Time for three more entries 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.)

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




We’ve reached Entry #21 from Keki Photography – love how festive it is!

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

“The boxes and elastic bands are from HB Photo Packaging, the ribbons and other accepts are collected from a variety of sources. The base for every customers packaging is the same: red box with silver band…then each package is customized to match the client and season!”

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

“We wanted our packaging to have a earthy and organic feel, but also wanted a bit of vintage and elegance as well. Paying attention to small details such as creating a custom stamped envelope for our ornate shape business cards lets our clients know from the beginning that their photography experience with us will be anything but ordinary. We are passionate about bringing our clients stories to life with wall displays in their homes and wanted that to start with packaging and marketing materials.”

Vendors used:
• Brown boxes – DNL Photo Supply
• Kraft envelopes – Paper Presentation
• Bags and raffia – Beverly’s Crafts
• Ornate cards for brochures – CPQ
• Ornate business cards – Black River Imaging

“We also change the photo on the business card with every 20 cards, so it is always a surprise for the client as to which card they will get in their envelope. Clients are delighted when they see one of their photos has made it to our cards, and are happy to pass them out to friends and family.“

Entry #23 is from Lynette Weber Photography – sure to brighten any day!

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

“I have changed my color scheme but I really loved this packaging!”

Vendors used:
• Boxes – HB • Photo Packaging
• Tissue paper and raffia – Nashville Wraps
• Custom shape stickers – Black River Imaging
• Silver Bag – JoAnn Fabrics

More entries still waiting in my inbox – so check back soon!

We’ll be accepting entries for the remainder of 2011 – the cut-off date / time to enter the “2011 Wrap Battle” is Saturday, December 31st, 2011 (11:59 p.m. EST).

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this Paperie post will walk you through it!

See ya’ real soon!
-Robyn & Todd

It’s an after Christmas sale that everyone can afford! From today through Friday, December 30th, 2011 (11:59 p.m. EST) the ENTIRE Fit to Print store is on sale for just $5 – including templates available exclusively here at Paperie Boutique!

BONUS: The $5 special also includes FIVE never-released before storyboard template designs. Quotes cannot be changed (but layer can be hidden / replaced). The background layer color can be changed for each design. Three designs are 20×10″ full-storyboard designs, one is a 10×5″ mini-storyboard design, and one storyboard design makes a perfect “grandparent gift” to tuck in orders at 5×3.5″.

The five storyboard templates alone are a great bargain at $5 – but you also get ALL the contents of the Fit to Print store and the following Paperie bonus items:

- PLUS – You’ll receive the contents of the ENTIRE Fit to Print store with your $5 purchase! The “Buy the Store” kit alone is $65.00!

All orders are processed during U.S. Eastern time between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight. Each “buy the store” kit will be e-mailed to you (with download links) within 6-8 hours of ordering (usually MUCH sooner during normal business hours). If you have any questions, e-mail contact information is located here.

Technical support is limited to download issues and design files from “Fit to Print” only. I do not provide support for other vendors, products I do not sell, and resources linked in the “achieve this look” section of each download. Other vendors will need to be contacted directly to support their own products and / or answer any questions you may have before you make a purchase from them. Thank you for your understanding!

YOU CAN ONLY BUY IT FOR $5 ↓ HERE ↓ ON PAPERIE!

Sorry – the $5 deal has expired! But you can still get it all for $65 at Fit to Print!




Ready for more entries 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.)

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




Entry #19 is from Aric Becker Photography – love those ornaments!

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

“This a picture of our normal picture packaging. Clients really enjoy unwrapping every day of the year!“

“This is the how we packaged the pewter ornaments that we bought from Kimbra Studios for our wedding clients for their first Christmas together. The boxes are from HB Photo Packaging, stamped with our logo and wrapped with wraphia from Michael’s Arts and Crafts.“

More entries are still in my inbox waiting to be processed so check back soon!

