fun. fresh. different.

We’re excited to present one of our favorite features on the site – photography packaging photos & descriptions by Erica Clark Photography!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a love affair with all things stationary. Even as a teenager, I was always looking for the most unique and personalized gift packaging. I would wrap CDs in sheet music and unravel and scrunch up the inside of cassette tapes for the bow. Now, I totally allow my photography business to feed my love for boutique packaging.

I specialize in family photography and weddings. So, I decided to include my packaging for family clients as well as my wedding welcome packets which I send to brides who book with me. (Vendor information provided after photos.)

All teal colored boxes were purchased at H-B Photo. I ALWAYS buy my boxes from there. The quality is great, the prices are good, and the shipping is lightning fast.

The brown paper bags shown in the first image were purchased at my local dollar store where they are 2 for a $1. The little white bags are bought at a variety of places. Basically, wherever I see a good sale.

I bought the tiny brown paper sacks from a vendor on Etsy, I tuck a business card inside and clip it with a miniature clothespin I found for $2.00 a box on clearance at Walmart. I think about 20 came in a box. Needless to say, I bout about 10 boxes.

The twine, I bought it from our local farm store when they were marked down and out in a clearance bin.

All ribbon/lace was purchased at our local Hobby Lobby. They frequently have 50% ribbon/bows sales. When they do, I stock up…big time.

The burlap, which is cut into strips, was also purchased at Hobby Lobby. I’m an economical girl because the way I see it, if I save money, so do my clients. So when I bought the burlap, I bought TONS of it because I printed off a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby’s website.

The red and white baker’s twine was purchased at JoAnn’s Fabric. The tissue paper was purchased at Target. The little back chalkboard ‘thank you’ tag is actually just black card stock with a hole punched in it. I bought a chalkboard pen online (eBay, I think) and I hand write ‘thank you’ on the card stock. I trim the edges so it looks like a little ticket. The white button is just from my stock pile of random buttons. The clear plastic bags are from Rice Studio.

My business cards and mini cards are from Moo…of course. One of my favorite things about Moo, besides the ultra high quality, is their infinity print. If I buy 100 cards, I can have 100 different images on the backs. That’s pretty awesome in my book. As a photographer, it’s like having a mini-portfolio in my wallet. I always hand out cards with images on the back that might correspond to the type of photography a potential client may want. Some of my stickers come from Moo as well. The business cards and mini cards serve as hang tags as well.

The stickers I use to seal the tissue paper are from WHCC. The 5×5 press printed square is also from WHCC and I use the other side to hand write a thank you note.

The petal enclosure is what I use for discs of digital files and the 5×5 card fits right on top of it. I buy those from The Paper Source. I seal the enclosure with one of the Moo stickers.

The 3×3 accordions are from WHCC and are sometimes one of the little gifts I give my clients.

The following is what goes into my bridal packets, along with a few business cards from local hair/make-up, DJ, & cake vendors.

All of the press printed products are purchased from WHCC. ALL of the images used were taken by me, but the templates were purchased from Design Aglow. I LOVE Design Aglow! LOVE!

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Included in my bridal packets are:

A little accordion pocket planner. That way, as they complete each step of the planning process, brides can check it off in their planner. It’s the perfect size for their purse.

The 5×5 trifold includes info regarding save-the-dates, first looks, formals, and even a little note just for grooms.

Also included is a 4×5 accordion card all about make-up and ways for brides to look their best.

Finally, a 5×7 press printed card that talks about engagement sessions. On the reverse side is ‘what-to-wear’ advice.

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The last thing I include is an Erica Clark Photography tote bag wrapped with the baker’s twine. The 3×3 hang tag is from WHCC and the totes are from The Wedding Chicks.

When my clients receive their prints or when my brides receive their welcome packets, I want them to feel like they are receiving a special little gift that was meant just for them.

I always say that hiring a custom photographer should be a luxurious experience and I want my packaging to represent just that.

