Happy New Year!

Believe it or not, this is the final entry in the “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“! Please make sure you scroll through the previous entries to make sure you haven’t missed anything!

Here is Kristina Stredwick of Just One Photography…

My name is Kristina Stredwick from Just One Photography. Here are pictures of my regular packaging and my special Holiday packaging. My regular packaging is simple and classic with the kraft colors (since different products bear different tones) and silver. I have many Senior Sessions and they love the tin boxes that come with the zip drive and then again when they order wallet size pictures. The accordion albums come in a bag which is usually matching their school colors. For the newborn sessions they get baby blue or pink. Brown bags and boxes are adorned with silver ribbon and logo oval stickers.

This is my first Holiday Season with my business and I am so excited. I only offered the watermarked proofs on CD’s for the holidays (instead of my regular option of CD or zip drive) and people loved the snowflakes! I wrapped up each holiday card set with ribbon and special tags or buttons as shown, then I tucked them into a snowflake adorned bag.

All I had left to deliver were my own cards – so that is my family peaking out from the ribbons! Enjoy and have a happy holiday season!

Absolutely stunning Kristina – and the perfect close to a long string of amazing submissions!

I have no idea how I’m narrowing the entries down to three, but check back next Monday and you can help select one of those as the big winner in the first-annual Paperie Boutique “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“! The voting will run from noon EST Monday, January 3, 2011 – 11 p.m. EST on Friday, January 7, 2011.

The lucky winner will receive a $20 Paper Source gift card and an additional $100 gift certificate to HB Photo Packaging!

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!

The $9 Zazzle gift code off custom binders (template included in this sale here) expires at 11:59 p.m. PST on 12.31.10

Have an amazing 2011 everyone!
-Robyn

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!

twinkle, twinkle little star

Still wading through the final entries in the “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“! I’ll be posting these as I can individually. Please make sure you scroll to the previous entry each time you visit so you don’t miss anything!

Up next is Susan Peck of Susan Peck Photography…

How to achieve this look:

• The white bag is from Target

• The thin ribbon is from the dollar bin at Jo-Ann’s

• The sheer, sparkly ribbon (large bow on bag) is from Costco

• The stars are made from German glass glitter and although it
   would be super easy to do them yourself, I purchased them
   here to save time

• Although I would love to have custom imprinted bags, it’s not
   cost effective for me right now. The custom logo stickers
   do the trick nicely for the moment and are from here

• The keychain acts not only as a surprise gift for my client, but
   as a way to quickly identify orders during the busy holiday
   season – I got mine at MPixPro at the same time I was
   ordering custom printed DVD’s

• I should be receiving my titanium boxes from H-B this week
   and I can’t wait to start using those in my packaging

Those glitter stars rock – thanks for the great inspiration, Susan!

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!

Secret Santa

Last night about 8 p.m. my husband confessed he’d forgotten something – today was his gift-exchange for work and he was supposed to bring a homemade gift to it. Nice.

I had some Starbucks regular and peppermint cocoa packets on hand – plus candy canes, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles (which I had to separate by hand from rainbow colors to red and green only). While I got started on that, I sent the Mr. out on a rush-job to Starbucks to get a mug, syrup, and biscotti. After that he grabbed a $3.99 basket from Michael’s and flew home. By some miracle the basket and mug he picked out matched my snowflake tissue paper. Voilà. (Click below image for larger pop-up.)

And by 10 p.m., I had saved his merry arse. I also reminded him more than once that he’s lucky to be married to a professional!

P.S. I’ll be posting more “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“ entries as I can individually. Please make sure you scroll to the previous entry each time you visit so you don’t miss anything!

dashing through

I have been MIA around here for far too long. Our family went down like dominoes to the flu last week, then as I started to recover I had a mountain of work and shooting / editing to catch up on, and these days seems like the alarm has just sounded in the morning and it’s time to crawl back in bed again at night.

I promise I haven’t forgotten about y’all over here – or the “business packaging / holiday packaging contest“ – which still has several entries yet-to-be published (and a winner to pick). But until I can quit packaging client card and print orders, shooting sessions, and proofing sessions, and filling the orders…..most everything else in my life is on a temporary hiatus. Thank you for your patience!




