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

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

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




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

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




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

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

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

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

Comments must be posted here by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Friday, May 25th. U.S. residents can enter up to THREE times total. Post that you have met the individual requirements in three separate comments here to have multiple chances to win!

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

You have THREE chances to win, but only one chance PER OPTION – please do not post the same entry method multiple times. Duplicate entries will be removed. Each entry requires its own separate comment to have multiple chances to win! See official rules for more details.

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

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




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

Check back soon!
-Robyn & Todd

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!

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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!

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!

Excited to share that Buttons and Bows Photography, LLC (yours truly!) won first place in the Facebook Thredz Contest – and a spot on the cover of the Spring 2012 issue of TAoPaN Magazine!

Want to receive this FREE issue? Just sign up here on the mailing list and you will receive the free download link for TAoPAN magazine!

Thanks to Ana Brandt and judge Greg Sargent for such an amazing honor!




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

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

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!

Excited to announce the winner in our POMPIDOO camera bag giveaway…and it’s…Kim Young!

Thanks to everyone who entered, a big thank you to POMPIDOO Camera Bags for the fantastic prize, and congrats once again to our winner Kim!




Have you seen the new line of Martha Stewart office products at Staples? This is the Smooth-Finish Small-Format Binder (shown below):

If you hurry fast, you can download this coupon (good through 2/18) online – and use it in-store for 30% off one Martha Stewart Home Office product at Staples.

Make sure to check back for HUGE news from WPPI soon!
-Robyn & Todd

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

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

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! To show you how thankful we are for our Paperie readers, we’re offering up this free baby tee design for use at Zazzle – it would make the perfect client holiday gift! (And read on, because through 11.27.11 shirts are now 50% off at Zazzle!)

UPDATE: You can now see how the shirts look when you get them from Zazzle here. Try using code HOLIDAYSALE2 for 50% off Zazzle infant t-shirts / onesies!

You can either download the .psd file below and move things around to add your own logo — or if you prefer to just print the design as-is, use the Paperie Zazzle Store and choose between a baby onesie, an infant t-shirt, an infant organic creeper, or a baby long-sleeve tee in sizes 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

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

You can edit the background color in this .psd file and move layers around. However, you cannot edit the text as-shown or make changes to the graphic. If you choose to print the design with a vendor other than Zazzle please make sure to check the size and crop guidelines first! Paperie is not responsible for mis-prints.

If you prefer to print the shirt without a logo, or do not have the ability to edit .psd layers, you can order it directly from Zazzle here.

And through 11 p.m. EST tonight / Friday (8 p.m. PST on 11.25.11) take an extra $5 off t-shirts at Zazzle with the code “ZBLACKFRIDAY” (see UPDATE above).

Shown above is a similar onesie that Buttons and Bows Photography gifted to clients in 2008. They were a HUGE hit!

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




We also have a couple of winners to announce! First up, the winner of the Martha Stewart heat embossing tool is…Tatiana Fowler!

And the winner of the ONA Venice camera bag is…Jennifer Stuart Photography!

Congrats to both of our winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a huge thank you to ONA Camera Bags for such a fantastic giveaway!

I’ll be e-mailing both winners this weekend so make sure to check your e-mail soon!




Check out our Facebook page if you haven’t seen it already – both Amazon and B&H have been running huge specials on Adobe’s Lightroom 3 today! It’s been as low as $89.99, and as of 2:45 p.m. EST on “Black” Friday, November 25th it’s still on sale for as low as $149.00!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend!
-Robyn & Todd

P.S. The 2nd annual “Wrap Battle” kicks off a week from today on Friday, December 2nd – get ready!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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

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

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




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

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

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




Whew! That was a lot for one entry!

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

Today we’re in full-on catch-up mode here at Paperie. Since our Chinese drywall ordeal, we literally have no immune systems to speak of in our family. And now that the weather is changing, once again we’ve been down for the count for a few days with horrible colds. If you’re waiting to hear from either of us, please be patient – we do apologize!

