To kick things off officially (because today we turn TWO), we’re happy to present the “master list” of vendors offering special discounts and coupons just for our readers. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them – and YOU!

This list will grow and will be updated as our birthday week (July 18th – 22nd) progresses, so make sure to check this post often!

Link for all of the 2011 birthday festivities:
http://www.paperiebirthday.com




Without further adieu…go forth and SHOP!

1.  Nichole Van’s flourish – an emporium for photographers – 25% off
     coupon code during birthday week – code: paperie2011

2.  HB Photo Packaging – 15% off entire webstore thru midnite on 7/22 -
     code: PaperieBoutique* (*only one coupon can be used per purchase)

3.  One Willow Presets – 10% off of all the Preset Collections thru 7/22 -
     code: hbpaperie

4.  Kelly Moore Bags – $15 off purchases during birthday week -
     code: Paperie15off

5.  The Album Cafe – 25% off your entire order July 18th-22nd -
     code: HappyBirthdayPB

6.  Photopantz – $15 off purchases thru 8/31 – code: PANTZ15

7.  Life Art Design Shop – 30% off purchases from July 18 to the 25th -
     code: Paperie30

8.  A Yummy Life Design – 20% off in the store during birthday week -
     code: TWO

9.  Rice Studio Supply – 10% discount off one order, valid July 18-22 -
     code: 2years

10. Fiber Arts by Boondock Studios – 20% off during birthday week -
      code: PAPERIEROCKS

11. Photo Card Boutique – $5 off orders thru July 25th – code: hb-paperie

12. BrandSushi – 25% off during birthday week – code: PAPERIE25

13. Photographer Cafe – $20 off a $50 order through July 2011 -
      code: paperiebirthday20

14. Color Inc. Pro Lab – 15% off new customer orders for your first 30
      days (excludes Press Print Products) – code: PaperieNewCustomers

15. DNL Photo Packaging – free shipping on all orders now thru 07/21
      ($50.00 minimum order, online orders only, Continental US only) -
      code: PAPERIEBIRTHDAY [hint: after 7/21 you can use the code
      AIRCONDITIONING thru 7/31 for for free shipping on $50.00
      minimum online in-stock orders - Continental US only]

16. Collages.net – users receive 4 months to sell their images online
      for free – code: PB4FREE

17. ProDPI – 20% off any order (expires 07/22/11 at 11:59 p.m.) –
      code: 20paperie

18. Handmade Paper Album Boxes by Leah Gibbons Photography -
      mention “Paperie Boutique’s 2nd birthday” when placing order for
      25% off all album boxes Wed., July 20th – Fri., July 22nd

19. The Savvy Photographer – 20% off anything in the Savvy Store
      thru July 31st – code: paperie20

20. TAoPaN: The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn Store – 15% off
      anything at the TAOPAN Store – code: press

21. TAoPaN: The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn Store Workshops –
      15% off any of our workshops – code: mentorme

22. MOO – 30% off all printed products through midnite PDT on Thursday,
      July 21st – no code needed

23. Boudoir Business Boutique – 40% off anything in the store until
      August 30th – code: PB40

24. Marketing and Props for Photographers – 10% off all bowls by using
      this “secret link“

Thanks to all the above vendors! Want your name up there, too? Contact us!

And Paperie readers, check in Monday AM because the giveaways start then!




As promised – we’ll be featuring new advertisers in posts this week. Here are the first two vendors to join the Paperie family! Help us welcome…

Bubblegirl Knit and Crochet specializes in hand knit photo props for newborns and children. We offer a wide variety of props from cocoons, hanging slings, diaper covers, blankets, headbands, and several styles of hats including beanies, newsboy caps, earflap and tassel hats.

We understand how difficult (and expensive) it can be to acquire just the right props for newborn sessions, so we came up with our signature “Prop Packages”. These 4 packages provide essential newborn props at a discounted price while allowing you to make your own color choices. They’re perfect for the new photographer just starting out in the business or anyone who wants to stock up on some great props. Visit them at: bubblegirlknits.etsy.com

Photopantz! are the only pants designed especially for the unique needs of women photographers.

