weekend wrap-up

Today’s post is a giveaway within a contest! We are joined by vendor “Senior Portraits 101” for a guest post and your chance to win their “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“!

First though, we have several new entries in our 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.)




First up is Entry #4 by Nicole Haley Photography – Audrey would be proud! Boxes are from HB Photo Packaging.

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

“This is my every day packaging dressed up a bit for the holidays! It is very important to me the everything is either made from recyclable material or re-usable. All of the printed marketing pieces are printed through WHCC on their Art Recycled Card Stock. Under the birdie gift wrap is a CD case from ReBinder, made of recycled cardboard. The bag and ornament are reusable which is great! I dressed up the accordion albums with a simple bow.“

There are still several entries in my inbox left to post, and I’m sure more will be coming in soon as everyone finishes their holiday orders – so keep checking in!

For information on how to enter, check out the instructions here.

Did someone say giveaway? They sure did – welcome “Senior Portraits 101“!

This guide is for those photographers who want to jump into the senior portraits business. It also is great for photographers who would like to revamp their current senior business right now.

It is filled with information that can give you the push you need for your senior program to do well. Not only is it an overall senior start up program, but it also shows how to start up your rep program.

If you are a visual person, then you will love the workflow and editing video included. If you are serious about your senior portraits business, take a look at the Senior Portrait 101 Guide and how it can help you!

What is included in the Senior Portraits 101 Guide -
A Comprehensive Digital Guide that dishes out every last strategy and detail:
• Senior Portraits & Marketing
• Pricing Guide
• My Current Pricing & Other Examples
• Promotion Ideas
• A Typical Client Meeting
• Clothing Guide
• Styling Your Senior
• Posing + Tips
• FAQ for Clients
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• After The Session
• Quick Session Tips
• Starting A Senior Rep Program
• Senior Rep Benefits + Information
• Senior Rep Meeting
• Marketing Tips for your Rep
• Resources, Sponsors, and Discounts

A Digital Folder Containing Customizable Forms & Contracts:
• Senior Portrait Contract
• What to Wear
• Senior Rep Program Welcome Packet + Follow up Forms
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• FAQ for Clients
• Invoice Template
• Senior Rep Referral Tracking Chart
• Client Gallery Email Template

65 Minute HD Video Covering My Workflow + Editing:
• Uploading & Sorting
• Preparing Images for Client Gallery
• Basic Edits in ACR
• Client Gallery + Email
• Editing in Photoshop
• Saving for Print & Web
• Blogging
*All done in real time so you can see exactly what my process is.

Getting You Started Marketing Templates:
• 5×5 Marketing Trifold
• 5×5 Thank you Card with Print Release On Back
• Model Release Contract
• Single CD Case
• Senior Rep Card
• 10×20 Storyboard

Now you can be prepared, be inspired, and be creative with everything you need in this Senior Portraits 101 Guide.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Templates are fully layered Photoshop PSD files for unlimited customization
   and ready to print at WHCC.
• The Contracts & Forms are MS Word Format so that you can more easily
   change text and layouts.
• Templates are compatible with Photoshop CS3 and newer.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“. (Please do not enter if you live within 3 hours of Sacramento, CA. More on Paperie giveaway official rules here.)

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know where you’re from! That’s it – no, really!

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

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.

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

Comment with where you’re from – or that you’ve liked Senior Portraits 101 on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 21st. You can enter up to TWO 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 two 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 TWO 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 so much to Senior Portraits 101 for the great prize!

And “Senior Portraits 101” is also offering this $45 discount code to Paperie readers!

More packaging photos posted soon – where’s yours?
Happy weekend –
-Robyn & Todd

gotta get down on Friday

Quick update today because I’m in the middle of designing Christmas cards for a client…but had to share two new entries 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 here.) Check back soon because we’ll be posting more as time allows!

And if you missed our previous post, we now have well over $4500 in prizes donated for the Wrap Battle – the prizes for 1st place total more than $2K!




