New week – new winners – and a new $100 gift card giveaway!

We want to thank all of our readers and vendors for two very successful recent promotions! First up, the winner of the MOO.com $75.00 gift card…

…is CPMarketing! Congratulations to Chris, and thanks to MOO.com for the fun giveaway!




Next we have the winner of the Artsy Couture “prize pack”…it’s Carrie Hanna!

Thanks to Carrie, and also to Artsy Couture for such a great prize!




But as they say…that’s…not all! Artsy Couture is having an amazing sale through the end of May! ALL Artsy products are 22% off + free shipping! For more details see image below and visit artsycouture.com!

And one lucky Paperie reader will win a $100 Artsy gift certificate this week! How do you win?

Easy! Just tell us your favorite Artsy Couture product in the comments here.

You can have up to two additional BONUS entries by following Artsy Couture on Facebook and / or Paperie Boutique on Facebook (or stating that you follow one – or both, in separate comments – already).

Comments must be posted here by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 25th. U.S. residents 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 each option 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 entry method multiple times. Duplicate entries 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.

Thanks once again to our sponsor Artsy Couture for being so good to our readers!




P.S. Don’t miss our FREE Father’s Day template downloads.

Check back soon!
-Robyn & Todd

Guess what? Today we have one of our favorite sponsors back for another giveaway and guest / vendor post! Please welcome Artsy Couture!

What’s up for grabs? An Artsy Couture “prize pack” that includes two Sweet Frames (up to 11×14) and a $50 gift certificate good on any Artsy products!

WHAT ARE SWEET FRAMES?
Sweet Frames are a collection of distressed and aged looking frames hand crafted from high quality wood. Every frame is meant to inspire whimsy and wonderment, like being presented with a life sized piece of candy. Join in on spreading the sweetness.

How do you win? Go to Facebook and / or Twitter and answer the following question:

“If there is one photography mistake you’ve made along the way and could take back, what would it be?“

When posting to Facebook, make sure to tag @Artsy Couture in your answer – and when posting to Twitter make sure to tag @ArtsyCouture in your answer. Then don’t forget to come back and link your Facebook and / or Twitter post(s) in the comments here so everyone can see. (These must be on a public Facebook or Twitter account so we can verify it’s there – if we have to register to see your entry, it is not public, and the entry will be voided.) That’s all there is to it!

You can have an optional, BONUS entry by telling us your favorite Artsy Couture product in the comments here.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 11th. U.S. residents 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 each option 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.

Thanks to Artsy Couture for having such an amazing prize pack for our readers!




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

Find more details on how to enter here! And don’t miss our FREE Mother’s Day and Father’s Day template downloads.

More on the way – see you here soon!
-Robyn & Todd

We’re excited to have MOO.com back for another guest / vendor post and giveaway! One lucky Paperie winner will win a $75 gift card to MOO! And read ’til the end because we also have FREE Mother’s Day and Father’s Day templates up for download!

As blogged about here on Paperie, I recently had the chance to try MOO Luxe Business Cards. “Printed on Mohawk Superfine paper, Luxe Business Cards are the cashmere sweater of Business Cards – they look as good as they feel…At triple the thickness and weight of most ordinary cards, Luxe boasts a rich seam of colour within the layers of paper, and a stunning, tactile quality that you won’t find anywhere else on the web.”

I’ve also used MOO standard, recycled and rounded-corner business cards for years. There’s just nothing like thickness and feel! And with MOO’s “Printfinity” you can print a different design or photograph on every single card in the pack! This is perfect for running seasonal promotions or if you shoot different styles of photography – you could print wedding, maternity, and newborn business cards in one pack.

And now Paperie readers in the U.S. have a chance to win $75 from Moo – all you have to do is visit Moo’s site and tell us what your favorite business card design is in the comments! You can find several examples to choose from here:

1. http://us.moo.com/design-templates/luxe/business-cards/
2. http://us.moo.com/design-templates/business-cards/

Entrants may also get one additional “bonus” entry by posting a photo of your own MOO business cards to your Facebook account (and link to @moo.com in your post) -  or  - post a photo of your own MOO business cards to your Twitter account (and link to @overheardatmoo). Then come back to the comments here and post the link to your Facebook -  or  - Twitter entry so everyone can see. (These must be on a public Facebook or Twitter account so we can verify it’s there – if we have to register to see your entry, it is not public, and the entry will be voided.) Don’t forget to come back here and post the link to your shared post. That’s all there is to it!

