Cardistry-Con, the annual conference focused on the art of cardistry, is returning to Europe after a seven-year hiatus. The conference, which brings together cardists from all over the world to explore the expressive potential of playing cards, will be held in London (Crypt on the Green, Clerkenwell Close) on July 28th and 29th, 2023.

This year's Cardistry-Con promises to be an incredible event, featuring workshops, performances, and opportunities to connect with other cardists in an encouraging and supportive environment. Attendees will have the chance to learn from some of the best cardists in the world, as well as to showcase their own skills and techniques.

"We're thrilled to bring Cardistry-Con back to Europe for the first time since 2016," said a Cardistry-Con representative. "We've found a unique location in London that we're sure will provide the perfect backdrop for this year's conference."

Registration for Cardistry-Con is now open, and organizers are offering a 10% discount for those who register in the next 24 hours. To take advantage of the discount, use the coupon code "SYBIL" when registering.

Cardistry-Con has become a highlight of the cardistry community, bringing together cardists from all over the world to celebrate the art and push its boundaries. With its return to Europe, this year's conference promises to be an event not to be missed.

Register for $204 for standard or $446 for VIP at eventbrite.com

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.

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.

The team at Fontaine Cards has just introduced the Fontaine 5000s playing cards, with the first release window now available. The release will be spread out over the next 4 weekends, with a new video part and release window each weekend. The Fontaine 5000s were originally scheduled to be released on November 2022, but experienced many delays.

The decks come in blind packs and there are 6 different colors of blind packs, but the decks inside are randomly distributed. Each pack contains one of 16 possible new decks, with varying rarity levels:

• COMMON, 1 of 3000: USA, CRAZY RAT, INSECT, BAD BOY
• UNCOMMON, 1 of 2000: SPF, ALIEN, TEDDY, FELLOW
• RARE, 1 of 1000: PLAY, SKANK, TRICKSTER, CRAZY KID
• ULTRA-RARE: HEAT VISION – 1 of 400, GUEST – 1 of 300. WORLD – 1 of 200, KNIGHT – 1 of 100

Single decks are available for $15 and a brick (12 decks) for $180 on fontainecards.com this weekend. All decks are printed by the USPCC.