To show you how behind I am, the digital edition of the December 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine was released last week – and I’m just now remembering to take a peek at it, much less post it here.

For this month’s article, I reviewed photography jewelry selections from BRAGaLittle.com, Isabelle Chase Studios, Kathy Lo Rocks, Kimbra Studios, Kimtown Boutique, Kotori Photo Jewelry, Marye Street Studio, and PlanetJill.

Click the magazine page above for a larger version. You can find the article on page 50 and page 51 of the print-version as they start hitting mailboxes.

And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




Last but not least, a quick-peek at some of the holiday gifts I’ve been assembling for my early-in-the-season Buttons and Bows holiday clients. I’m still waiting to get everything together for the later sessions, hence another reason for my lack of free time. But this should give you an idea (click top image for larger)…

Several will receive a dozen gift tags as one of their prezzies. These are made from Moo mini cards. The back has a small B&B logo and my URL, plus a decorative “To:” / “From:” section for them to fill out for their presents. I use a decorative hole punch and thread mini-ribbon through each tag. Since Moo allows you to submit up to 100 images for the front of their mini cards, they make it very easy to split up a pack into multiple gift tags for multiple clients.

The ornament shown is by Zazzle. I ordered these during a half-off promotion on November 9th. They did not arrive until December 6th, so you’ll most likely need to upgrade your shipping method if you opt to use them. It is not a rush-operation! I was very happy with the quality (both image and product) of the premium metal designs. The quality on the ceramic ornaments left little to be desired – however, you can add your logo to the back of the ceramic ones.

Are we there yet?
-Robyn

splash of color

Still catching up here and everywhere else, so I’m posting new “business packaging / holiday packaging contest” entries as I can individually – make sure you scroll to the previous entry each time you visit so you don’t miss anything!

Up next is Julie Oliver of Julie MayRee Photography…

My brand spankin’ new packaging…

‘Achieve this look‘ info now added to the comments:
1. Awesome new custom logo by Jess at Lemondrop Stop Backdrops
2. Boxes from none other than h-bphoto.com
3. Die cut business cards / matching stickers from blackriverimaging.com
4. All the bling, ribbon & goodies from Michael’s Arts and Crafts stores

This is one of those packaging concepts where I wondered ‘why didn’t I think of that myself‘ (especially after all those years with Gasparilla when living in Tampa) – beautiful work Julie!

Before I go, I’d like to introduce you to one of my favorite new (to me) sites. I was sent the link last night and I’ve been combing through it page-by-page and cheating the clock ever since!

Drop by Nice Package when you can. I will not be responsible for any lost productivity, however – you have been warned!




If you’d like to enter the packaging contest we’ve got going on, the awesome prizes are a $20 gift certificate to Paper Source and a $100 gift certificate to HB Photo Packaging – send in one (or more) photos of your business packaging. It can be your everyday packaging, something special for the holidays, or both!

Happy wrapping! Send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com] thru Tuesday, November 30th.

Check back often – more to follow!
-Robyn

but you can do the job
     when you’re in town

I’ve been shooting non-stop for the last week and simply haven’t had time to update the site. And I need my assistant’s time elsewhere as well. The juggle all photographers face at the holidays, I suppose!

So until I catch a break, here’s a quick peek of some of the packaging submitted for the best business packaging / holiday packaging contest (running now through November 30th)…with more to follow soon, I swear!

I tossed in a couple of my holiday setups from last week / weekend, too. The small Santa bag is from Pottery Barn Kids. (You can see the large size in action here.) The rounded corner image collage is from The Album Cafe.

If you’d like to enter the contest – the awesome prizes are a $20 gift certificate to Paper Source and a $100 gift certificate to HB Photo Packaging – send in one (or more) photos of your business packaging. It can be your everyday packaging, something special for the holidays, or both!

Happy wrapping! Send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com] thru Tuesday, November 30th.

