The Felt Tarot

The Felt Tarot, created by artist Jamie Sawyer, presents a full 78-card tarot deck with a unique visual style that evokes the warmth and texture of felt or embroidery. The artwork is characterized by distinct outlines and solid color blocks, giving each image a handcrafted, layered appearance. This approach offers a fresh, approachable take on classic tarot imagery, making the deck visually engaging while maintaining recognizable symbolic elements.

The deck appears to follow the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system, with cards like "0. The Fool," "10 of Cups," "2. High Priestess," "Ace of Swords," and "9 of Pentacles" clearly depicted with their traditional titles and core iconography. The imagery, however, is reinterpreted with a focus on animals and natural elements, such as a dog for The Fool and a bird for the 9 of Pentacles, adding a whimsical and nature-inspired layer to the readings. The color palette is bright and varied, contributing to the deck's inviting and friendly aesthetic.

This deck is designed to offer a simplified yet rich exploration of tarot symbolism. The textural quality of the art, as suggested by the name "Felt Tarot" and observed in the images, aims to create a more intuitive and "felt" experience for readers. Its successful funding on Kickstarter in a short timeframe indicates a strong appeal for its distinctive art style and accessible approach to tarot.

The artwork for The Felt Tarot is characterized by a distinct style that simulates the look of felt appliqué or embroidery. Each element within the card illustrations features bold, dark outlines, with interior spaces filled by solid, often textured, blocks of color. This creates a layered, almost three-dimensional effect, giving the impression of fabric pieces sewn together. The color palette is bright and varied, utilizing a range of blues, greens, yellows, and purples that contribute to a cheerful and inviting mood. The compositions are clear and direct, simplifying traditional RWS scenes while retaining their essential elements. For example, The Fool depicts a dog with a stick and a satchel, maintaining the journeying aspect, while the 10 of Cups shows a rainbow over a house with ten cups, clearly referencing the RWS card.

This deck is ideal for tarot enthusiasts who appreciate unique, handcrafted aesthetics and a whimsical approach to traditional symbolism. It particularly suits readers who enjoy animal-themed decks or those seeking a visually soft and approachable entry point into the Rider-Waite-Smith system. Collectors looking for distinctive art styles will also find this deck appealing due to its unique felt-like appearance.