fun. fresh. different.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

Included in my bridal packets are:

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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




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

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

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

society pages

We’re excited to have a new vendor / guest post from one of our favorite advertisers at Paperie – The Wedding Photographic Society.

Welcome to The Wedding Photographic Society (WPS)

Welcome to The Wedding Photographic Society (WPS)! We’re a network of professional wedding & portrait photographers who come together to collaborate on photographic ideas, thoughts, and information in an attempt to elevate the artistic, technical, and business standards of the wedding photographic community. Membership in the WPS offers many professional & personal growth opportunities via bi-monthly educational meetings, networking, critiques, and general camaraderie during such gatherings. WPS meetings, forums, blog submissions, & web pages are open to any and all professional wedding photographers throughout the world.

The WPS’s origins date back to 2005, when Raleigh, NC wedding photographer Christobal Perez organized quarterly photography meetings in an effort to help build relationships, share knowledge amongst peers, and help create a competitive, yet supportive photographic community. The spirit of Christobal’s movement has grown exponentially since that time and has since evolved into the WPS (which became official in 2009) with the further support of other local photographers, Martha Manning, Stacy Borelli, & Brian Mullins. Leaders & members of the WPS donate their time to organize topic discussions with guest speakers, collaborate on ideas and offer guidance, all without compensation.

Membership
To join the WPS, you need to meet the following minimum criteria:

- Actively pursuing business as a professional wedding and/or portrait photographer (or aspiring to be a professional wedding and/or portrait photographer).

- A professional photography website showing your current work.

- Willingness to share your knowledge with others (we don’t ask for state secrets but a general willingness to be open and help others when possible).

There are two levels of membership in the WPS; aspiring and professional.

Aspiring
An aspiring member is someone who is not yet a professional photographer but looking to gain knowledge in photography, learn about proper business practice and grow as a photographer. Typically these are newer photographers in the field of weddings & portraits. Membership grants permissions to attend the monthly meetings and have limited access to the forums. This insures an open environment to ask questions in without fear of hostility.

Professional
A professional member has all the rights of the aspiring member, but has full access to the forums. A professional member will be actively pursuing business and working in the field of professional wedding or portrait photography.

The review process
Each application is personally reviewed by a WPS board member to determine which classification the applicant will be granted. Any photographer granted “aspiring” status can petition, at any time, for “full” or “professional” standing at which time their application will be reviewed again.

Application
To officially become a member of the WPS please first read the FAQ then register here.

Meetings
So as you enter into the WPS, you will undoubtedly see and hear about local meetings with some really cool topics and opportunities to network with other photographers in your area. These meetings are the true essence of the WPS and we HIGHLY encourage your attendance. If you don’t have local meetings in your area, then contact us at admin@weddingphotographicsociety.com to aid in assisting in starting a group local to you.

Forums
The WPS forums are our home away from home. As we started our organization based on face to face meetings, we quickly realized we needed a place to compile information such as emergency shooter lists, buying and selling gear, meeting announcements, etc. You can use them to get help with a sticky situation, help resolving a client issue, to vent or just to network. In the WPS, you definitely get out of it what you put into it so contribute whenever possible.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a member of the WPS and we look forward to your future contributions to the society.

Stacy Borelli
WPS Executive Board Member
www.TheWPS.com
919.602.1050

Last but not least, in honor of “springing forward”, all new Paperie advertisers will receive a huge discount off the published rates. By request / popular demand, we’ve extended our “spring forward” ad sale through April 15th. What the tax man giveth, you can taketh to boost your site traffic and SEO with Paperie Boutique!

2012 is already off to a great start – on the heels of our 2011 Wrap Battle in December, we logged 453,452 unique page views in January and 8.34 million hits as the winners were announced!

“Anybody wanting to advertise really should. I love browsing your ads to find new vendors and resources.” -Kim, momtriedit.net

“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!” -Kathy, boudoirbusinessboutique.com

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!

Standard Ad Rates

125×125 static image – right sidebar – 12 months $125.00 USD 185×185 static image – right sidebar – 12 months $150.00 USD 125×250 static image – right sidebar – 12 months $200.00 USD 185×370 static image – right sidebar – 12 months $225.00 USD 125×125 rotating image – left sidebar – 12 months $75.00 USD

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. And if you are a current vendor who would like to renew, please contact Todd for that as well – we are currently offering 15% off renewals!

We look forward to having you join the Paperie family!

I’d like to share a group I recently “faved” on Facebook – the Professional Photographers for Baby Safety:

“We (as a concerned creative collective) have started watermarking/stamping composite images with a ‘seal’ of sorts as a ‘best practice’.

This seal lets everyone know that the image is two different photos edited together to create magic.

