green is the new black

I love the packaging feature guest posts! And today we’re particularly lucky because Michelle Black is stopping by to show off her new gorgeous ‘green’ rebranding. Without further adieu…

This year I decided to re-brand. I kept the same logo but changed the overall feel of my packaging and marketing materials, to better reflect myself as a person. With nature in my blood and having practically grown up in the woods (okay not really, but I was a major tomboy and spent a LOT of time outside, haha) I thought the change was only fitting, and I wish I’d started out with it from the beginning! With all eco-friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable materials, the new packaging just feels good, it gives off a good vibe. Less is more in my book, and keeping the packaging / materials simple, clean, and quietly sophisticated is something that now has a lot of importance to me. My first set of proofs went out the door wrapped in Earth last week and I wanted to share some photographs. I’ll be getting the remainder of the products this month (print folders, mailers, CD cases). I’m also looking for a new portfolio for my prints, does anyone have suggestions? I’ve searched far and wide and haven’t really settled on anything yet.

*Ink on the bags and boxes is acid-free and non-toxic.*

*Borders / frames on the proof image shown above are available for purchase at The Photo Professional [ here ] .*

Order deadline cards were printed at home on natural, recycled paper.

Recycled tissue paper from Nashville Wraps.

Cards with rounded edges from GotPrint who is a green company!

Beautiful soft twine from Hobby Lobby.

Logo on boxes and bags is a stamp I had custom ordered. (Stamp info now included in the comments.) I purchased both brown and black inks – they both look beautiful!

Tags are made at home, printed on recycled paper.

Tags are made at home, printed on recycled paper. *BAGS AND BOXES ARE RECYCLED KRAFT PRODUCTS.*

Thank you so much for sharing Michelle! Make sure you stop by her blog and website “The Photo Professional” to say thanks in person!

P.S. If you’re waiting on an e-mail from me, please be patient. I’m extremely behind right now and doing my best to catch up as fast as I can!

Look around the sidebars and say “hi” to several of our new advertisers. 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.

vert classique

Last fall I put out the call for photographers who had “gone green” with their packaging, but unfortunately received no response. Since then I’ve had multiple viewer requests to feature a guest post by a “green” photographer. The problem was finding one, or them finding me. Until now.

Green or not, this packaging leaves me saying “WOW!” It’s simply perfection. So sit back and enjoy the eco-friendly packaging of Caroline Ghetes Photography.

Inside the photo proof box. The box is 100% biodegradable.

Another look at the outside of the photo proof box all wrapped up.

I hand-stamped my logo on this really neat handmade paper. Then I hand-stamped the word “photos” on these recycled chip-board hang tags. I’ve attached all tags & wrapped the boxes in 100% natural raffia ribbon.

Here’s a look at the CD my brides get. A photo is printed on a label and then adhered to the CD.

I use these natural hemp CD cases from Loktah. I LOVE their stuff!

The CD’s are placed on a bed of Natural Coarse Wood Excelsior, inside this 100% biodegradable black box.

Then the CD box is wrapped with Raffia ribbon and more hang tags are attached.

And there you go!

A little peek at the envelope which contains the reproduction release & lab recommendations.

An overall look of the finished product. The shopping bag is a 100% recycled Euro Tote.

Because of her extensive research into green boutique packaging, Caroline sells her vendor and product list rather than sharing it online. The cost for this collected information is $25.00 USD. You can read more of the details at her blog.

“100% of every transaction will be donated to support my missions trip to Romania in 2010, in support of my father’s evangelistic travels. It will involve church revivals, visiting & helping orphanages, remodeling for poor families, photography for the needy & of course some documentary photography as well…In addition to telling you the resources I used to make my own packaging, I will include some more names in there that I did not use, but may work for you.“

Thank you, Caroline, for proving it can be done—and that it can be done to perfection!

There’s much more in store for this week and we’re only half-way through. Don’t forget to check in daily!

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 not easy being green

I would love to feature a photographer here who has ‘gone green’ with their packaging and product / marketing presentation. Finding one has proved quite the challenge, however. Do you fit the bill? Would you like to see your name up here in (energy-efficient) lights?

If so please contact me (my e-mail is in the sidebar and is robyn @ this domain – or you can leave a comment). I’ll help walk you through how to get your guest post and photos published.

Thanks!
-Robyn

P.S. A few sources for environmentally friendly packaging and products:
1. H-B Photo
2. Botanical Paperworks
3. Greenerprinter.com
4. Nashville Wraps
5. ProDPI Lab (Green Executive Packaging)
6. Moo (Eco Friendly Business Cards)
Have more? Please leave ‘em in the comments!