And heads-up – Purple Daisy Kids is having a 99¢ shipping sale from now through December 26th. Enter the code ship99 at checkout.

39 days ’til Christmas!
-Robyn

P.S. If you’re waiting to hear from me right now, please be patient. There just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ll get back to you soon! Promise!

cute as a button

Jenny Jacob of HGW Photography just threw her glue gun into the ring and entered our best business packaging / holiday packaging contest (running now through November 30th).

I am in love with these two (regular and holiday) looks – and not just because of the button accent!

Click the images above and below to see larger versions of HGW Photography‘s classic and very-merry looks.

Vendor list to achieve the above holiday look:
1. boxes – HB Photo
2. ribbons – Hobby Lobby
3. homemade paper flowers – paper from my local scrapbook store
4. frame ornament – Hobby Lobby
5. snowflakes accents for flower centers – from my local scrapbook store

Bravo, Jenny! *two snaps in a circle*

If you’d like to enter the contest – the awesome prizes are a $20 gift certificate to Paper Source and a $100 gift certificate to HB Photo Packaging – send in one (or more) photos of your business packaging. It can be your everyday packaging, something special for the holidays, or both!

Happy wrapping! Send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com] thru Tuesday, November 30th.

wrap it up

Busy Monday around here! We have a brand new entry in the best business packaging / holiday packaging contest and a guest post article on “The Savvy, Chic, Eco-Friendly Office” by Michelle Black.

First up are several beautiful packaging photos by Stacey Severt of Wild Hearts Photography.

Want to win $120 in gift cards to Paper Source and HB Photo Packaging?

Get wrapping and send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com]! Submissions last thru Tuesday, November 30th.




The Savvy, Chic, Eco-Friendly Office
by Michelle Black

What’s affordable, and sleek, and GREEN all over? Pretty much everything in this article, and its all perfect for your studio or home office! Check out some of these cool items that you can bring into your workspace, while giving the environment a nice peck on the cheek at the same time. On average, environmentally sound supplies cost only 5% more, a small sacrifice that can help make a big difference.

CUTEST PENCIL CUPS EVER
These adorable Pencil Cups by See Jane Work are covered with 100% post consumer, recycled paper. A great find for keeping pens and pencils and sharpies handy, in a stylish little container! Very affordable, too, priced at just $10. Visit See Jane Work for more colors and patterns.

RECYCLED OFFICE PAPER
Next up we have recycled office paper, offered at your nearest Staples store in bulk. For just $50, you can pick up 5,000 sheets!

SIMPLE OFFICE STORAGE
The Container Store has a beautiful line of Bamboo storage for your everyday needs. Things like filing and organizing drawers couldn’t be more stunning with these simple, coordinated designs. Bamboo is easily renewable so it is an environmentally friendly material that just so happens to look modern, too.

RECYCLED FOLDERS AND ENVELOPES
ReBinder is my absolute FAVORITE site for finding affordable folders, cd/dvd sleeves, binders, presentation folders, and even notebooks…and the best part is, they’re all made of recycled material. Seriously, they’re the best deal you’re going to find!

ECO-FRIENDLY OFFICE FURNITURE
Buyenergyefficient.org has a really great variety of styles and suits any budget with desks ranging anywhere from $189 – $1500 depending on what you’re looking for. Here are some of their best designs…

Additional Suggestions…

RECYCLED PAPER CLIPS
Yes, even these exist. You’re really going the extra mile if you can take the time to make sure you’ve got recycled paper clips in your hands at checkout.

NON-TOXIC CLEANING SUPPLIES
Nature Clean, Method, Ecover, Orange TKO, and Pink Solution can help you on your way toward a cleaner work environment, minus the toxins. Baking soda, borax, lemon juice and other simple ingredients are a natural way to clean without the expense of green cleaners. Choose your cleaning agents wisely!

Read more:
http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/green-cleaning-spring-cleaning-460303#ixzz13iUfyf51

Thanks for reading and remember, it only takes a few extra seconds out of your busy life to consciously do something good for planet Earth! Of course you can’t be perfect about it, but making an effort whenever you can will not go unnoticed.