I love it when I see packaging entries that make me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Here’s Entry #2 by Shalonda Chaddock of Chubby Cheek Photography – the client-gift idea is brilliant, that snowflake through the ribbon is to die for, and it’s a gorgeous use of the popular Chevron pattern!

“The best part of this years packaging and of the ‘all wrapped up sessions’ this year was the gift inside the gable box…it was a hand-carved, personalized address stamp for each family.”

Vendors used:
• Small gable boxes: garnish
• White 8×10 and 5×7 boxes: NPD Box Company
• Stickers: designed by yours truly, printed at WHCC
• Snowflakes: Target (left over from last years Polar Express party)
• Ribbons: Container Store

Thanks so much for your entry, Megan!




Lena Hyde of Design Aglow fame has just launched a new project called Muses & Visionaries – the communal art space is located in West Palm Beach, FL:

“Muses & Visionaries aspires to create an enlightened environment where dynamic and creative women can come together to draw inspiration for their work and lives.

We offer a unique space intended to nurture fresh ideas, foster connections, and act as a catalyst for both independent and collaborative work.

Muses & Visionaries will cultivate a supportive milieu for women to move forward as thinkers, artists, innovators, trend-setters, and entrepreneurs.

Muses & Visionaries envisions a chic modern day salon where women can retreat to find what they need in that moment, whether it is relaxing sanctuary, stimulating discussion or inspired work.”

Visit the Muses & Visionaries website for more details!

Happy almost-weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

bring it.

Excited to announce new vendors participating with prizes and giveaways for contestants 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 here.)

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

First place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $200 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $100 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $150 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $150 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $300 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $250 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate (10′ backdrop price)
• 8×8 Press Printed Album with Boutique Bag from WHCC*
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($85 value)
• Senior Portraits 101 Guide from seniorportraits101.com ($250 value)
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)
• Set of letterpress cards from Miller’s Professional Imaging

Second place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $250 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $100 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $75 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $100 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $100 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $150 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $125 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Boutique Stickers from WHCC*
• The Joy Bag camera bag
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Third place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $50 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $50 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $50 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $50 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $75 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $50 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Press Printed Cards from WHCC*
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Fan Favorite winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 Kraft and Jute store credit
• Epiphanie camera bag
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($50 value)

Most Original winner will receive the following prizes:
• $200 Photographer Cafe gift certificate
• Boudoir Business Boutique** choice of Boudoir Lighting Guide
   -or- Boudoir Posing Guide (up to $195 value)
• 8×10 Organic Bloom frame (style and color winner’s choice)

Each runner-up winner will receive the following prizes:
• $25 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $25 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate

In addition to the above prizes, winners and runners-up (including “fan favorite” and “most original“) will receive prizes from the vendors listed below:

Epiphanie, Nations Photo Lab, Boudoir Business Boutique**, The Organic Bloom, Sassy Designs Inc., Sarah Petty’s The Joy of Marketing, Nichole Van’s Flourish, Photographer Cafe, Rice Studio Supply, Senior Portraits 101, WHCC*, Kraft and Jute, The Joy Bag, Rock the Walls, and Miller’s Professional Imaging

*1. WHCC Press Printed Album includes 10 spreads printed on your
     choice of paper type finished with a Custom Photo Cover or our new
     Combo Cover! Present this WHCC Album in Boutique Bag in your
     choice of fabric! Boutique Bags are a great way to package any
     WHCC Albumor Book that makes a lasting impression.
*2. WHCC Boutique Stickers are a great way to place your logo and
     add that finishing touch to any client package. Stickers come in a
     set of 25 in your choice of boutique shape and size.
*3. WHCC Press Printed Cards come in a set of 25 in your choice of
     paper type and size. Use to increase awareness by creating price
     lists that your clients can keep, gift certificates, thank you cards
     to send after sessions, and mailers to promote session specials.

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount at Boudoir Business Boutique with coupon code: PB30

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount to life art design shoppe thru 12/31 with coupon code: paperie

Here are entries from last year’s contest for inspiration!

