With literally thousands and thousands of tarot decks in the market currently, it’s not easy to stand out. Enter Gianna Lucci, an artist with a lifelong passion for exploring different mediums, who unveiled her latest creation: The Craft Felt Tarot. Launched on Kickstarter, this project reimagines the traditional Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck using photographs of meticulously hand-cut felt designs, paired with an original guidebook of haiku poems. Each card blends whimsical creativity with a modern twist, making The Craft Felt Tarot a must-have for both seasoned tarot readers and newcomers alike.
The Craft Felt Tarot deck consists of 78 cards, all based on the familiar structure of the Rider-Waite-Smith system, but with a notable twist: each card design is constructed from felt, hand-cut by Lucci herself. The final product is not a felt deck but rather printed images of these vibrant felt artworks on standard tarot-sized cardstock. Accompanying the deck is a guidebook filled with original haiku poems that provide insights into the cards without the need for lengthy explanations.
“I have been an artist all my life and love exploring new mediums and seeing what I can create with them,” says Lucci. This project, she reveals, began with a spontaneous desire for the tarot’s traditionally heavy imagery to be a little softer. “I wish the Death card was a little… softer,” she recalls thinking. This simple idea sparked an intense year-and-a-half journey of creating, photographing, and writing, culminating in the completion of The Craft Felt Tarot.
Lucci’s creative journey is as diverse as the arts and crafts supplies filling her studio. From photographer to jewelry maker, she has always thrived on experimenting with new forms of expression. Craft felt, which became her primary medium for this tarot deck, brought with it a sense of playfulness and joy—a stark contrast to the often solemn tone of traditional tarot imagery.
“I’ve kept this project a secret during its entire creation out of fear of not finishing such a huge endeavor,” Lucci shares. She describes the immense amount of work that went into every aspect of the deck—researching, brainstorming, sketching, cutting felt pieces, and photographing the results. The Craft Felt Tarot is a testament to her dedication, with callouses on her hands from endless hours of cutting as proof of her commitment. I can only imagine the amount of time spent on it.
Lucci’s intention was to create a tarot deck that radiates positive energy and joy. Each card is designed to be visually striking, with bold, simplified imagery that captures the essence of traditional tarot symbolism while making it approachable for beginners. For advanced readers, subtle design complexities still point back to the deeper meanings of the original tarot.
The deck also aims to encourage intuitive readings. The cards have Roman numerals and letters instead of words, making the experience less prescriptive and more open-ended. The suits are identified by the color of the Roman numerals—white for Major Arcana, light blue for Cups, yellow for Swords, green for Pentacles, and red for Wands. Court cards use unique symbols like capital A’s for Aces, lowercase k’s for Knights, and underlined K’s for Kings, all designed to foster a more intuitive reading process.
Eschewing a traditional guidebook, Lucci pairs each card with an original haiku poem. These poems range from descriptive to humorous, offering advice or a touch of Zen, perfectly complementing the playful yet introspective nature of the deck. Lucci’s haiku encapsulate the spirit of the cards, making them accessible and meaningful in a few short lines.
Gianna Lucci, who currently resides in Door County, Wisconsin, brings a unique blend of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to her art. From decorating paper to-go bags as a child to running her own face painting business and now creating tarot decks, Lucci has always found ways to weave art into her life. “I live for art, music, color, cats, chocolate, and the month of October,” she shares, embodying the vibrant, heartfelt energy that permeates her work.
To support the project, visit the Kickstarter campaign for The Craft Felt Tarot. You can get The Craft Felt Tarot Deck and Book of Haiku rewards from $56. Whether you’re an experienced tarot reader or simply someone who appreciates unique, handcrafted art, this deck is a delightful addition to any collection.
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