A side note on budgeting, I always wait for sales. Always. Hobby Lobby always has sales/printable coupons on their website, Design Aglow offers a discount when the item is just released, WHCC has press printed cards sales every spring and winter, Target and JoAnn’s have clearance items, Moo offers free shipping sometimes, and so on.

When I decided on my branding colors, I thought about holidays. Yes, holidays. There are 2 major holidays that use red as the main color: Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The week following those two holidays are when I clean up!

My point is, luxury doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag. Just be smart about what, where, and when you buy.

A very special thanks to Robyn for allowing me to share my packaging addiction. I’m grateful to have Paperie Boutique as a source for inspiration.

And a huge thanks to Erica Clark Photography for taking the time to share her packaging photos / resources / hints & tips! If you just can’t get enough of Erica’s packaging and presentation, make sure to visit this blog post and tell her thanks for sharing with the class!




Excited to announce the winner of the 3-month subscription to Chic Critique Forum is Tara Nichols!

And the winner of our Poppy Tree Frames giveaway is…Olivia Price Photography!

Thanks to everyone who entered both contests, and to Poppy Tree Frames for the fun prize! I’ll be in touch with the winners by Monday!




If you’re interested in having your own business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured please contact Robyn (e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment).

Check in all week – great things are scheduled!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. The Savvy Photographer is running a photo contest through May 15th, 2012. Categories include Baby, Child, Family, Seniors , Wedding, and Pets. The prizes are amazing, so visit the site to check them out – and enter!

wax on. wax off.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the new Moo Luxe Business Cards.

“Printed on Mohawk Superfine paper (loved by designers and illustrators), Luxe Business Cards are the cashmere sweater of Business Cards – they look as good as they feel.”

• 600gsm / 32pt paper – that’s three times as thick as the
   average Business Card
• an eye-catching seam of color running through every
   card (choose from black, white, red or blue) – it’s a real
   conversation starter
• a carefully curated gallery of custom MOO Designs

Moo Quadplex technology compresses four layers of Mohawk Superfine paper together, including your choice of color in the center, creating an eye catching streak running through the fabric of every card. As a talking point, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s pretty remarkable!”

As a self-confessed paper-a-holic and packaging geek, I love everything about this new business card line. The boxes are texture-wrapped and topped off with a beautiful purple ribbon and “wax seal” – and upon opening you realize the box has a special magnetic-closure mechanism. In the first image I have stacked 20 Moo “Luxe” business cards on the right next to 20 “rounded corner” business cards printed on Moo’s premium stock – you can definitely see a difference in thickness! (Click both images shown for a larger pop-up version.)

Prices for the Luxe line start at $34.99 for 50 cards. Visit Moo’s site for more!




From @overheardatmoo: Hot off the press – We’re giving free cheapest option shipping this weekend. Use the code SHIPFREE before Sunday midnight (03.25.12)!




Check back soon for more great features and giveaways!
-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.

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

just one Abe Lincoln

It’s an after Christmas sale that everyone can afford! From today through Friday, December 30th, 2011 (11:59 p.m. EST) the ENTIRE Fit to Print store is on sale for just $5 – including templates available exclusively here at Paperie Boutique!

BONUS: The $5 special also includes FIVE never-released before storyboard template designs. Quotes cannot be changed (but layer can be hidden / replaced). The background layer color can be changed for each design. Three designs are 20×10″ full-storyboard designs, one is a 10×5″ mini-storyboard design, and one storyboard design makes a perfect “grandparent gift” to tuck in orders at 5×3.5″.

The five storyboard templates alone are a great bargain at $5 – but you also get ALL the contents of the Fit to Print store and the following Paperie bonus items:

- PLUS – You’ll receive the contents of the ENTIRE Fit to Print store with your $5 purchase! The “Buy the Store” kit alone is $65.00!

All orders are processed during U.S. Eastern time between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. Each “buy the store” kit will be e-mailed to you (with download links) within 6-8 hours of ordering (usually MUCH sooner during normal business hours). If you have any questions, e-mail contact information is located here.

