EXCELSIOR Playing cards GOLD edition - CKS collection 2/6

Created by Mr Cup

Gold collector's editions of THE CROSSED KEYS SOCIETY playing cards deck N°2: EXCELSIOR

Latest Updates from Our Project:

Progress Update & Production Timeline
about 2 months ago – Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 03:25:08 PM

It’s time for a new update.

First of all, thank you again for your patience. I know this project has taken far longer than anyone expected — including me.

The good news is: the project is actively moving forward.
For proof, I’m sharing an image showing the many exchanges I’ve had over the past weeks with WJPC, our new production partner. There has been a lot happening behind the scenes.

As I mentioned before, the idea was to create a new edition of this deck, working with a different manufacturer. Changing manufacturer, however, means adapting many technical aspects of the files. What worked with the previous setup doesn’t automatically work with a new one.

I’ve been working closely with their graphic team to explore the possibility of adding foil stamping on the cards themselves. Unfortunately, after multiple tests and discussions, we came to the conclusion that it’s not technically possible without altering the original design. And I don’t want to compromise the integrity of the deck by redesigning it just to force an effect.

However — the deck will feature gilded edges, so there will still be a beautiful metallic finish to the cards.

We have now finalized and validated the correct production files to move forward with manufacturing. The only current delay is due to the Chinese New Year, which means production pauses for a few weeks across the industry.

Printing is scheduled to begin in March, with an expected delivery in April.

On a related note, I am also currently working on a new book project. Depending on its production timeline, it may be launched before this deck is delivered. That said, this card project remains in production and on track — the two projects are running in parallel, not one replacing the other.

Just because image speaks more than words, a little reminder of the boxes and how they look cool !!! I am really super impatient...

This project has taken time because I want it done properly — not rushed, not approximated. Thank you for sticking with me through this long journey. We are finally entering the production phase.

More soon.

Fabien
@iammrcup
mrcup-shop.com

An update from the heart
6 months ago – Wed, Oct 22, 2025 at 03:27:39 PM

It’s been a long time since the first campaign — more than two years now — and I want to thank you for your incredible patience and support.

A lot has changed in my life since then.
When I started this project, I imagined that playing cards would become the center of my creative work. But over time, my antique and design business took a completely different path and grew in ways I didn’t expect.

That said, this project has never left my mind. I’m currently working on this new edition with a new production partner, and I want to make sure it turns out exactly as it deserves to be.

Over the past years, I’ve successfully completed more than 20 Kickstarter projects, each one different and unique. This one may be the longest in the making, but I truly believe it will also be the most beautiful.

The release is now planned for early 2026 — since 2025 is already around the corner, and I still have to focus on finishing my Letterpress Calendar first.

Once that project is completed, the deck will become my top priority, and I’ll include some special goodies to thank you for your patience and continued trust.

All I ask is for a little more patience — it will be worth the wait.

Thank you again for staying with me through all these changes.
This project means a lot to me — and I can’t wait to finally share it with you.

With gratitude,
Fabien @iammrcup

Full Moon Important Update – Thank You for Your Patience
10 months ago – Wed, Jun 11, 2025 at 02:54:06 PM

Dear supporters,

I’m writing today with a deep sense of gratitude, sincerity, and the wish to give you a clear update on the project’s progress.

First of all, thank you.

The project has experienced significant delays, and I sincerely apologize. I completely understand that some of you may feel frustrated or lose trust—I don’t blame you. From day one, my goal has been simple: to create the most beautiful and refined edition of this card deck. That goal is still at the heart of everything I do.

Why the delay?

To achieve the level of quality I had in mind, I decided to include hot foil stamping — a choice that adds real visual richness but required switching to a new manufacturer. This change brought unexpected technical challenges. I thought I could reuse the original files, but adapting them turned out to be far more complicated and time-consuming than expected.

What I didn’t anticipate was how long that pause would last. I’m working on this project alone, while also managing a small, evolving business. Balancing creation, production, logistics… and simply life — is a daily challenge. That said, I remain fully committed and determined to bring this project to completion.

Shipping confusion

My initial idea was to send out the completed decks (color and white editions), even without the gold version. I started doing this, but some packages went out without clear communication, leading to confusion. I decided to pause shipments temporarily to avoid a flood of frustrated messages and misunderstandings.

New shipping plan (on request)

From now on, I will ship the completed decks (color and white editions) only upon request.
Of course, if you’re able to wait a little longer, that’s ideal. But if you’d like to receive these editions now, please email me at [email protected] to request them.
Please note: the gold edition will be sent out separately at a later date.

If you contacted me

If you’ve previously sent me a message or request that I haven’t replied to, please feel free to follow up so I can address it properly.

Final words

Thank you again — truly — for your support, patience, and trust.
This project holds great significance for me, and I’m confident that the final result will meet your expectations.

I’ll be back soon with another, more concrete update — including visuals and delivery dates.

Fabien @iammrcup

www.mrcup-shop.com

A short update is better than no update...
over 1 year ago – Wed, Dec 18, 2024 at 03:23:46 PM

I wanted to apologize for the delay on the project. Recently, my workload kept changing, and since I manage everything on my own, it has thrown off my organization a little.

I want to reassure you though: even if I'm behind on the timeline, the quality will definitely be there, I promise. I prefer to take a bit more time to deliver something I'm truly proud of, rather than rushing and delivering a subpar result.

The project is still in production, and the delivery should be in February/March 2025. In the meantime, I will continue sending the batches that do not include the Gold Edition of the project.

I understand that there have been a lot of disappointing projects on Kickstarter recently, and I completely understand if your trust has been shaken. Please know that I am fully committed to delivering something you can be proud of.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, it means a lot to me. 

Sorry again, thank you for your trust, and have a wonderful holiday season.

Fabien @iammrcup
www.mrcup-shop.com

First Crescent Moon Update: Slowly but Surely...
over 1 year ago – Sat, Oct 05, 2024 at 02:00:27 PM

A short message on this first crescent moon (since I missed the last full moon) to let you know that the project is progressing slowly but surely. I hope to have some dates to announce to you soon. In the meantime, here are some new photos of the boxes to show you the color differences between the various gold papers used for the project.

Thank you for your trust and patience.

Fabien @iammrcup

mrcup-shop.com 

PS : sorry for double update but it seems images did not upload on previous one...