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Playing Card Chat ♠ ♥ ♣ ♦ => Playing Card Plethora => Topic started by: Fred on October 09, 2013, 10:24:26 PM

Title: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Fred on October 09, 2013, 10:24:26 PM
Chris Ovdiyenko, the creator of the Calaveras playing cards, has just launched his new project on Kickstarter, called the Oracle playing cards. Project goal of $20,000.

Introduction directly taken from the project's page:

Quote
A NEW deck of USPCC playing cards based on the spiritualist movement.

Talking boards, spirit photography, seances, ectoplasm, and levitating tables—the spiritualist movement has a rich history. I want to capture some of that history in a deck of USPCC playing cards.

The spiritualist movement grew out of mesmerism—which is what hypnosis used to be called. But with so much loss of life with the civil war, the spanish flu, and WWI, spiritualism became the hope for many across generations to contact more than the subconscious mind. It was a chance to reach their loved ones who had passed on. Many spiritualists believed they were able to reach "through the veil" and contact the spirit world.

Considered by some to be at best an interesting parlor distraction, by others as outright fraud, still many more viewed it as a chance to find solace, comfort, and closure to those whose lives meant the most and who's absence was unbearable. In disguise, Mary Todd Lincoln went to a spirit photographer and captured an image of her with her late husband. It's also rumored that she held as many as eight seances in the White House. Arthur Conan Doyle was a devout spiritualist (despite the analytical and deductive reasoning of his most famous protagonist). Houdini's wife held seances for years after her husband promised before his death to find a way to contact her if a way was there to be found.

All this history has for me added a lot of meaning and depth to this project. I hope you find it as interesting as I do ;)

Early bird prices:
1 deck: $11 (int shipping +$7) Limited to 200 backers
2 decks: $20 (int shipping + $12) Limited to 200 backers

Normal prices:
1 deck: $15
2 decks: $25

Initial impressions: I am extremely impressed with this deck. Ouija boards aren't my cuppa tea but the artwork execution is done superbly. (Pictures attached below). The tuck box is also very appealing and i can already expect a high quality matte texture/embossing tuck box reminiscent to the Ultimate deck by Stranger and Danger.

Personally, i'm in for 2 decks right now. The international prices are pretty steep, though justified by USPS' upcoming price rise. Very excited!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Ovdiyenko on October 09, 2013, 10:37:24 PM
Hey Fred - thanks so much for inviting me and for posting Oracle! I'm super excited for the project!! Sorry about the int. shipping rates, but yes as you pointed out the rates are going up. I also did what I could to make them lower than Calaveras because i know people were thinking they were too high.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: sprouts1115 on October 09, 2013, 10:47:29 PM
Fred - Your turning out to be the ambassador for Aethercards.   http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894542039/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards?ref=category (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894542039/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards?ref=category) 

Ovdiyenko - It's always nice to see the creator.  I have a theory that most collectors want 2 decks.  One to save and one to open.  Your "2-way" back is nice even with the text.  "Rosabel believe"
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Anthony on October 10, 2013, 12:08:19 AM
I like the design and concept, does the back actually say "Rosabelle Believe"? I'm getting old and my eyes aren't what they used to be, but if it indeed does, that's a great touch referencing Houdini on a deck with this particular theme.

.....and of course, Welcome to the site Chris  ;)
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Fred on October 10, 2013, 05:51:25 AM
No worries Chris, glad you could pop in. Dont hesitate to keep us updated on your latest court cards etc. We have many enthusiastic designers and people experienced in KS in general that will definitely be able to provide you with constructive comments and suggest possible improvements. While youre here, feel free to take a look around at the other threads. Every kickstarter project related to playing cards is pretty much covered here, you will be amazed with the depth of material contained here!

Enjoy your stay :)
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: AndyCrofford on October 10, 2013, 07:37:56 AM
Personally, i'm in for 2 decks right now. The international prices are pretty steep, though justified by USPS' upcoming price rise. Very excited!

These USPS price hikes are ridiculous. I recently shipped a single deck of cards to Australia and it was around $10. You would think in today's global economy the prices would be much better.

Andy
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Fred on October 10, 2013, 08:01:12 AM
Personally, i'm in for 2 decks right now. The international prices are pretty steep, though justified by USPS' upcoming price rise. Very excited!

