drop it to the floor

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

In this issue I reviewed props and backdrops by WHCC, Denny Manufacturing Company, Inc., Bad Sass Backdrops, Inc., Custom Photo Props, Photo Pie, drop it MODERN, Design Revolution, PhotoArt StreetScapes, Barbour Backdrops and Props, and Backgrounds by Maheu.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 60, page 62, and page 64 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.

Don’t get Professional Photographer Magazine? Subscribe here!

Have you heard about the Chic Critique Forum yet?

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. Our forum members are strongly encouraged to offer at least one suggestion to every image they choose to comment on. Also, members can sign up for our exclusive “4-Week Critiques” with any of our Celebrity Photographers. Join a creative community of aspiring and inspiring photographers who share honest critique.

Right now Chic Critique Forum is having an April affiliate contest to see which websites can get the most new members to join. So you know there’s a little summin’-summin’ in it for me. But what’s in it for YOU?

Well funny you should ask because all new members during the month of April will receive a free digital copy of CHIC Magazine! And look what’s on page 62:

As further incentive to join, Paperie will pay for the entire 3 months of a 3-month subscription ($28 total value) for one lucky reader! All you have to do is join Chic Critique Forum and then post a comment here saying you’ve done so and are now a member. The affiliate contest ends on April 30th – so on Tuesday, May 1st we will use Random.org to select the winner from the comments here, and then we will refund the cost of one 3-month membership ($28) to the winner. So what do you have to lose? You get a free digital copy of CHIC Magazine – and have a chance to get the first 3 months of your membership free as well! It’s win-win!

(Please read Paperie’s contest and giveaway rules – and note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.)

Good luck to everyone who enters!




More goodies coming soon! And don’t forget our extended advertiser sale going on through April 15th!

-Robyn & Todd

tag you're it: April • April 2012 • backdrop • background • Bad Sass • Barbour • branding • business • Chic Critique Forum • CHIC Magazine • column • columnist • contest • Custom Photo Props • Denny • Design Revolution • Drop it Modern • e-zine • gear • giveaway • magazine • Maheu • marketing • materials • packaging • Photo Pie • photographer • photography • presentation • prize • Professional Photographer Magazine • Professional Photographers of America • prop • props • published • StreetScapes • supplies • The Goods • WHCC • zine

flower power

We’re excited to have the Anima Dolce Design Boutique here today for a giveaway and vendor / guest post!

I’ve written a post for Paperie Boutique before about how I was inspired to create the branding for my photography business, Anima Dolce Photography. I’m back this time to share my inspiration with you on how I branded my new online shop, the Anima Dolce Design Boutique.

Last month I was searching through Etsy for props, as I do daily (it’s a real addiction), and I was trying to find headbands to not only match my new Bad Sass backdrops, but to also fit my style. I wanted smaller headbands with colors that you might find in a candy shop. And that’s when it hit me—I should make my own!

So while I was still on Etsy, I searched for fabric flower patterns that I liked and fit my style. Blossom and Vine had just what I needed. I purchased fabrics in colors that reflected a candy shop and I started cutting. But with all these cute flowers made, how would I brand it?

At the time, my site was a dark plum color found in the Spice paper pack by Sassy Designs. But that didn’t seem like a good color palette for my candy shop. It was too dark and heavy for what I wanted.

So I started looking through my Sassy stash to see if any color palettes inspired me. I’m a Sassy Designs junkie, so I knew I could find something that would inspire me.

The style in the Caroline paper pack was just what I needed…the polka dots, the stripes, the colors—it was perfect! I had just finished creating a mini book with the Blue Sky template from Oh Snap Boutique and I loved the frame, so I borrowed it for the shop logo. I think the final look really reflects that elegant candy shop feel that I was trying to achieve.

The boutique opened on Wednesday, October 5th and includes some special headband lines: circus candy and lollipop shop. I also have to give credit to my husband, Chuck, for helping me name all the flowers. (He’s quite good at coming up with names.)

And I don’t think I could finish this blog post without giving away some “hair candy”!