But couldn’t let the weekend start without a big giveaway / guest / vendor post — some new packaging photos — contest winner announcements — and a big Halloween sale from my favorite packaging vendor. So read on and make sure you don’t miss anything…

Hi everyone, Ariana here from Photographer’s Wall Display Guides. If you aren’t already familiar with us, we create stylish, fresh and modern wall guides that use REAL room backgrounds to help your clients “picture their pictures” on their walls!

What happens when you SHOW your clients how amazing the images you took look on the wall instead of just talking about it? A huge increase in sales of large wall prints and canvases course!

And now, Photographer’s Wall Display Guides have teamed up with the Organic Bloom, to bring you Organic Bloom frames for the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides!

If you didn’t already know, Organic Bloom is the premier company creating beautiful, whimsical frames sold exclusively through photographers.

We think it’s a match made in heaven, and think you will too once you see this little video (click to launch Vimeo player):

The Organic Bloom frames can be used with ANY of the 15 Photographer’s Wall Display Guides rooms and it’s loaded with features:

•   Includes ALL 16 Organic Bloom frame styles in 10 different sizes from
    a 5×7 to a 20×30
•   Cross organized by both style and size for easy reference
•   Includes an incredible 101 (yes, you read that right!) designed
    groupings!
•   Includes both swatches AND a Color Book of Organic Bloom frame
    colors that makes showing your clients ACCURATE frame colors a breeze!
•   Actions for glazing, resizing and inserting your images
•   Create Double and Twin Double stack frames automagically!
    **{Stacking only supported in Photoshop CS3-CS5}
•   Use images of your client’s home as a background if you wish!
•   Easily create custom sizes and groupings not included with the product.

Although the Organic Bloom frames look STUNNING in all of the wall guide rooms, we did create a special new “Kid’s Pack” { Girl’s Room, Boy’s Room, Baby Room, Playroom } to coincide with the release of the Organic Bloom frames pack that can be purchased separately or as a bundle with the Organic Bloom frames.

Right now through midnight Eastern on November 4th, all Paperie readers will receive 15% off from Photographer’s Wall Display Guides with the code paperie.

And now the best part – we are giving the WHOLE thing away to one lucky reader! That’s all 15 Photographer’s Wall Display Guides rooms with the Organic Bloom frames pre-installed, currently a $385 value.

Ways to enter:

1. Like the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides Facebook page

2. Follow the Photographer’s Wall Display Guides on Twitter

3. Sign up for the VERY occasional Photographer’s Wall Display Guides newsletter (by occasional we mean maybe 2-3 times a year when we release new products!)

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 that you have followed the Twitter and/or Facebook account(s), or already follow them – and / or have signed up for the newsletter – 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, November 1st. You can enter up to THREE 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 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!

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.

That’s it, thank you! Good luck to everyone who enters!

And thanks Ariana / Photographer’s Wall Display Guides for the amazing prize!




I’ve posted a couple of my own photos to my Pinterest “Pretty Packaging” board recently, in case you’ve missed them:

We have a winner in our Hardwood Whimsical Frames contest and it’s…mhs Photography!

And the winner of our mini-camera magnet set giveaway is…Jammie Lopez!

Congrats to our two winners, thanks to everyone who entered, and a special thanks to Hardwood Whimsical Frames for the fantastic prize pack!

Winners, you’ll be hearing from me this weekend with information on how to claim both of your prizes.




Last but not least…guess where Paperie is this week? New York City!

We have a photo in a beautiful Organic Bloom frame at the HB Photo Packaging booth for WPPI NYC @ PhotoPlus.

If that isn’t scary enough, they’re also having a Spooktacular Halloween sale!

Happy Haunting, everyone!
-Robyn & Todd

We are about to crack hit the 15,000 comments milestone at Paperie Boutique!

The 15,000th comment on the site (DONE) will win the following – their choice of either one of the photography-related t-shirts shown below!

