Matrix Edition 1 Playing Cards by Luke Wadey

Luke Wadey’s first crowdfunded deck of 2023 is a typographic playing cards with a twist. Matrix Edition 1 is inspired by the work of the infamous Swiss designer Armin Hofmann in 1965, best known for his help to define The International Design Style as we know it, and his iconic poster work, but in this case his fluid matrix, or as some people know it as the ‘rubber bands’ study.

The concept is fairly simple, it is to explore the relationship between lines and dots, using a grid, or matrix, of 4×4 dots that work together to create fluid shapes. Luke told Kardify,

I decided to explore this for myself. It was in this experiment I wanted to create unique card faces, featuring abstract, artistic values by experimenting with different size circles, different spacing, different amounts of circles. 

Luke was able to find combinations that he could create his own font for the card faces, as well as a dynamic card back, both exploring different combinations of circular grids and the shapes he could create with them.

All the card faces were designed first, the unique curves holding tension between each shape, linking to each other, a diverse range of angles and depths to establish a set of unusual forms. 

The deck needed a card back that complimented the faces, something understated, that wouldn’t look out of place as a poster on your wall, whilst showing dynamic shapes that create interesting spreads and fans. Luke continued,

For this new collection, I wanted to start it with a colour combination I have been using in my day-job work for ten years, the cool nature of the teal contrasting and complimenting the coral tones. With continual feedback from my patrons, with different designs and colours explored, it was to my joy that we all felt this was the best combination to start the collection with.

The tuck box itself provides contrast to the deck, embracing the coral color and using the card back design as a wrap-around graphic. Luke has included further information in a typographic treatment,  as well as a large negative space ‘1’ to show this is the first deck in the collection.

As mentioned, this is the first deck in the Matrix series. Luke plans to create even more abstract combinations and experiments based on the same principles, the possibilities are limitless.

Printed by USPCC on crushed premium bee stock, traditionally cut with air-cushion finish. Pledge starts at $11 on Kickstarter.

Paisley Playing Cards Ton sur Ton on Kickstarter

Dutch Card House Co., a playing card company based in Amsterdam, released a popular deck of cards in 2018 called Paisley Playing Cards, featuring a design based on the ancient Persian Paisley pattern. The deck received positive support and multiple series were released, including Metallic Red & Blue, Magical Black & Gold, Christmas, Royals, and Poker. The company is now introducing a new addition to the series, the Paisley Ton sur Ton Playing Cards.

Ton sur Ton is a Dutch fashion term that hints at the combination of similar colors, creating a pleasant matching design of this iconic natural paisley pattern. This series comes in three colorways: Poudre Rouge, Poudre Blue, and Poudre Green. Both Blue and Red are standard editions, while Green is a Kickstarter exclusive edition.

The tuck box for the Blue and Rouge editions comes with an alternative tuck closure. The flap of the box folds over the tuck and slides into the die cut halfway through the tuck. With the illustrious elaborate ribbon banner panning from the top to the back of the box, it compliments the unique design of the flap. The box also comes with embossing on the artwork with silver and rose gold (respectively) foil to add up an extra glamorous look.

The design of the cards is what you would expect in every Paisley Playing Cards series: standards with slight modifications. The back design is a monochrome color of its respective edition, with courts colored either Blue or Rouge based on its edition. These decks will be produced by Legends Playing Cards Co. on their crushed stock with Viper Finish and Diamond Cut, with each edition limited to 700 decks.

Poudre Green Edition features a sideway tuck case – the cards are accessible with a box that opens from the sides. It also features artwork with embossing and green gold foil. The cards are also in the same format as the standard editions, only that it uses the green color scheme to match their name. This deck will be produced by WJPC on their exclsuive paper stock with a butter-smooth finish. This is a Kickstarter-exclusive item, and it will be made based on the order counts in the campaign.

Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter. The three decks are also available in Gilded Editions: Poudre Blue with Silver Foil Gilding – Poudre Rouge with Rose Gold Foil Gilding – Pudre Green with Green Foil Gilding. The tuck case for the Gilded Editions will come with custom numbered sealed done in the foil of respective gilding color.

Kings Wild Threads Deck: Red Ace

The Kings Wild Threads series is back with the Red Ace Deck, features the Ace of Spades from the Crow Brand deck. This deck is part of a line of custom playing cards made to pair with the Kings Wild Threads Shirt line.

These limited print decks feature a matching two-way pattern on the back design and an extra card with the Ace of Spade which can be viewed through the custom shirt shaped die cut hole on the tuck case.

These limited print decks feature a matching suicide king pattern on the back design in a sky blue colorway which can be viewed through the custom die cut on the tuck case. Designer Jackson Robinson used his own standard court and pip designs on this simple yet unique deck of playing cards.

The shirts are $45 and the decks are $25 on kingswildproject.com. Only 250 decks available for preorder. 

Sweet Peas Playing Cards by OPC

Organic Playing Cards announced the release of their second vegetable-themed playing card deck, Sweet Peas! The deck features a vibrant green card back design, along with slightly modified court cards. 

One of the most notable features of the Sweet Peas deck is the use of metallic inks on the tuck box and face cards. This gives the deck an eye-catching look, making it stand out from the crowd. Whether you’re a collector, cardist, or fan of tabletop games, the Sweet Peas deck is sure to impress.

This limited print run of 2500 decks is made by USPCC on premium crushed stock. Also, for every set of 6 decks you buy, they will come in a custom-made microwave! Available now on riffleshuffle.com for $9.95.