This contest is open from Monday, May 7th – Sunday, May 13th (11:59 p.m. EDT) to residents in the U.S. You can enter up to TWO times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in two separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

Thanks to MOO.com for such a great contest! Good luck everyone!




Mother’s Day is rapidly approaching. If you need a quick last-minute gift (for clients or your own mum), don’t miss the free downloads we posted last year! Here’s an example of one mini-storyboard:

And in plenty of time for Father’s Day, here are two templates up for download. Both look the same – but one is designed to print as a 5×7 photograph collage. The other is designed to print as MOO postcards. With MOO’s “Printfinity” you can insert different images in each postcard, and make a customized “Happy Father’s Day” card for each of your clients!

     5×7 photo collage template

     Moo postcard template

The images you insert should be 300 dpi – pixel dimensions needed are given in a layer you will hide.

→ download link for 5×7 ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file)

→ download link for postcard ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file)


PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide technical support for these downloads.




More great stuff on the way this week – stay tuned!
-Robyn & Todd

All templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2010-2012. All rights reserved. They may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

We’re excited to present one of our favorite features on the site – photography packaging photos & descriptions by Erica Clark Photography!

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve had a love affair with all things stationary. Even as a teenager, I was always looking for the most unique and personalized gift packaging. I would wrap CDs in sheet music and unravel and scrunch up the inside of cassette tapes for the bow. Now, I totally allow my photography business to feed my love for boutique packaging.

I specialize in family photography and weddings. So, I decided to include my packaging for family clients as well as my wedding welcome packets which I send to brides who book with me. (Vendor information provided after photos.)

All teal colored boxes were purchased at H-B Photo. I ALWAYS buy my boxes from there. The quality is great, the prices are good, and the shipping is lightning fast.

The brown paper bags shown in the first image were purchased at my local dollar store where they are 2 for a $1. The little white bags are bought at a variety of places. Basically, wherever I see a good sale.

I bought the tiny brown paper sacks from a vendor on Etsy, I tuck a business card inside and clip it with a miniature clothespin I found for $2.00 a box on clearance at Walmart. I think about 20 came in a box. Needless to say, I bout about 10 boxes.

The twine, I bought it from our local farm store when they were marked down and out in a clearance bin.

All ribbon/lace was purchased at our local Hobby Lobby. They frequently have 50% ribbon/bows sales. When they do, I stock up…big time.

The burlap, which is cut into strips, was also purchased at Hobby Lobby. I’m an economical girl because the way I see it, if I save money, so do my clients. So when I bought the burlap, I bought TONS of it because I printed off a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby’s website.

The red and white baker’s twine was purchased at JoAnn’s Fabric. The tissue paper was purchased at Target. The little back chalkboard ‘thank you’ tag is actually just black card stock with a hole punched in it. I bought a chalkboard pen online (eBay, I think) and I hand write ‘thank you’ on the card stock. I trim the edges so it looks like a little ticket. The white button is just from my stock pile of random buttons. The clear plastic bags are from Rice Studio.

My business cards and mini cards are from Moo…of course. One of my favorite things about Moo, besides the ultra high quality, is their infinity print. If I buy 100 cards, I can have 100 different images on the backs. That’s pretty awesome in my book. As a photographer, it’s like having a mini-portfolio in my wallet. I always hand out cards with images on the back that might correspond to the type of photography a potential client may want. Some of my stickers come from Moo as well. The business cards and mini cards serve as hang tags as well.

The stickers I use to seal the tissue paper are from WHCC. The 5×5 press printed square is also from WHCC and I use the other side to hand write a thank you note.

The petal enclosure is what I use for discs of digital files and the 5×5 card fits right on top of it. I buy those from The Paper Source. I seal the enclosure with one of the Moo stickers.