(UPDATE: We have a winner – please check your e-mail for prize info!)

Comments can be on any post – including our current *emera camera bag giveaway – or noting what your favorite Paperie packaging post has been here. Just please make sure your comment “says something” and is on-topic – and limit your comments to once per entry (unless posting to win a contest)!

THANKS TO EVERYONE who has helped us reach this huge milestone!

Thanks to Swanky Stitch for the fun prizes, congrats to our winners (watch your inboxes in the next 24-48 hours), and a thank you to everyone who entered!

Good luck to our 15,000th comment!
-Robyn & Todd

Guess who’s joining us today for a giveaway and vendor / guest post? It’s Swanky Stitch! Hooray!

When I’m not chasing my adorable, 2 year old little son, Jack, or spending quality time with the hubs, I’m crafting, creating, baking, and sewing. Swanky Stitch was born after I had many requests from friends & family to start selling my creations.

We love custom orders, so if you don’t see the fabric you combo you like or want a special Lens Friend made just for you we are happy to create something. You can see a list of the Swanky Stitch products here.

You can stay connected with us via Facebook to be up to date on new products, discounts and giveaways!

And now two lucky Paperie readers will each win a Swanky Stitch package featuring a Camera Strap Cover and a Lens Friend! To win, please do the following:

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

2. Comment here and tell us what your favorite Swanky Stitch product is

Each entry requires its own separate comment here. (In simple terms: If you want TWO chances to win, you have to do the two things listed above, and then make two 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 Sunday, October 9th. 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 up to two 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 two 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.

And all Paperie readers can take advantage of a special offer from Swanky Stitch!

Thanks to Swanky Stitch for the awesome giveaway and promo for our readers! Good luck to everyone who enters!




We’d like to extend a big welcome two of our newest advertisers and sponsors…Senior Portraits 101 and ONA Bags!

With the senior market getting bigger every year, it is never too late to start your senior program. If you are looking for help to build your program, the Senior Portraits 101 Guide can help you do it. This guide was designed to help you start a successful senior portrait program and senior rep program.

Whether you are a new photographer looking for guidance and a solid strategy, or you have been around for a while and would like to jump into the senior pool, the Senior Portrait 101 Guide includes everything that you need to get going in the senior portrait industry. The marketing pieces, contracts and forms are all customizable and can be easily changed to match your studio and branding.

Once you have read through the manual and watched the detailed video, you will feel confident and ready to start your senior business! Visit us on Facebook at: facebook.com/seniorportraits101

ONA is a purveyor of fine camera bags and accessories. Launched in 2010, ONA products are handcrafted with premium materials, such as full-grain vegetable-tanned leather and waxed cotton canvas.

ONA is proud to offer photographers around the globe top quality bags and accessories that are discreet and stylish, and that provide premium protection for photo gear. Visit us on Facebook at: facebook.com/onabags

If you’re interested in being an advertiser and / or sponsor at Paperie Boutique and having your business featured on our main page like Senior Portraits 101 and ONA Bags, 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!

Coming up soon we’ll be featuring our other new advertisers Paisley Pear Frames and Swoone for Photographers, so don’t miss it!

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




It’s time to announce the two lucky winners in our Black River Imaging photo ornament contest! They are…Mary Eklund and Laura Evangeline!

Congrats to both of our winners (I’ll be in touch within the next 24-48 hours with information on how to collect your prize) – and thanks again to Black River Imaging! And don’t forget that all Paperie readers can now receive 25% off their orders by using the code “PBBRI” in the promotional code field. (Code may only be used once, is not redeemable for cash and does not carry a balance.)

More fun up ahead so stay tuned!
-Robyn & Todd

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

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

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

Kathy of the Boudoir Business Boutique writes:

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

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

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

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

Miss the sale? Go here to advertise with us!

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

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

We look forward to having you join the family soon!

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

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




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

And the Fanciful Kites giveaway winner is…Michelle McDaid!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




We have a few contest winners to announce!

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

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

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




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

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

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