Founded by Seattle wedding photographer Julie Watts, Photopantz have 4-way stretch fabric, high rise backside, and NINE sleek and discrete pockets for biz cards, batteries, memory cards, your smartphone, just for starters.

“I just thought it was crazy that nobody cared that women have to shoot weddings in particular, in regular dress pants with weeny teeny pockets, or no pockets at all. I want to be able to climb and bend without worrying they’re gonna split, AND I don’t want to have to spend ONE second wondering if I’m about to moon auntie if I squat down to photograph the flowergirl“, says Julie. Visit them at: photopantz.com

And one to grow on! Thanks for two AMAZING years!
-Robyn

It’s no secret that with two young boys, I love doing fairy and princess sessions any time I can. Today I’m sharing one of my favorite online-stops, and a special discount, with you in a guest / vendor post!

At Bugs-N-Blooms, our extensive collection of butterfly, ladybug, and bumblebee-themed accessories make the perfect addition to a photographer’s props. Our products are popular choices with parents who want to capture a memorable memento of their little ones’ childhood days.

Tiny tykes can be transformed into butterfly princesses with Bugs-n-Blooms accessories. A butterfly costume with butterfly wings, tutu skirts, a fairy wand, and a tiara or flower headband makes an ideal outfit for an annual photo session. Our fire-engine red ladybug costume, complete with wings, tutu, and wand, makes a colorful, eye-catching wardrobe choice, especially for a color photo on a black-and-white background.

Parents choose Bugs-n-Blooms for more than just costumes, though. We also offer a wide array of decorations, ranging from wall stickers to mini-bugs and butterflies to mobiles and curtain tiebacks. In fact, you can create an entire garden backdrop with the help of Bugs-n-Blooms.

Start with our nylon flowers, which come in mini- and full-sized versions in a number of different designs. Add butterfly decor, nylon butterflies, and glitter ladybugs to introduce some other creatures to the scene. Our mobiles—featuring butterflies, dragonflies, bumblebees or daisies—bring another dimension into the backdrop. Of course, no garden setting is complete without a smiling bumblebee or two, and we have those, too. You can even include one of our nylon hanging suns in your garden scene for a final touch.

You can personalize the picture with our reusable alphabet wall stickers, too. If you keep two or three complete sets on hand (with a few extra vowels and popular letters), you’ll be able to spell any name of a photo subject.

Visit our website – bugs-n-blooms.com – to check out everything we have to offer. Our products come in a wide selection of colors and have a variety of embellishments, including, sparkles, glitter, and gemstones.

To stay posted on the latest additions to the Bugs-n-Blooms collection, “like” us on Facebook. If you do, you’ll get a special offer: 10% off orders over $25.




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.

A few days ago I made a post about one of my finds at Imaging USA – Barbour Backdrops and Props…

Well as luck would have it, they just won three PPA “Hot Ones” Awards (winners announced in the new March issue of Professional Photographer Magazine) and they’re celebrating by giving a big discount on each of those items!

To see more photo examples of the Jillian backdrop, Stately Baseboards, and Lattice Box go visit their Facebook page.

PLEASE NOTE: Even though the ad mentions using the code on their website, you will need to use it when placing a phone order (877-318-4777) instead.

Happy shopping!

So you’ve seen the new HB Photo Packaging value packs and color selections here, and the new “Print Your Own” packaging line here. So now why don’t you go and fill your closets and shelves with boxes once and for all because HB is having a sale! And it’s a good one!

HB Photo Packaging is doing a “Winter Blues” promotion this weekend, offering 10% off to their e-mail subscribers & Facebook fans.

But…..they wanted to give a special 15% off discount to their Paperie favorite customers. You can find the promo code below. But hurry! The coupon turns back into a pumpkin on Sunday, January 23rd at midnight.

