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"You.....collect.....playing cards?"

That's the response I get from a quite a few of my close friends and family when they find out about my hobby. Then I break out some S17 or Anubis for a cribbage game and their collective jaws drop.
They are so used to the tried-and-true Bicycle standard decks that they didn't know about the existence of custom cards beyond a holiday Coca-Cola collector's tin. I have a couple of friends who are truly interested in anything new I have acquired, though they haven't caught the bug, officially. It's only a matter of time...

My wife is well aware of my addiction. Her response when I get another deck is usually She doesn't understand the intrigue but she supports my habit (which may or may not be a good thing). And my daughters love all shiny things so Lorenzo is essentially an honorary member of our family now.

I'm curious what the response has been from your close friends and family. Do they participate or are you on an island like yours truly? Cheers

For them Playing Cards are meh, they have no desire whatsoever. When I first started getting into it, I talked about playing cards to the annoying point and they showed interest but wasn't captivated by the arts. Until, they found out how much I'm spending + the number of boxes that came. At first, I tried to get them to understand that its like another hobby, another work of art similar to paintings. I gave up them not liking my hobby isnt going to stop me anyways.


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My kids find my enthusiasm contagious, and sometimes express an interest in a deck (which they will then receive for Christmas or their birthday), but they don't really have discretionary cash, so they don't engage in this hobby themselves. Most of my friends seem to shrug it off. My ex seems mildly annoyed that I spend my money on such frivolous things. But, I do have a few friends who recognize it for what it is -- I mean, many people have goofy hobbies -- and they throw decks my way when they find them because, well, they are friends, and that's what friends do.

Collecting cards is one of the least strange things I do and most of my family distinctly likes cards and gambling.

Of course, my name is meaningful in more ways than one. Having eccentric hobbies is completely expected of me.

rousselle wrote:My kids find my enthusiasm contagious, and sometimes express an interest in a deck (which they will then receive for Christmas or their birthday), but they don't really have discretionary cash, so they don't engage in this hobby themselves. Most of my friends seem to shrug it off. My ex seems mildly annoyed that I spend my money on such frivolous things. But, I do have a few friends who recognize it for what it is -- I mean, many people have goofy hobbies -- and they throw decks my way when they find them because, well, they are friends, and that's what friends do.

My six year old loves the cards I bring home. She was absolutely blown away by the Planets set (thanks, Bradius!) and fell in love with the unique aliens. She insisted that I get Pluto for her birthday this July. Can't say no to that!

Since I'm a sneaker head aswell + mountain biking, my family is used to me throwing my cash out of the window.
Both of my parents do ride horses and own one each, so they have no counter-argument against burning money in a hobby.
Overall they are understanding, but mostly because I practise cardistry. I guess if I only would collect cards and don't do anything with the cards, they would shake their head.

Yes.

Older brother is probably the only family member that "doesn't understand". All of my friends 'get it'.

I try to hide my addiction from my family as much as possible.

Bradius wrote:I try to hide my addiction from my family as much as possible.

Brad buys Prohibition-era hollowed books, hides Lotreks in 'em, and throws the flasks away

Bradius wrote:I try to hide my addiction from my family as much as possible.

It's funny you say that because a few of my family members love to give gifts and once they found out I collect cards they started telling me, "Guess what you're going to get for your birthday?!"
I kinda wish I would have kept my collecting on the DL because I would much rather get the cash or gift cards to buy the decks I want, lol. I know that sounds bitchy and ungrateful, but I can only handle so many Bacon Recipe decks with standard faces, smooth glossy tucks, and gift shop finish.

I haven’t done that yet Merlebird, but thanks for the suggestion....I wonder if The Parlour brick box would fit in one of those....

BaconWise wrote:

Bradius wrote:I try to hide my addiction from my family as much as possible.

It's funny you say that because a few of my family members love to give gifts and once they found out I collect cards they started telling me, "Guess what you're going to get for your birthday?!"
I kinda wish I would have kept my collecting on the DL because I would much rather get the cash or gift cards to buy the decks I want, lol. I know that sounds bitchy and ungrateful, but I can only handle so many Bacon Recipe decks with standard faces, smooth glossy tucks, and gift shop finish.

Yeah, my parents wanted to do that, too. They quickly realized that it's illogical. They don't have the time or resources to get the actual decks I want.

shiroo56 wrote:Since I'm a sneaker head aswell + mountain biking, my family is used to me throwing my cash out of the window.
Both of my parents do ride horses and own one each, so they have no counter-argument against burning money in a hobby.
Overall they are understanding, but mostly because I practise cardistry. I guess if I only would collect cards and don't do anything with the cards, they would shake their head.

Didn't know you're an athlete. Do you cycle pretty seriously?

Outsider wrote:

shiroo56 wrote:Since I'm a sneaker head aswell + mountain biking, my family is used to me throwing my cash out of the window.
Both of my parents do ride horses and own one each, so they have no counter-argument against burning money in a hobby.
Overall they are understanding, but mostly because I practise cardistry. I guess if I only would collect cards and don't do anything with the cards, they would shake their head.

Didn't know you're an athlete. Do you cycle pretty seriously?

I wouldn't call myself an athlete. I do ride my bike to work daily, but that is about it. I do ride freeride mountainbiking in the summer as a hobby, but unfortunatly not as regularly as I would like to, since life keeps me busy.