You stroll through your local Bed, Bath & Beyond on a Saturday afternoon and stumble across a display of 2013 calendars.  Suddenly a sparkle from one of the covers catches your eye:  it’s an In the Pink! Graphique calendar featuring a little piglet sporting stylish sunglasses.  You’re intrigued and flip over the calendar to the back cover to find even more adorable photos of the piglets wearing high heels, carrying purses and working out their worries on a treadmill.  Then, a spark of curiosity strikes – how did they get the pigs to make these adorable poses?!

For the past three years, Graphique has worked closely with the Wild-Side™  father-daughter team – international award winning animal photographer Bob Elsdale and creative director Holly Brown to create Graphique’s In the Pink! line of products.  Wild-Side specializes in photographing animals that are primarily featured in calendars, greetings cards, stationery and more.

In collaboration with Wild-Side™  we wanted to share with you a short “Behind the Scenes” film of the Wild-Side team gently coaxing and capturing the loveable little starlets in endearing poses.  Watch this film to see the piglets in action, taking lunch breaks between shoots or resting by the fireplace before their next take! Video of the making of In the Pink!

Once the photo-shoot has wrapped, it’s up to the design team at Graphique to add their creative magic. The final product:  Graphique’s In the Pink! calendars, journals, purse notes and agendas featuring the playful piglets paired with sassy sentiments!

In the Pink! Products:  Susan G. Komen
Graphique has donated $25,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in connection with the sale of all In the Pink! products.

Print & Pattern

Illustrations by Graphique Artist Jen Skelley were featured in the popular Print & Pattern blog yesterday.  This website spotlights designers and artists with a passion for patterns and that revel in “the world of surface pattern design.”  Artist Jen Skelley has been celebrated for her whimsical, colorful illustrations and uplifting words of inspiration.  Her drawings primarily comprise of flowers, animals, and bird prints partnered with words of wisdom and cheerful advice:  “when your heart speaks take good notes” or “wherever you go, no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine”.  Visit Graphique’s website to find Jen Skelley canvas art, purse notes and one of our best-selling calendars featuring her illustrations:  Life is Sweet.

Sweet’N Low Campaign

One of Jen Skelley’s most notable achievements in the major brand advertising arena was her extensive inclusion in the nationwide ad campaign for Sweet’N Low’s .  The artist’s designs were displayed throughout the country in print form, on outdoor billboards, and in digital format.  An article appeared in the The New York Times “Campaign Spotlight” section reviewing the campaign in August of last year.

We at Graphique are thrilled to have Jen Skelley as a member of our team of talented artists and contributors for over two years.  We look forward to continuing to work with such a young and inspirational talent!

Sometimes, it’s the small things that really matter.  Are you looking for a small gift to give a friend?  Try surprising them with one of Graphique’s many fashionable purse notes.  What are purse notes?  They are adorable little note pads that are not only trendy and chic, but practicalas well. Your friend will love their wonderful cover artwork, and the fact that they can stick them in their pocket, purse, or bag, and at a moment’s notice, they can pull out the purse notes and write down that important, spur of the moment, question or thought.

Graphique purse notes come disguised as a beautiful little piece of artwork; the cover has a strong magnet to keep the pages of the purse notes secure, and to keep them from becoming tattered and torn.

Fashionable purse notes actually make a great gift for just about anyone on your list; including yourself.  They are designed to fit into your pocket or purse, so that you will always have that little piece of paper, which you are often looking for.  You will not only be in style, you will always be prepared.  You can just pull out your purse note, flip open the cover and jot it down.

You can be the trendsetter, and the awesome gift giver! The variety of designs and “Barbie” drawings are classy and unique. They also offer fashionable purse notes with cute photos and catchy phrases. Once you begin to carry your purse notes around, you won’t know what you ever did without them. They are small enough to take with you wherever you go, but their presence will allow you to record or share big moments.

Graphique Boutique not only carries adorable purse notes, they also offer an extensive array of other stationary products, such as flat notecards, in a practical and matching decorative box-stand for your desk, boxed note cards that you can add your own personal “Hello” or “Thank-you” to, cute magnetic note pads for your fridge, and adorable journals. You will find calendars, greeting cards and home décor that are fashionable and stylish, and if you are looking for that extra special, unique greeting cards, check out Graphique’s collection.