Three lucky winners will have the chance to choose a flower and finishing (elastic headband, ponytail holder, or hair clip)! Here are details how to enter…

1. Follow Anima Dolce on Twitter and come back here and let us know (or tell us you’re already a fan)

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

Win an @animadolcephoto boutique fabric flower and headband / hair clip from @PaperieBoutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/TMPT6Q

3. Comment here and tell us what your favorite Anima Dolce Design Boutique product is

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

Comment – in separate comments here – to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, October 15th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to four times total – one entry each for both 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 thing multiple times. Duplicate comments 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.

Thanks so much to the Anima Dolce Design Boutique for the great prizes, and good luck to everyone who enters!

Don’t forget we have a current giveaway for an *emera camera bag!

We also put up new, FREE holiday 2011 templates for Moo round stickers and coordinating address / gift labels:

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

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

More giveaways coming up – including ANOTHER *emera bag – so stay tuned!

-Robyn & Todd

tag you're it: Anima Dolce Design Boutique • Anima Dolce Photography • barrette • business • comb • contest • custom • designs • Etsy • flower • giveaway • hair • hair clip • handmade • headband • materials • photographer • photography • ponytail holder • prize • prop • props • supplies

coronation

I’m so excited to bring our Paperie readers one of my favorite new vendors – Crowned Embellishments – for a guest post / giveaway!

Anything beautiful is always my inspiration…and what is more beautiful than a brand new babe! I have found my home in portraiture at Meg Fish Photography for newborns and I am always looking for something new and exquisite to use with my clients’ babes.

As a very picky (borderline perfectionist) artist I am very selective in props and set-ups. The crowns were inspired by the metal ancient looking head pieces from Spain…rustic and antique. Crowned Embellishments was born out of this inspiration and now offers stunning hand made crowns and headwraps for photographers that mirror these qualities while being completely safe and weightless for tiny heads.

I love that these tiny creations are works of art by themselves and also that they add an old-world magic to portraiture. The crowns come in seven different colors, and some are also available in larger sizes. I love clients with ideas for a custom crown…because one of a kind is always a treasure.

The Winter Collection will launch on November 1st, but until then the shop is currently fully stocked with crowns…including the best-selling ‘little prince’ crown.

I am a mother to a sweet 1-year old and wife to the man of my dreams. I appreciate the support and love from all of you who have and will place orders. Your business truly blesses us and allows me to keep bringing new creations to you! -Meg

[ Note from Robyn: I added hand-sewn beading and seed-pearl detail to my crown. You can see the details larger on Flickr. ]

And now one lucky Paperie reader will win the crown of their choice from the Crowned Embellishments shop (including S&H)! How do you win? It’s easy!

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 baby / newborn crowns from CrownedEmbellishments.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @PaperieBoutique – http://is.gd/pTRkNW

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

3. Post your favorite item from the Crowned Embellishments shop in the comments here

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 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 Wednesday, September 28th. 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 Crowned Embellishments for such a beautiful prize / giveaway!

We’d like to extend a big welcome one of our newest advertisers…Blank Media Printing!

Blank Media Printing provides fast, high quality custom printed CD-Rs, DVD-Rs and USB Drives.

Our mission is to provide High quality, cost effective, fast printing service of blank CD or DVD discs for photographers, religious institutions, medical imaging facilities, musicians, wedding favors, sports, graduations, radio & TV stations, theme parks, businesses, etc.

Our specialty is custom low volume (50 – 5,000) CD printing and DVD printing. We use UV-cured ink when printing your CD or DVD. This means the ink will not rub or scratch off. We also offer CD duplication and DVD duplication. We can print your design or you can choose to add your text and information to any of our prepared designs.

If you’re interested in being an advertiser and / or sponsor at Paperie Boutique and having your business featured on our main page like Blank Media Printing, check out this post!

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!

From Paperie reader / contest winner Kim Young:

“I love your site. And not just for the fantastic giveaways, but for the introduction of all of the fabulous vendors. I have seen new companies and products that I have bookmarked and ordered from. Without Paperie Boutique I am not sure that I would have known about them. So thank you (even if my husband would like you to stop sharing all of this cool stuff).“

Don’t miss this chance to connect with our readers! Offer ends October 15th.

Have a great weekend everyone!
-Robyn & Todd

tag you're it: baby • contest • crown • crowns • giveaway • headwrap • infant • king • miniature • newborn • prince • princess • prize • prop • props • queen • royal • royalty • tiara • tiaras

what’s the deal?

