks, my preference is leaning more towards this one... at least for now lol Also because it's standard size and not gimungo as the other one seems to be, as you can see in this video review. Btw, the reviewer even talks about the cardstock quality and compares its card size to those that are bridge and poker, as well as the Pagans Otherworlds Tarot deck and a couple others at around the 8:20 mark - just so you can get a better idea of what to expect if you are in fact interested in the tarot deck as well since it still does include traditional poker indices & pips as this one does - so really, it's more of a cartomancy deck...

All in all, from what I can see, the price can't be beat and the designs are pretty great - granted, the deck was probably not printed to be of the highest and/or best quality but I'm totally fine with that since I've got a ton of others that are and this one would be more of a collector's piece for me; def not one that I would be pulling out to use so often since a.) it'd probably be difficult to handle and b.) the designs would make gameplay super challenging anyways (not impossible, but def not practical or ideal).

Btw, the colors and style of the art kinda reminds me of the Open Portals deck which I also very much like and is still on my wishlist, but this Illuminated deck is gunna be on my next Amazon order

[Romeril]

The release date for these are in two days (April 9th)

It's certainly a rather good looking deck and that 16,99 USD price is not bad considering that it is a double deck. Anyone here planning to buy any?

I’m getting a set

[Decknowledgy]

Holy.... I'm in.
Does it say what stock and finish?

[PipChick]

Holy.... I'm in.
Does it say what stock and finish?

unfortunately, not anywhere I can see.

but wait... hold up! Acording to the product page, these are also printed with metallic inks!!!

Each card is printed on the same high-quality, flexible, and durable stock used in professional playing card decks. Metallic ink makes each mystic illustration leap off the cards.

[Outsider]

I'm very interested. It would certainly appear that there's unique art on every card, and while said art is tarot-esque it is highly original and well executed. On top of that, $17 for two decks in a Copag style double deck case, with free shipping (if you have prime). Especially refreshing after the rash of overpriced, zero-substance crap that's been coming out in a steady hemorrhage.

Only hesitation is I'd like to know the printer/cardstock. The description does at least hint that it's a reputable printer but without being told how can we judge?

I went ahead and emailed the artist about the printer, I'm that curious.

[hsbc]

[Romeril]

Only hesitation is I'd like to know the printer/cardstock. The description does at least hint that it's a reputable printer but without being told how can we judge?

Well, I ordered a set and Amazon tells me I should receive it on release day (Tuesday). So, if you don't mind waiting until then, I'll let you know what's printed on the box when I get it.

[Outsider]

Thanks, if the artist doesn't get back sooner then let us know for sure. I'm probably in for this if it's anything but NPCC or MPC or something like that. Given that it's a US artist and claimed high quality stock, I'm guessing USPCC.

[MagikFingerz]

Thanks, if the artist doesn't get back sooner then let us know for sure. I'm probably in for this if it's anything but NPCC or MPC or something like that. Given that it's a US artist and claimed high quality stock, I'm guessing USPCC.

You'd be surprised what people who don't know any better call "high quality"

That said, I might get these just for the art. Can't decide on the tarot though, love the colors but I'm not a tarot collector.

[robcan0630]

I just got a shipping confirmation from Amazon for these. Should definitely be here Tuesday.

[portcullis]

I can add it to my already overflowin' cart that I've been shamelessly dumping all the other books and random internet things I can't afford but still "just gotta have" lol and the combined order will make it all eligible for free shipping, which will most certainly justify the frivolous spending... lol

*whistles nonchalantly*

I'm sorry Amy, what were you saying? I was adding a few more books to my wishlist on Book Depository.

[dawn]

Just a heads up: I found this set available for a better price on both Book Depository (USD$16.78, https://www.bookdepository.com/Illumina ... 0525574781) and Wordery (USD$15.05, https://wordery.com/illuminated-playing ... 0525574781). Both of these companies also come with free worldwide shipping, which is very helpful when you live in the Land Down Under.

Funnily enough, I only found out about these when I was looking for the decks on Amazon.com.au, which apparently isn't well-linked to Amazon.com. I'd already placed an order with the American site, but I was able to cancel it because they haven't shipped or charged me anything.

[portcullis]

TBF dawn. ~US$17 isn't really going to have that much of an impact on the USD/AUD exchange rate its what ..... ~$24-$25? But yes, the free shipping is a bonus.

[theCapraAegagrus]

Meh. Pass.

[macstrat]

This is a deck I dont really need to think about. Im in. As for the stock, if this were a working deck I would be more concerned, but as it is an art deck, its as high on my list of criteria. Beautiful deck tho.

[dawn]

TBF dawn. ~US$17 isn't really going to have that much of an impact on the USD/AUD exchange rate its what ..... ~$24-$25? But yes, the free shipping is a bonus.

Yeah I think it was ~AUD$3 for the actual deck, but $10 difference on shipping. Can’t hurt to share when little things add up .

Also I decided not to get the deck in the end, so it ended as a learning experience regarding impulse buying and Amazon’s cancellation policy lol

[Romeril]

Well, I don’t know which printer was used...Potter Playing Cards?? Made in China

[Romeril]

Ok, the “exceptional surface slip and an effortless fan” printed on the box, is a huge lie. The cards are nice to look at though...

[Decknowledgy]

Thanks for being a pioneer for us, Matt!
Still interested to see the artwork but that printing quality is lowering my anticipation....

[Romeril]

Yeah, no problem. I’ll work on posting the cards to my Instagram.

[Gonzalo]

Some of the cards remind me of this deck:


https://www.jamesreadsmerch.com/collect ... en-portals" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Romeril]

Ok, for those of you interested, I’ve posted pictures of all of the cards from the Golden backed deck on my Instagram (@bayoucardcollector). The faces of the blue backed deck are the same pictures however they are colored differently. Let me know if you want to see those too.

[Bradius]

I just received my decks today. I can't tell who made the decks, but can definitely say that they are not by USPCC. They clump together a lot. Not much slip at all. They are actually surprisingly springy though. As an artistic deck, they are really nice. It is also a nice semi-transformative deck It is a shame though they didn't go with USPCC or Cartimundi for the printing of the decks. Another nice find Roope.

[macstrat]

I just received my decks today. I can't tell who made the decks, but can definitely say that they are not by USPCC. They clump together a lot. Not much slip at all. They are actually surprisingly springy though. As an artistic deck, they are really nice. It is also a nice semi-transformative deck It is a shame though they didn't go with USPCC or Cartimundi for the printing of the decks. Another nice find Roope.

I got mine yesterday also. I agree with this 100%. The only issue I have is the finish, its nonexistant. Beautiful deck.

[Räpylätassu]

Walmart has these for sale on their website... So it's possible to maybe buy these from the physical Walmart stores as well? LINK to the Walmart listing

[Bradius]

I just received her Illuminated Tarot deck. The cards handle a bit better, but still handle badly. They are also...huge. Not for playing cards with at all. Still, good artwork. I just wish they were printed with better stock and finish. These would be amazing with one of the top printers. However, not expensive and good artwork. NOT FOR CARDISTS OR MAGICIANS.

[macstrat]

Full deck scans:
Sun Deck - https://www.flickr.com/photos/167981955 ... 0174122708" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Moon Deck - https://www.flickr.com/photos/167981955 ... 6850345491" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;