Technical support is limited to download issues and design files from “Fit to Print” only. I do not provide support for other vendors, products I do not sell, and resources linked in the “achieve this look” section of each download. Other vendors will need to be contacted directly to support their own products and / or answer any questions you may have before you make a purchase from them. Thank you for your understanding!

YOU CAN ONLY BUY IT FOR $5 ↓ HERE ↓ ON PAPERIE!

Sorry – the $5 deal has expired! But you can still get it all for $65 at Fit to Print!




Ready for more entries 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.)

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




Entry #19 is from Aric Becker Photography – love those ornaments!

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

“This a picture of our normal picture packaging. Clients really enjoy unwrapping every day of the year!“

“This is the how we packaged the pewter ornaments that we bought from Kimbra Studios for our wedding clients for their first Christmas together. The boxes are from HB Photo Packaging, stamped with our logo and wrapped with wraphia from Michael’s Arts and Crafts.“

More entries are still in my inbox waiting to be processed so check back soon!

We’ll be accepting entries for the remainder of 2011 – the cut-off date / time to enter the “2011 Wrap Battle” is Saturday, December 31st, 2011 (11:59 p.m. EST).

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

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday week!
-Robyn & Todd

who ordered the Sushi?

This post is jam-packed full of giveaways and goodies to kick off your weekend on a good note! First up, one of our favorite vendors – BrandSushi – is back with an amazing birthday bash guest post / giveaway for Paperie readers!

The BrandSushi Grand Prize is a logo design ($650 value). And two runners-up will each receive a $75 gift certificate. BrandSushi is also running a promo code for 25% off with the code BIRTHDAYBASH throughout the entire month of November!

So how do you win one of these amazing prizes? It’s easy!

1. Tweet the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win logo design ($650 value) + gift certificates for BrandSushi.com / @brandsushi birthday at @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

2. Post the following to Facebook (and tell us where you did it):
Happy birthday BrandSushi! Win a logo design ($650 value) and gift certificates from BrandSushi.com over at PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

3. Like brandsushi on Facebook: facebook.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already “like” them)

4. Follow @brandsushi on Twitter: twitter.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already follow them)

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 that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked BrandSushi on Facebook and/or Twitter – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 8th. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments 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!

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 to everyone who enters, and thanks to BrandSushi for such incredible prizes for this giveaway! Happy birthday! And many more…




In case you haven’t heard, MOO.com is having a big sticker sale this weekend – stickers are 15% off through November 6th!

Don’t forget we have several FREE Moo holiday sticker templates available for download here at Paperie!

My new column in the November 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine has several “client gift ideas” suggested by your favorite photographers.

Here’s another – right now Groupon is having a sale on Snaptotes custom photo tote / diaper bags and clutches. The bags are normally $105 and $65, and the Groupon special (which includes shipping costs) has them for just $39 and $27 respectively.

It’s a great chance to put your logo on photos they’re sure to carry with them everywhere! As of 10 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 4th there were still 15 more hours left to take advantage of this deal.




We have a couple of contest winners to announce! The winner of the “Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides” is…Jessica Hilborn Photography!

And the winner of the Rice Studio Supply “12×12 album box stuffed with ECO CHIC goodies” is…Brianne Osborn Photography & Design!

Huge thanks to Photographer’s Wall Display Guides and Rice Studio Supply for the fantastic giveaways, thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to our winners. I’ll be in touch with both of you this weekend with information on how to claim your prizes!




Whew! That was a lot for one entry!

Have a great weekend and good luck in the BrandSushi giveaway above!
-Robyn & Todd

gallery opening

Today we welcome Design Aglow back for another guest / vendor post – they have a new product with special introductory pricing!

Ever wish you had an interior designer waiting in the wings? Straight from the Design Aglow team comes the answer: couture style, professionally designed wall displays, complete with hand drawn and painted furniture, frames, mats and accessories.

Now you can share these 25 stunning room ideas as representations of wall groupings your studio offers as an added studio design service. Not only can your client collect fine art, you have the power of a full-service design consultant right in your studio at your fingertips! This luscious set includes a cover, along with a customizable price list, welcome page, studio policies, colors and logo; and because our actions are bundled, you can simply place client’s images into the templates, saving you precious time, while making presentations more personal.