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!“

In addition to deep-discounts on our normal ad rates, we are also going to include each new vendor (that signs up between today and Saturday, October 15th) in a blog entry for better Google indexing through text links! So take one of our most recent advertisers, for example… This is what your entry would look like:

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.

Sound good? Here’s all you need to do to sign up… Just select your ad-purchase in the pull-down menu below, send your payment via PayPal, and voilà!

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!

Hey, guess what? Moo.com is having a SALE this weekend!

click above image for a larger pop-up version
You can see just some of my Moo business cards, rounded business cards, folded cards, postcards, stickerbooks, round stickers, and labels by clicking on the photo above. And you can see some of my Moo minicards by clicking on this entry.

@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

tag you're it: ad • advertising • business • business cards • camera • camera strap • cards • contest • DLSR • folded cards • giveaway • handmade • kite • kites • labels • materials • Moo • photographer • photography • postcards • press • prize • prop • props • rounded business cards • SLR • sponsor • stickers • supplies • winner • winners

let’s go fly a kite!

Excited to have Studio Thought Sauce back for another guest / vendor post today, including an awesome giveaway!

INTRODUCING…the new Fanciful Kites for photographers by Studio Thought Sauce. Our handmade kites are designed specifically for photographers to use in their portrait sessions. Kites make fun props for children, families, high school seniors and even couples!

Our kites are hand-sewn from a variety of fabrics, please see the listing details for specific fabric types. They also include an attached tail, 2 wooden dowels, a wire that can be used to stiffen the string for easier “lift off”, and twine for string. The kites are approximately 21″ long by 15″ wide with a 33″ tail.

You can purchase one of our Elemental Kites and spruce it up yourself or leave it as is, purchase one of our One-of-a-Kind kites, or we can make you a custom kite. Visit the Kite Shop for more information or to order! Our kites start at $29.99.

Enter code KITE10 by September 30th to save 10% off your kite order during checkout!

Also, we’d like to give away a free Elemental Kite or a $29.99 credit towards any kite in our shop for one lucky winner!

To enter to win, you have two chances.

1. Go to our Studio Thought Sauce’s Facebook Page and like us (or tell us you’re already a fan), then come back here and let us know.

2. And for an additional chance to win, visit the Fanciful Kites store – then come back here and leave a comment telling us which kite is your favorite (or what kind of custom kite you’d like to have created).

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

Comment that you have liked their Facebook account – or your favorite Fanciful Kites product – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, September 21st. You can enter up to TWO 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 two 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 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!

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 so much to Fanciful Kites for the awesome giveaway – can’t wait to see who wins!




Don’t forget we currently have a contest going on! Two lucky Paperie readers will win a camera strap from Capturing Couture!

You can’t win if you don’t enter – so get to it – and good luck!



Stay tuned this week – more good stuff ahead!
-Robyn & Todd

tag you're it: business • contest • custom • designs • giveaway • guest post • hand sewn • handmade • kite • kites • materials • photographer • photography • prize • prop • props

deux années – giveaway 28

Happy 2nd birthday to Paperie Boutique!
Visit PaperieBirthday.com for all events!

Winner announcements started on Monday, July 25th…

Since last Monday, vendors have donated over $7100 in prizes to Paperie readers to celebrate our second birthday! Amazing! And now we have another prize pack for all the maternity and baby / child photographers out there – gift certificates from The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN), Memorable Epiphanies, and Photo Card Boutique. One lucky reader will take it all!

The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN) is donating a $50 gift certificate to their online store.

Memorable Epiphanies is honored to be a sponsor of Paperie Boutique’s Birthday Celebration and is donating a $75 gift certificate.

And Photo Card Boutique is donating a $50 gift card good on anything in their store, including birth announcements and mini-accordions!

So how do you win these great prizes? It’s simple!

1. Go to your Facebook and Twitter accounts and post the following on either or both (then tell us where you did):
Win @taopangroup MemorableEpiphanies.etsy.com @PhotogBoutique maternity/baby/child giftcards – @PaperieBoutique / http://PaperieBirthday.com

2. Like TAoPaN on Facebook.

3. Like Memorable Epiphanies on Facebook.

4. Like Photo Card Boutique on Facebook.

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want FIVE chances to win, you have to do the five 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 one or both vendors on Facebook – 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 Tuesday, July 26th. You can enter up to five times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to five times total – one entry each for both 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!