The Keep Calm & Carry On Collection from Graphique is a unique twist on standard stationary. Inspired by the infamous World War 2 slogan, “Keep Calm & Carry On,” Graphique offers a wide assortment of items available with the original slogan and personalized variations. From boxed notes to purse notes, any fashionista can find something one-of-a-kind for herself or pass along as a gift to a friend or family member.

Purse Notes

Purse notes are small and compact but make a stylish statement in your pocket or handbag.  Packed with 75 full-color note pages, the purse notes are perfect for a gift or yourself. Their small size is held together by a magnetic closure that snaps shut and a “Keep Calm & Carry On” slogan on the front. Consider choosing “Keep Calm & Rock On” for the rock-star friend or “Keep Calm & Shop On” for the trendy shopper. These are a popular item within the Keep Calm & Carry On collection.

Journals

Looking trendy while writing thoughts is easy with the Keep Calm & Carry On Collection journal. Made from a durable outer shell, this spiral-bound book fits easily within a briefcase, handbag or bedside table. The inside paper is college-ruled and stays secure with an outer elastic closure in a coordinating color. Look for the “Keep Calm & Have a Cocktail” slogan or choose from a variety of other “Keep Calm & Carry On” slogans to adorn the front of the journal.

Boxed Cards

Stay in touch with friends by writing a handwritten note on one of the Keep Calm & Carry On collection boxed note cards. Each box contains 20 cards printed on high quality paper. The front of the cards features a “Keep Calm & Carry On” slogan and glitter embellishments and the inside features a blank area for a personal message. In addition, the cards contain 20 envelopes for mailing.

Note Cards

Sometimes smaller is better which makes the small “Keep Calm & Carry On” note cards ideal for desk tops or small drawers. This set includes 50 note cards and envelopes that are wrapped in a coordinating box for a perfect display. The note cards feature the famous “Keep Calm & Carry On” slogan across the top of the card and the rest blank for a personal message.

Bring back the art of beautiful stationary with a piece from Graphique’s Keep Calm & Carry On Collection. Whether a gift for yourself or a friend, any woman would be flattered to have a personalized piece of stationary.

Don’t let drab and boring dull your self-expression! Flaunt your individuality with the bold graphics, funky patterns and sophisticated motifs of Graphique’s Linen & Polypro journals. With a choice of spiral-bound or hardcover bindings, linen or polypro, there are original styles and designs to suit everyone and every purpose.

If you’ve ever wondered at the popularity of journals, here are a few ideas of how Graphique’s journals can inspire, enhance and organize:

The Art of Gift Giving

Our line of Linen & Polypro journals are the perfect way to personalize a gift, be its one of our vivid block color journals for that dynamic personality, or our ‘Audrey Hepburn’ inspired cover for the glamorous person in your life, adding a personality-inspired journal to your gift adds that extra-special touch.

A journal is also the ideal gift for the person who has everything. Encourage their creative side with blank pages begging to be filled, or give them a stylish place to make notes, or why not ask them to fill it with an idea-list for future gifts.

Our range of kid-happy journals will bring smiles of delight to young faces with Dr. Seuss, Barbie and Snoopy covers. They are the perfect autograph book for collecting sporting or celebrity signatures, or collect messages from friends when school ends. Easily stored in a bookcase or desk, these cheeky journals will store drawings and stories that can be kept for years. Return the journals to them when they are adults and you have returned a part of their childhood memories written in their own hand.

Inspire the Writer

Let the writer flourish with college-ruled cream paper to capture thoughts and musings. Whether it’s story ideas or a daily diary, our Linen & Polypro journals encase the words in subtle floral or vibrant designs. Leave it beside your bed to collect your reflections on your day and your dreams for tomorrow.

The journals fit easily into your bag so you can carry it with you for when inspiration strikes, the sturdy cover keeping your words safe and secure and binding them with flair.