Don’t forget – if you signed up for a new ClickinMoms membership with the code PAPERIE2011 by midnight on January 31, 2011, you received 20% off your ClickinMoms membership. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL!

If you signed up through Paperie by January 31st, you also got the following items as our ‘thank you‘:

Write Robyn if you still need to collect your goodies!

I recently made a purchase from eBay, that I swear caused an ovary to burst when I opened it. It was just. that. cute. So I immediately begged the seller to do a guest post post here, and thankfully she obliged. Introducing Stacy Murphy of The Girlie Girl Bowtique…

My name is Stacy Murphy I am a a full time mommy and wife. My daughter Robyn is 16 and my son Colin is almost 5. They keep me very busy and I love it.

The Girlie Girl Bowtique has only been in business for a year! I’m an Interior Designer by profession, but chose to stay home with my kids so that had to put that on the back burner for now. As some time passed I really needed a creative outlet. As full as my life was I felt something missing.

On that day I happened to be going through my Grandmother’s old picture album. I have a natural love and obsess over anything vintage whether it be a piece of Jewelry, hats, or a pair of vintage Channel shoes . I love all vintage things… The next picture was of my Great Grandmother wearing a swim cap, You know the kind women use to wear back in the days as to not get their hair wet. This particular cap caught my eye. My Great Grandmother had stuck a bunch of daisies in it. She told me that she did that to catch the eye of this man – and she did. That man was my Great Grandfather. They laughed over this cap for many years until they both died on the same night. My daisy cap was inspired by my great grandparents. I one day decided to make these caps for photographer session props. Took some time but they caught the eye of many, MANY photographers and they and all my other flower caps have been HUGE hits.

Everything else in my Cute Bowtique is all made and designed by me. Every week there is a new design as my mind never stops. This is my outlet my hobby my passion. I love what I do and I would do it for free! (Although making some money for myself is nice too!)

I sell quality crochet flower hats , four different styles of headbands , clippies, and of course my famous flower caps — lots of MOMS shop in my store but I mostly sell to photographers as they love to use my designs for session props. I am proud to call myself a “Photo Prop Designer”. No longer the Interior Designer…which is perfect.

As a special treat for Paperie Boutique readers, if you will mention that you found Girlie Girl Bowtique on Paperie Boutique, you will get 10% off your purchase in my store. Just please make sure to contact me before making your final payment during the checkout.

And one lucky winner will get the thing that started this all – a daisy cap! Here’s how to win:

First become a fan of The Girlie Girl Bowtique on Facebook. You’ll get in on Facebook-only giveaways and promotions there.

Next, To win just go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

I want a daisy cap from Girlie Girl Bowtique / etsy.com/shop/girliebowtique – win at Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com by @shutterblog

Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, June 14th.

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. 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 or page or request permission to see it, you will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account.

You have four chances to win but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your 1-4 separate links in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

Comments are moderated and may be slow to be added today but they will be added by late afternoon or early evening.

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 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Good luck!

UPDATE: The winner has been announced here – congrats!

Thank you so much for today’s guest post, Stacy! Make sure to visit the Girlie Girl Bowtique on Etsy and also stop by her personal Facebook page to say “hi” and “thank you” as well!

Don’t forget the big Kelly Moore bag giveaway is going on through Friday night at 11:59 p.m. EDT!

We have a winner in the Go{4}Pro iPhone case template collection giveaway! It’s Rebecca Strang of Wise Idea Portraits:

Thanks again to Go{4}Pro, congrats to Rebecca, and a huge thank you to everyone who participated as well!

And don’t forget, Paperie readers have one more day (through Monday, May 17th) to use the discount code Paperie to get 10% off the iPhone case template collection at Go{4}Pro!

You also have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Sunday night to win a $50.00 gift code from Jamie Schultz Designs. Get to it!

We’re very lucky to have Jessica Cudzilo of 503 Photography and 503 Photography Workshops here for a guest post today. Don’t just skim this one because she’s given Paperie readers a couple of amazing treats at the end!