“This is my 2011 Holiday Mini Session packaging. I thought it was important this year to do something festive to get my client’s in the Christmas spirit as they received their Christmas cards and prints in the mail. Because everyone wants to feel like they are getting a present in the mail! It is a spinoff of my everyday packaging.

With each mini session the client received a CD with three digital files, three 8×10 prints and 50 custom Christmas cards. I also like to put a little special client gift in with each of my packages, so this year each client received a 3×3 ornament frame from The Organic Bloom with a photo from their session.”

Vendors used:
• 8×10 photo boxes: HB Photo Packaging
• Kraft bags and wraphia: Michael’s
• Candy Christmas ornaments: Hobby Lobby
• Tissue paper: Paper Source
• 3×3 ornament frames: The Organic Bloom
• Custom logo sticker: 10 Candles Party Shop

Absolutely gorgeous Emily! Thank you so much for entering and for setting the bar at the very top notch!

If you would like to enter, details can be found here. You have to enter to win!




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

For this month’s article I got play – ummm, I mean, review camera bags by Epiphanie, Jo Totes, *emera, Jill-e, ONA Bags, and Kelly Moore Bags.

This month’s column even has an online-supplement feature with even more bags, including Dre Hartmann Camera Bags.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 58, page 60, page 62, and page 64 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.

Between the print article, the online article, and my July 2010 camera bag article – you really can try before you buy! Get yourself something nice for Christmas!




We have a quick contest winner to announce in the Narrow Wear giveaway…and it’s Natasha!

Congrats to Natasha – I’ll be in touch soon with information on claiming your prize! Thanks to everyone who entered, and to Narrow Wear for the fun prize!




Get those packaging photos ready—thanks to Emily Crump Photography it’s already been “brung“!

Happy Merry!
-Robyn & Todd

it’s better to give…

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! To show you how thankful we are for our Paperie readers, we’re offering up this free baby tee design for use at Zazzle – it would make the perfect client holiday gift! (And read on, because through 11.27.11 shirts are now 50% off at Zazzle!)

UPDATE: You can now see how the shirts look when you get them from Zazzle here. Try using code HOLIDAYSALE2 for 50% off Zazzle infant t-shirts / onesies!

You can either download the .psd file below and move things around to add your own logo — or if you prefer to just print the design as-is, use the Paperie Zazzle Store and choose between a baby onesie, an infant t-shirt, an infant organic creeper, or a baby long-sleeve tee in sizes 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

  → download link ← (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)

You can edit the background color in this .psd file and move layers around. However, you cannot edit the text as-shown or make changes to the graphic. If you choose to print the design with a vendor other than Zazzle please make sure to check the size and crop guidelines first! Paperie is not responsible for mis-prints.

If you prefer to print the shirt without a logo, or do not have the ability to edit .psd layers, you can order it directly from Zazzle here.

And through 11 p.m. EST tonight / Friday (8 p.m. PST on 11.25.11) take an extra $5 off t-shirts at Zazzle with the code “ZBLACKFRIDAY” (see UPDATE above).

Shown above is a similar onesie that Buttons and Bows Photography gifted to clients in 2008. They were a HUGE hit!

Template is ©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.




We also have a couple of winners to announce! First up, the winner of the Martha Stewart heat embossing tool is…Tatiana Fowler!

And the winner of the ONA Venice camera bag is…Jennifer Stuart Photography!

Congrats to both of our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to ONA Camera Bags for such a fantastic giveaway!

I’ll be e-mailing both winners this weekend so make sure to check your e-mail soon!




Check out our Facebook page if you haven’t seen it already – both Amazon and B&H have been running huge specials on Adobe’s Lightroom 3 today! It’s been as low as $89.99, and as of 2:45 p.m. EST on “Black” Friday, November 25th it’s still on sale for as low as $149.00!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. The 2nd annual “Wrap Battle” kicks off a week from today on Friday, December 2nd – get ready!

the Venetian

We have an amazing giveaway today from ONA Camera Bags – who’s also stopped by for a vendor / guest post!

ONA is a purveyor of fine camera bags and accessories. All of our products are handcrafted using premium materials, such as naturally-milled full-grain leather and waxed cotton canvas.

