In case you missed it, back in 2023, Cardsmiths launched a trading card set unlike any other — one that captures not only the brushstrokes but the spirit of the late, great Bob Ross. Known for his soothing voice and “happy little trees,” Ross has become a cultural icon whose art continues to inspire decades after The Joy of Painting first aired. This official Series 1 set transforms his calming canvases into collectible form, mixing original Ross paintings, artist tributes, and vibrant refractor finishes into a thoughtful homage to creativity, calm, and color.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Bob Ross for the first time, this set is more than a product — it’s a celebration of peaceful art and positive vibes, reframed through the lens of modern card collecting.
What’s Inside the Bob Ross Series 1 Collector Box
Each collector box contains two sealed foil packs, with 5 cards per pack, totaling 10 cards per box. But don’t let the small count fool you — every pack includes eye-catching inserts and rarities, making each opening a surprisingly joyful experience. The 60-card base set features Ross’s original landscape paintings alongside tribute illustrations by contemporary artists inspired by his legacy.
In addition to the base cards, each pack is loaded with chase potential. Rainbow Holofoil parallels appear in every pack, adding shimmer to the already lush visuals, while Hyperwave Holofoils (1 in every 2 packs) offer even bolder patterning.
Chase Cards, Parallels, and Rare Pulls
Collectors will enjoy a wide variety of parallels and inserts, with ratios that reward consistent hunting:
- Cold Foil Painting Cards: 1 in 6 packs
- Gemstone Refractors (45 cards total, with multiple variant tiers):
- Amethyst – Numbered to 49
- Ruby – Numbered to 25
- Gold – Numbered to 10
- Sapphire – Numbered to 5
- Onyx – 1-of-1
- Artist Refractors: 15 cards, seeded 1:48 packs
- Culture Shokz Inserts: A surreal, pop-style subset (3 cards, 1:96 packs)
- Multi-Burst Inserts: 2 bold designs found 1:96 packs
- 9-Piece Puzzle Cards: Combine to form a larger landscape — just like layering paint strokes
The inclusion of multiple layers of rarity — from cold foil to gemstone refractors — makes this a product that appeals equally to casual collectors, art lovers, and serious chase hunters.
A Set That Honors the Artist’s Philosophy
What sets the Bob Ross Series 1 trading cards apart is how deeply they align with the artist’s own philosophy. The art isn’t just replicated — it’s reimagined. Many cards feature quotes and thematic tie-ins that recall Ross’s optimism, love of nature, and belief that everyone can create. The tribute illustrations — contributed by professional artists — offer a fresh interpretation of his motifs, while still honoring the emotional calm and gentle confidence Ross brought to millions.
Even the chase cards are designed with care. The Gemstone Refractors don’t just look premium — their gem-tier rarity names feel spiritually aligned with the way Ross described nature as a treasure. Meanwhile, the lenticular-style patterns on some cards echo the movement of clouds and water in his paintings.
Final Thoughts
Bob Ross taught the world that art wasn’t about perfection — it was about expression, and about finding peace in the process. This trading card set brings that message into the modern collector space with a calm, deliberate design and plenty of visual flair. With a compact box format, high pull value, and serious visual appeal, the 2023 Bob Ross Series 1 by Cardsmiths is both a nostalgic tribute and a satisfying addition to any collection.
In case you had missed this set – maybe you were introduced to Cardsmiths company recently through Currency Trading Cards – and whether you’re chasing refractors or just looking to add some “happy little cards” to your shelf, this set invites you to paint outside the lines and enjoy every moment of the journey.