Cheers!

Article by: Michelle Black
Michelle’s blog: Light-Traces.com
Resources for photographers: The Photo Professional




Thanks so much to both Stacey and Michelle!

Have a great week everyone!
-Robyn

(don’t) paint it black

It. Just. Got. Interesting! If you’ve been thinking of entering your packaging photos in our best business packaging / holiday packaging contest, now’s the time to start “doing“.

In addition to a $20 Paper Source gift certificate as a prize – now HB Photo Packaging has also kicked in an additional $100 gift certificate to their store!

Have no idea where to get started? Check this old Paperie entry for inspiration!

Get wrapping and send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com]! Submissions last thru Tuesday, November 30th.

[ And a tip from Robyn: If you have a Michael's near you, go raid their $1 bin. You'll find dozens of holiday-themed goodies to stick, hot glue, or tie on your packaging - some in multi-packs making the cost of a little "spice" less than a gumball! ]




I’ve known Justyna Nielsen of Funky Monkey Photography for years now and I’m so excited to have her here for a guest post on Paperie!

Creating whimsical easels

If black isn’t a part of your branding, why use black easels? Spice things up with your favorite colors or even use special effect such as distressing or crackling. Match up colors to your branding or room décor.

Creative uses:
I used one as a menu holder for my leather-bound price list I keep in my studio. A few other ones hold colorful frames with product descriptions. I also used a few for gifts for my clients when they purchased storyboards. Here are some other creative uses:

1. Price list. Place a price list or brochures in one of these easels for a beautiful display in your studio or at an auction, expo or event. For best results, your price list can be in form of a fabric/leather bound menu or mounted on a sturdy backing. Choosing the correct easel size is important so items don’t fall out or cause the easel to tip over if too big.

2. Collages. Provide your clients the whole package. If you offer styrene or board mounted collages, offer easels for “display ready” option to your clients. Perfect for mantels, desks, shelves, tables. You can look into wholesale easel purchasing and make sure you add the cost to the item price. This is called “value adding” in pricing.

3. Smaller frames fit in easels too. Place a cute 5×7” birth announcement (or a photo) in a matching color frame and display it on an easel. We recommend using a different shade or a complimentary color for the easel. Can make a special product or a gift.

4. Album or press book display. Instead of laying your albums on a table, create a more visible display by placing albums in easels. Especially impressive if your albums open up flat and have seamless spreads. Open it to your favorite panoramic image and place in the easel. Your clients can create different displays each month by opening to a different page.

5. Holder for product shots. Colorful holder for product shots to make an appealing price list.

6. Sign holder. If you participate in any expos or auctions, you can have your logo printed and mounted on a styrene or foam board and then placed in a matching color easel. Ideal for the expo tables. Place any other display items that may fit in them to create more interest.

7. Holiday card display. Choose this standard easel or one of the photo/note holder trees, paint in your chosen color and attach holiday cards.

8. Props. Have a lot of paint left? Sand a kid chair or another wooden prop and use the spray paints to give them a new look. Spray paint an ordinary garden tub or a planting pot to transform it into a new prop. Spray paint cans or small buckets for pen holders.

9. Uniform frames. If you’re like me, you have a collection of empty mismatched frames. Pick 6-7 of your favorite and spray paint them the same color. Perhaps a distressed or crackled antique white for the shabby chic look. You can use 2 colors such as hot pink and black to split amount frames. Hang them up empty on your wall for a creative wall decoration if you feel you can’t fill them with photographs right now. You can also cut corkboard to fit a frame for a creative reminder board or frame a chalkboard for a funky message board.

You will need:
- Metal easel any color
- Spray cans of primer (optional)
- Paint spray cans in desired color
- Cardboard and gloves recommended to keep your area and hands clean

Time:
The paint in spray cans is pretty fast drying but you will need multiple coats for best coverage.

Process:
1. Prepare a metal easel. Easels can be purchased online or in most craft stores (mine are from Michael’s Craft Store). Wipe clean and dry. Place in a well-ventilated space on a cardboard or newspaper. The spray paints will have a big reach so avoid spillage by protecting the area. I sprayed mine outside but I had to watch out for wind blowing any leaves my way.

