savvy style

There’s a great giveaway from The Panache Collective over at The Savvy Photographer right now!

“One lucky Savvy reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective boutique packaging set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½ x 7½ and five 8½ x 10½ “the savvy set” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos, these box designs feature the Panache Collective’s revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – without damaging your work of art.”

Visit The Savvy Photographer for more details! Huge thanks to them for the great giveaway opportunity!

And don’t forget, we still have three more Panache Collective packaging set giveaways here – they run through 11:59 p.m. EST tonight (Thursday, February 23rd)!

Thanks for making this year’s WPPI so great!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. “Like” the new Panache Collective Facebook page!

word up

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective boutique packaging set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “cameo” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “timeless” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos below, these box designs feature our revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – without damaging your work of art.

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom ‘cameo’ photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/vJnozT

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the FOUR separate things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for all of the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have FOUR chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck everyone! Stop by booth # 1247 TODAY at WPPI!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. You can also win our new “lipstick” and “tarte” boudoir packaging sets here – and our new baseball-themed packaging sets here.

peanuts and crackerjack

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective baseball-themed set (perfect for child and sports photographers!) before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “spring training” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “three strikes” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos below, these box designs feature our revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – all without damaging your work of art.

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom baseball photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/Z5YHEi

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the FOUR separate things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for all of the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have FOUR chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck everyone! And don’t forget to stop by booth # 1247 at WPPI!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. You can also win our new “lipstick” and “tarte” boudoir packaging sets here.

introducing…panache collective

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win a Panache Collective set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “tarte” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “lipstick” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue).

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/2LBMNL

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the FOUR separate things listed above, and then make four separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for all of the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have FOUR chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck everyone! And thank you – we wouldn’t be here without you!
-Robyn & Todd

Martha! Martha! Martha!

Excited to announce the winner in our POMPIDOO camera bag giveaway…and it’s…Kim Young!

Thanks to everyone who entered, a big thank you to POMPIDOO Camera Bags for the fantastic prize, and congrats once again to our winner Kim!




Have you seen the new line of Martha Stewart office products at Staples? This is the Smooth-Finish Small-Format Binder (shown below):

If you hurry fast, you can download this coupon (good through 2/18) online – and use it in-store for 30% off one Martha Stewart Home Office product at Staples.

Make sure to check back for HUGE news from WPPI soon!
-Robyn & Todd

fast pass

HB Photo Packaging is giving away TEN (10) complimentary Full WPPI Registration Passes (a $399.00 value each) with Paperie Boutique.

A random generator will be used by HB Photo Packaging to pick TEN (10) people who tag HB Photo Packaging on Facebook with the following – each will receive one (1) pass:

“I’m going to see @HB Photo Packaging at WPPI in Las Vegas!”

BEFORE you hit post, make sure that you’ve typed out “@HB Photo Packaging” (rather than pasting it) so that it creates a tag that will appear on HB’s wall. (More information on how to tag on Facebook can be found here.)

You don’t want to miss the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247) at WPPI this year! Paperie and HB have a big secret to share, and those lucky enough to attend the WPPI trade show will get first peek / dibs! Stay tuned here in the upcoming days for more details (and photos)!




The digital edition of the February 2012 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

In this issue I reviewed web services for your business by ProPhoto Blogs, Zenfolio, Miller’s Professional Imaging Art Department, Photo Cart by Pictures Pro, Colorati, RadLab from “Totally Rad!”, PhotoBiz Website Templates and Blog Sites, IntotheDarkroom.com Vend Photo Cart and Flaunt Photo Slideshow, Photo Shelter, Showit Fast & Pass, and Creative Motion Design.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 46, page 48, page 50, and page 52 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes – and you can see the online supplement here. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




Don’t forget that you have a chance to win this POMPIDOO leather camera bag until 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 14th. It would make the perfect Valentine!

Happy weekend -
-Robyn & Todd

my ‘signature color’

You may have noticed that things have been a bit quiet around here lately. We recently gave a peek into one of the reasons why on Facebook. But today we break the silence with an awesome guest / vendor post and giveaway from POMPIDOO camera bags!

