Almost There... I Promise
almost 4 years ago – Sat, May 16, 2020 at 10:56:22 PM

The printer has reprinted the cards, refinished the cards and re-cut the cards. Last night they did a test run of the foil edging to make sure they don't run into the same problem. Here's a video of the results of the test run...

It looks like they should get things wrapped up this upcoming week. This has been a bit of a longer process then what I normally go through with producing playing cards.  Speaking of which, my history cards were printed last night. They're turning out really nice as well...

Once Titanic has reached you, the backers, I'll be launching the Oz Tarot deck. I'll give you the exact launch date later once we ensure that Titanic gets to you safely. I would hate to have any more delays.

All the artwork for OZ is done except for the booklet and the box design. The full 78 cards are finished. Here's a few mock-ups of the artwork I'll use for the Kickstarter project...

I Feel Like Captain Smith Right Now
almost 4 years ago – Wed, May 06, 2020 at 11:45:42 PM

It’s kind of ironic in a not so funny way. I was hoping this next update was to tell you that the product has shipped. Much like the RMS Titanic, we were cruising full steam ahead to arrive early. Unfortunately, like the original, tragedy struck. Before I explain... let me say that we’re still on target for the original June delivery. This issue is only going to effect my hopes for early delivery. The cards are still coming and arriving as the original deadline stated. I was notified tonight that during the edge foil process, a production flaw occurred... essentially destroying the cards. I don’t have too many details because they are embarrassed about what happened. They said something about it created a white line. They’re supposed to send me photos later. With that said, fixing this error is their number one priority and they will be reprinting very soon. I apologize for this bump in the road. At least the printer didn’t send us a defective product. I always try to look at the bright side of things.

This delay will push Wizard of Oz back since I plan on launching it here on this account.

On my business account, I am raising some funds for History Boxed. We’re almost funded. I would be grateful if you checked it out.... https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1205889005/history-boxed-learning-made-fun

Nearing the Finish
about 4 years ago – Sat, May 02, 2020 at 01:11:37 AM

It looks like everything should be completed next week. Here’s some production photos of the progress. I’m hoping shipping can start by the end of next week. Fingers crossed.

The Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic is Today
about 4 years ago – Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 11:36:14 AM

Not too much to report today. I just thought I would let everyone know that today is the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. 

Things are moving along nicely with the tarot deck. I was hoping it might be ready for fulfillment by today, unfortunately tarot decks take a little longer than playing cards due to the two piece rigid cardboard boxes, the color edging and the booklets.  Of course, the wood box also complicates matters. 

For the wood box, I checked two days ago and all that was left was the application of the logo. For the cards, they printed the sheets needed for the two piece rigid cardboard boxes. Just waiting for assembly. Here's photos of the sheets...

Inside the box, I added a dedication to the bottom of the lid and also the wreckage on the inside bottom of the box (under the cards). 

Future Projects

I almost have all the artwork finished for the Wizard of Oz tarot deck.  I'll be launching that on Kickstarter once fulfillment takes place for Titanic. 

I'm also working on a series of history based playing cards. I'm trying to secure funding to produce 12 different decks that explore world history. Each deck will cover a new historically topic such as the American Civil War, African-American People and Culture, the Russian Revolution, the Space Race, etc., etc. 

My goal is to set up a monthly subscription service. It's for people that enjoy playing cards and learning. A good way to bring the entire family together and learn about history. Here's a commercial (raw footage without graphics added yet) to give you an idea what it's about....

I have purchase orders from my playing card distributor that will all but cover the production costs... unfortunately I need to figure out a way to cover production costs first. My distributor works on a Net30. They have 30 days to pay once the cards are delivered.  So, I'm trying to figure out this headache. Just thought I would bring this up in case any of you are interested in being partners on this business venture.  If not, I'll figure something out. lol

Happy Birthday Titanic Tarot - Printing is Happening Now
about 4 years ago – Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 06:55:21 PM

Today, March 31st 2020, is the day Titanic Tarot was printed. In fact, she's currently printing as I post this update. Here's a sheet hot of the printing press...

Things are moving along very smoothly. There's still plenty of work to do before fulfillment. We need to finish up the wood boxes. I'll check tomorrow to get a status update on those. Last week, they sent this video....

I don't speak Chinese but I'm sure they're discussing how beautiful these boxes turned out. They still need the wood stain but overall you can see they're coming along very nice. 

I mailed out the boarding passes (to the printer) yesterday.  They're due to arrive this Thursday. And, YES, two day shipping to China is very expensive. 

The printing shouldn't take too much longer. In fact, the printing shouldn't take long at all. But after printing, they'll get coated with varnish, cut down to size, corners rounded, etc., etc. In addition they'll be printing the two piece rigid box and the booklet. I'm guessing another week or two. I'm going to guess the wood boxes should be done this week or next.

With that said, fulfillment might be able to start around the anniversary of the sinking. That's if I decide to use the fulfillment company in China. If I do end up shipping them to me first, I'll ship by boat which will add a month to the process. That's where the expression "a slow boat from China" comes from.... it's literally a slow boat. 

For those that ordered add-ons, I'll probably mail them directly from here since it wouldn't make much sense sending them to China for the fulfillment center to send out.  So, if you ordered add-ons... expect them to arrive first. I might even start sending them out within the next week or two. 

Stay safe and healthy!!!