We’ll be accepting entries for the remainder of 2011 – the cut-off date / time to enter the “2011 Wrap Battle” is Saturday, December 31st, 2011 (11:59 p.m. EST).

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this Paperie post will walk you through it!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday week!
-Robyn & Todd

Merry Christmas (Eve) and Happy Hanukkah to all of our readers!

Do you still have a few last minute gifts to wrap and assemble? Check out our Pinterest board! I’ve been scouring the web now that I finally have that elusive thing called “free time” to find the best wrapping ideas and holiday-themed FREE printables (for you – and ME)!

There’s everything from FREE printable giftwrap, to DIY boxes, to embellishment ideas (including these awesome photo cookie-cutter frames and paper bows)!

click each collage above and below to visit our Pinterest board

And now we have four more entries in the entries 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.)

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

Entry #15 by Jennifer Weinman Photography arrives just before Santa!

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

“I like to keep things as local as possible, so most of my materials I purchase in our small little town at the local Hallmark or Hardware store. (There are no Michael’s or Hobby Lobby stores within an hour!)

My holiday packaging is a spinoff of my regular packaging, which includes white, kraft paper, and twine. Typically I package my large canvases or framed prints in handmade muslin bags, but I decided to try tissue paper this year for Christmas. I also incorporate a stamped logo using a custom rubber stamp.”

Vendors used:
•  Bags – Kraft bags (you can find similar ones at Nashville Wraps)
•  Tissue paper – Local Hallmark store
•  Twine – Local Ace Hardware store
•  Handmade Christmas light ornament – Made by a local artist
•  Bows and ribbon – Local Hallmark store
•  Frame ornament – Organic Bloom
•  Tags – Kraft Paper from Paper Presentation, cut using decorative
    scissors
•  Custom logo stamp – Rubberstamps.net

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

“I use the boutique packaging from MPixPro and add some fancy touches – sparkly tissue inside and custom stickers – and always, ALWAYS pink and green touches on everything.“

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

“I wanted to do something different with my packaging this Christmas season to let my clients feel loved and appreciated! Therefore, I gave my ‘everyday’ packaging a little bit of a different feel. I wanted the gifts to match my brand, and have a natural, hand-made feel to them with a touch of whimsy. Each client gift sent out this year has their own, unique touch – some wrapped with burlap, some with brown kraft paper and twine – some had flower while others had lace.”

Vendors used:
•  Sage photo boxes – HB Poto Packaging
•  Brown kraft paper – Hobby Lobby
•  Ribbon and lace – Hobby Lobby
•  Hang tags – Hobby Lobby
•  Gift bag –Hobby Lobby
•  Burlap – Given to me by my friends at WiseAbe
•  Flowers – made with coffee filters dyed with tea bags

Entry #18 from VLV Photography needs to be viewed large to appreciate – so click on the images!

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

Vendors used:
•  Brown bags, tissue paper, and candy bags – boxandwrap.com
•  Bag tags – Jessica of Starr Design
•  Boxes (with vanilla tissue) – HB Poto Packaging
•  Portfolio Cases (used for calendar gifts, smaller print orders and
    as envelopes) – Paper Presentation
•  Clear bags for prints – ClearBags.com (and also Rice Studio
    Supply)
•  Jute cord and fabric strips – Jo-Ann’s or Wal-Mart (I use fabric
    with leaves on it that go with my brand, cut into thin strips and make
    the strips more “ragged” by pulling them through my hand)
•  Custom DVD – MPixPro
•  DVD cases (not pictured) – ReBinder and custom DVD cases
    from MPixPro (with plans to use Kraft & Jute in the future)
•  Round stickers – Zazzle
•  Gift certificates – Printed from MPixPro / Miller’s
•  Business cards – Miller’s
•  Thank You Card – a package of 50 kraft cards from Hobby Lobby
    (stamp and ink also from Hobby Lobby)
•  Square sticker on the front of bags (not pictured) – MPixPro

There are even more entries to post in my inbox. And as the holidays wind down, I expect even more- so stay tuned!