The 3×3 accordions are from WHCC and are sometimes one of the little gifts I give my clients.

The following is what goes into my bridal packets, along with a few business cards from local hair/make-up, DJ, & cake vendors.

All of the press printed products are purchased from WHCC. ALL of the images used were taken by me, but the templates were purchased from Design Aglow. I LOVE Design Aglow! LOVE!

---

Included in my bridal packets are:

A little accordion pocket planner. That way, as they complete each step of the planning process, brides can check it off in their planner. It’s the perfect size for their purse.

The 5×5 trifold includes info regarding save-the-dates, first looks, formals, and even a little note just for grooms.

Also included is a 4×5 accordion card all about make-up and ways for brides to look their best.

Finally, a 5×7 press printed card that talks about engagement sessions. On the reverse side is ‘what-to-wear’ advice.

---

The last thing I include is an Erica Clark Photography tote bag wrapped with the baker’s twine. The 3×3 hang tag is from WHCC and the totes are from The Wedding Chicks.

When my clients receive their prints or when my brides receive their welcome packets, I want them to feel like they are receiving a special little gift that was meant just for them.

I always say that hiring a custom photographer should be a luxurious experience and I want my packaging to represent just that.

A side note on budgeting, I always wait for sales. Always. Hobby Lobby always has sales/printable coupons on their website, Design Aglow offers a discount when the item is just released, WHCC has press printed cards sales every spring and winter, Target and JoAnn’s have clearance items, Moo offers free shipping sometimes, and so on.

When I decided on my branding colors, I thought about holidays. Yes, holidays. There are 2 major holidays that use red as the main color: Christmas and Valentine’s Day. The week following those two holidays are when I clean up!

My point is, luxury doesn’t have to have a hefty price tag. Just be smart about what, where, and when you buy.

A very special thanks to Robyn for allowing me to share my packaging addiction. I’m grateful to have Paperie Boutique as a source for inspiration.

And a huge thanks to Erica Clark Photography for taking the time to share her packaging photos / resources / hints & tips! If you just can’t get enough of Erica’s packaging and presentation, make sure to visit this blog post and tell her thanks for sharing with the class!




Excited to announce the winner of the 3-month subscription to Chic Critique Forum is Tara Nichols!

And the winner of our Poppy Tree Frames giveaway is…Olivia Price Photography!

Thanks to everyone who entered both contests, and to Poppy Tree Frames for the fun prize! I’ll be in touch with the winners by Monday!




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

Check in all week – great things are scheduled!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. The Savvy Photographer is running a photo contest through May 15th, 2012. Categories include Baby, Child, Family, Seniors , Wedding, and Pets. The prizes are amazing, so visit the site to check them out – and enter!

Hello, would you like free shipping with MOO?

We’ll just assume the answer is yes, which works out rather nicely – because for the next 48 hours, that’s what’s happening! Simply place an order within the next 48 hours using the code SHIP2012 at checkout – whether it’s Business Cards, MiniCards, Stickers or even Luxe Business Cards – we’ll ship it to you absolutely free*.

So, if you’ve never made any MOO products, it’s the perfect time to give us a try. What are you waiting for – get on board!

*This offer is valid until midnight PST Friday 30th March 2012 and applies to the cheapest shipping option only.

(Don’t forget to look through the Paperie free downloads archives for Moo templates ready to customize, upload, and print!)

Don’t forget we also have a giveaway going on through Friday for your choice of a Pebbles Inc. Ribbon Iron or the i-magicut ribbon cutter:

Click here for more details – and good luck!
-Robyn & Todd

I recently had the opportunity to try out the new Moo Luxe Business Cards.

“Printed on Mohawk Superfine paper (loved by designers and illustrators), Luxe Business Cards are the cashmere sweater of Business Cards – they look as good as they feel.”

• 600gsm / 32pt paper – that’s three times as thick as the
   average Business Card
• an eye-catching seam of color running through every
   card (choose from black, white, red or blue) – it’s a real
   conversation starter
• a carefully curated gallery of custom MOO Designs

Moo Quadplex technology compresses four layers of Mohawk Superfine paper together, including your choice of color in the center, creating an eye catching streak running through the fabric of every card. As a talking point, we’re sure you’ll agree it’s pretty remarkable!”