2. For best coverage, spray the easel with a primer. This step is optional. I made most of mine without the primer.

3. Find your favorite color in spray paint from a local hardware store. I found mine at Home Depot, Menard’s and Ace Hardware. I picked these colors because they fit my logo colors (orange, lime green and purple). The rest were fun shades I found for chairs and other props.

4. Shake the can vigorously before each use. Spray from about 1 foot away in thin coats. Let dry in between multiple coats. For best coverage, avoid getting too close or going over in the same spot multiple times without letting it dry. Once the paint gets pretty thin and starts running, remember to shake the can again. I tend to start with the bottom so I flip the easel upside down. Spray. Wait. Flip on the other side, repeat the process. Inspect from all sides when dry. If you mess up, wait until it dries, sand with fine sand paper and re-paint a larger area.

Versions:
- Use one color (such as turquoise) for under coat and a different
  one (such as green) for the final coat. Wipe off the outer coat
  in a few spots with a dry bristle brush to reveal the under coat.
- Use sand paper to rough up the edges for a distressed look.
- Try a crackle or other special effect paints.

Justyna Nielsen is the owner and photographer of Funky Monkey Photography with a tale. She specializes in baby and children photography in Madison, Wisconsin.

[ Note from Robyn: Easels can also be purchased inexpensively onllne from Display Collections and Easel Moments. ]

Thanks so much for stopping by Justyna! I think I have some painting to do now…

Happy, merry!
-Robyn

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.

let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!

Yesterday we announced a new contest for photos of your best business packaging / holiday packaging. We’ll pick out our favorite three from the photo submissions and put it up to the Paperie readers for a vote. The winner will receive a $20 Paper Source gift certificate.

UPDATE: HB Photo Packaging is also kicking in an additional $100 gift certificate to their store for the winner!

Our first submission is by Shalonda Chaddock of Chubby Cheek Photography. This is her mini-session holiday packaging.

Click the image above to see a larger version of Chubby Cheek Photography‘s adorable holiday sparkle.

Vendor list to achieve the above look:
1. boxes – NPD Box Company
2. ribbon – Hobby Lobby
3. snowflake ornaments – 50% off end of season last year (50¢ for bundle of 6)
4. last name initial ornament – Hobby Lobby

Inside gift bag:
1. CD in metal tin with 4 digi images
2. print release / printer rec bi-fold / handwritten thank you note
3. easel – Easel Moments
4. envelopes

Inside small box:
1. 50 holiday cards

Inside large box:
1. 8×8 woodmount beveled edge print

The bar has been set. Get wrapping and send photos to Robyn [robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com]! Submissions last thru Tuesday, November 30th.

If you’re waiting to hear from me right now, please be patient. Between shooting last week, having a sick kid at home this week, editing photos and filling orders during holiday crunch time, and very tight deadlines for my next column…..well there just aren’t enough hours in the day. I’ll get back to you soon! Promise!

Just over 51 days ’til Christmas! Aaack!
-Robyn

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.

seeing double!

We’re kicking off the weekend with a bang – not just one, but TWO amazing contests are in this entry! Each one is by a favorite vendor we’re glad to have back for another spin at guest posting! First up is Terry of Sassy Designs, Inc.

[IMPORTANT ADMIN NOTE: Read each contest carefully to enter in right place!]

What’s this season’s hottest holiday item? The die cut greeting card!

I am SUPER excited to announce that Simply Color Lab and Sassy Designs, Inc. have partnered to offer you a larger selection of die cut card shape options for this holiday season and beyond! Simply Color Lab has added eight (8) new custom shapes of Sassy Designs Inc.’s to their standard die line. What does this mean for you? A larger, more unique shape selection to offer to your customers, more individuality, and NO ADDITIONAL COST since these shapes are part of their STANDARD line!