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this Paperie post will walk you through it!




We have a couple of prizes to award from recent giveaways, so away we go! The winner of the “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“ is…Lynette Weber!

And the winner of the $75 Design Aglow gift card is…Melanie Ashcraft!

Congratulations to all of our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to Senior Portraits 101 and Design Aglow!

I’ll be contacting both winners with prize information this weekend, so check your inboxes!




To close, I received the following from Kelli France and wanted to share it with all of you. Back in college, I worked in a group home with Down Syndrome adults – so this something very near and dear to my heart – not just at the holidays, but all the year through. Please take the time to read / spread the word!


“Giving Back”
from Kelli France / Chic Critique Forum

Christmas is just around the corner and it’s a time where we think beyond ourselves to serve others. Chic Critique Forum would like to donate $5000 to help this little girl with Down Syndrome get out of a neglected orphanage and adopted into a loving home but they can’t do it without you.

•  Join Chic Critique Forum with an annual membership and they’ll
   donate $19 towards her adoption grant
•  Share on Facebook and Twitter by saying: “Help this little girl with Down
   Syndrome get adopted and out of an orphanage“: http://tinyurl.com/cz85bwz
•  Pin her picture on Pinterest with the text: “Help this little girl with Down
   Syndrome get adopted and out of an orphanage“: http://tinyurl.com/cz85bwz
•  Copy and paste this blog post onto your own blog
•  Share her story with your friends & family via email
•  Donate directly to her grant

$39 for an annual forum membership is really not that much when you consider how much you will be helping sweet, little Charity. It’s the same price of an action set, card templates, a dinner for 2, a set of Legos, a belt at Anthropologie…but this $39 will make ALL the difference for her. Please help them to help her!




Thanks to everyone for reading / supporting Paperie in 2011!

Have a magical holiday season—
-Robyn & Todd

Time for three more entries 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.)

This year is shaping up to be simply AMAZING—be prepared to be blown away!




Entry #12 by Lynn Fletcher Weddings Inc. is not just a treat for the eyes – it really is a treat!

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

“I am super excited to show you the packaging that we have created using HB Photo Packaging products! We are a wedding planning company and give these packaged gifts to clients as a thank-you. We ordered HB‘s beautiful black boxes and had our logo imprinted on them in silver. Then they are filled with a special one of a kind treat-bag with black, silver and pink custom monogrammed M&M’s with our company logo. In addition, a tiny portfolio book of wedding photos adorned with a pink rhinestone is nestled inside. The outer box is embellished with a pink satin ribbon bow to complete the look!” [photos by "Orangegirl Photographs"]

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

“My stickers and gift certificates are in the new Luxe shape, which has become just as much a part of my brand as my signature green. All of my boxes, cases, and bags are from HB Photo Packaging, they have the best service and selection. I picked up the jingle bells at Target as a festive addition for all of my holiday orders.“

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

“I just started to really package things pretty this year! The ribbon, tags, and stamping are all from Hobby Lobby. I tied 2-3 mini snowflakes on each ribbon and those I got from Michael’s. The photo boxes are from Wildcat Photo Packaging (in Sunflower). Those are more everyday boxes. I wanted to use them in the winter to add a holiday twist. For the clients of mine who don’t celebrate Christmas, I also have a stamp that says ‘Happy Holidays’. The Kraft CD holder is from ReBinder. I would love to win this contest! I love getting creative!“

There are still more entries to post in my inbox – and more are sure to follow as holiday orders wind down – so stay tuned!

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this Paperie post will walk you through it!

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




Don’t forget we have two giveaways going on right now as well. One is a $75 gift certificate to Design Aglow, and the other is a copy of the “Senior Portraits 101 Guide” ($250 value)!

Can you believe Christmas is just FOUR DAYS away?!?
Merry Happy!
-Robyn & Todd

It’s yet another giveaway within a contest here at Paperie! Design Aglow is back with a gift card for one lucky Paperie reader, and their vendor / guest post features the new Style Guides by Design Aglow. Read ’til the end for more!