As a self-confessed paper-a-holic and packaging geek, I love everything about this new business card line. The boxes are texture-wrapped and topped off with a beautiful purple ribbon and “wax seal” – and upon opening you realize the box has a special magnetic-closure mechanism. In the first image I have stacked 20 Moo “Luxe” business cards on the right next to 20 “rounded corner” business cards printed on Moo’s premium stock – you can definitely see a difference in thickness! (Click both images shown for a larger pop-up version.)

Prices for the Luxe line start at $34.99 for 50 cards. Visit Moo’s site for more!




From @overheardatmoo: Hot off the press – We’re giving free cheapest option shipping this weekend. Use the code SHIPFREE before Sunday midnight (03.25.12)!




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

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

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

For this column I got to review eco-friendly / “green” products by Miller’s Professional Imaging, Moo.com, Botanical Paperworks, Loktah, HB Photo Packaging, Globe Guard Products, Kraft and Jute, Nashville Wraps, Rice Studio Supply, ReBinder, and ProDPI.

There is also a supplemental mini feature by Nathan Welton of Dreamtime Images that discusses carbon-offsetting for your business with carbonfund.org.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 78, page 80, page 82, and page 84 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.




If you went to Imaging USA 2012 in New Orleans, you might have seen Paperie Boutique and Buttons & Bows Photography sprinkled about. Here are a couple of peeks if you missed it:

You can see more over at our Facebook page! Thanks to Ryan at HB Photo Packaging for these photos!

If you have photos from Imaging USA 2012 that you’d like to see published here, contact Robyn at: robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com




It’s the New Year and it’s time to restock your arsenal. A few of our favorite merchants are running sales!

1. HB Photo Packaging – 15% off through January 22nd with code
    WinterBlues

2. Moo.com – 10% off all printed products through January 25th
    with code MOOPRINTJAN

3. ReBinder – 20% off all ReSleeve and RePlay products through
    January 31st here

Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2012!
-Robyn & Todd

Everyone getting ready for the “Wrap Battle” kickoff on Friday? Here’s some inspiration (and a giveaway)!

Wish I could say I was ready — but I am so behind. I still haven’t sent out any of the e-mails that need to be sent in advance. I haven’t even read half my e-mails today yet! As such, things may be rocky until mid-week next week when I get more holiday cards finished and off to the printers, ordering galleries complete and e-mailed to clients, packages wrapped and off with my “bend and snap!” man, plus get myself through another column debut and new deadline… Oh yeah, and I guess I should fit my kids and husband in there somewhere as well. Shall I continue? It’s the same song and dance we all do every November / December and ask ourselves “WHY?!?”

But even so – even with a 39th birthday under my belt this week – I still took the time to “show you mine”. Now you get ready to show me yours!

I’m sending these “gift wrap kits” with client orders I know contain gifts so it’s easy for them to turn around and re-gift the contents to their families.

Never fear! To make sure we all get through the holidays alive, the contest entry deadline won’t fall until the week between Christmas and New Year’s. When hopefully this will all be a distant memory thanks to the spiked eggnog!

     How do you get the above? Here are the vendors:

     1.  Custom boxes – HB Photo Packaging
     2.  Eco Tote Bags – HB Photo Packaging
     3.  Custom logo stamp – Ampersandity
     4.  Alphabet letter stamps – Michael’s $1 bin
     5.  “Merry Christmas” stamp – Martha Stewart Crafts Scandinavian Set
     6.  Christmas buttons – Dress It Up
     7.  Button stickers – Martha Stewart / EK Success Woodland Buttons
     8.  Santa hat stickers – Jolee’s / EK Success
     9.  Clear Bags – ClearBags.com
     10. Holiday Ribbon – Michael’s
     11. Satin Ribbon – Paper Source
     12. Christmas stickers and labels – Moo.com (free templates here)




And what’s a Paperie post without a cool vendor and a little summin’-summin’ you can win? One of my favorite knitters Boondock Studios Fiber Arts has launched a fun tiny little division called “Narrow Wear” and they’re here for a quick guest post!