I am a lifestyle photographer based out of Cincinnati, OH. I shoot 75% children and families and love what I do! My favorite thing is showing up for a shoot with a grumpy kid who thinks getting his picture taken is the equivalent of sitting in timeout. I absolutely love the challenge of winning over a child’s giggles!

I also photograph individuals and always love the creative freedom that comes with working with just a single soul. There is so much freedom creatively when you’re not having to entertain a baby while shooting or having to adjust your settings AND run around in circles.

Apart from my photography I also run online workshops. I’ve found that people all over the country and world are hungry to learn how to use their cameras. So, I started hosting online workshops January 2009. The first one slowly filled up with 21 people. This last one filled up with 55 in less than 20 minutes!

We love the energy surrounding these workshops! We are getting ready to open registration for a new one so if you want in, check us out and send us a note. We look forward to meeting you!

Something we have just kicked off that I am MOST EXCITED about is our new set of workshops for kids and teens!

To read the heart behind these workshops click here and read the note I have written specifically to parents.

These workshops are for 7-10 year olds, middle schoolers and high schoolers, with each age group having their own set of lessons and online forum to connect with other kids their age. For loads of information about these workshops check out the site for more info.

These workshops are brand new and only offered during the summer so any and all spreading of the word you can do is greatly appreciated! We believe SO much in the value of art, the value of children and the value of family and hope you’ll join us for an incredible summer of learned photography!

And just because Jessica is so awesome…

Paperie readers have the chance to win one spot to the online workshop for kids and teens!

¤ STEP ONE (REQUIRED) — Visit the workshop website and discover your favorite thing about the workshop itself or the idea of promoting kids and art through photography.

¤ STEP TWO (REQUIRED) — Go to your blog, Twitter, or Facebook account and post the following:

I want to win a spot in @503Jess ‘s “503 Photography Workshops for Kids & Teens” at Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com by @shutterblog

¤ STEP THREE (REQUIRED) — First list your favorite thing about the workshop for kids & teens, or the idea of promoting kids and art through photography. Then post the URL to your link with the above text in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 30th.

Please note: If you have won a prize within the last 30 days, please sit this one out and give someone else a chance to win please! The link you post must direct to a public account. 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 or page or request permission to see it, you will automatically be disqualified.

You can enter once per person using a public, non-private blog URL, Facebook, or Twitter account. Please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed.

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 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Hope you win!

But wait…that’s not all!

We are offering a discount to our kids & teens online workshops for all Paperie Boutique readers. Use the discount code PB503 for $25 off the workshop for 7-10 year olds and $40 off the workshop for middle and high schoolers!

Thank you so much Jessica – you’re going to make someone’s weekend! Take a few and drop by her blog and Facebook fan page to say thanks…

UPDATE: The contest winner has been announced here – thanks to everyone who entered!

Don’t forget there’s just under two hours left (11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 28th) to win a $100.00 gift certificate to LCH Design here on Paperie Boutique. Check out Monday’s post for more details!

ATTENTION VENDORS: We tuck business cards, coupon inserts, and promo pieces inside of our prize packages. If you are interested in having yours included, please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment). Also contact me if you are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured on Paperie Boutique.

ATTENTION PHOTOGRAPHERS: Show us your packaging! If the features here have helped you pull together your own look, please share with the class and pay it forward. Contact Robyn (e-mail link in the sidebar / robyn @ this domain) to be added to the posting schedule.

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain.

Our household is currently being slammed to the mat with a nasty tummy-bug, so this will be short and sweet.

Short – did you see the {France Photography} “Couture Kit Collections” featured yesterday?

Today, because Kelli is so awesome, you can win a {Power of Presentation} Couture Kit – sweet!