With this stunning collection you can put Design Aglow’s attention to detail to work for you.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
   •  25 gorgeous, professionally designed wall displays complete with
      hand-drawn and painted furniture, frames, mats, and accessories
   •  Each template is in fully layered Photoshop PSD format for unlimited
      customization including color changes
   •  Includes a cover, price list, and welcome page that are able to be
      customized with studio policies, prices, colors, and logo
   •  Bundled action will automatically place client’s images into the
      templates, saving time and making presentations more personal
   •  Each collection has been given a lovely, stylish name for easy reference
   •  Includes 12 page tutorial to learn how to use the guide, plus info on how
      to post it online and make mini copies

BONUS:
   •  InDesign version of the 8.5×11 galleries for easy drag-and-drop workflow
   •  4×5.5, 8 panel pocket mini inspire guide to plant the seed of investing
      in wall galleries; give to clients at the end of your session/event

Click here to see this incredible “Inspire Guide” collection at Design Aglow with introductory pricing!




And we are currently running a fall special with advertising rates up to half-off (or more) — and we’d love to have YOU join us!

Swoone is a specialty design boutique created to meet the specific needs of the small business photographer. We create products to help photogs reach their business goals and to bring out the most in their work. We have two primary product categories; branding and marketing packages to help photographers develop brand presence and a variety of templates to highlight their work.

One of our long-time, best-selling product lines is our Seriously Simple collection. The clean, sharp design of this line translates well into albums, proof boxes, and wall displays. With so many combinations and varieties, there are an infinite number of ways to mix and match these templates.

We are also proud of our holiday card collections. One of our newest, Adornaments, is inspired by our favorite holiday shapes. It’s perfect card template set for the coming holidays. In fact, we think these templates look so incredibly cute/awesome/fantastic, that we know they’ll be perfect for any space – from the mantle to the dining room table to the family tree, these sets are worthy of a place front and center this holiday season.

Head over to our Facebook page for a complimentary Halloween Photocard template. Get ready to Swoone!

Congrats to Kelly Ann and thanks to *emera for a truly incredible prize!

If you didn’t win, never fear – check in early next week to find out how you can win another *emera bag!




I have a “pretty packaging” board on Pinterest if you haven’t seen it ’til now.

Today I added a new photo with Organic Bloom frames that Buttons & Bows has given clients recently.

One of my favorite boards is “Cool branding and packaging“ by Phreckles Photography. What’s yours?

Leave a link to your favorite pinner or Pinterest board in the comments – one Paperie reader who does will win this cute camera magnet set:

Last but not least, we have another giveaway right now from Anima Dolce Design Boutique.

Go enter to win while you can!

Have a great weekend -
-Robyn & Todd

O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!

The digital edition of the October 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

For this month’s article I reviewed wedding and engagement photography-related items by Design Aglow, Moo, H&H Color Lab, Simply Color Lab, Rentglass, White House Custom Color, ACI, Sassy Designs / Miller’s Professional Imaging, and Smilebooth.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 50, page 52, and page 54 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




It’s no big secret that we both bleed Crimson and Cream, so we created a bit of fun with the Red River Rivalry as the theme…

Shown above are the Jill-e Classic Collection Medium Bone & Red Leather Camera Bag and the Kelly Moore Libby Bag in Orange.

By the way, in the battle on the field, OU was victorious 55-17. Just in case you missed it..




We are currently running a fall special with ad rates up to half-off (or more) — and we’d love to have YOU join us!

Check the right sidebars and you’ll see a new set of ads from one of our favorite advertisers Loktah! Loktah believes eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be ugly – it can actually be a stunning work of art!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with our readers! The Paperie new advertisers sale ends October 15th.




This weekend there’s a special Paperie giveaway on the Chic Critique Forum!

“The Chic Critique Forum is focused on providing candid critique for photographers. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer, Chic Critique Forum is the place to be when you are ready to step it up.” Go here to start your FREE 30-day membership trial!




