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

In this issue I reviewed summer-themed products by IKEA (photography by Munchkins and Mohawks Photography), Denny Manufacturing Company, Inc., Black River Imaging (photography by Photoumbra Studios), Poppy Tree Frames (photography by Dani Antonucci Photography), Heather Green Designs for Bad Sass Backdrops, and Photojojo.

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

And don’t miss the special article and interview with Heather Lickliter of Fairyography.com and StylizedPortraiture.com – you can find them starting on page 33 and page 86. Congratulations to Heather on the beautiful features!

Don’t get Professional Photographer Magazine yet? Subscribe here!




And heads up that we currently have a $75 gift card giveaway to MOO.com:

Find more details on how to enter here!

More coming up this week..check in soon!
-Robyn & Todd

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

In this issue I reviewed products for the senior photographer by Gradybug Designs, Design Aglow, Black River Imaging, Jamie Schultz Designs, and the PURPOSE Senior Posing Guide.

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

Don’t get Professional Photographer Magazine? Subscribe here!




And my latest “Web Exclusives” column went live yesterday on Professional Photographer Magazine’s website.

It’s titled “Best of Bags Guide: Pompidoo Cologne Bag and Shootsac Tote & Shoot” and reviews a Pompidoo Idle Turquoise Cologne Bag and a Red SHOOTSAC Tote & Shoot – including ‘equipment test’ photos of just what each bag could hold. Check it out here!




Check back soon for more great features and giveaways!
-Robyn & Todd

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

It’s no big secret my family has had a rough couple of years, but we were all left unprepared and reeling from the events that took place two weeks ago. My little sister Jennifer, age 30, passed away on February 27th. She was married and they have a 14-month old son.

Hopefully that helps explain why the site has been left without updates and and e-mails have gone unreturned. I tried to update the Paperie Facebook page as I was able, but there’s just only so much you can do from an iPad on I-40 travelling to and from a funeral…

Slowly but surely I’m catching up with my life again and we have a few contest winners to announce!




First up are the winners of the three packaging contests here on Paperie: The “cameo / timeless” boutique packaging winner is Dawn Corwin. The “three strikes / spring training” custom packaging winner is Lynette Weber. And the “lipstick / tarte” boudoir packaging winner is WhirlieGirl Photography!

And the winner of “the savvy set” giveaway by Panache Collective over at The Savvy Photographer was…Sugar Bug Photography!

Thanks to everyone who entered, congrats to our winners, and thanks again to The Savvy Photographer for hosting one of these great giveaways!

For all our winners – you should hear from Robyn in the next 24-48 hours. Your packaging will need to be assembled and should ship within 3-4 business days of contact. Thanks for your patience!




Thanks for everyone’s support and prayers for our family!
-Robyn & Todd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy (almost) weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UPDATE: Voting is closed – winners announced here!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Robyn & Todd

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!
-Robyn & Todd

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

Time for three 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!




We’ve reached Entry #21 from Keki Photography – love how festive it is!

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

“The boxes and elastic bands are from HB Photo Packaging, the ribbons and other accepts are collected from a variety of sources. The base for every customers packaging is the same: red box with silver band…then each package is customized to match the client and season!”

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

“We wanted our packaging to have a earthy and organic feel, but also wanted a bit of vintage and elegance as well. Paying attention to small details such as creating a custom stamped envelope for our ornate shape business cards lets our clients know from the beginning that their photography experience with us will be anything but ordinary. We are passionate about bringing our clients stories to life with wall displays in their homes and wanted that to start with packaging and marketing materials.”

Vendors used:
• Brown boxes – DNL Photo Supply
• Kraft envelopes – Paper Presentation
• Bags and raffia – Beverly’s Crafts
• Ornate cards for brochures – CPQ
• Ornate business cards – Black River Imaging

“We also change the photo on the business card with every 20 cards, so it is always a surprise for the client as to which card they will get in their envelope. Clients are delighted when they see one of their photos has made it to our cards, and are happy to pass them out to friends and family.“

Entry #23 is from Lynette Weber Photography – sure to brighten any day!