{The Power of Presentation} Couture Kit templates include:

1} Couture Catalogue (6 ~ 8.5×11 pages + printing & binding instructions)
2} Thank You card (folded 4×5.5)
3} Couture Conversation Cards for a client gift (30 ~ 4×5 jpegs)

Start with our chic “Couture Catalogue”! (Printing & binding vendors and instructions included.) Next, add a personal touch by giving custom “Thank You” cards. Finish it off with a surprise gift for your clients with our “Couture Conversation Cards”.

All files (except the Conversation Cards) are fully-layered PSDs and customizable for your boutique business.

How do you win? Go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Win a {Power of Presentation} Couture Kit by {France Photography} / @kellifrance at Paperie Boutique / paperieboutique.com by @shutterblog

Post the URL(s) to your link(s) in the comments for THIS ENTRY. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, April 15th.

Please note: The link you post must direct to a public account. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item.

You can enter up to four times total – one entry each per public, non-private blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account.

You have four chances to win but only one chance PER LINK – please do not post the same link multiple times – duplicate links will be removed. And post your 1-4 separate links in separate comments 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 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize. Good luck everyone!

And don’t forget that Paperie Boutique readers all get a $10 off coupon for the {France Photography} “Couture Kit Collections”. The code francypants will expire at midnight on Thursday April 15th.

UPDATE the winner Heather Byrd of Infinity Images has been announced.

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

If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. Check the sidebars – several advertisers joined us recently!

The Clickin’ Moms free year subscription contest (linked below) has come to an end and we have a winner!

Melissa’s #3 comment linking her Facebook entry was selected by Random.org. Melissa, please contact me at robyn @ this domain to claim your prize!

And thanks once again to Clickin’ Moms for sponsoring such a great contest and giving the rest of you 10% off new member subscriptions (using the code FRIEND at checkout) through March 31, 2010.

Stay tuned because more amazing contests / give-aways are in the works. And let’s just say that the vendor behind one multi prize-a-palooza really Rox!

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

The last 12 hours have been incredible for me. First I found out I’d got a little “ProDPI Love!“. Then it was announced I’m the “February Guest Photographer” over at Prop Insanity.

And just because I care, if you head over to Prop Insanity this little surprise is available for (FREE!) download from Paperie Boutique—a Moo MiniCard template I hole punch a corner of and use as a gift tag.

Anyone out there going to WPPI in Vegas? If so, and you’re interested in posting a recap for the rest of us (similar to this one from Imaging USA), please get in touch with me!

And in case you missed the last entry, this week there’s a chance to win a fabulous (free, year-long) prize from Clickin’ Moms*!

Clickin’ Moms* is one of my guilty pleasures these days during that rare thing known as free time. Directly from the website: “We are a community of women who have a passion for photography. Some of us are amateur photographers who just want to take better pictures of our family, some of us are hobbyists, and some of us are seasoned pros. We learn from each other and help each other…this is a safe place to share your photos and chat about photography. Our forums and galleries are closed to non-members. Our site features great and easy to understand tutorials, lessons and challenges. All of the contributions are from fellow members who are more than happy to help and give advice to one another. We host amazing photography vendors who offer us discounts and group buys on their products…we have great bunch of women that enjoy hanging out with people that have a common passion – photography!”

* Clickin’ Moms is hosting an affiliate referral contest and the link I am posting will help this site in the contest.

All new Clickin’ Moms registrations sent from Paperie Boutique though midnight March 31, 2010, will receive 10% off new member subscriptions by using the coupon code FRIEND at checkout.

Clickin’ Moms has also donated one free year’s subscription to a Paperie Boutique viewer.

To enter, go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Get your cameras clickin’ with paperieboutique.com & @clickinmoms / clickinmoms.com – pass this on and win a year’s subscription!

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for the last entry (NOT this one). Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, February 21st.

Comments on the last entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the prize code will be e-mailed to that person within 24 hours of contest’s end.

More prize giveaways are in the works for this month so stay tuned… I want them for myself!

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

It’s been one of those months. Holiday weekend = good. Entire family battling yet another cold/flu = bad. I’ve been trying to post this entry for the last 8 hours. But finally a bit of peace and quiet to my day and we all win!