But first-up we have more entries 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.)




Entry #8 is a happy color-mix by Flourishing Photography:

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


“These are my main colors that I mix and match.“

Entry #9 by Blue Sugar Photography is sure to put you in the holiday spirit!

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

“This is my 2011 Holiday Session packaging, it’s a spinoff of my everyday packaging with a splash of red and green thrown in! With each session, the client received a CD of all their images, an 8×10 canvas and 50 custom Christmas cards.”

Vendors used:
• White Kraft paper, ribbons, candy canes, bells & pine cones
  from Michael’s
• Custom printed CDs from Miller’s
• Logo sticker from WHCC
• Bag, Tissue papers and Snowflake from Target
• Bag tag from Moo

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


“I don’t currently offer holiday wrapping, so here’s my “regular” stuff!“

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

“I wanted my packaging to reflect how much I love my clients, and I wanted them to feel special when they get their order. So I wrap everything with a cute bow in coordinating colors and then I put it in a stamped canvas tote.

I like the idea that there is little waste and the tote can be reused. I also love little unexpected tokens of appreciation, so for the holidays I tie a small photo ornament with 1.5″x1.5″ print to the tote.”

Vendors used:
• Canvas tote bags – Hobby Lobby
• Photo boxes – HB Photo Packaging
• Custom rubber stamps (stamped logo on bag & boxes) -
  Simon’s Stamps
• Ribbon – Hobby Lobby
• Small photo ornament – Hobby Lobby

There are still more entries to post in my inbox – and more are sure to follow as holiday orders are packed up – so stay tuned!

For information on how to enter your own packaging photos, this entry will walk you through it!

Style Guides
by Design Aglow

What to Wear: for Families, Seniors, and Engagements

Straight from the hottest names in photography, Design Aglow‘s new style guide for shooting clients is the perfect way to keep fashion flubs at bay for your clients’ most important sessions and show off your photography in the most beautiful way possible…with style.

Present this gorgeous style guide to clients and expect picture-perfect wardrobes with less worry and time spent. Use as simple flat cards, a spiral bound mini guide, or online as a paperless pdf or email.

This savvy service shows clients you’re in-the-know with fashion, lending every client to a unique, full service boutique session. Bonus items include: a printable tip sheet for photographers from the top names in photography and a client dress for success guide.

Expand your studio catalog seamlessly with the Family, Engagement and Seniors Collections.

With tips from the hottest professional photographers including:
Jinky Art Studio
Jessica Claire Photography
Untamed Heart Photography
Holli True Photography
Amanda Holloway Photography
Crave Photography
Jessica Feely Photography
Spanki Mills Photography
Pastel Photography
Jean Smith Photography
Photography by Meg
Whitebox Photography

Introductory pricing is on today….SAVE $15 per Guide!

You can read more details at the Design Aglow Blog.




And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a $75 gift card Design Aglow!

View Paperie Boutique official rules for contests and giveaways here. Please note that Paperie Boutique 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 what your favorite Design Aglow product is! That’s all there is to it! The shop is all new…and amazing…you have to see it!

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

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 with where you’re from – or that you’ve liked Design Aglow on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, December 22nd. 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.

Good luck to everyone who enters and thanks so much to Design Aglow for hosting so many great giveaways here at Paperie!




Don’t forget we’re also giving away a “Senior Portraits 101 Guide” ($250 value) right now as well – you can enter to win it here!

(HO)³ —
-Robyn & Todd

Today’s post is a giveaway within a contest! We are joined by vendor “Senior Portraits 101” for a guest post and your chance to win their “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“!

First though, we have several new entries in our 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.)




First up is Entry #4 by Nicole Haley Photography – Audrey would be proud! Boxes are from HB Photo Packaging.

