Hello from California

[Disco Dogo]

Hi everyone,

My name is Seth Maxwell, i'm 34 and from Pasadena, CA.  My fascination with cards began as a young kid learning magic.  I continued to study on my own recording every show I could find on TV, endlessly watching back the performances in slow motion.  These were the days of VHS and i'm sure i have worn out a few of the tapes by now. 

During high school I was accepted to the Magic Castle in Hollywood as part of their Jr. program.  I was part of this program for 3 invaluable years.  I was privileged to learn from some of the best magicians in the industry and my knowledge grew exponentially.  I left the Magic Castle when I turned 18 as I was required to become a regular member as opposed to a Jr. member.  I was invited to join but was in full swing with my education at USC and didn't have the time to commit to the Castle in a more professional capacity.  Its been 16 years since I last performed in any semi professional manner but I am still a huge fan of magic and cardistry. 

Recently while wandering the web i came across an article here about making a display case for decks of cards.  This is how i found this wonderful group.  Though i stopped performing i continued to purchase decks of cards over the years.  I have always been drawn toward their art and design.  I don't have a huge collection but plan on growing it with the help of this group.  Here are some of the cards in my collection. 

I really dont have much knowledge on their history or value.  For me cards have always been tools and art.  I may get scolded for this but I open every deck i own.  I enjoy the feel and look of the deck in its entirety not just the outside box.  I may for collecting sake purchase multiples going forward so that i can maintain some in their original package as i understand this greatly increases their value. Thank you in advance for all your knowledge and for having this community that I can be a part of.



Also this is how i stored cards before i found your great frame tutorial.  Its a wine box....

[Don Boyer]

Hey, Seth, welcome to the forum!  You're in good company here.

I love the wine box for storage - some liquor bottles come in good-quality wooden boxes similar to that as well.  The size is just about right for a small collection or for transporting a few decks you want to keep protected.  For a collection the size of mine, though, I'd have to go though several cases of wine just to have enough boxes!  I have something like 1,800 decks!  As I no longer drink, I'd never have enough of those boxes, anyway... 

It's not sacrilegious to open your decks - I do it all the time.  The most popular pattern I've seen is one-and-one - you buy two decks; one for the collection, one for playing with.  I don't always have that luxury, but I still open them anyway.  To me, a deck left sealed in its box forever is akin to owning fine art and displaying it while it's still in the crate!  The crate might be pretty and all that, but I'd hope you bought the "art" for more than just the container it came in.

Make yourself at home and if you have questions, please - ask away.  We don't haze the newbies!

Feel free to poke around in (and add to!) the Magical Cardistry Bonanza board as well.  It's less lively than the Playing Card Plethora, but it only takes a few interested people to turn it into a party!

[Disco Dogo]

Don thanks for the warm welcome.  Glad to hear i'm not the only one who likes to open their decks.  I will take a peek at the "Magical Cardistry Bonanza board". 

-Seth