I think that, since you call the deck origins, are you trying to merge the old design like this:
http://whiteknucklecards.com/nsp/rouenpattern.html with the modern standard of playing cards?
I think there are several questions in these photos you posted.
I will offer my take on each of them.
First, the question of color. I originally liked the subdued color of your first postings. But the origins, the old designs you've drawn inspiration from, did they have a lot of color? Do you want to keep everything as close to the originals as possible, or do you want to do some things different?
Second, the question of borders.
Again, you have to think about the originals, what did they look like, and how much do you want your design to be exactly like the originals? Why, do you think, did they have borders in the first place, if they did?
Borders can work as a way of focussing the eye on the art, I think. And I like your borders.
Personally I'd like number one or number three in your last post. Either have borders, and keep everything inside, or remove the borders completely. But if you do remove the borders, what happens to the queen of diamonds left arm? How much redrawing do you have to do on the other courts?
Third, with or without color fading. I was rather fond of the color fading on your first postings. Now, these last ones don't have any fading at all, right? Maybe these last was just to show the border differences, but I actually like these without the fades too.
It would be fun to see one of your court cards with the same vibrant red, gold and green color as the Rouen example above, just for comparison.
I can firmly say that whatever you do, your decks will be the first I back on kickstarter, if you go that route.