And one lucky Paperie reader will win ONA’s “Venice” bag (value $329.00). The new Venice bag is a naturally milled full-grain leather SLR camera bag designed to hold a camera body, 3-4 lenses, small personal items, and an iPad. It is available in ONA’s online store in four colors (plum, camel, black, and stone).

So how do you win the Venice camera bag? It’s easy!

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

Win a $329 leather Venice Camera bag from @onabags / onabags.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/sQMlwc

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

3. Follow ONA on Twitter and come back here and let us know (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 ONA on Facebook – or followed ONA on 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 Sunday, November 20th. 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 so much to ONA for the great prize!




Don’t forget this is the last day to enter to win a Martha Stewart heat embossing tool!

More goodies ahead – stay tuned!
-Robyn & Todd

the “it” bag

We’re excited to have a new vendor at Paperie today for a fun guest post / giveaway! Please help us welcome…THEIT Camera Bags!

THEIT creates camera bags for photographers that value both style and substance. With designs that aim to capture classic modernity with a sense of playfulness, this philosophy exemplifies the essence of the THEIT customer: someone who is independent, inspired, and full of life, who cannot help but to capture the beauty in her world through the lens.

An homage to the well-known fashion term “the it bag“, the brand represents more than the most coveted piece for the season, but a new wave of design enabling style, function and versatility for the fashion-minded photographer. Inspired by the runway and the streets, THEIT‘s vision is to uphold a fashion standard that helps photographers live their dreams in style.

And now one lucky Paperie reader has a chance to win The Bossi Bag by THEIT in Gravel (value $159.00)! The bag is water resistant with antique brass hardware, comes with interior and exterior zip pockets for extra room and metal feet for protection, and has a zipper top closure.

Features:
•    Convenient dual carrying handles
•    Detachable cross body gold chain strap
•    Customizable padded dividers to protect your gear
     and suit your needs
•    Fully removeable padded insert; our unique design
     allows you to easily organize and change your bag
     from a camera bag to a fashion handbag

The photos above were taken by Paperie Boutique and show the Gravel Bossi Bag with the following inside: Nikon D700 body with grip, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED, Nikon SB-800 speedlight, Apple iPad2, Speck iPad2 FitFolio Cover, and Abie Designs camera strap – the bag will zip closed with the items shown / listed inside. (I did not fill the exterior or interior pockets with additional items although there was ample room to do so, and I did not use all of the removable protective padding included with the bag.) The bag’s dimensions are 14 x 9 x 6″.

So how do you win this camera bag? It’s easy!

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

Win THEIT Bossi Gravel Camera Bag from @theitbags / lovetheit.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/GM6rdB

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

3. Follow THEIT on Twitter and come back here and let us know (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 THEIT on Facebook – or followed THEIT on 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 Friday, November 11th. 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 again to THEIT for the great prize!




Don’t forget we have a contest going on right now from BrandSushi – the grand prize is a logo design valued at $650!

Check back in this week – we’re just getting started!
-Robyn & Todd

don’t blame the messenger

Paperie had one more *emera camera bag to give away, and this time we’ve partnered up with The Savvy Photographer Blog to do it!

Go visit the Savvy Blog for more details on how to enter – and good luck!




Just finished the new splash page on my Butttons & Bows site – wanna peek?

I’m really pleased with how it turned out! For more information on using QR Codes on your website, go here.




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

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 here – one Paperie reader who does will win this cute camera magnet set:

Have a great week everyone!
-Robyn & Todd

the winner’s circle

We’re excited to have one of our regular vendors back for another giveaway / guest post! I have this prize here with me in person and it’s sometthing I’d love to have for myself!

Nathiya at *emera has donated one of her new Circle Print Tote camera bags – and one lucky Paperie reader gets it!