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

“I have changed my color scheme but I really loved this packaging!”

Vendors used:
• Boxes – HB • Photo Packaging
• Tissue paper and raffia – Nashville Wraps
• Custom shape stickers – Black River Imaging
• Silver Bag – JoAnn Fabrics

More entries still waiting in my inbox – 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!

See ya’ real soon!
-Robyn & Todd

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

Merry Christmas (Eve) and Happy Hanukkah to all of our readers!

Do you still have a few last minute gifts to wrap and assemble? Check out our Pinterest board! I’ve been scouring the web now that I finally have that elusive thing called “free time” to find the best wrapping ideas and holiday-themed FREE printables (for you – and ME)!

There’s everything from FREE printable giftwrap, to DIY boxes, to embellishment ideas (including these awesome photo cookie-cutter frames and paper bows)!

click each collage above and below to visit our Pinterest board

And now we have four more entries in the 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.)

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

Entry #15 by Jennifer Weinman Photography arrives just before Santa!

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

“I like to keep things as local as possible, so most of my materials I purchase in our small little town at the local Hallmark or Hardware store. (There are no Michael’s or Hobby Lobby stores within an hour!)

My holiday packaging is a spinoff of my regular packaging, which includes white, kraft paper, and twine. Typically I package my large canvases or framed prints in handmade muslin bags, but I decided to try tissue paper this year for Christmas. I also incorporate a stamped logo using a custom rubber stamp.”

Vendors used:
•  Bags – Kraft bags (you can find similar ones at Nashville Wraps)
•  Tissue paper – Local Hallmark store
•  Twine – Local Ace Hardware store
•  Handmade Christmas light ornament – Made by a local artist
•  Bows and ribbon – Local Hallmark store
•  Frame ornament – Organic Bloom
•  Tags – Kraft Paper from Paper Presentation, cut using decorative
    scissors
•  Custom logo stamp – Rubberstamps.net

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

“I use the boutique packaging from MPixPro and add some fancy touches – sparkly tissue inside and custom stickers – and always, ALWAYS pink and green touches on everything.“

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

“I wanted to do something different with my packaging this Christmas season to let my clients feel loved and appreciated! Therefore, I gave my ‘everyday’ packaging a little bit of a different feel. I wanted the gifts to match my brand, and have a natural, hand-made feel to them with a touch of whimsy. Each client gift sent out this year has their own, unique touch – some wrapped with burlap, some with brown kraft paper and twine – some had flower while others had lace.”

Vendors used:
•  Sage photo boxes – HB Poto Packaging
•  Brown kraft paper – Hobby Lobby
•  Ribbon and lace – Hobby Lobby
•  Hang tags – Hobby Lobby
•  Gift bag –Hobby Lobby
•  Burlap – Given to me by my friends at WiseAbe
•  Flowers – made with coffee filters dyed with tea bags

Entry #18 from VLV Photography needs to be viewed large to appreciate – so click on the images!

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

Vendors used:
•  Brown bags, tissue paper, and candy bags – boxandwrap.com
•  Bag tags – Jessica of Starr Design
•  Boxes (with vanilla tissue) – HB Poto Packaging
•  Portfolio Cases (used for calendar gifts, smaller print orders and
    as envelopes) – Paper Presentation
•  Clear bags for prints – ClearBags.com (and also Rice Studio
    Supply)
•  Jute cord and fabric strips – Jo-Ann’s or Wal-Mart (I use fabric
    with leaves on it that go with my brand, cut into thin strips and make
    the strips more “ragged” by pulling them through my hand)
•  Custom DVD – MPixPro
•  DVD cases (not pictured) – ReBinder and custom DVD cases
    from MPixPro (with plans to use Kraft & Jute in the future)
•  Round stickers – Zazzle
•  Gift certificates – Printed from MPixPro / Miller’s
•  Business cards – Miller’s
•  Thank You Card – a package of 50 kraft cards from Hobby Lobby
    (stamp and ink also from Hobby Lobby)
•  Square sticker on the front of bags (not pictured) – MPixPro

There are even more entries to post in my inbox. And as the holidays wind down, I expect even more- so stay tuned!