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

“This is my every day packaging dressed up a bit for the holidays! It is very important to me the everything is either made from recyclable material or re-usable. All of the printed marketing pieces are printed through WHCC on their Art Recycled Card Stock. Under the birdie gift wrap is a CD case from ReBinder, made of recycled cardboard. The bag and ornament are reusable which is great! I dressed up the accordion albums with a simple bow.“

There are still several entries in my inbox left to post, and I’m sure more will be coming in soon as everyone finishes their holiday orders – so keep checking in!

For information on how to enter, check out the instructions here.

Did someone say giveaway? They sure did – welcome “Senior Portraits 101“!

This guide is for those photographers who want to jump into the senior portraits business. It also is great for photographers who would like to revamp their current senior business right now.

It is filled with information that can give you the push you need for your senior program to do well. Not only is it an overall senior start up program, but it also shows how to start up your rep program.

If you are a visual person, then you will love the workflow and editing video included. If you are serious about your senior portraits business, take a look at the Senior Portrait 101 Guide and how it can help you!

What is included in the Senior Portraits 101 Guide -
A Comprehensive Digital Guide that dishes out every last strategy and detail:
• Senior Portraits & Marketing
• Pricing Guide
• My Current Pricing & Other Examples
• Promotion Ideas
• A Typical Client Meeting
• Clothing Guide
• Styling Your Senior
• Posing + Tips
• FAQ for Clients
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• After The Session
• Quick Session Tips
• Starting A Senior Rep Program
• Senior Rep Benefits + Information
• Senior Rep Meeting
• Marketing Tips for your Rep
• Resources, Sponsors, and Discounts

A Digital Folder Containing Customizable Forms & Contracts:
• Senior Portrait Contract
• What to Wear
• Senior Rep Program Welcome Packet + Follow up Forms
• Senior Portrait Timeline
• FAQ for Clients
• Invoice Template
• Senior Rep Referral Tracking Chart
• Client Gallery Email Template

65 Minute HD Video Covering My Workflow + Editing:
• Uploading & Sorting
• Preparing Images for Client Gallery
• Basic Edits in ACR
• Client Gallery + Email
• Editing in Photoshop
• Saving for Print & Web
• Blogging
*All done in real time so you can see exactly what my process is.

Getting You Started Marketing Templates:
• 5×5 Marketing Trifold
• 5×5 Thank you Card with Print Release On Back
• Model Release Contract
• Single CD Case
• Senior Rep Card
• 10×20 Storyboard

Now you can be prepared, be inspired, and be creative with everything you need in this Senior Portraits 101 Guide.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• Templates are fully layered Photoshop PSD files for unlimited customization
   and ready to print at WHCC.
• The Contracts & Forms are MS Word Format so that you can more easily
   change text and layouts.
• Templates are compatible with Photoshop CS3 and newer.

And now one lucky Paperie reader can win a “Senior Portraits 101 Guide“. (Please do not enter if you live within 3 hours of Sacramento, CA. More on Paperie giveaway official rules here.)

All you have to do is post in the comments here and let us know where you’re from! That’s it – no, really!

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

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

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 with where you’re from – or that you’ve liked Senior Portraits 101 on Facebook – in separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, December 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.

Good luck to everyone who enters and thanks so much to Senior Portraits 101 for the great prize!

And “Senior Portraits 101” is also offering this $45 discount code to Paperie readers!

More packaging photos posted soon – where’s yours?
Happy weekend –
-Robyn & Todd

Quick update today because I’m in the middle of designing Christmas cards for a client…but had to share two new entries 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 here.) Check back soon because we’ll be posting more as time allows!

And if you missed our previous post, we now have well over $4500 in prizes donated for the Wrap Battle – the prizes for 1st place total more than $2K!




I love it when I see packaging entries that make me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” Here’s Entry #2 by Shalonda Chaddock of Chubby Cheek Photography – the client-gift idea is brilliant, that snowflake through the ribbon is to die for, and it’s a gorgeous use of the popular Chevron pattern!