The above images show the (interior of the) bag filled with my own equipment. I did not fill any of the pockets. To give you an example of what the interior compartment holds, pictured above with the Circle Print Tote are a Nikon D700 body with grip, a Nikon 50mm f/1.4G lens, a Nikon 85mm f/1.4D lens, a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G lens, a Nikon SB-800, an Apple iPad2 with Speck iPad2 FitFolio Cover, and an Abie Designs camera strap. Here are the specs on the bag:

    • Water-resistant PU coated canvas with soft leather straps and trim
    • Zipper top for security
    • Quick-access outside pockets for phone, keys, ID and emergency mints
    • Generous interior zip pocket for very important accessories
    • Large interior compartment for iPad, magazines, and file folders
    • Modular Velcro dividers create seven padded, customizable compartments
    • Durable canvas interior lining
    • Small metal feet help protect the bottom of the bag
    • Bag size: 15 x 11 x 6”

So now that you WANT it, how do you WIN it? It’s easy! You have FIVE chances!

1. “Like” *emera on Facebook

2. Follow @emerabags on Twitter

3. Post about *emera bags on Facebook

4. Tweet the following on Twitter:
Win a Circle Print Tote designer camera bag from Emera / @emerabags / http://emerabags.com from @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/LjW34x

5. Leave a comment here and tell us what your favorite *emera bag is.

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

Comment that you have posted to your public Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked *emera on Facebook and/or Twitter – or your favorite *emera bag – 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 Friday, October 14th. You can enter up to FIVE 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 five 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 FIVE 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.




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!

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

More giveaways coming up – including ANOTHER *emera bag – so stay tuned!

-Robyn & Todd

bonne fête – giveaway 13

We’re over half-way through with birthday week now and the goodies just keep on comin’! This morning we’re kicking off things with “lucky 13” and a Paperie reader favorite — Epiphanie Bags!

Up for grabs is the Epiphanie Pink Cover ($185 value). The Epiphanie Clover bag measures 18 x 6.25 x 13 inches. The bag exterior is water-resistant, high quality synthetic leather. The interior crafted with extra padding for maximum equipment protection. Velcro panels can be adjusted and moved to any position for maximum customization and flexibility, and there is a removable cross-body strap with padding for extra support. Clover has two exterior pockets, one with zipper. The bag features a zipper top closure, with one zippered interior pocket. The Clover bag can accommodate 15″ MacBook Pro with battery cord, one camera body with lens attached, one long lens, two extra lenses, wallet, keys, cell phone, and other miscellaneous personal items.

So how do you grab this great bag for yourself? It’s easy!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
It’s my bag baby! I want an EpiphanieBags.com / @EpiphanieBags Clover at @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like Epiphanie Bags on Facebook.

3. Follow Epiphanie Bags on Twitter.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FOUR chances to win, you have to do the four 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 one or both vendors 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, July 23rd. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

Thanks to Epiphanie Bags for another great giveaway here at Paperie!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! Check and see if your favorite vendor is there!

Click over here and see what you missed. A special sale, and a teaser of the great giveaways ahead this week, were posted over the weekend!

There’s a limited-time offer for advertisers / vendors this week, too. Over half-off some ad rates for new advertisers. Check it out!




Tons of prizes are still waiting in the queue – see ya’ real soon!
-Robyn

P.S. Vendors, if you are interested in being a part of the birthday celebration, e-mail me at “robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com” ASAP!

bonne fête – giveaway 12

This is a fun gift-pack giveaway from three amazing vendors, and it’s all going to one lucky Paperie reader! First up is your choice of an 8×10 frame from The Organic Bloom (you pick the color and style)! Next WHCC is providing a gift card good for one Boutique Bag — these bags are made to fit any WHCC Press Printed Book or Album in your choice of size and pattern (up to a $55.00 value). And last but not least, Photographer Cafe is offering their new Sassy Album template + a $75 shopping spree!

Photographer Cafe is known for beautiful, versatile, and practical templates and tools for photographers. Their new Sassy Album is no exception. Including full-layered .psd files, you may change colors, remove borders, mix and match borders, and change it up to suit virtually any style. Take it from sweet to sassy to modern with a few simple clicks! In addition to the Sassy Album, you will have $75 to spend any way you like. Visit Photographer Cafe to plan how you will spend your $75, and read their inspirational blog.