These USPS price hikes are ridiculous. I recently shipped a single deck of cards to Australia and it was around $10. You would think in today's global economy the prices would be much better.

Andy

Guess where i live? ;) Yeah. shipping shit hole that is Australia. I just spent over $30 shipping 3 decks to the UK. Granted it was with tracking and a faster delivery time but regardless, absolutely ridiculous.

On topic: Chris, what kind of stretch goals are you looking at?
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Don Boyer on October 10, 2013, 08:01:55 AM
Personally, i'm in for 2 decks right now. The international prices are pretty steep, though justified by USPS' upcoming price rise. Very excited!

These USPS price hikes are ridiculous. I recently shipped a single deck of cards to Australia and it was around $10. You would think in today's global economy the prices would be much better.

Andy

The company (yes, it's a company, not a branch of the government) has been losing money for decades.  They have to offer retailers bulk discounts to compete with the private carriers and at the same time people use email to the point that the personal letter is almost unheard of, as common as a buggy whip.  So yes, it has to keep raising prices or perish under its own weight.  While fewer people actually use the mail these days, they'd really miss it if it was gone...

So pick up a pen and write a letter for cryin' out loud!  :))

Chris - welcome to the board.  Please check out the "Introduce Yourself" board and make a new topic of your own.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Fred on October 10, 2013, 08:03:43 AM
Correct me if i'm wrong Don, and i'm saying this with no prior research or knowledge. But i am almost certain such sectors are heavily subsidised by the Government.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Don Boyer on October 10, 2013, 08:17:57 AM
Correct me if i'm wrong Don, and i'm saying this with no prior research or knowledge. But i am almost certain such sectors are heavily subsidised by the Government.

It's subsidized, yes, and has to seek government permission to raise rates, but it's not a part of the US Government.  It hasn't been for a number of decades now.  Many industries are subsidized by the government - that doesn't make them government-owned and -operated.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Fred on October 10, 2013, 08:33:51 AM
I never said or implied that they were Government owned. Increase in rates do not equal greater profit for the company. The rate increases are basically mandatory, to keep up with yearly inflation and thus maintain the real income of its employees/revenue of the company, thus the Government wont have to increase its subsidised amount on the basis of inflation. I did IB Economics in High school and am doing a double degree in Law and Commerce in University so i would know (:

Lets get back on topic.

Observation: This deck is a very subtle one way back.

Suggestion: Chris, i would highly suggest making the pips pop a little more. They blend a bit too much into the background and thus loses some of its visibility/practicability. Perhaps maintain the small pip under the number card and fatten the border on the larger pip? Alternatively, you could keep the 'bright' red pip border but darken the inside to a blood red or increase the width of the individual lines inside the pip. 
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: sprouts1115 on October 10, 2013, 02:15:42 PM
Fred I don't see any pips.  Can you post a link?

AndyCrofford - I'm going to use Australia as my base line for international shipping.  It's the most expensive.  I wish Canada and USA would merge with shipping.  Canada is always getting screwed with international shipping on Kickstarter.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Don Boyer on October 10, 2013, 05:28:34 PM
Fred I don't see any pips.  Can you post a link?

AndyCrofford - I'm going to use Australia as my base line for international shipping.  It's the most expensive.  I wish Canada and USA would merge with shipping.  Canada is always getting screwed with international shipping on Kickstarter.

I guess you missed the part about getting back on topic...

The link is that it's a Kickstarter project.  No one posted it here, but we have an entire topic dedicated to current deck projects, including Kickstarter.  It's called the New Deck Report.  All the links you need there.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Ovdiyenko on October 12, 2013, 07:57:36 PM
Hey Fred - great point about the pips - I'm fixing that.

I haven't put "Rosabel Believe"  - but the art for the QoD is indeed Houdini's wife at an actual seance. That would be kinda' cool to incorporate the text
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: sprouts1115 on October 13, 2013, 12:16:20 AM
Here are some pips...  or use metallic ink as someone suggested as a stretch goal.  That would make them pop out.  Last time I checked, it's .04 per ink per deck... 
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: whaam on October 13, 2013, 04:24:43 PM

Calling a spirit...calling a spirit, any out there ?
Idea is original and there are a few things I like about this deck so let's start with those;  Courts are shifted to the side and that really works well on this design, we get a feeling there's more people around the table, nice.
And number cards, pips going round and round...great for this deck.

