just my type

Today we have a vendor / guest post by Design Aglow. They’re announcing the release of the adorable new “You’re My Type” cards.

You’re My Type: Multipurpose Cards
Perfect match

Although pictures are worth a thousand words, it doesn’t hurt to use a few once in awhile! This set of multipurpose cards uses cutting edge typography in a variety of styles to let your loved ones keep track of your life’s milestones. To satisfy all your design needs, this set comes with six different and fully customizable designs that announce everything from your new bundle of joy to your high school graduation, to your engagement!

PERFECT FOR:
• Birth announcements
• Event invitations
• Marketing materials
• Thank you notes
• 5×7 note cards
• Holiday Cards
• Save the Date

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 6 distinctive two sided designs
• Fully layered PSD files for unlimited customization, including color changes
• Designed using WHCC’s flat 5×7 card templates for easy printing
• Cards can be customized to be flat or folded
• Compatible with CS2 and newer, Photoshop Elements 6 and newer, Windows and Mac

Click here to check it out in the shop with special introductory pricing through May 5th!

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.

we’re back, baby!

After a brief hiatus (our 15th wedding anniversary vacation to the Keys, a visit with my mom in from Oklahoma, Easter weekend with my boys, and shooting…shooting…and more shooting), I’m happy to say Paperie is online and running once again!

Today I’m joined by New York-based wedding photographer Jenny Ebert who has discovered the perfect answer to that very popular question from your clients: “Where can I purchase photo products online?”

Beautifully Simple Photo Products: Pinhole Press
by Jenny Ebert

As a wedding photographer, no detail is too small to be photographed because I know gorgeous detail shots and stunning portraits alike help to tell the story of the big day. It’s this same attention to the little things that are always on my mind: before the shoot, during the shoot, during post-production and even when my customers ask me where they should go to make photo products with their digital prints.

I’ve been oh-so reluctant to recommend any online vendor because the quality associated with these vendors has been questionable, but now I am so excited to have a brand I can confidently recommend to my clients: Pinhole Press!

The quality of the paper, the chic designs and the array of unique products are in line with my photography brand and I know I won’t have to worry about the integrity of my photographs in any of these products.

The best part about this new brand is that they recently launched a new online platform for photographers called Pinhole Pro. Pinhole Pro allows professional photographers the ability to make money off of the products our clients make. Now how does that sound? All you have to do is visit PinholePro.com to create a photographer’s code and you can start making money off of the products your clients make with YOUR photos.

The Panoramic Photo Book is quite lovely, and with the lay flat pages no member of the bridal party gets stuck in the crack!

What friend or family member wouldn’t want one of these? Your clients will find many uses for this Photo Pad – I promise!

This small Brag Book has the beautiful ability to tell the story of your client’s big day with just eight photos.

Your clients are going to be on the hunt for Thank You Cards and these cards say “Thank You” in a chic and memorable way.


One lucky Paperie reader will have the chance to win $100 worth of beautifully simple Pinhole Press products. All you have to do is sign up for Pinhole Pro (for free!) and then post a comment on Pinhole Pro’s Facebook page.



Thanks so much to Pinhole Pro for such a fantastic giveaway, and Jenny Ebert for her article! Good luck to our readers!

If you’re waiting for an e-mail from me, please be patient! Between Paperie, Buttons and Bows, and my freelance work, I’m trying to return to ‘business as normal‘ as quickly as possible. If you don’t get a reply in the next couple of days, please check in again and make sure I received your original communication. Thanks for your understanding and patience! -Robyn

stop the presses!

Yesterday I posted about the new Keepsake Soft Cover Books and Press Printed Calendars from Color Inc. Now you can win them!

Color Inc. is giving away one free 20-page Keepsake Soft Cover Book and five free Press Printed Calendars to six Paperie Boutique winners! Here’s how to enter:

1. Like Color Inc. on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Color-Inc/190322407656875

2. Follow Color Inc. on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/colorinc/

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
Win a press printed book and calendars from @colorinc / colorincprolab.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/jn02vm

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what you would do with either product if you win.