Narrow Wear makes funky and eclectic skinny scarves, from a huge variety of fibers and textures. Use them as hip accessories for older kids and teens, or wrap them around / pile under newborns for texture and color.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win the “Mrs. Claus” by Narrow Wear.

How do you win? Easy! Just leave a comment here and let us know what your favorite item in the Narrow Wear Etsy Store is (or what you’d like to see)! That’s it. The winner will be picked this weekend with Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 48-72 hours of the winner-announcement to claim their prize. Good luck!




Packaging supplies out. Cameras up. Ready? Set. Go!
-Robyn & Todd

New day, new contest – and this is one you definitely won’t want to miss! We have a prize pack giveaway in a vendor / guest post by Artsy Couture!

WHAT ARE SWEET FRAMES?
Sweet Frames are a collection of distressed and aged looking frames hand crafted from high quality wood. Every frame is meant to inspire whimsy and wonderment, like being presented with a life sized piece of candy. Join in on spreading the sweetness.

WHAT IS CUBE DÉCOR?
They are photo cubes created from four inch image panels, each being a pro print laminated onto a solid wood material, which come together to create a one-of-a-kind home furnishings product.

Artsy Couture is celebrating the launch of their new Sweet Frames and Cube Décor product lines by giving away a prize pack to three lucky Paperie Boutique fans! This prize pack (valued at $150.00) includes:

•   a set of 3 cubes
•   an 8×10 classic Sweet Frame
•   an 11×14 ornate Sweet Frames

How do you win? Pick ONE of the following questions and answer here in the comments. (Only one answer / entry per person please.)

    1. If you could do a photo shoot anywhere in the world, where would it be?

    2. If you could have one photography “super power”, what would it be?

    3. Who is your photography hero and why?

    4. How did you make the decision to purchase Nikon or Canon (or other
        brand) and do you plan to stick with it?

    5. What is your favorite product by Artsy Couture – and why?

Select your favorite question and leave ONE answer here in the comments. Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Saturday, November 12th. You can enter / post one time.

(PLEASE NOTE: Comments are held for moderation and may not appear immediately. Please be patient! They will show up eventually.)

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.

Both Sweet Frames and Cube Décor are 25% off through 11/15 and after this time, we are happy to offer Paperie Boutique fans an exclusive savings!

Thanks to Artsy Couture for always supporting Paperie, and for such a fun giveaway for our readers!

Welcome to everyone coming in from Moo.com – please check our “free downloads” page for several free Moo regular and holiday templates!

And guess what?!? Moo.com is offering free shipping when you spend over $35 through November 22nd!




We have a winner in our BrandSushi Grand Prize contest and it’s…Shelby Leigh Photography!

And we have two winners of the BrandSushi $75 gift certificates and they are…Adria Peaden Photography and Danni Wallace!

Congrats to our winners! We’ll be in touch by Friday with information on how to claim your prizes! Thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks again to BrandSushi for the fabulous prizes! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Only 45 days ’til Santa Claus comes to town!
-Robyn & Todd

This post is jam-packed full of giveaways and goodies to kick off your weekend on a good note! First up, one of our favorite vendors – BrandSushi – is back with an amazing birthday bash guest post / giveaway for Paperie readers!

The BrandSushi Grand Prize is a logo design ($650 value). And two runners-up will each receive a $75 gift certificate. BrandSushi is also running a promo code for 25% off with the code BIRTHDAYBASH throughout the entire month of November!

So how do you win one of these amazing prizes? It’s easy!

1. Tweet the following on Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win logo design ($650 value) + gift certificates for BrandSushi.com / @brandsushi birthday at @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

2. Post the following to Facebook (and tell us where you did it):
Happy birthday BrandSushi! Win a logo design ($650 value) and gift certificates from BrandSushi.com over at PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/S4RZoa

3. Like brandsushi on Facebook: facebook.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already “like” them)

4. Follow @brandsushi on Twitter: twitter.com/brandsushi (or tell us you already follow them)

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

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked BrandSushi on Facebook and/or Twitter – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Tuesday, November 8th. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

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

Good luck to everyone who enters, and thanks to BrandSushi for such incredible prizes for this giveaway! Happy birthday! And many more…




In case you haven’t heard, MOO.com is having a big sticker sale this weekend – stickers are 15% off through November 6th!

