52 Plus Joker Diamond Award 2024 Winners Announced!

The prestigious 52 Plus Joker Diamond Awards were revealed last weekend at the 2024 52 Plus Joker Convention in Niagara Falls, NY. For the THIRD consecutive year, Artist of the Year went to Lorenzo Gaggiotti of Stockholm17, solidifying his place as a powerhouse in the world of playing card design.

Marianne Larsen’s Cirque Luciole deck took home the Deck of the Year award. The deck dazzled collectors with its intricate design, paying homage to the magic and mystery of the circus world. 

The competition for Deck of the Year included other notable designs like Forged Playing Cards by Chris Hage & Jody Eklund, La Mouche Playing Cards by Elettra Deganello, Nazo Nazo by Jack Brutus Penny & Portfolio 52, ShanHai Playing Cards by ARK and Space Suits by Russ Gray & Meadowlark.

Congratulations to Lorenzo, Marianne Larsen and all the nominees for their incredible work!

Leaves (Seasons Exclusive Edition) Playing Cards

The Dutch House Company's Leaves Playing Cards series is back with a stunning new release on Kickstarter. This limited-edition deck, called the Leaves Seasons Exclusive Edition, is a vibrant celebration of nature’s beauty, combining all four seasons into one elegant design. 

The beautiful edition includes a beautifully designed Ace of Spades, continuing the tradition of exquisite detail across all Aces from the series.

The Tree of Life makes a return as the signature joker, symbolizing the journey through all seasons, while the traditional face cards receive a fresh update with vibrant colors that reflect the deck’s seasonal theme. 

In addition to its ornamental beauty, this deck includes a special treat for magic enthusiasts—a gaff card featuring the King of Diamonds with a hidden reveal of the 6 of Diamonds. Each deck features a fictitious numbered seal.

Available NOW on Kickstarter for $20 on Kickstarter.

Final Week on Kickstarter, CLEAR SKIES 2024 Playing Cards

In response to this ongoing crisis in Ukraine, Noir Arts released CLEAR SKIES 2024 Playing Cards— a tribute to Ukraine’s resilience and a way to support its ongoing fight for freedom. 

For this Kickstarter campaign, two decks are on offer: Destruction and Battlefield. The Destruction Deck is illustrated in fiery hues of reds, oranges, and yellows, capturing the devastation and chaos experienced by Ukrainians every day. Each card in this deck tells a story of destruction and loss, reflecting the deep emotional toll of the ongoing conflict.



In contrast, the Battlefield Deck pays tribute to the brave Ukrainian soldiers with a palette of muted greens and browns, representing the harsh realities of war. While it depicts the starkness of the battlefield, it also symbolizes the resilience and hope for peace that the soldiers embody. 

The card backs and tuck boxes of these decks are designed to match their themes. For the Destruction Deck, the back features a Tree of Hope engulfed in flames, symbolizing the burning aftermath of war. The tuck is crafted with vivid red soft-touch stock, complemented by red and yellow-gold foils to evoke a burning effect.



The Battlefield Deck showcases a camouflaged Tree of Hope, representing survival amidst the destruction. The tuck box is made from dark green textured stock and adorned with green and dark silver foils, reflects the resilience found on the battlefield. Both decks are housed in beautifully crafted tuck boxes designed by Bivas Bhattacharjee, displaying Ukraine's national symbols—the sunflower and the trident—representing hope and freedom.

The decks are printed by Noir Arts and pledge starts at $26 on Kickstarter.

Wukong Black Fantasy Playing Cards

Now on Kickstarter, Wukong Black Fantasy Playing Cards celebrates the epic story of Wukong’s Journey to the West with luxurious black and gold foil tuck boxes. Each deck brings to life iconic characters and tales from this classic novel. Wukong, the great sage, heaven's equal, has been a childhood hero for many. This playing card series by CRE8TIVE Concept, inspired by Wukong's legendary exploits and battles, offers a creative homage to the cultural phenomenon. 

Four decks are on offer during the Kickstarter campaign- Jade Ruby, Black Fantasy and Loong Pearl deck. Each deck in the Wukong Black Fantasy series is a work of art, capturing the essence of the Journey to the West in a stunning, collectible format. 

The Jade Deck features a stunning gold and jade foil tuck box adorned with Wukong's iconic Golden Feng-Tail Crown. The card back showcases Wukong's legendary weapon, Ruyi Jingubang, surrounded by dragon motifs. The deck includes characters like Wukong, Tripitaka, and the Bull King, each with intricate designs that reflect their stories. 

The Ruby Deck is a striking counterpart to the Jade Deck, using red and gold foil for an even more dramatic appearance. The 12 characters are presented in a mirrored arrangement, adding a classic playing card feel. It also features fully customized number cards and a regal golden gilding on the edges for a luxurious touch. 

 

Limited to just 1,000 decks, the Black Fantasy Deck offers a minimalist and modern take. The tuck box features spot UV ink and embossing, giving it a glossy finish. Each card has a holographic effect, offering a metallic shine that changes color at different angles. Printed on double copper stock, the deck maintains a sleek profile despite the added holographic layer.

Finally, the Loong Pearl Deck is a Kickstarter exclusive with a holographic tuck and card design that shines with an iridescent effect. Even the sides of the deck are holographically gilded, making it a must-have for collectors. 

For the ultimate collector, the Great Sage Box Set includes 2 Jade, 2 Ruby, 1 Black Fantasy, and 1 Loong Pearl deck, housed in a gold and red foiled collector box. This set also grants lifetime access to the CRE8TIVE CLUB, offering exclusive gifts, sneak peeks, and member-only playing cards in future campaigns.

Pledge starts at $17 on Kickstarter.