Literally.

Because thanks to the fine folks at Clickin’ Moms*, this entry comes with goodies and the chance to win a fabulous (free, year-long) prize!

Clickin’ Moms* is one of my guilty pleasures these days during that rare thing known as free time. Directly from the website: “We are a community of women who have a passion for photography. Some of us are amateur photographers who just want to take better pictures of our family, some of us are hobbyists, and some of us are seasoned pros. We learn from each other and help each other…this is a safe place to share your photos and chat about photography. Our forums and galleries are closed to non-members. Our site features great and easy to understand tutorials, lessons and challenges. All of the contributions are from fellow members who are more than happy to help and give advice to one another. We host amazing photography vendors who offer us discounts and group buys on their products…we have great bunch of women that enjoy hanging out with people that have a common passion – photography!”

* Right now Clickin’ Moms is hosting an affiliate referral contest and the link I am posting will help this site in the contest. All new registrations sent from Paperie Boutique though midnight January 31, 2011, will receive 20% off new member subscriptions by using the coupon code PAPERIE2011 at checkout.

But wait! There’s more! Clickin’ Moms has also donated one free year’s subscription to a Paperie Boutique viewer.

To enter, go to your blog, Facebook account, Flickr account, or Twitter account and post the following:

Get your cameras clickin’ with paperieboutique.com & @clickinmoms / clickinmoms.com – pass this on and win a year’s subscription!

You can enter up to four times total – one entry per blog URL / Facebook / Flickr / Twitter account. Post the URL to your link(s) in the comments for this entry. Comment(s) must be posted by 11:59 p.m. EST this Sunday, February 21st.

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the prize code will be e-mailed to that person within 24 hours of contest’s end.

But the fun doesn’t stop there because now there are pretty pictures and product recommendations to pass along!

Recently I received this e-mail from catherineamissphotography.com:

I wanted to share the valentines that I made for my son’s kindergarten class exchange.

I chose a picture of my son and my husband and added the following quote about love: “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” On the back I wrote “Happy Valentine’s Day! From, Austin.” And then, yes, I [shamelessly] added my website address. The background paper and frame element is from Sassy Designs.

I printed the cards on pearl paper as 4×5 promo cards from Miller’s. I put two Valentine’s per 4×5 card and then simply cut them in half. Then I punched a hole in the corner and tied a little baggie filled with 3 chocolate kisses onto the card with ribbon.

I had considered punching two holes on the side and sticking a lollipop through the card, but I decided that the children’s mothers would be more likely to notice chocolate (and thus my website address).

When my son saw the cards, he loved them! Then he saw the dandelion graphic on the back of the card and exclaimed, “Mommy! It’s the same flower from your logo!” ( I just worked with a designer to come up with a new logo.) Hopefully, the Valentine stood out in a sea of Spiderman and Spongebob and wished his classmates a very “Happy Valentine’s Day” all the same.

Thank you so much for sharing those, Catherine! They’re absolutely gorgeous and as a fellow-kindergartener’s mom, certainly would have got my attention — what a brilliant twist to up the ante and win mommy’s heart through Kisses!

Last but certainly not least… The longer I’m in business, the tighter I get with my prop budget. I allow myself a few splurges each year, but really like to keep things to a minimum if at all possible and keep my profits. I’ve lusted after the Urban Outfitters Distressed and Whitewashed fake wood Trompe L’Oeil Floor Mats for a couple of years now. I just couldn’t stomach the $140.00 pricetag. I’ve also seen links to the Bargain Outfitters Barnboard Fo Flor (by Bungalow who also carries the Whitewash), and links on sites selling the mats wholesale, but they always ran between $99.00 – $187.00. Deep down I had my heart set on the Whitewash version because this portrait of mine (shot on an actual wooden bridge) has always been a favorite. It was just a matter of digesting the pricepoints.

Recently though, I ran across the Fo Flor Mat in Whitewash from Grandin Road.