So how do you snag this awesome gift pack for yourself? It’s easy!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win @WHCCpro / WHCC.com & theorganicbloom.com & @PhotogCafe / Photographer Cafe prize pack at @PaperieBoutique – http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like The Organic Bloom on Facebook.

3. Like WHCC on Facebook.

4. Like Photographer Cafe on Facebook.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FIVE chances to win, you have to do the five things listed above, and then make five 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 one or both vendors 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, July 23rd. You can enter up to five times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

Thanks to The Organic Bloom, WHCC, and Photographer Cafe for this cool prize pack! And don’t forget Photographer Cafe is offering a $20 off a $50 order through July 2011 for all Paperie readers! You can find that code, and several others from our vendors, continually updated this week here!




Don’t forget several of our merchants are offering discounts and coupon codes to all Paperie readers this week! Check and see if your favorite vendor is there!

Click over here and see what you missed. A special sale, and a teaser of the great giveaways ahead this week, were posted over the weekend!

There’s a limited-time offer for advertisers / vendors this week, too. Over half-off some ad rates for new advertisers. Check it out!




More prizes will be posted SOON – see you then!
-Robyn

P.S. Vendors, if you are interested in being a part of the birthday celebration, e-mail me at “robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com” ASAP!

secret stash

Busy week here at Paperie – make sure you read ’til the end of this post so you don’t miss a thing!

Today we kick off with a great giveaway and vendor / guest post by Stash Bags. Trust me – you’ll want to enter! Stash was recently featured in a Macworld article titled “Seven unique and stylish camera cases“.

My name is Mari, and I am originally from Helsinki, Finland. I grew up being inspired by Scandinavian design and was introduced to sewing at a young age by my mother. I started sewing bags for friends and family as gifts, but my line, Stash, really came about when I found etsy.com. I had just relocated to the U.S. and happened to be between jobs.

I wanted to create bags that could be carried by men and women alike, and would be stylish and useful. The line includes camera bags in three sizes varying from small to a large size suitable for professional use.

Stash also makes messenger bags for 13″, 15″ and 17″ laptops as well as 11″ and 13″ MacBook Air and iPad.

The E-readers, iPods and iPhones have their own small Stash cases.

My aesthetic incorporates clean lines and fabrics with graphic patterns. I try to use vintage fabrics whenever possible, and I enjoy experimenting with how the fabric and hardware will work together for a bag design. The leather and metal elements have added to the distinctive quality of the line.

Stash customers like that the products are handmade on a small scale, with attention to detail. The Stash style is really a blend of vintage fashion inspiration combined with modern function. Bags you can really use and enjoy, while looking classically stylish at the same time.

And now one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win their very own Stash bag! Mari is giving away the medium camera in green and gray plaid shown above. You have two chances to win by doing the following:

1. “Like” Stash Bags on Facebook: facebook.com/stashbags

2. Tweet or post the following to your Facebook account (and tell us where):
Win a COOL camera bag from Stash / stash-bags.com / mariforssell.etsy.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/kZ5bqM

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, March 21st. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post twice – one entry each for 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 two 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

I really want one of these bags myself – thanks to Mari and Stash for such a great giveaway for our readers!




Quick reminder – you have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday to win a vintage camera necklace from Vintage U Creations – and until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 20th, to win a camera strap from Trendy Camera Staps.

1. Win a vintage camera necklace from Vintage U Creations

2. Win a trendy camera strap from Trendy Camera Staps

And we have a winner in the TAoPaN maternity ensemble giveaway – it’s Photography By Joncee May!

Congrats to Joncee and thanks to The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN) for the beautiful prize!




P.S. If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

winning!

I’m excited to announce the winner of the huge epiphanie camera bag contest – it’s Ashley Scheerer of Apix Photography!

Huge congratulations to Ashley, our deepest thanks to epiphanie, and thanks to everyone who entered!

If you didn’t win don’t lose heart. We have another great vendor contest TODAY!