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 here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, March 27th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met all four requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for 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 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

And if you just can’t wait to get your hands on one of these, Color Inc. is offering a special deal for every Paperie reader:

Huge thanks to everyone at Color Inc. for such a fantastic offer and giveaway!




Design Aglow has done it once again with a stunning new marketing set -
“The Glamorous Life“.

With an updated color palette, we are excited to re-release The Glamorous Life Marketing Set. Every studio can strut the red carpet with this complete set that marries delightful design with delicious dazzle. Our fully customizable templates appoint your studio with everything you’ll ever need: business cards, gift certificates, accordion brochures, price lists, letterheads, envelopes and even packaging stickers. So many scrumptious options to choose from, your most difficult decision will be which shoes to wear. Clients will fall for this collection, and you’ll love how good you’ll look.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
This colorful set includes:
• Two-sided 4×5.5, 8 panel accordion brochure to market studios
• Two-sided business card
• Two-sided 5×7 gift certificate
• Letterhead and envelope
• Packaging sticker for client DVDs or anything else
• Price list for offerings
• This set is fully customizable, consisting of fully layered Photoshop
   PSD files to easily change the look
• Compatible with Photoshop CS or newer, Windows and Mac.

You can also purchase a coordinating 8 Page Brochure separately. The marketing set has special pricing through 5 pm EDT on March 28th.

Don’t forget to follow Design Aglow on Facebook and Twitter for chances to win gift certificates! And check out this new post made 03.25.11 for a chance to win a $100 Design Aglow gift certificate!




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.

are you fit?

I’ve ended up with a lot more work this week than expected, so this site had to go on hiatus for a few days as I scramble to find daylight. (I will post all the recent contest winners later today so stay tuned!)

While I’m off developing a third ulcer, you can benefit from my pain! There’s a great new “pick your own” sale from “Fit to Print“…

Right now through March 31st you can pick any three items from the store for $15, or any five for $20. It’s an amazing savings and a sale we’ve never offered before!

(Please allow 4-6 hours for delivery – due to the nature of this sale, orders will have to be processed individually by hand. Thank you! Please don’t forget to list the design numbers you wish to purchase!)

NOTE: “Design Thirteen” above is new and is currently on Paperie only.

You can see my templates in action here – this is a great way to try them out!

I feel pretty…

I am so excited to announce today’s vendor / guest post and giveaway. It’s a prize I truly covet myself!

“Happy Girls are Pretty Girls” is our motto and what makes a girl happier than a little bit of extra something? Glitter, Shimmer, Personalized Gifts…our ideas are endless And because we’re small and nimble we can work with you to create the perfect invitations, announcements, cards or gifts!

My name is Darcy and I am the girl behind “pretty girl designs”. My husband and children can often be found covered in glitter. I love all things paper. Fonts make me happy. Photography makes me swoon. And I have a weakness for stickers!

Jamie Schultz from Jamie Schultz Photography and Design Studio recently asked me to create fun and unique packaging for her clients. I gave her these three options. Can you guess which one she chose?

I am excited to be giving away one of these sets to a lucky Paperie reader! You have three chances to win!

1. “Like” / follow pretty girl designs on Facebook:
    facebook.com/prettygirldesigns

2. Post the following about prettygirldesigns.com on Facebook
    or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I want to win a ‘pretty’ stationery set from prettygirldesigns.com at @paperieboutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/a9JXlY

3. Tell us which of the above three sets is your favorite – and why!

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 here telling us how you did them.)

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, February 10th. You can enter up to three times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with link), and / or listed your favorite stationery set – 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. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

I’m so jealous one of you gets to win this prize – good luck! Thanks to Darcy at pretty girl designs for giving you the chance! And don’t forget to visit her Etsy shop, too!




Last but not least…have you thought about advertising with Paperie lately? 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!“

Stats don’t lie! Contact todd @ this domain if you are interested in joining our advertising family. And 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.

appletinis for everyone!