“The best part of this years packaging and of the ‘all wrapped up sessions’ this year was the gift inside the gable box…it was a hand-carved, personalized address stamp for each family.”

Vendors used:
• Small gable boxes: garnish
• White 8×10 and 5×7 boxes: NPD Box Company
• Stickers: designed by yours truly, printed at WHCC
• Snowflakes: Target (left over from last years Polar Express party)
• Ribbons: Container Store

Thanks so much for your entry, Megan!




Lena Hyde of Design Aglow fame has just launched a new project called Muses & Visionaries – the communal art space is located in West Palm Beach, FL:

“Muses & Visionaries aspires to create an enlightened environment where dynamic and creative women can come together to draw inspiration for their work and lives.

We offer a unique space intended to nurture fresh ideas, foster connections, and act as a catalyst for both independent and collaborative work.

Muses & Visionaries will cultivate a supportive milieu for women to move forward as thinkers, artists, innovators, trend-setters, and entrepreneurs.

Muses & Visionaries envisions a chic modern day salon where women can retreat to find what they need in that moment, whether it is relaxing sanctuary, stimulating discussion or inspired work.”

Visit the Muses & Visionaries website for more details!

Happy almost-weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

Excited to announce new vendors participating with prizes and giveaways for contestants 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 here.)

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

First place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $200 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $100 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $150 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $150 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $300 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $250 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate (10′ backdrop price)
• 8×8 Press Printed Album with Boutique Bag from WHCC*
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($85 value)
• Senior Portraits 101 Guide from seniorportraits101.com ($250 value)
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)
• Set of letterpress cards from Miller’s Professional Imaging

Second place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $250 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $100 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $75 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $100 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $100 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $150 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $125 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Boutique Stickers from WHCC*
• The Joy Bag camera bag
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Third place winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 store credit to HB Photo Packaging
• $50 Artsy Couture gift certificate
• $50 Nations Photo Lab gift certificate
• $50 CPQ Professional Imaging gift certificate
• $50 Hardwood Frames gift certificate
• $75 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $50 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate
• Set of Press Printed Cards from WHCC*
• Rock the Walls Nursery Collection (choice of Photoshop or ProSelect
  version, $89 value)

Fan Favorite winner will receive the following prizes:
• $100 Kraft and Jute store credit
• Epiphanie camera bag
• Rice Studio Supply Album Box filled Artisan packaging ($50 value)

Most Original winner will receive the following prizes:
• $200 Photographer Cafe gift certificate
• Boudoir Business Boutique** choice of Boudoir Lighting Guide
   -or- Boudoir Posing Guide (up to $195 value)
• 8×10 Organic Bloom frame (style and color winner’s choice)

Each runner-up winner will receive the following prizes:
• $25 Sassy Designs Inc. gift certificate
• $25 Bad Sass Backdrops gift certificate

In addition to the above prizes, winners and runners-up (including “fan favorite” and “most original“) will receive prizes from the vendors listed below:

Epiphanie, Nations Photo Lab, Boudoir Business Boutique**, The Organic Bloom, Sassy Designs Inc., Sarah Petty’s The Joy of Marketing, Nichole Van’s Flourish, Photographer Cafe, Rice Studio Supply, Senior Portraits 101, WHCC*, Kraft and Jute, The Joy Bag, Rock the Walls, and Miller’s Professional Imaging

*1. WHCC Press Printed Album includes 10 spreads printed on your
     choice of paper type finished with a Custom Photo Cover or our new
     Combo Cover! Present this WHCC Album in Boutique Bag in your
     choice of fabric! Boutique Bags are a great way to package any
     WHCC Albumor Book that makes a lasting impression.
*2. WHCC Boutique Stickers are a great way to place your logo and
     add that finishing touch to any client package. Stickers come in a
     set of 25 in your choice of boutique shape and size.
*3. WHCC Press Printed Cards come in a set of 25 in your choice of
     paper type and size. Use to increase awareness by creating price
     lists that your clients can keep, gift certificates, thank you cards
     to send after sessions, and mailers to promote session specials.