I Googled for a coupon and ended up getting two 23×36″ accent rugs for $34/each (plus shipping) instead of one large area rug style mat. Together they make a nice-sized 36×46″ faux-floor. My total order was $82.00. Much better on the budget. As you can see, they will work with room to spare for newborn-in-basket type shots and close-up toddler portraits, which are the bulk of my work.

For the planks coming at me instead of going horizontally, I may need to clone the seam line just a bit, but overall they photograph very well. And the white has the added bonus of being a minor reflector.

These are the same fabric-printed-on foamy-mousepad-material you may have seen discussed elsewhere. Very thin, lightweight, easy to roll, and extremely portable.

It really does pay to do a few minutes of extra homework. The 23×36″ Barnboard version at Bargain Outfitters is now on sale for $29.97 and there are tons of coupon codes floating around for that site on Google. I believe their shipping runs about $9.

You can also search for Bungalow Fo Floors at Amazon.com, some of which will allow you to take advantage of their free Prime Shipping option.

With the money you save, you just might have enough to hit Etsy for a cute baby hat or tutu as well… Happy propping!

(P.S. Wondering where I got that cute little cupcake? That one is custom-made, but I got it (and this one) from Shimrit’a cupcakes. I have a lot of “baby’s first birthday” sessions coming up, and I wanted a non-melty-icing option for my outdoor ones. These look good enough to eat in real life and in photos!)

(Make sure you read ALL THE WAY TO THE END of this entry for a special promotion / coupon code from Moo.com!)

It’s no secret I’m a Moo-oholic and there are several reasons why… Besides exceptional customer service and product (a thick, matte cardstock finish to die for and the cutest stickers you’ve ever seen), rarely can you find a printer that will allow you to print as many designs with one order as are included with that product. If you order a pack of 100 business cards and want 100 different images on them, knock yourself out! There’s no extra charge for that!

For my latest Moo business card order, I decided to take care of several upcoming seasonal and holiday promos at once. I had designs printed for an autumn special, a Thanksgiving thank you, a Christmas gift, a special Valentine, and a “baby’s first birthday” present—I will be tucking these promotional business cards into my client orders and correspondences over the next several months.

This is where the special gets “special”. I am making three of these designs available here at Paperie Boutique, and Paperie Boutique only, as a pre-sale through 9 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 21, 2009. (After that they will be available over at “Fit to Print“.) All pre-sale template orders will be e-mailed by 9 p.m. EDT on 08.21.09.

UPDATE: As Friday, August 21, 2009, the pre-sale templates have been sent to all of those who have pre-ordered thus far. If you did not receive yours, please contact me ASAP with your order number. The rest will be sent out as the orders come in. Please allow 3-4 hours for processing from time of order placement (extra for overnight orders).

To participate in this pre-sale, first visit Fit to Print and then register here. Then click the “Find Gallery” link at top right. You will then enter the code “ten” as shown above. At the next screen, click the thumbnail-image and you will be taken straight to the ordering gallery for this product.

Moo allows you to add a full-image to the back of your cards with your logo and contact info (not included) or use their design templates: “The reverse of the cards has up to 10 lines of text available – and a variety of different design templates. You can choose a landscape or portrait card, upload your company logo, or another image – or, if you have a design already, you can upload a design for the complete card back.” (Recommended full-image size 1039 x 697 pixels – 300dpi.)

So great! You’ve got your card front designs. You know what you want to do on the backs. What’s next?

Well funny you should ask because Moo is offering a special promotional code for Paperie Boutique viewers. Go to the Moo.com website using this link. Use the code H7DNEK for free shipping on a pack of 50 Business Cards.

The fine print: The Moo promo code H7DNEK expires on August 25th, 2009, and it is only valid for new MOO customers. You must use this link to begin your order with Moo. You are NOT required to purchase the designs shown above to take advantage of the Moo coupon code—it is available to all new Moo customers!

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments. Now get MOOving. These sales won’t last forever!