Rare weekend post for an even more rare sale opportunity – the one-year birthday / anniversary of La Pomme Design! Read on for the incredible offer in today’s guest / vendor post and giveaway…

It has been such an exciting year for La Pomme Design! LPD opened on January 15, 2010, and had our first sale that day! We started out selling card templates and storyboards, and throughout the year have added digital papers, album templates, accordion album templates, business cards, phone skins, textures, designed textures,marketing supplies, business forms, pre-designed logos, custom logos, custom marketing design, and so much more! It is only because of our amazing fans that we have grown and flourished so much, and I cannot tell you the sense of awe I feel when I read the emails and notes of appreciation I get, and when I see photographers using LPD’s products in their marketing and client products! It is incredible, and I love each one of my fans!

So, on to the celebration! To celebrate our One Year Anniversary, La Pomme Design is having a sale that is bigger and better and more incredible than any sale we’ve ever had – and will ever have! La Pomme Design has over 100 fantastic products in the Shoppe, and if you were to buy them all at the regular price, you would spend over $1000 stocking up!

But for one week – from today, January 15th, through Saturday, January 22nd, you can buy the entire Shoppe – EVERY SINGLE PRODUCT – for a grand total of $49!!! This is such a phenomanol deal, and it is the perfect time to stock up on everything you need, in one fell swoop! And for one incredibly low price!

So what do you get? You get holiday card templates, birth announcements, boudoir templates, marketing collections, textures, designed textures, actions, Dream album templates, accordion album templates, canvas templates, storyboards, digital papers, ornament templates, bookmarks, business cards, stickers, Moo minicard templates, phone skins, and more!

And because this week wouldn’t be complete without at least one fabulous contest – at the end of the week, I will draw one order number from everyone who purchases the whole Shoppe, and the order number I draw will receive their purchase FOR FREE! I will send the winner a refund of the Shoppe – and they will get the whole Shoppe FREE!!!!

Thank you to all of our loyal fans who have brought LPD to where we are today. Enjoy this sale as a huge “thank you” (and if you know me, you know I’m big on hugs) and a hug from La Pomme Design.

Happy birthday, La Pomme Design from Paperie! And many more!




P.S. We have other contests going on right now, so don’t forget to scroll to enter those as well!

And one to grow on!
-Robyn

biggest things – small packages

Sorry for the LONG gap in posting and returning Paperie-related e-mails! My last client cards and packages have finally been shipped and hand-delivered, so now I can get back to the fun stuff. Like 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 Carrie Novak of Carrie Novak Photography…

This summer I was packing up an order for a client and ended up only having a beat up old box to put it in and crossed out all the old info on it with a big black marker and put some extra tape on it and hand scribbled the address on it and sent it off to my client. Not long after, I came across Paperie Boutique. I was horrified. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die after looking at your packaging. All I could think of was my poor client who spent several hundred dollars receiving her beat up from the street up package I sent her.

From that day forward I vowed to NEVER AGAIN do something like that!

Even though I am not rolling in dough, I decided I can still go to JoAnn’s and buy some clearance ribbon, I can wrap my my old boxes with brown paper and print my shipping labels. For customers I hand delivered to, instead of using my old Wal-Mart bags, I bought some fun bags at the dollar store that sort of matched my logo and colors. ANYTHING had to be better than what I was doing!

So after business started getting a little better I was able to place an order with HB Photo Packaging, bought their basic kraft boxes pre-filled with tissue and some ribbon. I was so excited!!!! Along with my Moo mini business cards and some snowflakey extras I got at JoAnn’s I am now able to be proud of my packaging! I enclose a handwritten thank you written on my WHCC greeting cards I had printed up with my new logo (which was created by Terry Cutlip from Sassy Designs, Inc.). I am now getting clients commenting on my packaging telling me what a nice touch it is and I owe it all to Paperie Boutique!

This post is truly what this site is all about Carrie! You don’t have to spend big to ‘look’ big. Congratulations on beautiful branding and 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! It’s a savings of 87% off and some designs retire in 2011!

Joyeux Noël de Fit to Print

Sorry you missed the big after-Christmas sale for the entire “Fit to Print” store. But if you missed it, don’t lose heart! You can now buy the entire store for $65.00. See “Fit to Print” for more details…

Happy Holidays!
-Robyn

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.

red, green, and pink

We’re lucky to have Sherri Sanchez of Beyond Red and Green back again for another guest / vendor post with a special giveaway!

