showed no restraint whatsoever and have now dived in...
first impressions are:
the tarot bag is gorgeous. Karen you must have been a mind reader. I had forgotten to indicate what colour I wanted, and then came back with an e mail asking for gold. Then thought a few days ago it might look better in the maroon/red one and what have you sent me? The colour I eventually wanted but hadn't originally asked for!
I opted for the tarot reader and think it was a good choice. Although a printing on silk, the detail and clarity is excellent. the gold stitch work is beautifully done. Again, a lovely little touch with the cat charm. My only worry is putting the box in the bag - I don't want to snag any of the lining.
The journal is as good as the one which came with the VR. We have the Moon and 7 of pentacles on the front and rear covers.
The two book marks are a wonderful and appreciated addition. Thank you again for those. It is these little touches that really do sometimes go unappreciated but they are lovely. (Hermit and Page of swords)
With regards the page bookmark, I think the gold finish is actually better than on the actual card. His tunic has texture and definition which is not quite there on the actual card.
Now for the cards themselves. In fairness I am going to have to sit and compare these with the original deck to see the differences in their full glory. The gold again has been well used, and not overly used either. Some cards, (such as the Chariot) do lend themselves to being almost totally gilted
but it does work, as it has not been used unless absolutely necessary.
The Hierophant showed amazing use of the gold in my opinion - the attention to detail in order not to overshadow the original artwork is very good indeed.
I think the only card it hasn't quite worked with is the Page of Swords, but overall, absolutely no complaints. There is also a slight blurring on the text for the 4 of swords, but this does not affect the actual picture, so again no complaints.
Now for card stock - it is flexible but that is not an issue at all if anything I see it as a bonus. It means if I am a klutz, and overly bend a card it will not stay out of shape. The flexibility should add to the fact they are not going to get tatty any time soon. The cards are slightly longer than what I can shuffle easily but not a problem, as I can shuffle them sideways instead. The larger sized image does make a difference compared to the original style when these kitties first came out.
Karen, Alex - what can I say. Thanks for all the hard work you have both put into this. I have followed your ups and downs and frustrations with this deck. It has been worth every second of what you have endured, and you should both be very proud of yourselves. If there is one thing you will both go down as being remembered for in years to come it will be attention to quality, going out and choosing subjects for the tarot that might not have worked, but you have turned them into true tarot decks, and also for your care and consideration to each and every customer. You do so much over and above anyone could expect of you - A HUGE HUG AND THANK YOU!!