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount at Boudoir Business Boutique with coupon code: PB30

**All Paperie readers will receive a 30% discount to life art design shoppe thru 12/31 with coupon code: paperie

Here are entries from last year’s contest for inspiration!

“This is my 2011 Holiday Mini Session packaging. I thought it was important this year to do something festive to get my client’s in the Christmas spirit as they received their Christmas cards and prints in the mail. Because everyone wants to feel like they are getting a present in the mail! It is a spinoff of my everyday packaging.

With each mini session the client received a CD with three digital files, three 8×10 prints and 50 custom Christmas cards. I also like to put a little special client gift in with each of my packages, so this year each client received a 3×3 ornament frame from The Organic Bloom with a photo from their session.”

Vendors used:
• 8×10 photo boxes: HB Photo Packaging
• Kraft bags and wraphia: Michael’s
• Candy Christmas ornaments: Hobby Lobby
• Tissue paper: Paper Source
• 3×3 ornament frames: The Organic Bloom
• Custom logo sticker: 10 Candles Party Shop

Absolutely gorgeous Emily! Thank you so much for entering and for setting the bar at the very top notch!

If you would like to enter, details can be found here. You have to enter to win!




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

For this month’s article I got play – ummm, I mean, review camera bags by Epiphanie, Jo Totes, *emera, Jill-e, ONA Bags, and Kelly Moore Bags.

This month’s column even has an online-supplement feature with even more bags, including Dre Hartmann Camera Bags.

Click the magazine pages above to read a larger .pdf version of the article. You can also find the article on page 58, page 60, page 62, and page 64 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.

Between the print article, the online article, and my July 2010 camera bag article – you really can try before you buy! Get yourself something nice for Christmas!




We have a quick contest winner to announce in the Narrow Wear giveaway…and it’s Natasha!

Congrats to Natasha – I’ll be in touch soon with information on claiming your prize! Thanks to everyone who entered, and to Narrow Wear for the fun prize!




Get those packaging photos ready—thanks to Emily Crump Photography it’s already been “brung“!

Happy Merry!
-Robyn & Todd

I am not Super Woman. As such, I’m getting this post up just before the stroke of midnight. Today, December 2nd, the 2011 Wrap Battle officially kicks off. However, with it being the holidays (client gifts, holiday cards, etc.) and two column deadlines this week, there’s still miles to go until the contest is fully ready!

But never fear! We are taking your packaging photo submissions NOW [2011 submissions are closed - thanks and stay tuned]. Send in up to three photos of your business packaging – it can be your everyday packaging, something special for Christmas, or both! Your three photos can be of totally different packaging if you have separate for different session types (baby, seniors, weddings, etc.) or use a different packaging scheme for the holidays. Or you can do pull-back shots and zooms of the same packaging. It’s up to you!

So grab your point-and-shoot while packing up those holiday orders and send us a pic, or three… Don’t forget to look through last year’s contest for inspiration!

Official rules, prizes, and judging information all located in the posts here. One of the grand prizes is a $500 store credit to HB Photo Packaging!

Submissions will be accepted through 11 p.m. EST on December 31st.




It’s great to see all the new traffic here from the Moo Advent Calendar!

Check the download link above for several FREE Moo templates. You will also find our FREE Moo holiday sticker & label templates here. “Stick” around awhile!




Thanks for your patience — and go win a scarf before you surf on!
-Robyn (and Todd)

P.S. Remember the FREE baby t-shirt / onesie template I put up the other day? I got a few back from Zazzle on Friday and they turned out so cute! Here is how I customized them for Buttons and Bows Photography clients:

I added a smaller version of the Santa-camera with my URL on the t-shirt backs.

Try using code HOLIDAYSALE2 for 50% off Zazzle infant t-shirts / onesies!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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




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