Don’t forget we have several FREE Moo holiday sticker templates available for download here at Paperie!

My new column in the November 2011 Professional Photographer Magazine has several “client gift ideas” suggested by your favorite photographers.

Here’s another – right now Groupon is having a sale on Snaptotes custom photo tote / diaper bags and clutches. The bags are normally $105 and $65, and the Groupon special (which includes shipping costs) has them for just $39 and $27 respectively.

It’s a great chance to put your logo on photos they’re sure to carry with them everywhere! As of 10 a.m. Eastern on Friday, November 4th there were still 15 more hours left to take advantage of this deal.




We have a couple of contest winners to announce! The winner of the “Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides” is…Jessica Hilborn Photography!

And the winner of the Rice Studio Supply “12×12 album box stuffed with ECO CHIC goodies” is…Brianne Osborn Photography & Design!

Huge thanks to Photographer’s Wall Display Guides and Rice Studio Supply for the fantastic giveaways, thank you to everyone who entered, and congratulations to our winners. I’ll be in touch with both of you this weekend with information on how to claim your prizes!




Whew! That was a lot for one entry!

Have a great weekend and good luck in the BrandSushi giveaway above!
-Robyn & Todd

A few days ago I linked FREE Moo holiday sticker and minicard template downloads for the holidays / Christmas. Moo asked me to create new 2011 templates for their sticker labels and round sticker lines. I was happy to oblige and I’m passing them on here as well!

Below you will find two FREE sticker label templates (one is a holiday-themed mailing label, the other a holiday themed gift label) and FREE coordinating round “postmark” stickers.

UPDATE: There are now separate links for U.S. and UK downloads for those of you who prefer the date (“25″) before the month (“12″) in the design postmark. The flag icons will help direct you to the download-version you prefer.

  → download link U.S. address label ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

  → download link UK address label ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

  → download link U.S. gift label ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

  → download link UK gift label ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

  → download link U.S. circle sticker ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

  → download link UK circle sticker ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2011. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

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

Another giveaway going up later today so check back!

-Robyn & Todd

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

For this month’s article I reviewed wedding and engagement photography-related items by Design Aglow, Moo, H&H Color Lab, Simply Color Lab, Rentglass, White House Custom Color, ACI, Sassy Designs / Miller’s Professional Imaging, and Smilebooth.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 50, page 52, and page 54 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. And you can also download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




It’s no big secret that we both bleed Crimson and Cream, so we created a bit of fun with the Red River Rivalry as the theme…

Shown above are the Jill-e Classic Collection Medium Bone & Red Leather Camera Bag and the Kelly Moore Libby Bag in Orange.

By the way, in the battle on the field, OU was victorious 55-17. Just in case you missed it..




We are currently running a fall special with ad rates up to half-off (or more) — and we’d love to have YOU join us!

Check the right sidebars and you’ll see a new set of ads from one of our favorite advertisers Loktah! Loktah believes eco-friendly packaging doesn’t have to be ugly – it can actually be a stunning work of art!

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




This weekend there’s a special Paperie giveaway on the Chic Critique Forum!

“The Chic Critique Forum is focused on providing candid critique for photographers. Whether you are an amateur or a seasoned photographer, Chic Critique Forum is the place to be when you are ready to step it up.” Go here to start your FREE 30-day membership trial!




Don’t forget we have a giveaway going right now for two Swanky Stitch prize packs – contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT Sunday night.

“The eyes of Texas have been blackened“. -OU/tx 2000 Broadcast
Boomer Sooner!
Robyn & Todd

As promised yesterday (TWO posts here and here if you missed them), we’re kicking things into holiday-gear here at Paperie over the next few weeks. Today’s FREE downloads will help you do the same!