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




We have a couple of prizes to award from recent giveaways, so away we go! The winner of the “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“ is…Lynette Weber!

And the winner of the $75 Design Aglow gift card is…Melanie Ashcraft!

Congratulations to all of our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to Senior Portraits 101 and Design Aglow!

I’ll be contacting both winners with prize information this weekend, so check your inboxes!




To close, I received the following from Kelli France and wanted to share it with all of you. Back in college, I worked in a group home with Down Syndrome adults – so this something very near and dear to my heart – not just at the holidays, but all the year through. Please take the time to read / spread the word!


“Giving Back”
from Kelli France / Chic Critique Forum

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s a time where we think beyond ourselves to serve others. Chic Critique Forum would like to donate $5000 to help this little girl with Down Syndrome get out of a neglected orphanage and adopted into a loving home but they can’t do it without you.

•  Join Chic Critique Forum with an annual membership and they’ll
   donate $19 towards her adoption grant
•  Share on Facebook and Twitter by saying: “Help this little girl with Down
   Syndrome get adopted and out of an orphanage“: http://tinyurl.com/cz85bwz
•  Pin her picture on Pinterest with the text: “Help this little girl with Down
   Syndrome get adopted and out of an orphanage“: http://tinyurl.com/cz85bwz
•  Copy and paste this blog post onto your own blog
•  Share her story with your friends & family via email
•  Donate directly to her grant

$39 for an annual forum membership is really not that much when you consider how much you will be helping sweet, little Charity. It’s the same price of an action set, card templates, a dinner for 2, a set of Legos, a belt at Anthropologie…but this $39 will make ALL the difference for her. Please help them to help her!




Thanks to everyone for reading / supporting Paperie in 2011!

Have a magical holiday season—
-Robyn & Todd

Time for three 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.)

This year is shaping up to be simply AMAZING—be prepared to be blown away!




Entry #12 by Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc. is not just a treat for the eyes – it really is a treat!

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

“I am super excited to show you the packaging that we have created using HB Photo Packaging products! We are a wedding planning company and give these packaged gifts to clients as a thank-you. We ordered HB‘s beautiful black boxes and had our logo imprinted on them in silver. Then they are filled with a special one of a kind treat-bag with black, silver and pink custom monogrammed M&M’s with our company logo. In addition, a tiny portfolio book of wedding photos adorned with a pink rhinestone is nestled inside. The outer box is embellished with a pink satin ribbon bow to complete the look!” [photos by "Orangegirl Photographs"]

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

“My stickers and gift certificates are in the new Luxe shape, which has become just as much a part of my brand as my signature green. All of my boxes, cases, and bags are from HB Photo Packaging, they have the best service and selection. I picked up the jingle bells at Target as a festive addition for all of my holiday orders.“

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

“I just started to really package things pretty this year! The ribbon, tags, and stamping are all from Hobby Lobby. I tied 2-3 mini snowflakes on each ribbon and those I got from Michael’s. The photo boxes are from Wildcat Photo Packaging (in Sunflower). Those are more everyday boxes. I wanted to use them in the winter to add a holiday twist. For the clients of mine who don’t celebrate Christmas, I also have a stamp that says ‘Happy Holidays’. The Kraft CD holder is from ReBinder. I would love to win this contest! I love getting creative!“

There are still more entries to post in my inbox – and more are sure to follow as holiday orders wind down – so stay tuned!

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

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




Don’t forget we have two giveaways going on right now as well. One is a $75 gift certificate to Design Aglow, and the other is a copy of the “Senior Portraits 101 Guide” ($250 value)!

Can you believe Christmas is just FOUR DAYS away?!?
Merry Happy!
-Robyn & Todd

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