Even though the chosen color fits for creating the suited atmosphere..., it's all too dark, especially with those wallpaper pattern..., too much, too distracting.., could've been done more effective in some other way. Numbers, indices are a little too small, I think.

Nice work at selling the story though, again. Chris is the creator of Calaveras and I liked the theme on those but...disliked the card design, mostly for the reason that courts weren't mirrored, those were drawings, skull art disguised as playing cards.
No idea how Calaveras got to +$60,000.., I bet he was surprised too  :o

Oracle will get funded even with a $20,000 goal....but next time, backers will probably look for something different from you,...or maybe not :)

Good luck
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Rob Wright on October 14, 2013, 02:16:58 AM
Come Joint me in the *The Card Lounge* for an interview with Chris Ovdiyenko
Only in The New Deck Report (http://aethercards.com/discourse/playing-card-plethora/the-new-deck-report-and-more/msg81271/#msg81271)
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: kdklown on October 14, 2013, 06:18:12 PM
Great interview Rob.  Awesome work you're doing over there at the NDR.  Keep it up!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Anthony on October 15, 2013, 08:33:30 AM
Great interview Rob.  Awesome work you're doing over there at the NDR.  Keep it up!

What he said, well done Rob  :D
Title: New deck "Oracle" - Mystifying playing cards - Kickstarter promoting
Post by: Justin O. on October 29, 2013, 02:17:37 AM
Hey guys, I just wanted to promote a Kickstarter deck I am really amped about, a project I started backing and have become passionately excited about seeing come to life.

The Oracle Deck, a USPCC custom project themed around mysticism and the mediums of paranormal communication, beautifully designed by an experience card designer who is already familiar with successfully creating a deck of cads through Kickstarter.

Here's the link, I hope you guys don't mind me promoting this, but as a collector of cards that is really excited about this deck I really want to help out as much as I can to see how far we can get it!!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894542039/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards
Title: Re: New deck "Oracle" - Mystifying playing cards - Kickstarter promoting
Post by: kdklown on October 29, 2013, 03:27:41 AM
By all means you should push this deck if you like it.  However there's already a topic for it.  Complete with comments directly from the designer.  I'm certain you will see your topic merged or deleted once the Mods see it.  See attached.   Thanks and welcome to the forum. 

http://aethercards.com/discourse/playing-card-plethora/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards-by-chris-ovdiyenko/
Title: Re: New deck "Oracle" - Mystifying playing cards - Kickstarter promoting
Post by: Don Boyer on October 29, 2013, 06:04:04 AM
By all means you should push this deck if you like it.  However there's already a topic for it.  Complete with comments directly from the designer.  I'm certain you will see your topic merged or deleted once the Mods see it.  See attached.   Thanks and welcome to the forum. 

http://aethercards.com/discourse/playing-card-plethora/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards-by-chris-ovdiyenko/

Topics have been merged.

Hey guys, I just wanted to promote a Kickstarter deck I am really amped about, a project I started backing and have become passionately excited about seeing come to life.

The Oracle Deck, a USPCC custom project themed around mysticism and the mediums of paranormal communication, beautifully designed by an experience card designer who is already familiar with successfully creating a deck of cads through Kickstarter.

Here's the link, I hope you guys don't mind me promoting this, but as a collector of cards that is really excited about this deck I really want to help out as much as I can to see how far we can get it!!
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1894542039/oracle-mystifying-playing-cards

Your enthusiasm is a great thing, but please take note if there's already a topic before starting a new one.  It's easier when later searching for information on a deck if all the info about it is in one place - in one topic.

Welcome to the boards!  You should head over to the "Introduce Yourself" board and post a new topic there about yourself, let the gang get to know you a little better!  :))
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Rob Wright on November 03, 2013, 01:11:09 PM
This is something Chris added to his project a couple days ago
Quote
There's been a lot of requests for a Bicycle version of Oracle, but I've done a little more than just create a branded version. This is a Limited Edition DELUXE package with LUXOR Foil, metallic ink, and embossed tuck case, a double sided wooden mini-spirit board with authenticity and edition number on back, and an antique copper-finish planchette. This is package is add on-only for $28, $34 for International backers. See add ons at the bottom of the page for more info and how to add this to your pledge.
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/243/043/139fceb3bd6a77698cd8b2892aa6a1c8_large.jpg?1382837316)(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/250/466/0f599792218f554dca7bf322415d499d_large.jpg?1383004457)

...the gaff card and card cover coin($10).