I recently tweaked a free holiday / Christmas card template from last year for the new ProDPI Mod Card line.

This design is for a flat 5×7 “Mod” holiday card (front and back for “Roundedcorners01″) for print at ProDPI. (The ProDPI Mod Card flat 5×7 “Roundedcorners01″ crop / bleed guide is included as a hidden layer — in addition to the regular ProDPI flat 5×7 crop / bleed guide, also included as a hidden layer.)

The files are .psd files (front, back) and the layers can be hidden. However, the text and colors were not designed to be altered.

If you choose to have these printed at another lab, please check the design in that lab’s template guidelines first!

→ download link – front ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link – back ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2011. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.




And just in case you missed the original 5×7 flat card posted last year…

This was designed as a flat 5×7 holiday card (front and back) for print at ProDPI. (The ProDPI crop / bleed layer is included as a hidden layer.)

The files are .psd files (front, back) and the layers can be hidden. However, the text and colors were not designed to be altered.

If you choose to have these printed at another lab, please check the design in that lab’s template guidelines first!

→ download link – front ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link – back ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2010. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.




While we’re on a trip down memory lane, don’t forget that Moo is having a 25% off sale on EVERYTHING and the sale ends today. (No codes needed – prices already marked down on the Moo website.)

@overheardatmoo recently Tweeted: Stickers, Business Cards, MiniCards, Postcards and Greeting Cards – 25% off until Sunday (in case you didn’t hear) at http://www.moo.com.

This is a great time to use all of these FREE Paperie holiday sticker and mini-card templates to be ahead of the game for your holiday packaging!

→ download link ←  ¤  “elf-inspected” sticker (right-click, save-as)
→ download link ←  ¤  “(HO)³” sticker (right-click, save-as)
    Both stickers above are flat .png files sized for print at Moo.com.

Please note this sticker .psd file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file to alter it — I do not provide technical support for this download. The background color may be changed. The text layer can be hidden and replaced.

The stickers above match these Moo mini card template FREE downloads. They are designed to be used as a bag-tag or gift tags. Just punch a hole in one end and run thin ribbon through the hole. Instant cute!

→ download link (HO)³ ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and is a .pdf — Moo will print .pdf files — I do not provide technical support for this download)

→ download link candy cane ← (please note this file was designed in CS2 and you must have Photoshop or Elements and know how to edit a .psd layered file — I do not provide technical support for this download)

The fonts used are Annabelle and Myriad Pro. You can change the background color but I don’t recommend it, as the candy cane graphic won’t appear properly.

Templates are ©Robyn Pollman, 2010. All rights reserved. Templates may not be copied, resold, made available for download or given away elsewhere, or redistributed without my written permission.

Don’t miss our current contest/ giveaway from Crowned Embellishments!



One lucky Paperie reader will win the the crown of their choice!

Ad rates are now up to 50% off (and more!)…get it while the gettin’s good!

Paperie is featured today at the “See the Light!” International Portrait Competition by Jessica Price. We’ve donated a a “Buy the Entire Fit to Print Store” package. Check it out!

Drop by again soon – more goodies on the way!
-Robyn and Todd

Like everyone else in North America, Paperie is switching gears from summer to fall / winter. This means shorter days, longer shooting schedules as the holidays approach, and giveaways galore!

In a few weeks we’ll be announcing the exciting details for the second annual “best packaging contest“. Remember how much bigger / better this year’s second birthday celebration was? Well the next packaging contest will be no different! One vendor has already kicked in a $500.00 gift certificate!

What does all this mean to photography-related vendors? There’s never been a better time to advertise on Paperie! During our birthday celebration in July we logged well over 7 million unique hits and over 450,000 page views. We’ve followed that up with over 10 million unique hits from early August – mid September! Those numbers are only guaranteed to climb as the holidays and the annual packaging contest approach!

Kathy of the Boudoir Business Boutique writes:

“I just thought you’d like to know that I’ve received triple the amount of traffic from your site than any other site I’m advertising on! I’m so pleased with choosing to advertise with you!“

Paperie Boutique is proud to announce a recent addition to our vendor family / elite sponsors — CPQ Professional Imaging!