Hi everyone! My name is Sherri Sanchez, and I’m the designer behind Beyond Red and Green! Photography is my first love, but I have always enjoyed creating in many different ways. Five years ago when I was looking at templates for my photography business, I found that there really wasn’t much out there that suited my tastes. I didn’t like the traditional bright red and green colors and styles that I saw. I wanted something “beyond” all that so to speak, and decided to put something out there that I felt other photographers might appreciate as well. I love the simple and understated. Crisp and beautiful elements. Pretty colors and vintage touches. I feel that my design work expresses a little of each of those things, and I hope that you do too!

Beyond Red and Green offers a completely new set of Christmas templates each year. (One thing I’ve always offered on my Christmas templates is the ability to order them individually.) But I have also found a way to express my love of newborns with my beautiful baby announcement collections. I try to make each set with care and attention to detail…only creating something that I would be willing to send out for my own baby.

All of my templates come in complete layers, so that each element you see can be moved around to your liking. Colors can be changed, and image boxes can be duplicated, moved or deleted to meet your client’s needs. Text can be deleted if needed as well. Each template is sized for WHCC’s specifications, and come in psd format.

And just for Paperie readers I would like to give away two sets of my Autumn Love set.

“Each style in this autumn set comes with a front and back template for a flat 5×7 card, as well as a front, back and inside spread template for a folded 4×5.5 card.”

How do you win? It’s simple! You have four chances to win!

1. “Like” Beyond Red and Green on Facebook

2. Follow @bragtemplates on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter:
Win an “Autumn Love set” from beyondredandgreen.blogspot.com / @bragtemplates at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique / http://is.gd/fLZoL

4. Post about the “Autumn Love set” 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 Thursday, October 7th. 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 winners have been posted here – check it out!

Good luck, and thanks for dropping by again Beyond Red and Green!

“The Album Cafe will be donating 100% of sales from album template purchases on our site today (Tuesday, 10.05.10) to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer.

We are also trying to support an amazing photographer who is doing a huge auction this month raising money for breast cancer, Lydia Shannon. You can see her site “F/Stop Breast Cancer” here.” (And read more about F/Stop Breast Cancer in yesterday’s Paperie entry.)

Would you like to help spread the word?

Sample Facebook post:
Please help spread the word! The Album Cafe will be donating 100% of album template sales made Tuesday, October 5th to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer. Get some awesome templates and help fight breast cancer! http://www.thealbumcafe.com

Sample Tweet:
Spread the word! Tue, 10/05 Only: The Album Cafe is donating 100% of album template sales to help fight breast cancer. http://tiny.cc/2nuzj

And last but not least, I want to give another shout-out to PhotogFreebies.com. Their site is taking off like wildfire, and for very good reason!

Photog Freebies is the hottest place on the web to find free products and downloads for photographers! We also offer giveaways and partner with photography vendors to offer exclusive free products for our readers!

You can see their Paperie Boutique freebie links here – prepare to have fun and be amazed!

P.S. Don’t forget we have a Design Aglow holiday ornament card giveaway going on as well!

the hunt for green October

The digital edition of the October 2010 Professional Photographer Magazine was released today.

(P.S. Keep reading for a special discount from Sassy Designs, Inc. Plus a new packaging feature and the winner of the Paint the Moon contest!)

For this month’s article, I reviewed several press-printed “client gift idea” products by Moo.com, Miller’s, WHCC, CPQ and ProDPI.

Click each of the magazine pages above for a .pdf version. You can find the article on pages 54, 55, and 56 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.

And to celebrate her templates being featured in the above article – Sassy Designs, Inc. is offering 50% off a purchase of $25 or more – today through 10/31. Just use the code PBPPMAG.




Today our guest post / green packaging feature is by Heather Armstrong Photography. If you’ve been wanting to go green with your business, this is an excellent resource!

I live on the west coast of Canada, the Gulf Islands, in a very green-conscious city. We have a fantastic recycling program, lots of eco initiatives, and government sponsored programs to help homes cut cost and live more environmentally friendly. As both a business owner and a parent it’s important to me to honour the Earth and do my part to keep as much garbage as possible off it.

