Available now for pre-order, the Marvelous decks are inspired by the marvelous Hummingbird feathers. The deck is conceptualized by Kellar O’Neil and masterfully created by designer Chris Tipton. The tuck box of the decks are extremely striking with sculpted embossing, and multiple holographic foils beautifully mimicking the iridescence of the hummingbird feathers. 3 deck are up on offer during the pre-order- red, blue, and purple.
Inside, the borderless card backs feature holographic foil feathers and face cards come in a recognizable classic style but refined and customized for the theme and feature highlights of holographic foil as well.
Last week, we caught up with Kellar and had a quick chat about the Marvelous Decks, the inspiration, and idea behind the Hummingbird Feathers deck, and his thoughts about the support from the playing card community on social media.
For those of us who don’t know, can you tell us about yourself and how did Marvelous Decks came to be?
Marvelous Decks came to be as a vision of Kellar O’Neil and was masterfully created by Designer & Master of Letterpress Chris Tipton. Kellar had the conceptual idea to focus on the fascinating details of life on playing cards – something that has not been done in full-scope detail and ultimate texture. He & Chris had worked on letterpress projects together before and decided that they would create these decks to be sold in limited sets to cardists, magicians, and collectors. Chris had the vision to bring the cards to life with his knowledge of stunning design and remarkable letterpress work experience.
Can you describe the Hummingbird Feathers deck and why you’re passionate about it?
Hummingbird Feathers deck will be printed with the most elaborate cold foil process at Cartamundi on slimline B9 finish with brilliant colors to mimic the iridescence of the hummingbird feathers. Much work and design details have gone into this creation. The tucks will be letterpress printed and sculpted emboss to create this awe-inspiring deck that encapsulates the intricate details of this stunning bird. The decks are sold in 3 Deck sets – extremely limited standard (not really standard :D) and gilded. There will also be an all letterpress deck that will be produced that will be ‘over-the-top’ fascinating. The backs are borderless and the faces are themed based on standards for easy recognition. The idea of the hummingbird deck came to be as Kellar has many fond memories of spending summertime at his grandmother’s house and tending to the hummingbird feeders.
Walk us through the process you took to design the deck. How did you come out with the idea and how did you get to this finished product?
The research was key in this design process. We wanted to be as true as we could to the feather formation on these decks. It’s not an easy process to create artwork to be replicated in such forms with specialty printing and letterpress with such fine highlights. We studied the many types of hummingbirds and the feather movements with light. Quite the task – to be honest!
What was your most brilliant breakthrough when designing the deck?
We would have to say choosing the name – Marvelous. After many different words and understanding their meanings to the card deck community – Marvelous Decks seems to bring together not only the description of the designs and printing – but the work from cardists, magicians, and collectors with these decks. We hope they are marvelous in every way to our customers. :). We want Marvelous Decks to be about our fan customer base – and always remain dedicated to the wants and needs as best as possible.
We first noticed the deck on Instagram. What do you think of the community in terms of the feedback and support that you’ve been getting?
The card deck community is fabulous! The support from every facet of the community has exceeded the expectations. We love the fact that our community loves sharing new works of art with the new decks – and even if a particular deck isn’t of someone’s style, they still share to get as much support for others as possible! United Cardists and 52 Plus Jokers members are the best too! My very good friend Mike Quinn (a top-notch deck collector) has been an inspiration in the card collecting and producing world.
What’s next? Can we expect more deck designs in the future from Marvelous Decks?
Oh, yes…what’s next? Something really vibrant and memorable…and hopefully very soon. We can say that you may need your sunglasses. Details on the second Marvelous installment will come not long after hummingbird feathers…sign up on MarvelousDecks.com to get notified and follow our Instagram (@MarvelousDecks).
Finally, what are your favorite playing cards?
The favorite deck would have to be Charmers of course (a deck that Kellar collaborated with Lotrek of Oath Playing Cards). A dream come true! Have to say though – for an extra fun carry – a huge fan of Cobra Playing Cards by JP Games LTD.
Thank you for your time Kellar, and congratulations to you and Chris on an incredible-looking deck!
Printed by Cartamundi on the famous Slimline B9 with holographic foil on both sides. Hummingbird Feathers are available NOW on marvelousdecks.com for $25 for a single deck in red, blue, or purple.