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/215/200/2cae573cc4e18fb650a8791b94ded145_large.jpg?1382291959)(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/250/479/5854c842d133a0b7052b306eaa1b2565_large.jpg?1383004600)

...and custom seal.

(https://s3.amazonaws.com/ksr/assets/001/272/840/1a41f268ccc351b5db7bc8d279ae174c_large.jpg?1383439475)
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Don Boyer on November 03, 2013, 01:18:21 PM
See, now THAT'S a quality add-on, and the price is not bad when you consider what you get in return.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Anthony on November 03, 2013, 01:39:34 PM
That is pretty fantastic.......the seal is great!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: ronyo_faukx on November 04, 2013, 05:52:54 AM
This add-on is amazing, and so well priced I would be a fool not to. Hence why I added it on as soon as I could set the funds aside.  :D
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Jonathan on November 04, 2013, 07:58:19 AM
This add-on is amazing, and so well priced I would be a fool not to. Hence why I added it on as soon as I could set the funds aside.  :D

I'm with you ronyo!
Love the add-on. Added it on too XD.
I'm so loving the look of this deck, even more than the last one of his that's yet to arrive.
The level of detail displayed in some of the updates just seems unreal... that said I'm definitely a novice card collector/appraiser/connoisseur so I wouldn't know what the limits of detail the USPC can print are
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Justin O. on December 05, 2013, 04:27:52 PM
I hadn't even realized my post here had been merged, I thought it was deleted =P
Couldn't be more excited for the deck!!! By far the most I have put into a KS project to date!
If you guys check out the two sided Yes/No gaff card and can zoom in on the bottom you will see a little personalization to the backer that planted a little seed of an idea that Chris turned into an amazing card! I can't wait to pull it out and show everyone I know!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: speedyy400 on December 09, 2013, 02:16:08 AM
I just got an email asking for my shipping address. This is exciting :D I am really looking forward to this deck. The backer kit is supposed to happen within the next week I believe.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: badpete69 on April 22, 2014, 07:22:48 PM
Just got mine today... That little ouija board is so damn cool

(http://netthreshold.com/or.jpg)
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: bamabenz on April 22, 2014, 08:56:37 PM
Cool! still waiting in California.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: MrMollusk on April 24, 2014, 12:09:01 AM
Damn! I'm regretting not getting those!

The box and seal look fantastic!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Sher143 on April 24, 2014, 03:07:17 AM
Damn! I'm regretting not getting those!

The box and seal look fantastic!

Same here...
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: jwats01 on April 24, 2014, 06:41:54 AM
They do look great! Still waiting here in PA.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: PrincessTrouble on April 24, 2014, 10:57:26 AM
Waiting here in TX too.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: badpete69 on April 24, 2014, 11:02:17 AM
Sher/Mollusk

I got 2 complete sets with ouija boards. I might be swayed to sell one set hehe to one collector who missed it.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: bamabenz on April 24, 2014, 12:27:45 PM
Chris posted numbers. There were 1000 LE packages produced. Let's see how fast they show up on eBay.
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: musical_racket on April 24, 2014, 12:32:55 PM
Just got mine in the mail yesterday. They look amazing!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: bhong on April 24, 2014, 07:23:24 PM
I feel bad as I missed out on them during the Kickstarter. They turned out really amazing.

Amazing work Chris!
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: PurpleIce on April 26, 2014, 12:08:46 AM
Sher/Mollusk

I got 2 complete sets with ouija boards. I might be swayed to sell one set hehe to one collector who missed it.

I missed it too... Let me know if you are interested in letting 1 set go  :P
Title: Re: Oracle - Mystifying Playing Cards by Chris Ovdiyenko
Post by: Magic_Orthodoxy on May 28, 2014, 11:47:00 AM
Hey everyone - you might want to follow Dead on Paper on twitter - https://twitter.com/DeadonPaper

Chris has some things coming up on the website and you may want to be "in the know" about future projects.