You can see the shape selection here:
http://www.simplycolorlab.com/designcenter/standard-die-templates.php

As of right now I have designed and released 30 templates based on the expanded standard die line. I do not yet have all of the shapes covered, however I have MANY more in the works and will be releasing them over the next couple of weeks…just in time for the holidays!

Each of these templates is fully layered allowing you the flexibility to use them exactly as they are shown in the previews or swap out the included patterns for your own to completely customize for any occasion or holiday! They’re so versatile you can even change them up and use them as part of your business marketing materials – think gift certificates, referral cards, or thank you cards with your branding and a totally unique shape to truly wow your customers!

How would you like the chance to WIN ALL 30 TEMPLATES that are currently in the Sassy Shop?! Your chance is NOW! A huge thank you to Robyn for hosting this giveaway – GOOD LUCK to everyone that wishes to enter!

How do you win? It’s easy and you have four chances!

1. “Like” sassydesigns on Facebook (or let us know you have already)

2. Follow @sassydesignsinc on Twitter (or let us know you have already)

3. Post the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win THIRTY die-cut card templates from Sassy Designs Inc. / sassy-designs.net / @sassydesignsinc at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique

4. Post about Sassy Designs die-cut cards on Facebook (and tell us where you did it)

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – 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 telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 25th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – 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.

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 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here – check it out!

Good luck, and thanks to Sassy Designs for another HUGE giveaway here at Paperie!




And because it’s Friday, I have a special treat for everyone out there – another giveaway!

This time Stacy Murphy of The Girlie Girl Bowtique is back and is offering up one of her famous feather bands to a lucky Paperie reader!

The entire couture headband line makes wonderful photo session props and the feather bands come in all sizes.

To help keep today’s two giveaways separate, please pay close attention.

To enter the Girlie Girl Bowtique contest you will comment on their previous feature here.

There’s three chances to win! (But read fine print – do not enter on THIS POST!)

1. “Like” The Girlie Girl Bowtique on Facebook (or let us know you have already)

2. Post the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I need a couture feather headband prop from Girlie Girl Bowtique / girliebowtique.etsy.com – win at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique

3. Post about The Girlie Girl Bowtique on Facebook (and tell us where you did it)

Then come back and comment on this entry that you’ve done so – each entry requires its own separate comment. (In simple terms: If you want THREE chances to win, you have to do all three things listed above, and then make three separate comments telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted on this entry by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 25th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – 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 three total times – one entry each for the three options listed above.

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 – entries for this contest will begin at comment #28. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here – check it out!

Thanks to The Girlie Girl Bowtique for stopping by again with such an adorable prize, and good luck to everyone in BOTH of today’s contests!

Plus – don’t forget the HB Photo Packaging contest runs through midnight Friday!

Have a great weekend!
-Robyn

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.

Luxe-ury

We’re very lucky to have Andrea Halsey of The Designer Concept back again today for another guest / vendor post! She’s sharing new designs for Luxe Card line by Miller’s.

The 5×5 and 5×7 Luxe Card Templates are now available for all your flat, folded, and die-cut holiday cards! But these cards are not exclusive to the holidays and can also be used for custom birth announcements, graduation announcements, and more! This is probably the most versatile template set there is.

★★ There is a secret discount code hidden somewhere on the page and it expires on Friday, October 22nd at midnight. ★★

As with all templates from The Designer Concept they are extremely easy to manipulate to create completely unique designs every time. Two different photographers can have this same template but produce products completely different and unique to their style and branding. You may never need another card template again!

So how does this work in real-time with your clients? Simply show them one or two of these template designs as an example and they will have a general idea of how their cards will turn out. Then they choose their favorite photo from the session and their desired text (available as a printout). Now, you have the creative freedom to produce a design that compliments the colors of their photo. Thus, giving them a completely customized experience and yet in turn it streamlines your holiday card design and sales. No more going back and forth, and back and forth with design proofs!

Now these templates are just a bit sweeter with the ability to print on Miller’s new Luxe Cards! Die-cut shaped cards are the NEW thing this year that will have your clients picking up their jaw from the floor. Show them one with a nice little bow as a converted ornament and they will want to snag it right out of your hands!

