Calaveras — Playing cards inspired by the Day of the Dead

A project in Columbus, OH by Chris Ovdiyenko
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Calaveras brings the Day of the Dead to a custom deck of playing cards. All original and inspired by art from the turn of the century.
Backers: 1452
Average Pledge Per Backer: $42

Funded: $61,217 of $15,000
Dates: Jun 12th -> Jul 22nd (40 days)
Project By: Chris Ovdiyenko
Tags:
playing cardsillustrationarthistoricgraphic design +Suggest

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$61,217

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Last Updated: July 22 @ 13:01 -0400 GMT

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Latest News

LAST DAY!!!

July 21st - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone!! Wow, this is the last day and I can't believe the response this project has gotten!!! It's amazing and I just wanted to let you know that if there's anything else you've been considering pledging for, or adding on, there's literally... (Read More)

FINAL ROYAL!! Unbranded decks and add-ons avail.

July 19th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone!  I just finished the final royal for Calaveras (still have the final joker - you guys won't even believe how awesome it's going to be). It's kinda' bittersweet putting this card out as this means the art part of the project is coming... (Read More)

Unbranded decks available!

July 16th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone! For a while I've been promising good news, here it is:  I've decided to make unbranded Calaveras decks available. These will not be a limited edition, and so that means I can leave them wrapped when they're delivered to you. I know a... (Read More)

QoH, KoH, KoD, uncut sheets, sticker pack

July 14th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey folks, we're heading into the homestretch with just 7 days left in the Calaveras project, and I'm really hoping to finish strong! I'm making great progress on the art, with this update there's just 1 royal left, 1 joker, and 1 gaff card. Also,... (Read More)

Elaborate aces REACHED! Poll Results in...

July 10th - via: kickstarter.com
We reached the elaborate aces stretch goal!Thank you so much for helping me reach that goal!! I've updated the project page with images of them, check them out if you didn't see them in the preview update from a few days ago.  Poll results are in.So... (Read More)

Elaborate aces preview...

July 7th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone, I've been working hard all weekend on the next stretch goal—the elaborate ace designs for all suits. I just finished them up and thought I'd give you a preview:  Hope you guys enjoy checking them out! Up next is the few remaining... (Read More)

Wrapped or unwrapped? T-shirt sleeve art...

July 1st - via: kickstarter.com
To wrap, or not to wrap?There's been some back and forth about the tuck cases now that all the cards will be a limited edition. Ideally, they would be numbered on the tuck case and then be cello-wrapped. I contacted Bicycle to see if that would be... (Read More)

JoS, QoS, and QoD; unlocked stretch goals; Fed 52s

June 30th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey folks, lotsa work going on with the project and I wanted to share my progress. I'm happy to let you know that I completed three new royals—QoD, JoS and the QoS! Check 'em out: That last one is me riffing on Posada's famous Catrina.  Also, this... (Read More)

Stretch goal reached, and progress to date.

June 25th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone, Just wanted to give you a quick update on my progress, and say THANK YOU for getting the project to it's second stretch goal, the metallic ink seal! I'm working on a number of royals at the same time, so my next update will be a big... (Read More)

Check out the T Shirt Add-ons!

June 23rd - via: kickstarter.com
Hey guys, Originally I wasn't sure I'd offer t-shirts—I'm super picky with clothing and never liked one's I've had made through internet sites. Well, I was lucky enough to find an amazing team to work with, the quality of their work is incredible,... (Read More)

New card, the Jack of Clubs, and a few notes.

June 22nd - via: kickstarter.com
Hey guys, Just wanted you to have a chance to check out the next royal—the Jack of Clubs. The guitar-playing musician is a classic DOTD motif, and I really wanted to do it justice: In 1907 Porfirio Díaz ordered the plain clothes musicians he hired... (Read More)

BIG update! New card, tuck seal, and add-on coins

June 18th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey everyone, this is a really big update.  Antique Bronze Finish Coins: If you haven't been to the project in a bit, I have a really exciting add-on: Antique bronze finish coins. They're the heaviest I could find (1 ounce - about 5 US quarters in... (Read More)

We did it!!!

June 16th - via: kickstarter.com
WOW, thank you everyone!! This project is now fully funded! This has been an amazing experience, and all of you have been incredible making this project succeed. I can't wait to release more cards and show you the progress I'm making. Also, be on the... (Read More)

Queen of Clubs

June 15th - via: kickstarter.com
Hey guys, Sorry for all the updates - I'll slow it down, but I thought you'd really want to see this. I've gotten some great messages suggesting what to do with the queens and I thought you'd like to see the first one: Best, -c  (Read More)

Father's Day Certificate!

June 15th - via: kickstarter.com
If you're anything like me, holidays are a last minute type thing. So I thought it would be a great idea to give you a little something if you're running behind for Father's Day. So here's a "Certificate" you can download and print out if you want to... (Read More)

1st Joker

June 14th - via: kickstarter.com
Check out the new joker design: Crazy, huh? This one is a very overt homage to Posada. If you're wondering if there will be a second joker, there will be. And in case you were wondering, the jokers will be available for woodblock prints. You'll be... (Read More)

Bicycle Calaveras. The mexican revolution and the Day of the Dead

June 14th - via: maxplayingcards.com
The traditional Day of the Dead is the inspiration of this amazing deck by Chris Ovdiyenko: the Bicycle Calaveras. Chris pays tribute to the work of Jose Posada, a famous nineteenth-century Mexican paintmaker involved in the revolutionary movement, and reinterprets his work in a set of cards full of original designs. (Read More)

Add-on pricing and prints

June 13th - via: kickstarter.com
I've gotten many requests for add-on decks, I want to make this as simple as possible (and give a break to international backers). Here's how the add-ons will work: Domestic Backers: $11 per add-on deck Simply add $11 to the tier level for each add... (Read More)

Launch day, and WOW, you guys rock!

June 12th - via: kickstarter.com
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read. (Read More)

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