stories told in three dimensions...

How beautiful are these paper books by Japanese graphic designer Yusuke Oono?  Each 40-page book creates a visual narrative that illustrates a specific moment from a story.  The books can be unfolded to be viewed in the round, giving the viewer a 360 degree view of the characters and scenery, or can be viewed flat, creating a diorama of sorts, that changes depending on the page you are on. The cut out forms and the negative space that these books create are gorgeous.  I love how the dual colors of paper gives each piece depth and added interest. The amount of foresight to design a scene in the round, with each page of the book having to both work on its own, and fit in with the scene as a whole is really inspiring. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

via this is colossal. Images from here and here. 

paper hummingbirds

How gorgeous are these paper hummingbirds by artist Cheong-ah Hwang! Besides depicting one of my favorite subjects, these little sculptures in relief are so intricate, and achieve so much depth that really take on the appearance of a three-dimensional hummingbird. I love the way she feathers the paper to create the hummingbird's wings, it makes the whole object look so light and graceful, just like a hummingbird in mid flight. 

seen at this is colossal. More of her work can be found here.

only three days until valentine's day!

Do you still need a card for that special someone? Order by midnight tonight, and we will ship tomorrow, ensuring you get your card in time to let someone know you care! :) Check out our shop for all of our Valentine's Day options!

now available at juju salon and organics!

We are so excited to announce that our cards are now being carried by Juju Salon & Organics! Make sure to check them out next time you are there getting pampered or if you are in the area!

pining for you

Do you have someone you're pining for? With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, this is the perfect time of year to tell someone you care. Whether it's a new relationship, a long term love or someone you have a crush on, this card is a fun and cheeky way to spread love on the holiday. Be sure to check it out in our shop with the rest of our Valentine's Day cards!!

xo

motivational typography

When I first saw these amazing motivational chalkboards a few weeks ago, I knew I needed to share them.  These chalkboards, combining typography and beautiful illustrations are the work of the anonymous artist duo, Dangerdust. Every Monday, at the Columbus College of Art and Design, a new chalkboard would appear with a different message and design. Some of the boards are rather simple, and others are extremely detailed and complicated. I love the combination of illustration and typography, and think it is such an amazing thing to do for their fellow students each week.  We can all always use a little extra motivation, right?

Originally seen on My Modern Met. More of their work can be seen on Dangerdust's Behance page.

bear hug?

Do you ever have one of those days where you just need a hug? I know that I do! Our bear hug card is the perfect way to send a loved one a long distance hug, and is sure to brighten up their day. Great as a Valentine's Day card too! Our bear hug card is currently in our shop, and is ready to spread hugs far and wide. :) 

new year, new look, right in time for valentine's day!

We're back! After a little hiatus the blog is back and better than ever! And just in time for Valentines Day! If you are a frequent visitor to gracefullyNOTED.com, you may notice that the site has changed a bit. We have spent the last month over-hauling the site, adding new content and products, and making the existing pages better than ever! We will be adding some more new features to the site, as well as new products, in the upcoming weeks so make sure to check back! We are so excited for 2014 and all the exciting things it has in store!

xo

Meg

Christmas Card Displays

It's that time of year again, when Holiday Cards start pouring in from family and friends.  Personally, it is one of my favorite things about the holidays and I love finding new and creative ways to display them.  Besides brightening up my day when I pass the holiday greetings and well wishes from loved ones,  they are a beautiful and festive looking decoration.

Do you display your cards? And do you have a preferred method?

xo, Meg

via Pinterest and Habitually Chic

Santa Classics

When I saw these creative self-portraits by Ed Wheeler a few days ago, I couldn't help but smile!  Wheeler takes iconic pieces of art and incorporates himself dressed as Santa Claus.  In each piece, Wheeler not only positioned himself in a way that made sense, but he matched the tonal values, lighting, and in some cases even the brushstrokes, to the original.  The end result is so much fun, and definitely got me into the holiday spirit.  So amazing. Love it.

xo

via Honestly WTF and the Ed Wheeler's Website

holiday gift tags

Have you ever gone on a gift wrapping frenzy, forgot to label the gifts, and then not known which is which? I am definitely guilty of this (especially since I am notorious for putting Christmas shopping and wrapping off until the last minute!).  The solution - gift tags! Whether you want something funny or classic, we have lots of options that will be the perfect addition to any beautifully wrapped gift! 

What do you think? I hope you like them!

Happy Friday Everyone!

let it snow

In honor of all the snow the past few days on the East coast and the upcoming deep freeze. #LetItSnow #BabyItsColdOutside

Both are available in our Holiday Shop!

twinkle twinkle

As a Christmas light fanatic, this story made me very excited and also a little jealous of all those who get to see this amazing light show in person! This year the Richards family set the Guinness World Record for the most lights on a residential property at their home in Canberra, Australia. Their elaborate, over-the-top display includes 502, 165 LED lights, that would stretch over 31 miles if they were  laid end-to-end.  The show is part of an effort to raise money for charity and will be on view for the whole month of December.  From where I am sitting, there is pretty much nothing not to love about this; except for maybe the electric bill which clocks in at $2,291 a month. Luckily, a local power company is covering the tab.

I hope you love this light show as much as I did!  It definitely got me even more in the holiday spirit! 

via NPR and Laughing Squid 

the multi-pack

Have you taken a look at our holiday multi-pack? It is perfect for adding a little variety to the holiday cheer you are sending out to friends and family and allows you to customize the card to the recipient!

Are there other cards you would like to see in a multi-pack? Contact me and I can customize a multi-pack just for you!

Happy Cyber Monday!

happy thanksgiving

Elsa Mora Papercuts

A little Thursday inspiration. Beautiful paper cuts by Elsa Mora. They are so delicate, intricate, and fanciful.   Love.

Seen here and here + Elsa Mora's site.

Introducing Our Festive Polar Bear

Introducing one of the new additions to the Holiday Shop, our Festive Polar Bear! Decked out for the season, with a wreath around his neck, this gentle giant is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

Head on over to our Holiday Shop to take a closer look!

The Holiday Shop

Have you gotten a chance to check out our Holiday Shop yet? We have lots of cards and gift tags for you to choose from, and will be adding more all the time! If you haven't visited yet, please head over and take a look! We will be featuring some of the designs on the blog and will soon have a custom Holiday Card Section on the website as well. Stay tuned!

The Holiday's are Approaching!