For the traveler, our Eiffel Tower or Union Jack covers beg to be filled with adventure. The satin ribbon page markers ensure you never lose your place, and the journal will be a keepsake for your memories for many years to come, allowing you to create a travel book where you are the star.

Splash Your Life with Color

With the bright and dynamic colors and designs of our Linen & Polypro journals, you can add that splash of vibrancy to any room or desk. The block color journals can splash a rainbow into your study area; or have our range of psychedelic covers put the groove back into your coffee table.

The cover-artwork is an expression of your personality and our styles and designs are as original as you are.  From decadent scroll-work to abstract graphics and impressionist cityscapes, bring interest and character to your home and office.

Graphique’s Linen & Polypro Journals will help store your notes, thoughts and ideas safely, stopping that frantic search for scraps of paper with names and phone numbers, or wondering where you put your last shopping or gift list. Organize with style, add personality to your gift, decorate with vibrancy and enjoy the versatility of a journal that can be whatever you want it to be!

Graphique is excited to announce the release of our new fun and sophisticated KOCO Art for Kids designs. These designs are a perfect way to decorate a baby or child’s bedroom.  Our new canvas release spans a variety of themes, from tender and loving to fun and playful.  They are sophisticated art pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a fun and fresh look for children of any age.  They add perfect splashes of accent color to any bedroom.  KOCO Art for Kids canvases come in various sizes including small 12″x12″ accent pieces to large 48″x48″ sized pieces.  Best of all, they are easily hung on the walls and easily removed when your little one decides they are ready for new canvases of their own choosing to adorn the walls.  

A KOCO Canvas Baby Art Kid will have lasting memories

The average bedroom wall decor is not usually a lasting memento taken to adorn college dorm rooms, or lovingly unpacked to be hung on the next generation of nursery walls.  Using these canvases is the first step in creating tangible memories and keepsakes for your children.  Whether they are learning to count, learning about animals, or learning to express their passions, these canvases will keep their minds active and inspired.  KOCO Art for Kids canvases are printed on high-quality canvases using eco-solvent inks which are designed to last a lifetime.  These canvases will create a tender spot in your children’s hearts and many of them are sophisticated enough to be packed away for the day when your children are ready to move into places of their own. The younger motifs will be a must have when your children are ready to decorate nurseries for their own babies.

If you are looking to decorate your child’s room, try the Do-Re-Mi canvas featuring an adorable small baby footprint with colorful toes or decorate the bathroom with the Splish Splash Rubber Ducks. Shop KOCO for Kids:  www.graphiquedefrance.com.

Graphique is featured as Social Goodies Daily Deal this week, January 9th through the 13th.  The offer is $15 for $30 and can be used for all products on www.graphiquedefrance.com.

A Deal Site with a Heart

Social Goodies is a daily deal site with a cause, featuring deals for various national and emerging brands.  The site donates 20% of every purchase directly to charity.  Those who buy the $15 for $30 offer are able to select the charity of their choice to which $3 dollars of their purchase will be donated.  This month’s three charities partnering with Social Goodies are The Children’s Health Fund, The Nature Conservatory or Fischer House.

Solutions for Resolutions

The site’s chosen theme for all January deals is to highlight products and solutions that help you fulfill your 2012 New Year’s resolutions.  Graphique’s assortment of journals, stationery and boxed notes can help you keep the resolution to write more!  If you have not gotten around to sending thank you notes for all of your holiday gifts received, Graphique’s La Petite Press Collection includes an array of thank you notecards styles that perfect for this task!

If you would like to fulfill a New Year’s resolution to write more and at the same time help do a bit of good, check out the deal now:  www.socialgoodies.com.

What is your most unique New Year’s resolution ever?

We’re curious to hear what your most unique New Year’s resolution might be?  Comment in response to this post with your most original resolution yet (be sure to include your email!) and we’ll choose which one we find the most intriguing.  We’ll contact the winner with a coupon code worth $20, redeemable at www.graphiquedefrance.com!