Both photographers and parents alike will see it and instantly know when an image is a composite without reading (nobody reads the fine print anyway). And will be educated that these are composites and photographers who offer/attempt the poses without compositing are working outside the generally accepted safety norms.”

Congrats to Dana and thanks to everyone who entered! Stay tuned this week for more fun!

-Robyn & Todd

P.S. Check out just-completed Panache Collective packaging sets on Facebook!

de-crease

I wanted to feature another one of my favorite finds…the Pebbles Inc. Ribbon Iron. Keep reading to find out how you can win a ribbon iron of your own – or the i-magicut ribbon cutter we just shared – your choice of prizes!

I order ribbon off eBay and Etsy all the time, and a lot of it is mailed out wrapped around a piece of chipboard – so it arrives with multiple creases. I’ve had a few Paper Source spools of ribbon show up creased as well.

Then one day I ran across the Ribbon Iron at stitchsteals.com. It looks / works very much like a flat-iron styling tool for your hair, but at a lower heat setting that won’t damage synthetic fabrics in ribbon.

Here’s a pop-up video to walk you through what this product does step-by-step:

I use it to flatten the creases out of small muslin bags as well.

Amazon has them on sale for $12.46 right now. (Scrapbook.com is out of stock, but they also sell them for $16.14.)




And now one lucky Paperie winner will have their choice of winning a Pebbles Inc. Ribbon Iron or the the i-magicut ribbon cutter by imaginisce.

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know which of these two crafting tools that you’d use more! That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” our new Panache Collective Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow @PaperieBoutique on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow us.

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

Comment with your favorite ribbon tool (ribbon iron or ribbon cutter) – or that you’ve liked Panache Collective on Facebook – or that you’ve followed @PaperieBoutique on Twitter – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, March 30th. You can enter up to THREE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in three separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

You can enter / post up to three times total – one entry each for 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 THREE chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same link multiple times. Duplicate links will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

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




Good luck in today’s giveaway!
-Robyn & Todd

I’m a cutter

Wanted to share one of my amazing recent finds – the i-magicut by imaginisce.

This handy tool cuts and heat-seals the ends of ribbon up to 3″-wide. No more fraying! You can cut straight edges, on the diagonal, and even the popular “Chevron” cut. It takes 4AA batteries and heats in under 5 seconds. Here’s a pop-up video to walk you through what this product does step-by-step:

I love mine so much, I now have two “just in case“. Amazon has them on sale for $15.77 right now. (Scrapbook.com is out of stock, but they also sell them for $19.99.)

Go. Buy. Now. You’ll thank me later!

(Or better yet – try and win it here!)

And if you missed our Moo Luxe business card post, scroll on ↓ down ↓ !




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

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

spring forward

It’s no big secret my family has had a rough couple of years, but we were all left unprepared and reeling from the events that took place two weeks ago. My little sister Jennifer, age 30, passed away on February 27th. She was married and they have a 14-month old son.

Hopefully that helps explain why the site has been left without updates and and e-mails have gone unreturned. I tried to update the Paperie Facebook page as I was able, but there’s just only so much you can do from an iPad on I-40 travelling to and from a funeral…

Slowly but surely I’m catching up with my life again and we have a few contest winners to announce!




First up are the winners of the three packaging contests here on Paperie: The “cameo / timeless” boutique packaging winner is Dawn Corwin. The “three strikes / spring training” custom packaging winner is Lynette Weber. And the “lipstick / tarte” boudoir packaging winner is WhirlieGirl Photography!

And the winner of “the savvy set” giveaway by Panache Collective over at The Savvy Photographer was…Sugar Bug Photography!

Thanks to everyone who entered, congrats to our winners, and thanks again to The Savvy Photographer for hosting one of these great giveaways!

For all our winners – you should hear from Robyn in the next 24-48 hours. Your packaging will need to be assembled and should ship within 3-4 business days of contact. Thanks for your patience!




Thanks for everyone’s support and prayers for our family!
-Robyn & Todd

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

savvy style

There’s a great giveaway from The Panache Collective over at The Savvy Photographer right now!

“One lucky Savvy reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective boutique packaging set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½ x 7½ and five 8½ x 10½ “the savvy set” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos, these box designs feature the Panache Collective’s revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – without damaging your work of art.”

Visit The Savvy Photographer for more details! Huge thanks to them for the great giveaway opportunity!

And don’t forget, we still have three more Panache Collective packaging set giveaways here – they run through 11:59 p.m. EST tonight (Thursday, February 23rd)!

Thanks for making this year’s WPPI so great!
-Robyn & Todd

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

word up

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective boutique packaging set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “cameo” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “timeless” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos below, these box designs feature our revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – without damaging your work of art.

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom ‘cameo’ photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/vJnozT

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 with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here 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! See official rules for more details.