Read on…

One lucky Paperie winner can pick their choice from three The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN) MamaThredz maternity portrait ensembles – the Mama Slim, the All Mama, or the Simple Mama.

How do you win?

1. Follow TAoPaN on Facebook: facebook.com/taopanspage

2. Follow TAoPaN on Twitter: twitter.com/taopangroup

3. Tweet or post the following to Facebook (and tell us where):
Win theartofpregnancyandnewborn.com / @taopangroup maternity session ensemble at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique http://is.gd/T5s0eO

4. Post in the comments and tell us which gown is your favorite

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 16th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or told us why you want this bag – in separate comments 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.

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and a huge thanks to TAoPaN for the fantastic giveaway!




We have another great giveaway coming up soon – here’s a peek. Stay tuned!

need an epiphanie?

Very excited to have one of our favorite vendors here again for a guest post / giveaway. So if you’re in the need for the PERFECT camera bag look no further!

You can have an epiphanie!

epiphanie is giving away a turquoise “Lola” bag to one lucky Paperie reader.

The bag dimensions are 14x8x12″. Exterior is water-resistant, high quality synthetic leather. Interior crafted with extra padding for maximum equipment protection. Velcro panels can be adjusted and moved to any position for maximum customization and flexibility. Removable cross-body strap with padding for extra support. Two exterior pockets. One interior pocket with zipper. Light colored interior so items can easily be found.

Want to know just how much you can pack into a Lola? I reviewed the Lola bag for Professional Photographer Magazine last summer and I was able to get the following inside: D300 with grip (50mm 1.4 attached), D200, SB-800, SB-600, 85mm f/1.4, flashcard wallet, and WhiBal card. And I was still able to toss my keys inside and zip it close!

I own the Belle in turquoise myself, and I’m constantly stopped and asked, “WHERE did you get that bag?” No one can believe it’s a camera bag! And I just adore the color, not to mention the storage capacity and easy carrying.

So now that you’re practically salivating, how do you win that turquoise Lola?

1. Follow epiphanie on Facebook: facebook.com/pages/Epiphanie

2. Follow epiphanie on Twitter: twitter.com/EPIPHANIEBAGS

3. Tweet the following or post it to Facebook (and tell us where):
     I NEED a new Epiphanie Lola camera bag from
     EpiphanieBags.com / @EpiphanieBags at
     PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique
     http://is.gd/aFjbdv

4. Post in the comments here why you NEED this bag.

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 11th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or told us why you want this bag – in separate comments 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.

You can enter / post up to four total times – one entry each for the four 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

[ UPDATE: The winner has now been announced here! ]

Thanks to epiphanie for another great giveaway, and good luck to everyone who enters!

7 levels of the Candy Cane Forest

It’s completely unlike me, but this year I just didn’t have time to do a lot of product and packaging shots for the holidays. 2010 has been anything but normal. Between being sick and juggling three jobs, I still haven’t caught up on Paperie mail and “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“ entries from November. I’m getting there. Just not there yet.

But cheating the clock…I’ll share what few pics I did take. This isn’t my standard Christmas card packaging. (This year I used 5x7x1″ red boxes from H-B Packaging, decorated with white groisgrain ribbon with red stitching and holiday-colored buttons, then adding on either mini candy cane or peppermint twist faux candies.) The box shown below is by Jolie Wraps for a particularly large card order:

The white chipboard is from CK Resale, the candy decoration is from Michael’s, the grosgrain-stitch ribbon is from eBay, the aqua tissue is from Paper Source, the snowflake and satin ribbon are from Michael’s, the bag is from H-B, the snowflake on the bag is from the Michael’s $1 bin, I switched out the regular white bag handles for Christmas fabric ribbon from Michael’s, the red and cream snowflake tissue is from Target, and the Moo minicard bag-tag is available for free download here at Paperie.

Don’t forget – you can still get the entire “Fit to Print” store on sale (for $40.00) through January 1st, 2011! Get over $300.00 in products (including the binder template) for $40.00 – an 87% savings and some designs retire in 2011!

And I’ll be posting more “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“ entries soon so stay tuned!