POMPIDOO is a modern answer to all women who respect style and quality, who are passionate about photography and aesthetics. POMPIDOO is a new brand for stylish camera bags where natural leather and well thought-out form are only a small part of all offered advantages. Modern design and functionality, which form the basis of the brand, creates a perfect tandem for those who value convenience and originality. POMPIDOO camera bag is an alternative to a usual handbag – stylish, spacious and reliable.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a POMPIDOO Cologne bag in Idle Turquoise! View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know what your favorite POMPIDOO camera bag is! That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” their Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow @POMPIDOO_bags on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do the THREE separate things listed above, and then make three separate comments here telling us how you did them.)

Comment with your favorite POMPIDOO bag – or that you’ve liked POMPIDOO on Facebook – or that you’ve followed @POMPIDOO_bags on Twitter – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, February 14th. You can enter up to THREE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in three separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three times total – one entry each for all of the options listed above. (PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

You have THREE chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize.

Good luck everyone – and thanks so much to POMPIDOO camera bags! Someone is going to win quite the Valentine’s Day gift this year!

Happy (almost) weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

win big for WPPI

Are you going to WPPI? Beth Forester of photoDUDS is stopping by with a vendor / guest post that includes tips and a way to win WPPI passes!

Chance to WIN Passes to WPPI Vegas for you and a friend!
($650 Value for Non-members!)
by photoDUDS

WPPI is the biggest and best event for wedding and portrait photographers. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry leaders, discover new products and be inspired by the best photographers in the business.

photoDUDS and WPPI are giving away 2 Free Full Registration Passes to ONE lucky winner! The contest ends on Monday, February 6th.

FULL REGISTRATION PASS:
You and one (1) free guest will have access to over 90 Platform Classes, a 3-day trade show with the latest products, technologies and services from major manufacturers and exciting evening events!

Gearing Up For WPPI!
Q&A with Beth Forester

You are one of the speakers at WPPI this year. Congratulations! Tell us why you chose “The Glamourous Life: Marketing & Selling to A-List Seniors” as your topic?

Well, although I shoot just about everything, I specialize in senior portraits. It’s the type of photography I enjoy the most. Plus, it’s the market that I can achieve a higher average of sales per hour of shooting. West Virginia has been in a recession since 1950 so I do know a little about marketing and selling to people in a down economy. High school senior portraits are once in a lifetime and, honestly, people are willing to spend more when they know they will only have to do so once. Plus, seniors are brand oriented and they want the best: they demand and they have no trouble spending their parent’s money.

What can attendees expect to learn?

Well, a better topic for the program might be “Show Me the Money!” It’s all about making sure you get paid for the time you invest in each session. (We all know it’s not just about the time during the session: it’s post-processing, editing, color-correcting and retouching) How many times have you broken your back on a shoot only to find that the customer placed a puny order. I know. I have been there. It’s disheartening! So, after getting tired of being abused, I put a system in place that ensured specific sales for specific types of sessions. Plus, we have great incentives for seniors to purchase specific packages! I can’t tell you how many people have taken my class and told me that their senior averages doubled or tripled after implementing my sales tactics.

Who is this class for?

Anyone who wants to understand the senior market better: What do seniors want? Who am I selling to? How do I sell to them? This class will give you answers to all of these questions and more. Plus, Beth will share her top ten tips for increasing your sales.

What is your favorite thing about WPPI?

The energy and the people.. It’s hard to put into words but it’s like being dropped in the heart of Manhattan….but Manhattan is now all geared towards everything photography. It’s faced paced, in your face and stimulating!

What is your best tip to making WPPI successful for photographers?

WPPI is really big and you can get overwhelmed really fast and end up really not staying focused. I suggest sitting down and making a list of 5 things you want to learn/see/achieve at WPPI. Once you know what it is you want to focus on, research the various programs to see which speakers are going to best serve your needs.

Thanks to Beth Forester / photoDUDS for providing our readers with such helpful information (and a chance to win)!

Paperie has a big surprise for WPPI this year as well, so stay tuned…
-Robyn & Todd

clean green slate

The digital edition of the January 2012 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

For this column I got to review eco-friendly / “green” products by Miller’s Professional Imaging, Moo.com, Botanical Paperworks, Loktah, HB Photo Packaging, Globe Guard Products, Kraft and Jute, Nashville Wraps, Rice Studio Supply, ReBinder, and ProDPI.