Over time my packaging has evolved to become more Earth-friendly, producing less and less less waste as I find better companies to do business with. My brand is all about being organic: my style of portraiture is very natural and easy-going, and I want my packaging to reflect that…but not at the expense of the planet. I do not put in client “welcome packages”, medallions, advertisements or samples in the mail – packaging is about showcasing and protecting your print, and the more your client has to dig through to get to it, the worse it looks.

All invoicing, information and pricing communication is done electronically. If something does need to be printed, I print on renewable hemp paper and encourage my clients to recycle after they are done. I even use biodegradable pens and pencils for signing forms!

I work only with labs that will ship and package in the most environmentally friendly way possible. I understand that some products may require bubble wrap, but in the last year (thanks to some pushing and inquiring with the heads of various companies) I’ve only received four packages that included it…which was then reused. 99% of the time my labs ship to me in cardboard packaging with either shredded paper as a buffer, or corn-based packing peanuts (completely biodegradable with exposure to water). I recycle all boxes and bags that come to me; our local recycling depot will take plastic sheeting if you drop it off directly, and yours might too! Be sure to check with your city!

When my clients receive their prints, they’re packaged in unlaminated boxes with matching photo folios and CD sleeves. All are made with post-consumer recycled materials, and fully recyclable themselves.

Inside they’re wrapped in recycled tissue paper and sealed in a biodegradable corn-based bag (the PH level is not friendly to photos when kept inside for a long period of time, so tissue paper must be placed as a buffer between them). Instead of stickers, I use a custom rubber stamp with wooden handle and earth-friendly inks. Instead of cloth or plastic ribbons, I use biodegradable “crinkle paper” ribbon or wraphia. Instead of laminated thank you cards, I print my own messages on hand-crafted plantable paper and thank my client for choosing a green company. (Plus, it gives them the extra gift of wildflowers in a few weeks’ time!)

I even print my business cards with a company that uses only vegetable-based inks, post-consumer recycled materials and energy efficient printing techniques.

The completed packaging: 100% biodegradable and recyclable – nothing needs to be thrown away, and anything that accidentally does can break down easily in a landfill. And the waste I produce? Just one tiny piece!

In the last six months my business has produced less than one pound of non-renewable waste – both in my home, and my clients’. I keep a compost, have my recycle picked up twice a month, do research into the companies I purchase from, and keep tabs on my power meter to ensure that I’m using as energy efficient business practices.

It isn’t hard, nor that expensive, to be a green company. We can all do our part by caring about the environment and going the extra mile to find green products: every step counts. You don’t have to sacrifice style, brand or presence, and your clients will thank you for the effort you put into preserving our planet for their children to enjoy.

My products are purchased from:
1. http://www.greenprinteronline.com
2. http://www.ricestudiosupplies.com
3. http://www.goodplanet.com
4. http://clearbags.ca (look for their corn-based, biodegradable bags!)
5. …And local businesses committed to providing earth-friendly products




And the big winner in the Paint the Moon contest is…Kaley Lein!

Congrats to Kaley, thanks to everyone who entered, and thanks to Paint the Moon for yet another amazing giveaway here at Paperie!

Happy October everyone! 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.

my I don’t have to run day

A surprise freebie this weekend from Farrah Braniff and thedesignersmix.com, recently featured here.

“This is a template for a personalized thank you card. I love giving these to my clients and they love them too! I talked about these in my PPA webinar. It’s great marketing! These are the layered files. Paperie readers can customize them to their heart’s content. It is templated to be printed at WHCC as a folded 4.5×5 with a blank-inside. I made it using elements from the Designer’s Mix set!”

1. → download link ←   •   thedesignersmix.com thank you card front
2. → download link ←   •   thedesignersmix.com thank you card back

Thank you so much, Farrah!




The Fit to Print sale has been so successful I’m going to extend it further through 3:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, September 27th, just in case readers didn’t get a chance to check in over the weekend. But that’s less than 24 hours so hurry up!

