I’m definitely still recovering from what was literally a 5,000-mile (round) trip, but as I suddenly realized on the incredible *Noted floor last week, there was literally nowhere else in the world I would have rather been. It was an amazing whirlwind, but my personal highlight was FINALLY announcing the winners in the third annual Noted @*Noted Products Awards Competition.
That’s me with the microphone below. Superstar judges Chelsea Shukov and Dan Collier are at left helping celebrate the winners, and you can see some of the awards and award ribbons on the right.
All the designs you see below were released after January 1, 2022 — making them as fresh as they are dazzling. Beneath each I included the info judges reviewed with the entry.
What inspired this design? This card emerged from a series of cats I recently painted. I wanted to make a beautiful Halloween card featuring a black cat, but not looking spooky per usual.
Any anecdotal info? This is a portrait of my childhood black cat Ebony. So much of my work is autobiographical.
What inspired this design? We firmly believe in the power of words and a positive mindset. This (encouragement) card was created to pass the message along in a most beautiful way of course!
CHxPE Collab — Paper Epiphanies collaboration with Colleen Harrington
What inspired this collection? Colleen Harrington was the Paper Epiphanies Artist in Residence for Janaury 2022. This product line was a result of that residency. It combines the sharp tone of Paper Epiphanies with the incredible illustrations and historical fashion drawings that Colleen is known for. It is FIRE!
What inspired this initiative? Working with Colleen was a creative joy! Merging vintage inspired illustrations and drawings with the tone of today was the goal for this line. And we slayed it!
Any anecdotal info? Customers in our shop are already obsessed. The color is saturated and fun and it is edgy while still being approachable. Definitely a wonderful new product line!
What inspired this design? Parenting is no joke. As a mom of 3, I feel qualified to say that some days you are just raising dragons! This card was made to send out to all the moms who are doing their best to raise those dragons, with a touch of all knowing humor.
Any anecdotal info? I made this on a whim, it was the last I made for this year’s Mother’s Day release. The idea came, I lettered it with watercolor and had the whole thing made in moments. It’s been the best selling new Mother’s Day card we put out this year!
What inspired this design? I thought this would be a fun money holder to be given to teenagers.
What inspired this design? “You’re more than enough.” A lot of times, when we’re going through something difficult, people tell us “we’re enough” that “we’re doing well.” We are often defined, and supported, as — mother, daughter, father, son, friend, barista, doctor, sales manager, dancer etc. But when we need that boost of encouragement I think we need to feel seen in the entirety of our being and not just the labels we slap on ourselves. When I look out at a vast expanse like the scene in this card I feel as though I’m more than enough, more than the labels I’ve slapped onto my being. And sometimes in this crazy human experience we call life, we just need that reminder that we’re more than enough. What better way to send this support than a beautiful card?
Any anecdotal info? This card is paired with a 100% plantable seed paper envelope. Tear it up, soak it in water, grab a pot and some soil … and watch non-invasive wildflowers grow! For more planting tips the recipient can scan the QR code on the back of their card! This card is made in the USA.
What inspired this design? This card is inspired by my day to day life. I’m happily working away achieving my dreams despite looking like an angry bitch at all times.
What inspired this design? We wanted a grad card that spoke to the adversity and struggle COVID-19 has brought to the table when going to school. The resilience and adaptability of the students who are graduating is unprecedented, and we wanted a card that represented that.
What inspired this design? The Flower Delivery card is inspired by my journey to Vietnam some years ago. It shows how flowers are often sold there on the streets which always fascinated me. I created a lot of illustrations while traveling Vietnam but this one was always my favorite. I think it will deliver happiness to many people once it gets published in March 2022.
What inspired this design? This is the new sister to my Ciao and Merci cards. I love a series.
Any anecdotal info? Her headband is an homage to my favorite gift wrap print.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Congratulations to all the winners again! Looks like Girl w/Knife and 2021 Co. were the belles of the ball with three awards each. Huge thanks again to the entire Greeting Card Association team and our stellar judges: Audrey Woollen, founder and creative director of Urbanic Paper Boutique; Chandra Greer, owner of GREER Chicago; Chelsea Shukov, co-founder of Sugar Paper; and Daniel Collier, danielrichards.
It’s daunting for me to stand up there alone to present awards, so huge extra gratitude to Chelsea and Dan for taking precious time off the floor to help me present — I know you were there to stock your stores as well.
Finally, it was so exciting for *Noted to jump off the screen and back into IRL. Dare I compare it to the difference between receiving a text and a hand-written card? Given the past few years, I think everyone who made it to San Francisco appreciated every last element of a live event that much more.
*Noted will again come to brilliant life in the City by the Bay in ’23, so it looks like the fourth edition of these awards will as well! If you have any ideas as to how we can improve upon these for next year, feel free to reach out. As a community event — organized by and for the makers, retailers, sales reps, and suppliers in the greeting card industry —*Noted is constantly evolving based on input we receive. So, don’t be shy!