Big thanks to The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN), Memorable Epiphanies, and Photo Card Boutique for this awesome gift pack. Don’t forget to check for their Paperie birthday celebration coupon codes. You can find those codes, and several others from our vendors, continually updated this week here!




Weekend’s almost over and we still have several more giveaways left!
We’ll keep going Monday ’til all of them have winners – see ya’ soon!
-Robyn

P.S. Vendors, if you are interested in being a part of the birthday celebration, e-mail me at “robyn AT paperieboutique DOT com” ASAP!

tag you're it: 2 • 2nd • anniversary • baby • beanie • birthday • card • celebration • contest • custom • designs • Etsy • flapper • giveaway • handmade • hats • knit • knitted • knitting • maternity • Memorable Epiphanies • newborn • party • photo • Photo Card Boutique • photographer • photography • photos • prize • prop • props • set • supplies • TAoPaN • templates • the art of pregnancy and newborns • two

pick a Color

It’s a rare weekend post at Paperie Boutique! I’m excited to share our newest giveaway from Color Inc. Pro Lab, my latest column in Professional Photographer Magazine, and the winner in the recent Pinhole Press contest.

First up, welcome back Color Inc. for this vendor / guest post and giveaway.

Our solid wood 3/4” ready to hang Studio Mounts are a great way to creatively showcase any of your favorite family, wedding, newborn or senior portraits! Each Studio Mount is professionally finished with a smooth black laminate beveled edge and your choice of one of our 4 quality finishing options. Additionally, each piece will arrive with a pre-cut keyhole slot on the back, ready to hang straight out of the package!

• Print Finishing Options: Canvas/Satin/Matte/Velvet
• Your choice between black or white edging under the
  ’Options’ tab in ROES.
• Studio Mounts have a 3-5 business day turnaround time.
• 4×6, 5×5, 5×7, 8×8 & 8×10 Studio Mounts come with an
  Acrylic Dowel Rod Easel Back for quick shelf display.

And now three lucky Paperie readers can win a 12×12″ (or smaller) Studio Mount from Color Inc.! How do you win? It’s simple:

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 12×12″ solid wood Studio Mount from @colorinc / colorincprolab.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/pWJ39N

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what Color Inc. product is your favorite.

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 Tuesday, May 10th. 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!




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

For this month’s article, I reviewed photography-related props by American Photographic Resources, Inc., Barbour Backdrops and Props, Bugs-N-Blooms, Denny Manufacturing Company, Marketing and Props for Photographers, Design Revolution, Savvy Photographer Store, and Virtual Backgrounds.

Click the magazine pages above for a larger .pdf version. You can find the article on page 70, page 72, and page 74 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.




Last but not least: Pinhole Pro has selected a winner in their Paperie giveaway…and it’s Jennifer Farris!

Congrats to Jennifer and thanks so much to Pinhole Pro for the amazing prize!

Don’t forget we also have another giveaway going through Sunday night – it’s your chance to win two $250 gift certificates to Bad Sass Backdrops, Inc. and Sassy Designs, Inc.

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.

tag you're it: backdrop • backdrops • background • backgrounds • barnwood • column • columnist • contest • faux flo • faux floor • flooring • giveaway • magazine • materials • May • May 2011 • mount • photographer • photography • print • prize • Professional Photographer Magazine • Professional Photographers of America • prop • props • published • The Goods • website • winner • wood

in living color

Today is jam-packed full of “pretty” and creativity! First up, we have a guest / vendor post and giveaway from Vintage U Creations. And don’t miss the color-inspiration discussion at the end of this post!

Looking for some goodies to add to your prop collection? Here they are! Vintage U Creations is your one stop shop for photography needs! From vintage inspired headbands, to camera necklaces, actions, tutorials and more you won’t be disappointed while browsing through this site. This darling little shop was started by Shannon, a fellow photographer herself. She wanted to add some fun to her sessions with some cute headbands, they were a big hit!

Each piece is hand crafted and made with love. The headbands are SUPER stretchy, so instead of buying the same headband in different sizes, you can save you money and get a variety with one headband and use it for a newborn and adult!

Every headband is different, each one has it’s only style so it fits the needs of every customer.