Everything in the store combined is worth over $260 so this is an amazing savings. Items included are:

1. “design one” information packet and matching Moo thank you template
     (color customizable)
2. “design two” Special Delivery / Do Not Open ‘Til tags
3. “design three” information packet (2 different front designs, color
     customizable)
4. “design four” 5×7 flat postcard promo / mailer / announcement (2 front
     designs to choose from)
5. “design five” information packet with “bonus pack” matching postcard /
     business card
6. “design six” CD / DVD cover design (for use with Epson Stylus R380)
7. “design seven” 5×5 trifold for cards or promo pieces
8. “design eight” Moo sticker templates
9. “design nine” Moo thank you card templates
10. “design ten” Moo business card templates
11. “design eleven” press-printed card client paper sample pack template
12. “Moo mini templates” (two) you can only get here

Heads-up! New Moo.com customers can get 10% off their Moo orders through 9/30 with the code W9K55V.

You must purchase this special deal on Paperie only using the purchase button below – not through “Fit to Print”!

Not much time left, so take advantage soon!




The winner in the recent Design Aglow Fine Art Overlays contest is… Rick Najdzion:

Congrats to Rick, thanks to Design Aglow, and thanks to everyone who entered!

Check in often this week for more great surprises ahead!
-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.

fit to print

For this weekend only, starting now through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, September 26th, 3:00 p.m. EDT on Monday, September 27th, the entire Fit to Print store is on sale.

Everything in the store combined is worth over $260 so this is an amazing savings. Items included are:

1. “design one” information packet and matching Moo thank you template
     (color customizable)
2. “design two” Special Delivery / Do Not Open ‘Til tags
3. “design three” information packet (2 different front designs, color
     customizable)
4. “design four” 5×7 flat postcard promo / mailer / announcement (2 front
     designs to choose from)
5. “design five” information packet with “bonus pack” matching postcard /
     business card
6. “design six” CD / DVD cover design (for use with Epson Stylus R380)
7. “design seven” 5×5 trifold for cards or promo pieces
8. “design eight” Moo sticker templates
9. “design nine” Moo thank you card templates
10. “design ten” Moo business card templates
11. “design eleven” press-printed card client paper sample pack template

I’m even kicking in the following two Moo mini templates you can only get here:


Heads-up! New Moo.com customers can get 10% off their Moo orders through 9/30 with the code W9K55V.

You must purchase this special deal on Paperie only using the purchase button below – not through “Fit to Print”!

Happy shopping!
-Robyn

you’ve been carded

One more big thank you to Kotori Photo Jewelry for their recent giveaway! They’re offering a special offer to all Paperie readers to say thanks right back – $10 off the purchase of a studio package with the code PAPERIE through Friday, September 24th at midnight.

And now I have a guest / vendor post for you from Angie of Photo Card Boutique. Keep reading for the special giveaway!

Howdy Paperie Boutique Readers! I am so excited to introduce myself to you and can’t express my gratitude to Robyn enough. My name is Angie Sandy and I am the designer behind Photo Card Boutique. Mother of 3, lover of coffee, wanna be photog and all around computer nerd. My goal is to bring unique card templates to the market with a fresh style. I love adorable illustrations, rich textures and fun color combinations.

I am just over the top excited to give 3 lucky readers a $50 gift card to Photo Card Boutique and it’s easy to win! (See below.)

But that isn’t all! I am also including a 30% off coupon good until September 26, 2010. Simply enter paperie-boutique at checkout and the discount will be applied to your purchase (excluding gift cards).

So how do you win? You have four chances!

1. “Like” Photo Card Boutique on Facebook

2. Follow @PhotogBoutique on Twitter

3. Post the following on Twitter:
Win one of three $50 gift cards to Photo Card Boutique / photocardboutique.com / @PhotogBoutique from @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/fko7i

4. Post about Photo Card Boutique and this giveaway just once on any of the following – public-access Facebook account, public-access blog, public-access forum, or public-access Flickr account

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, September 22nd. 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 post the link to your Facebook, blog, forum, or Flickr posts – 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 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck and thanks to Photo Card Boutique for kicking the week off with a bang!

P.S. NEW! Please follow our brand new Twitter and Facebook accounts!

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.