There is also a supplemental mini feature by Nathan Welton of Dreamtime Images that discusses carbon-offsetting for your business with carbonfund.org.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 78, page 80, page 82, and page 84 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes – and you can see the online supplement here. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




If you went to Imaging USA 2012 in New Orleans, you might have seen Paperie Boutique and Buttons & Bows Photography sprinkled about. Here are a couple of peeks if you missed it:

You can see more over at our Facebook page! Thanks to Ryan at HB Photo Packaging for these photos!

If you have photos from Imaging USA 2012 that you’d like to see published here, contact Robyn at: robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com




It’s the New Year and it’s time to restock your arsenal. A few of our favorite merchants are running sales!

1. HB Photo Packaging – 15% off through January 22nd with code
    WinterBlues

2. Moo.com – 10% off all printed products through January 25th
    with code MOOPRINTJAN

3. ReBinder – 20% off all ReSleeve and RePlay products through
    January 31st here

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2012!
-Robyn & Todd

the envelope, please!

We’re excited to name the winners in the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

(There were two mail-in ballots. One for Chubby Cheek Photography and one for Persian Kitty Kat Photography.)

The award for “Most Original” goes to…Persian Kitty Kat Photography!

The “Fan Favorite” award was selected from the most pinned Paperie Boutique photos on Pinterest, and that contestant is…Chubby Cheek Photography!

Our remaining finalists will receive a $25 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate and a $25 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate.

Thanks to everyone who entered, everyone who voted, all of our wonderful vendors who donated prizes, our judging panel, and CONGRATULATIONS to all of our winners this year!

I will be sending out prize notifications later this week as I get each prize set organized. Please be patient with me! (I have a big meeting coming up later this morning, and a column deadline this week – I’m juggling everything as best / as quickly as I can.) So if you’re listed as a winner above, watch your e-mail over the next couple of days!

This year’s contest was amazing – thanks again for making it possible!
-Robyn & Todd

déjà vu all over again

We’re ready to reopen the vote in the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here. Please see Facebook for updates on why the voting was temporarily suspended yesterday.)

Especially today, one more round of applause / show of thanks for our judges:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography

Without further adieu, I bring you the – new – six Wrap Battle finalists (all listed in order of submission with photos linked to their original entry)…

As you go through the finalists remember to look at the packaging and not just the “pretty pictures” (i.e. product staging). As this is not a photo contest, try to keep in mind what will actually be received by the client… The goal: best packaging!

UPDATE: Voting is closed – winners announced here!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and good luck to the six finalists!

Thank you for your patience & understanding -
-Robyn & Todd

Super Tuesday

Even if you don’t live in Iowa, never fear – today you can vote for something that really counts! We’re ready to rock the vote for the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

I am so glad I had a judging panel to select the six finalists this year. I’m not sure I could have done it myself, and as things were, the voting was extremely close! One more round of applause / show of thanks for the following judges:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography

Without further adieu, I bring you the six Wrap Battle finalists (all listed in order of submission with photos linked to their original entry)…

As you go through the finalists remember to look at the packaging and not just the “pretty pictures” (i.e. product staging). As this is not a photo contest, try to keep in mind what will actually be received by the client… The goal: best packaging!

UPDATE: The voting has been reinstated. Please see this post to vote (or vote again if you originally voted on Tuesday)!

-Robyn & Todd

the final four

These are the last four entries in the 2011 “Wrap Battle” packaging contest!

Submissions closed late last night for the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

The prize package for our 1st place winner is worth OVER $2000 – and we have well OVER $4500 in prizes donated total!

This year judges will select the top half-dozen from the submitted entries, and then this week (January 3rd – 8th, 2012) winners will be selected from the remaining finalists by public vote. This year’s judges include:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography




Entry #27 is from Laura Winslow Photography – so bright and feminine!

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“I sell a full list of packaging details via my blog – the blog post has more (larger) photos of our new everyday eco-friendly packaging.“

Vendors used:
• Michael’s
• Amazon
• Kraft and Jute

“I have been researching for over a year to find the perfect solutions for product presentation. Most of the time I have to ship items to clients, so I wanted them to feel like they were opening something very special. Everything is wrapped in crisp white tissue, boxes are finished with a satin bow and EVERY package includes handwritten note for a personal touch. It was very important to me that the look and colors were consistent throughout.