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

Good luck everyone! Stop by booth # 1247 TODAY at WPPI!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. You can also win our new “lipstick” and “tarte” boudoir packaging sets here – and our new baseball-themed packaging sets here.

peanuts and crackerjack

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win this Panache Collective baseball-themed set (perfect for child and sports photographers!) before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “spring training” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “three strikes” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue). As shown in the photos below, these box designs feature our revolutionary new quick-release open and close system. The design stays snug around the box, but can easily be removed and set aside to pack the order – and then reattached to safely hand-deliver or ship – all without damaging your work of art.

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom baseball photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/Z5YHEi

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 with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here 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! See official rules for more details.

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

Good luck everyone! And don’t forget to stop by booth # 1247 at WPPI!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. You can also win our new “lipstick” and “tarte” boudoir packaging sets here.

introducing…panache collective

Together with HB Photo Packaging, Paperie Boutique is excited to launch the “Panache Collective“!

Making its debut at WPPI 2012, the Panache Collective is a high-end custom photo packaging / portrait box décor product line. The Panache Collective was created with the boutique portrait artist in mind and includes collections specifically for senior, engagement / wedding, boudoir, maternity, baby, children / family, and sports photographers. The Panache Collective features bright colors, stylish designs and innovative function – including quick-release, easy open access.

At this time “Panache Collective” ordering is limited exclusively to WPPI 2012 attendees — pre-order registration is available at the HB Photo Packaging booth (# 1247). VIP mailing list registration is also available at the HB booth at WPPI. Mailing list members will be given early access to online purchasing before the ordering system goes public.

Following the soft-launch beta stage, public mailing list registration and ordering will begin in late spring / early summer 2012. Watch this space for more details!

The Panache Collective. “YOUR PRINTS. CHARMING.“

And now, one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win a Panache Collective set before the product line even goes into the pre-sale phase! Up for grabs are five 5½x7½ “tarte” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue), and five 8½x10½ “lipstick” decorated photo boxes (with matching tissue).

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique hosted events are open to U.S. residents age 18 and over only.

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know one of the following:

• your favorite demo packaging set here
      — or —
• your business color palette
      — or —
• your photography specialty (weddings, boudoir, children / family, etc.)

That’s all there is to it!

You can have an additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you “like” both Paperie Boutique’s Facebook fan page and HB Photo Packaging’s Facebook fan page – just comment that you’ve done so, or that you’re already a fan.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you follow both @paperieboutique and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter – just comment that you’ve followed or already follow them.

And another additional – optional – “bonus” entry if you post the following to Facebook or Twitter:
Win a custom photography packaging set from the new Panache Collective by @paperieboutique & @HBPhotoPkging – http://is.gd/2LBMNL

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 with your favorite Panache Collective packaging set shown here, -or- your color palette, -or- your photography-speciality. And for bonus chances to win let us know you’ve liked Paperie Boutique on Facebook and HB Photo Packaging on Facebook. Or that you’ve followed @paperieboutique on Twitter and @HBPhotoPkging on Twitter. Or that you’ve posted about this giveaway to Facebook or Twitter. Do these in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, February 23rd. You can enter up to FOUR times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in four separate comments here 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! See official rules for more details.

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

Good luck everyone! And thank you – we wouldn’t be here without you!
-Robyn & Todd

clean green slate

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

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

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

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 78, page 80, page 82, and page 84 of the print-version when it hits mailboxes – and you can see the online supplement here. Plus you can download the digital edition now if you’re a PPA member or digital subscriber.




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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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

the envelope, please!

We’re excited to name the winners in the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

(There were two mail-in ballots. One for Chubby Cheek Photography and one for Persian Kitty Kat Photography.)

The award for “Most Original” goes to…Persian Kitty Kat Photography!

The “Fan Favorite” award was selected from the most pinned Paperie Boutique photos on Pinterest, and that contestant is…Chubby Cheek Photography!

Our remaining finalists will receive a $25 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate and a $25 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate.

Thanks to everyone who entered, everyone who voted, all of our wonderful vendors who donated prizes, our judging panel, and CONGRATULATIONS to all of our winners this year!

I will be sending out prize notifications later this week as I get each prize set organized. Please be patient with me! (I have a big meeting coming up later this morning, and a column deadline this week – I’m juggling everything as best / as quickly as I can.) So if you’re listed as a winner above, watch your e-mail over the next couple of days!

This year’s contest was amazing – thanks again for making it possible!
-Robyn & Todd

déjà vu all over again

We’re ready to reopen the vote in the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here. Please see Facebook for updates on why the voting was temporarily suspended yesterday.)