The CPQ Lab was started in 1972 with a small group of 15 employees, and since that time CPQ has grown to over 150 employees providing superb quality in a timely manner to the discriminating photographer. The current CPQ location, built in 1993, encompasses 47,000 square feet and houses a full-service lab (both optical and digital) that serves clients from all over the United States.

Users can sign up with CPQ, and receive free evaluation prints, here.

Miss the sale? Go here to advertise with us!

Once payment has been made, write todd AT paperieboutique DOT com and include a copy of your receipt and attach an image for the ad-size purchased.

If you are interested in being a sponsor + advertiser, please e-mail todd AT paperieboutique DOT com for the additional discounted rate.

We look forward to having you join the family soon!

@overheardatmoo recently Tweeted: Stickers, Business Cards, MiniCards, Postcards and Greeting Cards – 25% off until Sunday (in case you didn’t hear) at http://www.moo.com.

And don’t forget Paperie offers several FREE Moo templates for download!




We also have a couple of recent contest winners to announce! First up are the two Capturing Couture camera strap winners…Connie McClain and Kim Young!

And the Fanciful Kites giveaway winner is…Michelle McDaid!

Thanks to both Capturing Couture and Fanciful Kites for the fun giveaways, congrats to our winners (watch your inboxes this weeked!), and a thank you to everyone who entered!

New contest coming up momentarily so stay tuned…
-Robyn & Todd

Excited to have another guest / vendor post for a product I use (and love!) – a giveaway for two camera straps from Capturing Couture!

Capturing Couture is a company founded a little over 2 years ago by two working moms; one with a fervor for design and the other with a profound passion for photography. Capturing Couture breaks out into the accessories market with a collection of fashion forward camera straps, adding color and style to a category that has been, to this point, severely monochromatic. The time has come for fashion, form and function to completely merge.

We create two types of straps: One for the SLR/DSLR camera worn around the neck and a second for smaller cameras worn around the wrist. The straps are designed with comfortable padding in the neck to help distribute the weight of the camera, (SLR/DSLR camera straps only) velvet backing, nylon webbing for durability and adjustable hardware for preferred positioning.

Not only do we have fashion forward straps for women, we also carry a hip men’s line. [ Note from Robyn: Shhh! Don't tell anyone but my Capturing Couture strap is from the men's line! ]

And now two lucky Paperie readers have a chance to win a Capturing Couture camera strap of their very own! The style is the winner’s choice, up to a $39.00 value (shipping included).

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

Win your choice of camera straps from @CapturingCoutur / CapturingCouture.com @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/z6j0gV

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

3. Follow Capturing Couture on Twitter and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a follower)

4. Post your favorite item from Capturing Couture in the comments here

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

Comment that you have posted to your Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), with a link to where you did it – or that you’ve liked Capturing Couture on Facebook and/or Twitter – or your favorite Capturing Couture product – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

ATTENTION: All links you post must direct to public-access accounts. We cannot verify links on private, friends & family only, or passworded accounts and they will not be eligible to win this item. If we have to subscribe to your feed, a website, or forum – or request permission to see them – your entry will automatically be disqualified.

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, September 19th. You can enter up to FIVE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

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

Good luck to everyone who enters and thanks to Capturing Couture for the awesome giveaway!




We have a few contest winners to announce!

The first three winners of the “Fit to Print” giveaway…Susan B, thougham, and Jenn S.

Congrats to all three of you, and thanks to everyone who entered! I’ll be in touch with download information for the winners within 24 hours!

And the winner of the One King’s Lane $25 gift certificate…Larissa pavei! Congrats to our winner, and thanks to those who entered. I’ll have your gift card sent within 24 hours Larissa!




Last but not least, we just finished assembling the first round of goodie bags coming soon to a workshop near you! (The batch after this goes here.)

The toy cameras can be found on eBay. The little bags are from Celestial Gifts on Etsy. And they are stamped with a polymer stamp from Write with Moxie. You can read more detail on the candy bags here.

Check back Friday – another special offer for Paperie readers on tap!
-Robyn & Todd