My branding uses chartreuse green, black, white, gray, and a little orange, so for my holiday packaging I just switched out the orange for a cheerful red. I wanted to keep the sleek, clean, modern look that my packaging usually has, but jazzed is up a little with extra details for fun. I also included a metal Christmas ornament from Black River Imaging as a gift for each client. The photos below also show a couple of the cards I’ve created which are sent throughout the year.“

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“This is my wedding packaging. My photography style is light, elegant, and natural, so I tried to incorporate that into my packaging. I searched and searched for a long time for exactly what I had pictured in my mind. Many of the items, I simply made myself.“

Vendors used:
• Light blue wedding DVD case – Loktah
• DVD case for the engagements and bridals – Northwest
   Professional Color Lab (The inside of these are not fully
   pictured, but they include a dvd holder on their tri-fold and
   bi-fold cards, which I customize with images for the bride
   and groom. Love these!)
• Cream box – I couldn’t find the exact size and natural feel
   that I was looking for, so I made them myself with thick
   cardstock from Hobby Lobby.
• Little flowers, ribbon, and Kraft bag – Hobby Lobby
• Tissue paper – Target
• Supplies for handwritten thank you card – Wal Mart
• Cloth – local quilting and fabric stores
• Logo – printed on cream colored cardstock

We have been nothing short of blown away by the 2011 entries! So much inspiration (and so many ideas to file back for our own packaging)!

Thanks to each and every contestant who took the time to share their photos, their tips, and their vendors with the rest of the class. Thanks to each of our sponsors and prize donors for their promotion and gifts for the winners. And thanks in advance to each of our Paperie readers for voting and selecting the winners later this week.

Watch this space for details. As soon as the judging panel (linked above) selects the finalists, the voting will commence right here on Paperie and run through 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 8th.

Happy New Year!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. If you just didn’t get enough “pretty“, make sure you check out our packaging contest entries from last year!

home stretch

There are just a few hours left in the HUGE Fit to Print “Buy the Store” sale on Paperie – just $5 (yep, five bucks) gets you EVERYTHING Fit to Print sells – plus other templates exclusive only to Paperie.

The only place to get this deal is right here on Paperie Boutique. Just look for the “Buy Now” button in this post to get the $5 deal!

This great bargain ends late tonight – Friday, December 30th, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. EST – after midnight the deal turns into a pumpkin and won’t be seen until December 26th, 2012! So grab it NOW while you can and get a jump on the New Year with your business!

Just over 24 hours left for submissions to the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

The prize package for our 1st place winner is now worth OVER $2000 – and we have well OVER $4500 in prizes donated total!

This year judges will select the top half-dozen from the submitted entries, and then next week (January 3rd – 8th, 2012) winners will be selected from the remaining finalists by public vote. This year’s judges include:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography

Entry #24 is from Little Bubbles Photography – love the embossing!

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“I have been working on the perfect packaging for awhile and finally decided I wanted to keep things as local as possible. My packaging includes Kraft paper boxes and bags, turquoise & white ribbon and custom button. I also incorporate my custom rubber stamps and embossed them on my packaging.

I decided to create a small spinoff when it came to my holiday packaging but also wanted something simple that everyone could enjoy. So I added 2 simple white snowflake ornaments & silver tissue paper. Nothing better then snow for the holiday!“

Vendors used:
• Embossing by Tatiana Fowler – Martha Stewart heat tool & powder
• Ribbons & button – Michael’s Craft Store
• Frame – Jasper Lilly
• Thank you cards- WHCC
• Custom logo stamp – My Rubber Stamp
• Kraft bags – Michael’s Craft Store
• Tissue paper – Target
• Snowflakes – Target
• Boxes & Bella Terrra Ribbon – HB Photo Packaging
• Stickers / tags – WHCC

Entry #25 is from M.A. Photography. Such a pretty, yet bold, statement!

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version





Entry #26 is from Lindsey Clare Photography – not a single detail missed!

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

Vendors used:
• Kraft folder – HB Photo Packaging
• Bella Terra Ribbon – HB Photo Packaging
• Kraft bags – Hobby Lobby
• Raffia and blue ribbon – Hobby Lobby
• Water bottle label – OnlineLabels.com
• Stickers, thank you card, and REP cards – WHCC
• Tin CD/DVD case – American Digital
• Tin wallet case – McKenna Pro
• DVD – MPixPro

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this Paperie post will walk you through it!




Have a wonderful New Year’s weekend everyone!

Check back soon for our final Wrap Battle entries…
-Robyn & Todd

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