Are you looking for the perfect wall décor for your home? Canvas prints are becoming a popular way to decorate homes as well as offices.  Choosing the right canvas is very important as it can essentially make a room feel complete.  Canvas is a great way to add your personal touch to a room and it’s there for anyone who enters your home to admire. Why not choose canvas art for home décor to create a beautiful look? Graphique offers canvas in many different styles and sizes to fit a large variety of spaces.  Canvas art will make any wall in your home look like a work of art.  It is easy to create any effect in your home by selecting canvas art to match your home décor – a perfect finishing touch that completes any room.

Here are some helpful tips for decorating your home with the perfect canvas that aesthetically complements your space and makes each room unique:

Use the Mood and Theme of Your Space
It is important to understand purpose and theme when decorating any room.  Is the room large, or small? Do you work in this room or do you entertain? Does your print design match the furniture in the room or fight it?  The appropriate print becomes apparent when you take into account the environment you are putting it in.  For example, Graphique’s Eco-Zen style canvas art, for example, will add a touch of serene calm to put you in a tranquil mood.

Color Scheme
You can even find canvas art to complement your color scheme.  A perfectly paired piece of canvas art, with an image or design in colors that match your décor, will bring all of the room décor together perfectly.

Expression
Canvas art is not only a great way to decorate; it is also a great way to speak your mind.  Pick a canvas image with witty sayings or inspiring quotes that will express your attitude or feelings perfectly.  Make a statement with canvas from our Keep Calm Collection.

Size Depends on the Wall
While this particular tip may seem obvious, it is definitely an important way to go about decorating. The general rule of thumb with prints like these is that the print should be smaller when dealing with a tall or small wall, or larger with a large wall.  A large print on a small wall becomes overwhelming, while a small canvas print on a large wall makes the room feel completely empty.  One technique to get a feel for size is to attach paper on the wall that is the same size as the print to see how it looks in that position.

Following these tips can help to maximize the effectiveness of canvas prints in your home, providing your visitors with a visual treat. Check out all Graphique canvases – there’s one for any style!

Make sure to check out our latest canvas design from new canvas artist Sharyn Sowell.  Sharyn’s canvases celebrate living authentically, focusing on the positive, and appreciating everyday miracles.  Her work includes inspiring quotes and heartfelt words of wisdom.

Graphique Art Director, Kerren Steckler, was on vacation this month in San Francisco when she pleasantly stumbled upon two shops carrying canvas by Graphique Artist KOCO.  The Union St. Papery has a beautiful gallery of various KOCO canvases and the Twig Gallery displays KOCO canvas among other brightly colored artwork.

Graphique spoke with Stacey Bush at the Union St. Papery about her choice of KOCO canvas.  She told Graphique that she selected KOCO because the artwork was the “brightest and worked best with the shop’s new space,” perfect for a “bright and cheery” stationery shop.

According to Stacey, KOCO’s work is both inspirational and eye-catching.  The shop gallery has a large scale calligraphy quote opposite the canvases that reads “More than kisses, letters mingle souls” by John Donne – fitting to KOCO’s artwork which is known for its compelling “word + image” visual elements.  Stacey describes the space as a “delightful gallery-like lead-in to the garden carriage house location we now call home.”

The Union St. Papery  purchased the KOCO canvases in a combined effort with the Twig Gallery, an adjacent home décor and gift shop.  Keith Chamberlain, owner of the Twig Gallery told Graphique that he had “never really seen anything like it,” in reference to KOCO’s art.  The “positive messages and bright colors” expressed in the canvas nicely complemented other pieces in his shop.  The image to the right was captured by Graphique’s Art Director during her visit to the Twig Gallery.

If you would like to experience KOCO, you can view the artist’s entire collection of canvas art as well as journals and purse notes on our website:  Shop Koco Now.

It has been 50 years since the release of the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” starring one of the most iconic actresses in cinematic history, Audrey Hepburn.  The icon won the hearts of many with her performance as a young New York socialite in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.  At Graphique we are especially excited to celebrate the anniversary of this classic film.  Graphique has created a line of Audrey stationary products that capture the actress through imagery from the film.

You can find the following Audrey Hepburn products on our website:

• Calendars
• Purse Notes
• Journals
• Wall Calendars

You can also find our Audrey Hepburn mini calendars on display at your local Barnes & Noble amongst other products in honor of the film’s anniversary.