If – like me – you’re an avid (but amateur) playing card collector, you’ve come to the right place. And if you’re not a collector, and you didn’t even realise that there are people like me collecting cards, well come on in, settle yourself down, have a browse and enjoy the site.
Although I am by no means an expert in the field, I’ve been collecting these quirky little works of art for almost 30 years and I’d just like to share my collection with you.
Not only do I intend to post photos of my own decks and jokers here, I’ll also be reviewing new decks, highlighting up-and-coming and established designers, and bringing you details of new ‘crowdfunding’ decks, with details of where each of these can be purchased. {Usually, though, with crowdfunding websites such as Kickstarter, you can see an amazing deck of cards looking for funding and if they don’t hit their target by the end of the funding period, the deck won’t be made. So if you see something you like – get in there!! }
Click on any image below to see some of my reviews.
Bicycle ‘Excellence’ Playing Cards
Leonardo Aces
Bicycle Quicksilver Reverse and Ace of Spades
I need to emphasise….
I am not an expert. I am still finding my way. Playing cards have come a very long way since I first showed an interest and with every new deck or new designer I get more and more excited like a kid in a sweetie shop. Seriously, sometimes I think I could just pop! What I want to do with this site is to bring you a wide variation of decks, both modern and retro, to maybe entice you into the world of playing card collecting.
Bicycle ‘Favole’ 2 of Spades, by Victoria Francés
Bicycle ‘Favole’ Playing Cards by Victoria Francés
Bicycle ‘Favole’ Spread
I hope you enjoy my playing card collection and the site.
Piatnik Joker and card
If you have any comments please either leave them below or email me on jyl@icollectplayingcards.com
Wow!! Oh my goodness, who knew there were so many different kinds of sets you could get! I’m so glad I went to your site! =) I love your background, by the way!
Kylie
Kylie, honestly, you’ve no idea!!! haha! I have so many decks that I want to review but I just don’t have the time – I need to sleep at some point :D Keep checking back in though because I’ll be adding decks regularly – hope you like them :)
What a great website! I had no idea about playing cards until I visited your site and I’m so glad I did :)
Thanks Phoebe – I think a lot of people are surprised at the vast amounts of artistic decks that are about these days. Literally the last few years have seen an explosion, and I’m so happy about it – keep ’em coming!! :)
What an interesting niche !! I never even thought about something like that.
I wish you all the luck in the world with your site.
-Theuns
Thank you Theuns. It seems that not many people expected playing cards to be so fascinating. We all think back to the old decks of yore…. but these days there are so many different styles and designs. I love it! :)
What a great niche you have here. I have never heard of anyone else collecting playing cards.
Thanks Teresa. Yes, it’s definitely an interesting hobby – and I love it!! :)
Great website it really brings out your ideas and thought nice
Thanks Anele. I hope people enjoy looking at my site as much as I enjoy building it :)
I know that there are a lot of different playing card designs out there. It’s interesting to see someone who collects them and can show what variety there is out there!
And I haven’t even scratched the surface, Raphael. There are so many more amazing decks that I will be putting on here, so keep your eyes peeled :) Thanks for your comment :)
I love this article and the feel of the whole site, I think the header and banner just make this site stand out so much. And I absolutely love the cards by by Victoria Francés. If I collected cards I would have these!
Isn’t her artwork amazing Debra? I love how each card is a different piece. She is so talented. Her work is featured in jigsaws, books and posters too, so she’s very popular. And young!! How do the young get to be so talented??? You could answer that better than anyone I imagine :) Thanks for your comment :)
What a nice Idea! I used to collect cards for my grandmother. We used to love playing games like rummie and Kallooki. I haven’t had a game of cards in years, think I may have to grab a deck and force a game on my family haha.
keep up the good work
You should do that Shannel :) make them remember what they’re missing out on!! There’s nothing like getting the family and a few friends round, getting out the pennies and having a good old game of cards. Drinks, snacks and some good craic (as we say in Ireland). Before you know it it’s 4am. And how good would it be if you brought out a stunning deck of cards…? Thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it :)
That is quite the cool idea with the different playing cards, kind of a step up from sports cards where these seam to be more artistic in nature. I did not know about how the funding for the playing cards was raised for creating them either. I’ve always liked seeing different types of collectables and what is actually available.
Thanks Travis – there is so much more than I have on my site, but I’m always trying to add more decks and designs. Keep a check back and see what’s coming up in the future :)
Wow, what an interesting site, I just love all the cards you have on here. I knew people collected playing cards but I never knew that there were such variety. I read a bit of history once on the original cards but that was years ago. Thanks for sharing your awesome collection.
Donna
Thanks Donna. I’m loving the variety. Up until a few years ago the fronts of decks were all pretty ‘samey’. But now…..? Wow!! You should Google ‘Bicycle Playing Cards’ and click on ‘images’….. there is so much out there, and more coming along all the time. I love it :)
You bring me back to my child years when I was playing card with my Dad and my brothers. I like playing cards when I do have the time to do so.
Your collection is very unique and special.
All the best,
Jason.
Thank you Jason. It’s one of those things isn’t it? Probably everyone has played cards at some point, so it does tend to bring back memories. Glad you like the site :)
Wow. This is an awesome site. I had no idea something as simple as playing cards could be so branched out. I love the cards. I love the art. LOVE IT!
Thanks Jamie. Playing cards are becoming more and more artistic, there’s a lot of really cool stuff out there. I’ll be putting more things on so keep checking back :)
Great collection of cards you have got there. I like your sight very colourful with great content. Thanks for all the lovely cards.
Hi Jyl, I never heard of someone collecting playing cards/jokers before. Nice to know this. Cheers, Jerry
Hi Jyl,
Very interesting site. I never thought anyone collected playing cards but I’ve always liked the artwork. I can definitely see how you would become wrapped up in it. Thanks for sharing your decks, they’re beautiful.
This is a very unique and interesting hobby/niche. Good to know that there are so many variety of playing card. Nice website.
What a fantastic idea. I had no clue people collected them. Very interesting site.
What a unique collection! You’ve got some beautiful cards. Very interesting, thanks for sharing!
Thank you Gina. I’ve only scratched the surface so keep a look out for more reviews and photos :)
Cool website! I had no idea playing cards could get so creative. It fascinates me to see that there are hard worked artists that work at putting beautiful art on these playing cards. I really enjoy this site! Great job.
Thanks :) It’s only really been in recent years that all these new designs have been coming forward – for so long playing cards were pretty much standard fronts with the artwork on the backs. I’m loving all these new decks, and I haven’t even scratched the surface. :)
Great niche idea and your site is interesting and fun. I grew up in a family of Canasta players and my grandfather had quite a variety of decks of cards. Good luck with your website…wishing you success.
Regards,
Donna
Thank you Donna, I appreciate you getting in touch and I’m glad you like the site. I’ve had a quick look at your site – very interesting! I’m going to have to find some time to sit down and read through it properly….. in daylight of course!! :D