Don’t forget we have a giveaway going right now for two Swanky Stitch prize packs – contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT Sunday night.

“The eyes of Texas have been blackened“. -OU/tx 2000 Broadcast
Boomer Sooner!
Robyn & Todd

eye candy

Today’s guest post is simply a visual delight. Grab a cuppa’something and enjoy the studio open house / ribbon-cutting photos by Jennifer Lee Photographee!

All the fun of cotton candy, and none of the calories! Huge thanks to Jennifer Lee Photographee (and CONGRATS on an amazing studio) – make sure you stop by her blog for all the details (and to say thanks for sharing with the class)!




We’d like to extend a big welcome one of our newest advertisers and sponsors…Black River Imaging!

Black River Imaging, or BRI, as our fans like to say, has been serving today’s photographer with beautiful photo gifts for over 40 years. New photographers choose us for their signature gifts and branding: from ornaments to pearl-paper business and thank you cards. Seasoned pros love our split-image gallery wraps and shaped metal prints to drive their home décor sales.

We have extended service hours Mon-Fri until 10pm Central via phone, email and chat. And shipping is always free on orders over $10!

We certainly love what we do but don’t just take our word for it: check us out on Facebook, our blog or Twitter and see what our happy customers have to say. Sign up for our email newsletter to receive specials savings announcements.

And as a special gift to our Paperie Boutique readers, receive 25% off your next order with Black River Imaging. In our ordering software, enter the promotional code: PBBRI. (Promo code is one-time use only per account).

Bring your creativity to Life with Black River Imaging!

Coming up soon we’ll be featuring our other new advertisers ONA Bags, Paisley Pear, and jessicafeely.com, so don’t miss it!

And don’t miss this chance to connect with our readers! Offer ends October 15th.

Until next time…
-Robyn & Todd

hurry Christmas – hurry fast!

As promised yesterday (TWO posts here and here if you missed them), we’re kicking things into holiday-gear here at Paperie over the next few weeks. Today’s FREE downloads will help you do the same!

I recently tweaked a free holiday / Christmas card template from last year for the new ProDPI Mod Card line.

This design is for a flat 5×7 “Mod” holiday card (front and back for “Roundedcorners01″) for print at ProDPI. (The ProDPI Mod Card flat 5×7 “Roundedcorners01″ crop / bleed guide is included as a hidden layer — in addition to the regular ProDPI flat 5×7 crop / bleed guide, also included as a hidden layer.)

The files are .psd files (front, back) and the layers can be hidden. However, the text and colors were not designed to be altered.

If you choose to have these printed at another lab, please check the design in that lab’s template guidelines first!

→ download link – front ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link – back ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2011. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.




And just in case you missed the original 5×7 flat card posted last year…

This was designed as a flat 5×7 holiday card (front and back) for print at ProDPI. (The ProDPI crop / bleed layer is included as a hidden layer.)

The files are .psd files (front, back) and the layers can be hidden. However, the text and colors were not designed to be altered.

If you choose to have these printed at another lab, please check the design in that lab’s template guidelines first!

→ download link – front ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link – back ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2010. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.




While we’re on a trip down memory lane, don’t forget that Moo is having a 25% off sale on EVERYTHING and the sale ends today. (No codes needed – prices already marked down on the Moo website.)

@overheardatmoo recently Tweeted: Stickers, Business Cards, MiniCards, Postcards and Greeting Cards – 25% off until Sunday (in case you didn’t hear) at http://www.moo.com.

This is a great time to use all of these FREE Paperie holiday sticker and mini-card templates to be ahead of the game for your holiday packaging!

→ download link ←  ¤  “elf-inspected” sticker (right-click, save-as)
→ download link ←  ¤  “(HO)³” sticker (right-click, save-as)
    Both stickers above are flat .png files sized for print at Moo.com.

Please note this sticker .psd file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file to alter it — I do not provide technical support for this download. The background color may be changed. The text layer can be hidden and replaced.