That’s not all Vintage U Creations offers… Want to be the envy of all your photographer friends? Then you need to pick up one of these “Vintage Camera Necklaces” with your choice of center gem in red, purple, soft pink, and clear.

We love these necklaces SO much that one lucky reader is going to win their very own camera necklace with choice of center gem!

So what do you need to do to win?? Head over to the Vintage U Creations shop at vintageucreations.bigcartel.com and comment here which piece in the shop is your favorite.

Then for a second chance to win “like” Vintage U Creations on Facebook – tell them that Paperie Boutique sent you – and then come back here and let us know you did so.

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 18th. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post twice – 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 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!

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!!

Thanks to Vintage U Creations for stopping back by with another incredible giveaway for Paperie readers!




One of the hardest parts about deciding what ‘branding’ look you are going for is picking out a color scheme.

I recently ran across a site colorschemedesigner.com that will help you do just that with ease.

First you select a color from the color wheel and then it will show you similar coordinating colors.

Here I’ve selected another color from the wheel, and clicked the compliment tab – it will add in additional color families that go together well.

You can also view your color schemes (another complimenting set shown above) how they would look together on a webpage – in both light and dark combinations.

Web page demos are also offered in light (and dark) when more than one color group is selected. You just have to play around with all the dials and have fun!

The Colors Palette Generator allows you to upload any image and view a color palette based on the image’s primary colors. I uploaded one of my recent photos as an example. It even gives you the hex # to duplicate colors in web designs.

Similar color generators of note:
1. kuler.adobe.com
2. colorhunter.com
3. colorcombos.com

These color sites would work great in conjunction with “inspiration boards” on Pinterest to design an entire brand and web presence around the things (and colors schemes) you love!




Quick reminder – you have until 11:59 p.m. EDT tonight to win a maternity session ensemble from TAoPaN.

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.

tag you're it: actions • branding • business • camera • color • color generator • color picker • color wheel • contest • designs • generator • giveaway • guest post • headbands • materials • necklaces • photographer • photography • prize • props • templates • tutorials

P.S.

In case you missed the post late last night, we have a brand new giveaway:

Go here for your chance to win a MamaThredz maternity portrait ensemble.

LAST DAY!
Don’t forget there’s a special Fit to Print sale going on right now here at Paperie!

You have one more chance to get my famous “bonus kit” FREE with purchase!

tag you're it: contest • dress • ensemble • giveaway • gown • maternity • outfit • pregnancy • prize • prop • props • session • TAoPaN • the art of pregnancy and newborns • wrap

winning!

I’m excited to announce the winner of the huge epiphanie camera bag contest – it’s Ashley Scheerer of Apix Photography!

Huge congratulations to Ashley, our deepest thanks to epiphanie, and thanks to everyone who entered!

If you didn’t win don’t lose heart. We have another great vendor contest TODAY!

Read on…

click image below for a larger pop-up version

One lucky Paperie winner can pick their choice from three The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN) MamaThredz maternity portrait ensembles – the Mama Slim, the All Mama, or the Simple Mama.

How do you win?

1. Follow TAoPaN on Facebook: facebook.com/taopanspage

2. Follow TAoPaN on Twitter: twitter.com/taopangroup

3. Tweet or post the following to Facebook (and tell us where):
Win theartofpregnancyandnewborn.com / @taopangroup maternity session ensemble at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique http://is.gd/T5s0eO

4. Post in the comments and tell us which gown is your favorite

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 Wednesday, March 16th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or told us why you want this bag – 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. (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 to everyone who enters, and a huge thanks to TAoPaN for the fantastic giveaway!




We have another great giveaway coming up soon – here’s a peek. Stay tuned!

tag you're it: bag • camera • camera bag • contest • dress • giveaway • gown • guest post • handbag • maternity • outfit • photographer • photography • pocketbook • pregnancy • prize • prop • props • purse • supplies • TAoPaN • the art of pregnancy and newborns • winner • wrap

happily ever after

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




P.S. If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

tag you're it: business • butterfly • code • coupon • discount • fairy • fairytale • guest post • headband • materials • photographer • photography • princess • prop • props • tiara • tutu • wings

oh, baby!

Recently I ran across an Etsy seller – Baby P Designs – I knew I had to feature as a guest / vendor post (with giveaway!) on Paperie. Not only is Jill amazing to work with, her products are even more amazing in person!