Especially today, one more round of applause / show of thanks for our judges:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography

Without further adieu, I bring you the – new – six Wrap Battle finalists (all listed in order of submission with photos linked to their original entry)…

As you go through the finalists remember to look at the packaging and not just the “pretty pictures” (i.e. product staging). As this is not a photo contest, try to keep in mind what will actually be received by the client… The goal: best packaging!

UPDATE: Voting is closed – winners announced here!

Thanks so much to everyone who entered, and good luck to the six finalists!

Thank you for your patience & understanding -
-Robyn & Todd

Super Tuesday

Even if you don’t live in Iowa, never fear – today you can vote for something that really counts! We’re ready to rock the vote for the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

I am so glad I had a judging panel to select the six finalists this year. I’m not sure I could have done it myself, and as things were, the voting was extremely close! One more round of applause / show of thanks for the following judges:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography

Without further adieu, I bring you the six Wrap Battle finalists (all listed in order of submission with photos linked to their original entry)…

As you go through the finalists remember to look at the packaging and not just the “pretty pictures” (i.e. product staging). As this is not a photo contest, try to keep in mind what will actually be received by the client… The goal: best packaging!

UPDATE: The voting has been reinstated. Please see this post to vote (or vote again if you originally voted on Tuesday)!

-Robyn & Todd

the final four

These are the last four entries in the 2011 “Wrap Battle” packaging contest!

Submissions closed late last night for the 2011 Wrap Battle from Paperie Boutique and HB Photo Packaging—sponsored by Artsy Couture, Bad Sass Backdrops, CPQ Professional Imaging & Hardwood Frames! (Official rules are here, and a list of this year’s prizes is located here.)

The prize package for our 1st place winner is worth OVER $2000 – and we have well OVER $4500 in prizes donated total!

This year judges will select the top half-dozen from the submitted entries, and then this week (January 3rd – 8th, 2012) winners will be selected from the remaining finalists by public vote. This year’s judges include:

• Alycia Alvarez – Alycia Alvarez Photography
• Beth Forester – Beth Forester Photography / photoDUDS
• Marsha Mifsud – The Savvy Photographer
• Heather Lickliter – Stylized Portraiture / Fairyography
• Lisa Hoang – Windwardskies Photography / Simply Baby
• Marie Cox – Phreckles Photography




Entry #27 is from Laura Winslow Photography – so bright and feminine!

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“I sell a full list of packaging details via my blog – the blog post has more (larger) photos of our new everyday eco-friendly packaging.“

Vendors used:
• Michael’s
• Amazon
• Kraft and Jute

“I have been researching for over a year to find the perfect solutions for product presentation. Most of the time I have to ship items to clients, so I wanted them to feel like they were opening something very special. Everything is wrapped in crisp white tissue, boxes are finished with a satin bow and EVERY package includes handwritten note for a personal touch. It was very important to me that the look and colors were consistent throughout.

My branding uses chartreuse green, black, white, gray, and a little orange, so for my holiday packaging I just switched out the orange for a cheerful red. I wanted to keep the sleek, clean, modern look that my packaging usually has, but jazzed is up a little with extra details for fun. I also included a metal Christmas ornament from Black River Imaging as a gift for each client. The photos below also show a couple of the cards I’ve created which are sent throughout the year.“

click each Wrap Battle entry photo for a larger pop-up version

“This is my wedding packaging. My photography style is light, elegant, and natural, so I tried to incorporate that into my packaging. I searched and searched for a long time for exactly what I had pictured in my mind. Many of the items, I simply made myself.“

Vendors used:
• Light blue wedding DVD case – Loktah
• DVD case for the engagements and bridals – Northwest
   Professional Color Lab (The inside of these are not fully
   pictured, but they include a dvd holder on their tri-fold and
   bi-fold cards, which I customize with images for the bride
   and groom. Love these!)
• Cream box – I couldn’t find the exact size and natural feel
   that I was looking for, so I made them myself with thick
   cardstock from Hobby Lobby.
• Little flowers, ribbon, and Kraft bag – Hobby Lobby
• Tissue paper – Target
• Supplies for handwritten thank you card – Wal Mart
• Cloth – local quilting and fabric stores
• Logo – printed on cream colored cardstock

We have been nothing short of blown away by the 2011 entries! So much inspiration (and so many ideas to file back for our own packaging)!

Thanks to each and every contestant who took the time to share their photos, their tips, and their vendors with the rest of the class. Thanks to each of our sponsors and prize donors for their promotion and gifts for the winners. And thanks in advance to each of our Paperie readers for voting and selecting the winners later this week.

Watch this space for details. As soon as the judging panel (linked above) selects the finalists, the voting will commence right here on Paperie and run through 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 8th.

Happy New Year!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. If you just didn’t get enough “pretty“, make sure you check out our packaging contest entries from last year!