The stickers above match these Moo mini card template FREE downloads. They are designed to be used as a bag-tag or gift tags. Just punch a hole in one end and run thin ribbon through the hole. Instant cute!

→ download link (HO)³ ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and is a .pdf — Moo will print .pdf files — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link candy cane ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

The fonts used are Annabelle and Myriad Pro. You can change the background color but I don’t recommend it, as the candy cane graphic won’t appear properly.

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2010. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

Don’t miss our current contest/ giveaway from Crowned Embellishments!



One lucky Paperie reader will win the the crown of their choice!

Ad rates are now up to 50% off (and more!)…get it while the gettin’s good!

Paperie is featured today at the “See the Light!” International Portrait Competition by Jessica Price. We’ve donated a a “Buy the Entire Fit to Print Store” package. Check it out!

Drop by again soon – more goodies on the way!
-Robyn and Todd

sign on the dotted line

Recently I shared my purchase of the Design Aglow “Essential Birth Announcement Worksheet“. Even if you’re not a newborn photographer, if you sell press-printed cards, this post is for you!

Since that original post I have added to my purchase with birth announcement quotes and religious phrases I have collected, and the press-card print release form I have created, during my five-plus years of being a newborn photographer. (Read to the end to find out how to win!) This makes a stunning presentation to your clients, and also makes their ordering much easier, sparing you both countless time spent back-and-forth during the design process.

I have designed the following as a supplement to the Design Aglow “Essential Birth Announcement Worksheet” (although it can certainly be purchased / used stand-alone with much more limited function). The Design Aglow “Essential Birth Announcement Worksheet” includes one full page of birth announcement quotes and phrases for boys, girls, twins / multiples, sibling-welcomes, religious-themed cards, adoptions, and all-purpose introductions.

My new four-page supplement includes three pages of additional quotes and phrases – plus religious quotes / scriptures – for baby boys, baby girls, and seasonal / holiday-themed birth announcements (Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s, Fourth of July, fall / autumn, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). And a one-page release for your clients (see below) saving you from expensive reprint costs due to their errors, omissions, or typos on press-printed cards.

Included in this supplemental packet:

1. Press-printed card print release for clients (applicable to
    announcements, invitations, seniors, etc.)

2. Boy-themed birth announcement quotes and phrases
    (including religious and scriptures)

3. Girl-themed birth announcement quotes and phrases
    (including religious and scriptures)

4. Holiday and seasonal quotes, phrases, and scriptures for
    birth announcements

In addition to that, I have included my “Press Printed Card Release” (wording included). This is a form I make all of my clients read and sign off on before their cards and announcements go to print. It eliminates reprints at my expense for their misspellings, typos, and failure to include information. Once this form is signed off on, the customer is liable for the cards or announcements as they approved them (unless the error is a print lab defect or I failed to order the cards as they were approved, for instance if I accidentally submitted the lo-res version for print).

If you’ve ever been burned with the reprint of an expensive card order – this form is for you! And if you haven’t, you need this now before it happens!

This form wording will work for birth announcements and / or any kind of press-printed card you sell (Christmas / holiday card, birthday invitation, wedding announcement, graduation announcement, etc.)

I use the “Press Printed Card Release” text in an online web form that my customers sign off on digitally. You can print and use the text as presented if you do ordering in person, or convert it for online or e-mail use.

These forms are bare-bones to work within the template by Design Aglow (which I highly recommend purchasing). The one .psd file is divided into four folders of text. The only graphic included is a division line. There are no additional graphics or design-elements. Just the text, ma’am! If you choose to use them as a stand-alone product rather than a supplement, space has been left at the top to add your logo / letterhead to each of the pages. See below for excerpts from the different pages.

My holiday / seasonal wording quote sheet helped a customer create this design:

Purchase this now at a special rate before it’s available on Fit to Print:

Purchase this four-page kit:

Special Paperie Price $15.00

This is a layered .psd file design created in Adobe Photoshop CS2 and should work in Elements, but I cannot provide technical support for Elements purchases. The background color can be changed from white with just one click. Purchases will be e-mailed the download link during “normal waking hours” (U.S. Eastern Daylight Time). Please ask any questions before you buy! You are responsible for checking these files for spelling and formatting before presenting to your clients.