Baby P Designs offers adorably stylish newborn hats and photography props.

A bit about me… My name is Jill, and I’m a knit-o-holic. My love of knitting intensified when my little stinker was born. Unable to find a fun, unique hat to protect his little noggin, I decided to bust out the needles and create my own. And so began my addiction.

A bit about my craft… I’m often inspired by the colorful, textured fibers found while wondering the aisles of my local knitting shop. I also love getting suggestions from photographers and enjoy creating custom knits. I recently learned how to spin yarn my own yarn – now another new addiction! This allows me to make my own handspun spun wool which I use for items in my Handspun Luxe Collection.

One of the best parts of my little business is receiving photos of my items in use and hearing such wonderful feedback from all my amazingly talented customers. I am honored that so many photographers worldwide have chosen my items to add to their prop stash.

My hope for Baby P Designs in 2011 is that it will continue to grow and be a favored source for newborn hats and photo props. Look for some new designs in 2011 including baby hammocks and more hat styles. Thanks for checking out my shop and bright blessings to all!

And now one lucky Paperie reader will win a free caterpillar cocoon in raspberry as shown above! You have three chances to win!

1. “Like” / follow BabyPDesigns on Facebook: facebook.com/BabyPDesigns

2. Post the following about babypdesigns.etsy.com on Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I want to win a caterpillar cocoon in raspberry from babypdesigns.etsy.com at @paperieboutique / PaperieBoutique.com – http://is.gd/jmuWaz

3. Go check out the Baby P Designs shop – then come back here in the comments and tell us what your favorite product is – 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 Saturday, January 29th. 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 product – 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.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and thanks to Baby P Designs for such a cute, fun prize! (Pssst. We also have a JewelBeat Royalty Free Music giveaway right now, 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.

tag you're it: baby • baby hat • blanket • cocoon • contest • custom • designs • diaper cover • giveaway • hammock • hammocks • handspun • hat • knit • knitting • materials • photo • photographer • photography • prize • prop • props • stork sling • supplies • swaddle • wool • wrap • yarn

(don’t) paint it black

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

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

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

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

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




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

Creating whimsical easels

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy, merry!
-Robyn

P.S. If you are interested in advertising with Paperie Boutique, please contact todd @ this domain. If you are a photographer and are interested in having your packaging featured – or are a vendor and are interested in having your business packaging, marketing ideas, or photography-related products featured – please contact robyn @ this domain to be added to the posting schedule.

tag you're it: album • albums • announcements • assembly • birth announcements • book • branding • business • card • cards • Christmas • Christmas card • Christmas cards • collage • contest • display • easel • easels • frames • gift • giveaway • guest post • holiday • holiday card • holiday cards • marketing • materials • packaging • photo • photographer • photography • photos • price list • prize • prop • props • storyboard • storyboards • supplies

that’s spook-tacular!

Yesterday we featured a giveaway by Sassy Designs, Inc. for THIRTY die-cut card templates for use at Simply Color Lab. (You can win them here.)

And guess what? Now Simply Color Lab has a 50% off SALE on holiday cards through December 1st with the code HOLCARD10.

We have two contests going on – make sure to read the entry rules carefully!

If you’ve been thinking of advertising with Paperie Boutique, here’s your chance! We’re offering 6-month runs for over HALF OFF on our 125×125 and 185×185 ads. They’re on sale through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, October 25, 2010 – now extended through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, October 31st, 2010.

choose a plan

125×125 static image right – 6 months $95.00 125×125 static image right + rotating left – 6 months $105.00 185×185 static image right – 6 months $135.00

We’d love to have you grow with us in 2011!

Boudoir Business Boutique and Wild Hearts Photography Print & Blog Templates just joined our advertising family this weekend (stop by and say “hi”) – hope you’ll join them!

The three winners have been selected in our HB Photo Packaging contest – they are Jens, Susan Peck Photography, and Images by Shelly!

Congrats to all our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a HUGE thank you to HB Photo Packaging for always putting together amazing giveaways for our readers!

Don’t forget, you have two more chances to win this weekend!

BOO!
-Robyn

tag you're it: business • business cards • contest • giveaway • marketing • materials • photographer • photography • prize • props • supplies • templates • winners