Thanks for checking these out and don’t forget to hunt down that discount code before it expires!

And I’m happy to announce the two winners of the Ear Candy Digital contest – Creative Clicks Photography and Vicki Knights Photography!

Congratulations to the two winners, thanks to Ear Candy Digital for the amazing giveaway, and thanks to each of you who entered!




Stay tuned this week… More great giveaways on tap!
-Robyn

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.

holiday. celebrate.

One of our most popular vendors, Design Aglow, stops by again today for another giveaway / guest post! Read on for more…

Holiday Ornament Cards

Design Aglow has pioneered the round die cut card and the holiday ornament card, and these innovative & inexpensive keepsakes promise to leave your clients hanging…in the homes of friends and family. Simply choose one of the five delicious two-sided designs from each collection, print, and add your own ribbon for an inspiring way to wish loved ones the best while earning a prominent spot in their homes (and their hearts).

A revolutionary idea to create a bold new market for the holidays!

Not sure every client is ready for round? We also include a set of coordinating 5×5 flat square cards to help you sell a more traditional option too!

PERFECT FOR:
• Unique keepsake holiday ornament cards
• Round cards for birth announcements, save
   the date or any occasion
• Bonus set of two sided square cards
• Your own studio greetings to clients and
   those who refer you

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 5 distinctive designs (front and back)
• Unflattened PSDs for unlimited customization,
   including color changes
• Designed as 5×5 round card templates for easy
   printing/drilling by our lab
• Bonus set of matching 5×5 flat square cards
   for a traditional square holiday card option

PRINTER DETAILS:
Design Aglow has an exclusive printing relationship with Copycraft for this product with our own custom, round die on 16 pt matte stock with hole drilling available at the following prices for 2010:

25 ornaments 1.65 each
50-100 ornaments 1.10 each
101-200 ornaments .96 each
201-300 ornaments .65 each
301-400 ornaments .55 each
401-500 ornaments .45 each
501+ ornaments .39 each

*We recommend selling these custom ornaments at $3-$6 each depending on your business model and the quantity ordered. Click here to see all three style collections in the shop!

Now you can win your choice of one of the Design Aglow Holiday Ornament Card sets. it’s easy! You have four chances to win!

1. “Like” Design Aglow on Facebook

2. Follow @designaglow on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter:
Win your choice of Holiday Ornament Card sets from Design Aglow / designaglow.com / @designaglow at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique

4. Post about “Design Aglow Holiday Ornament Cards” on Facebook

Then come back and comment here that you’ve done so – 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 telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, October 6th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, followed on Twitter, posted to Twitter (with link), and / or posted to Facebook (with link) – 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.

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 24-48 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

UPDATE: The winner has been posted here – check it out!

Good luck, and thanks once again Design Aglow!




You may have noticed things are a little, ummmm, “pink” around here this week. This is in honor of the 9th annual 2010 Blogger Boobie-Thon for breast cancer awareness and a cure. (The main boobiethon.com page is always SFW (“safe for work”). The blog will stay pink until the ‘Thon ends on 10/07!

This is a “pledge” drive, so proceeds go directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation – you donate to Komen, then submit your donation amount / pledge to the Boobie-Thon.

I’m proud to say that I started this event in 2002. I’m no longer the coordinator (I stepped down in 2007 and Melissa Connolly took the reigns). But nonetheless I consider the site “my baby” and I hope you will stop by and participate – be it through donations and photo submissions – or spreading word of mouth on Twitter / Facebook / Flickr / blogs, etc. “Do One Thing!”

Last year in 2009, the ‘Thon raised over $13,000 in one week. In 2010, just since Friday, the #boobiethon has already raised over $4000! The event runs through October 7th so hurry up and participate now!

And photographers can also get involved in F/Stop Breast Cancer — an auction of mentors and photography items to support breast cancer research and awareness. 100% off the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

This event will be blogged, Tweeted, and posted on Facebook.

Visit the website for more information and to learn how to participate!


Check back often this week! Trust me.
-Robyn

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.