And just because we care, three lucky Paperie readers can have a chance to win the card / announcement four-page supplement. If you buy it and win it, we will refund your purchase!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):

Win birth announcement / holiday / religious card wording & press card release @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com http://is.gd/KPTM5W

2. Friend / Like / Follow Paperie Boutique on Facebook and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

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

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked us on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, September 10th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have met each of the requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three times total – one entry each for each 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!

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!
-Robyn and Todd

it’s by design

Today we have a guest / vendor post by Leslie Vega Design (with a very special discount for Paperie readers), and I share my latest column in Professional Photographer Magazine.

Leslie Vega Design is a brand design studio offering inspiring brand designs for photographers, wedding professionals, and other creative businesses. From your logo to your web image, we keep you and your business personality in mind every step of the way. Whether you’re classic, chic, modern or go ga ga over all things vintage, we help you put together the perfect brand that reflects your business.

We offer logo design, stationery, web graphics, packaging and any other creative piece to complete your look.

We would love to have you visit our Facebook page, check out our website and jump on over to our Twitter page to keep up with the daily fun at the Leslie Vega studio.

Through September 15th, Paperie readers will receive a $100 discount on the design project of your choice! Whether you need your logo designed, or any other part of your brand!

All you need to do is join us on Twitter and follow us, and visit our Facebook Page! Like our page and comment to let us know Paperie brought you to us and your $100 discount is yours!




The digital edition of the September 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine is now online for digital subscribers.

For this month’s article I reviewed albums and books by Loktah, DigiLabs, AsukaBook, KISS Books, Dream Album, Collages.net, Miller’s Professional Imaging, WHCC, Cypress Albums, GraphiStudio, Bay Photo Lab, H&H Color Lab, Finao, and Pinhole Pro.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 54, page 56, page 58, page 60, and page 62 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

you’ve been carded

Did you know there’s only 132 days left ’til Christmas? Design Aglow is to the rescue with a special offer in this new vendor / guest post!

Design Aglow presents a revolutionary way for your photography studio to sell holiday cards. With a mix & match studio sales system to enable you to work smarter, not harder, save time, increase sales, and streamline your holiday workflow, this product is more than just holiday card templates. It’s like having a stationery shop in your studio and comes complete with everything you will need to launch your holiday card line within minutes of download.

INCLUDES:
• A 10-page holiday card sales catalog. This catalog is a turnkey, professionally designed way to present your holiday card offerings to clients. The catalog easily walks clients through every step involved in designing the holiday card of their dreams. It includes a built-in order form on the last page on which your clients will note their design choices, keeping their information impeccably organized, and saving you lots of valuable time.

But, by far, the most unique feature of the catalog is that it includes professionally, studio-shot stock photos of finished holiday cards. This means you won’t have to worry about taking the time to photograph your holiday cards for the catalog – this step is already done for you. All that is required is that you add your studio logo, update the policies to reflect your own, and add your pricing on the last page.

• Three beautifully designed card modules (a cover, an inside design that includes 12 different greetings, and a back), consisting of six different designs each. These are in unflattened Photoshop PSD format and will allow you to design your clients’ cards with just the click of a mouse, all in under 15 minutes per card. Simply mix and match the front, inside and back (which are completely interchangeable) for virtually limitless combinations.

• A comprehensive 10 page tutorial that will easily explain everything you need to know about launching your holiday card line. It also includes ideas for presentation, selling, and publishing your catalog online.

I am completely in love with this – talk about impressive to clients and a time-saver all in one! If you sell birth announcements, you must check this out!




We have two winners to announce in our See Jane Work giveaway…and they are…Jamie Delight Photography and Jessica Hester Photography.

Congratulations to both winners and thanks again to all of our vendors and readers that made our birthday celebration such an amazing success!

-Robyn and Todd