Once Upon a Time Playing Cards on Kickstarter

Once Upon a Time playing cards are a collaborative project between Parama Playing Cards and teachers & students from the Faccio School of Art in Italy. This unique collection was conceived during the 2020 lockdown, providing an opportunity for young artists to channel their creativity and work on a real-world project. 

The theme chosen for this deck revolves around classic fairy tales, selected for their rich imagery and strong aesthetic appeal. The students focused on some of the most beloved stories by the Grimm Brothers. Each suit is brought to life with intricate designs and characters set against a subtle scroll-like background. 

• Hearts: Sleeping Beauty
• Diamonds: Little Red Riding Hood
• Spades: Hansel and Gretel
• Clubs: Snow White

The court cards showcase figures dressed in traditional attire, enhanced by ancient patterns that symbolize harmony and beauty. The pips and jokers are designed to maintain a cohesive and enchanting atmosphere, with the forest acting as the central motif that ties all the stories together. 

The entire deck is infused with a magical aura, reminiscent of the fairy tales themselves. The card backs feature a dense weave of branches and natural elements, while the suits are depicted with unique, story-inspired artwork. The color palette is dominated by pastel shades that evoke an enchanted and whimsical atmosphere, staying true to the essence of the tales.



The tuck box design draws inspiration from Gothic architecture, presenting the facade of an ancient building with mullioned windows that reveal a nighttime woodland scene. The use of dark, cold tones, complemented by intricate branch textures, adds to the deck's allure.

Printed by the United States Playing Card Company on Bee Stock. Pledge starts at $18 on Kickstarter.