out like a lion…

Another week…another great giveaway! Today I’m joined by my good friend Stacy who has just launched a new store on Etsy – Fiber Arts by Boondock Studios.

One of my favorite props ever is “The Ultimate Grassy Blanket“. Newborns wiggle and squish into it and seem to absolutely love the texture. You can see it in use here at one of my recent sessions.

Here’s a closer view so you can see the detail and how “real” it photographs.

And I’m even able to use it as a prop with my toddler sessions as well.

Stacy knits a full line of baby hats and diaper covers, too – including these cute lion and lamb sets.

UPDATE: Paperie readers can enter the coupon code PAPERIEROCKS when checking out to get 20% off.

And now one lucky Paperie reader will have the chance to win a lion set (hat and diaper cover) in their choice of sizes – newborn, 0-6 months, or 6-12 months.

How do you win? It’s very easy!

1. Post the following to Twitter or Facebook:
I want March to go out like a lion with a cute hat / diaper cover set from BoondockStudios.etsy.com and @paperieboutique http://is.gd/Vcgpxg

2. Let us know here what your favorite thing in the Fiber Arts store is

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, March 31st. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!




I just received a couple of cute demo-products for an upcoming article of mine that I wanted to share with the class.

These are “floating gallery blocks” designed by Artsy Couture with my images. I first introduced you to Artsy Couture with my 2011 Imaging USA wrap-up post. If you have a client looking for that special unique “something”, this is definitely it!




Time to announce winners of our recent contests! First up is the winner in the Color Inc. press-printed book giveaway…and it’s…Lynette Weber Photography.

And the five winners in the Color Inc. calendar giveaway are…Pavei Photos, Jessie Lucas, Beckie Woodfield, Stremel Photography, and Nicole Long Photography.

And the winner of the $100 Design Aglow gift certificate is…Life’s Captures.

I’ll be in touch with you all shortly to claim your prizes!




And don’t forget the special “Fit to Print” sale going on now through March 31st!

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

perfect design

Excited to have another guest / vendor post with giveaway today by Design Aglow! Yes, I said Design Aglow!

Design Aglow’s Ultimate Album Builder is all your studio will ever need to create amazing albums time and again with ease. In addition to breathing any type of album into existence, this generous, 302 pages of album templates and five optional background textures is also fantastic for marketing, holiday cards, portfolios, slideshows and any application your studio can dream up.

Simply select your desired layouts and create an album or project with as many pages as needed by simple drag-and-drop for the easiest workflow yet! A seriously stunning tool for serious studios, don’t hesitate to incorporate this robust product into your arsenal. Build your best albums today with our instant download.

PERFECT FOR:
• Photographer’s portfolio
• Unique and flexible client album
• Baby album
• Studio marketing
• Card or postcard (one page), a tri-fold card (three or more),
  or more for a studio brochure
• Show one page at a time for a DVD slideshow product
• Frame several pages for a wall display
• Holiday cards
• Thank you notes

PRODUCT DETAILS:
• 302 pages, 12×12 square design
• Fully automatic. Bundled actions make inserting images a breeze
• Five optional background textures
• Suitable for any album company
• Includes bonus InDesign version of the templates for a speedy
  drag-and-drop workflow
• Compatible with Photoshop CS and newer, InDesign CS3 and
  newer, Photoshop Elements 6.0 and newer (templates will work,
  actions will not), Windows and Mac

*Special thanks to Anna Mayer Photography, Sarah D Harper, JG Photography, Angela Weedon Photography, Paul Johnson Photography & Untamed Heart Photography for the lovely images.

Click here to check it out in the shop with introductory pricing through March 29th at 5 pm EDT.

To celebrate the release of the Ultimate Album Builder, Design Aglow is giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky Paperie reader! How do you win? Easy!

1. Like Design Aglow on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Design-Aglow/100326373364376?ref=ts

2. Follow Design Aglow on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/designaglow

3. Post the following to Facebook or Twitter (and tell us where you did it):
I want to win a $100 gift certificate to DesignAglow.com / @designaglow over at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/heq8QX

4. Leave a note in the comments here saying what your favorite Design Aglow product is.

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, March 28th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have met all four requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

P.S. From the Design Aglow Twitter account today: a Facebook fan and a Twitter follower will win a $75 gift certificate today…tell your photog peeps! (nothing to do, just join us)

Check it out!

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

stop the presses!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

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

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




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

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

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

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

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




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

cinq.

Recently I was asked to preview two new products from Color Inc Pro Lab – the Press Print Calendars and the Full Wrap Soft Cover Press Print Book from the Keepsakes Collection.

Since Buttons and Bows Photography is about to celebrate it’s fifth year in business this spring, I thought it would be the perfect time to put together a small retrospective.

From Color Inc: Check out our NEW Press Print Calendars and Keepsake Soft Cover Books! These Press Print Books and Calendars are a great addition to our Press Print Product line, both of which allow you to share your special memories of a wedding, vacation, or photographic portfolio with the flip of a page!

Press Printed Calendars are a great way to personalize a years worth of memories and provide a great way to spruce up any wall, refrigerator or door! Opening to a full 11×17, Press Printed Calendars offer plenty of room to jot down appointments, notes and reminders on 3 unique grid designs ranging from classic solid colors to bold and modern patterns. Printed on durable 110lb. card stock, Press Printed Calendars will easily withstand everyday use complete with acid-free paper to ensure the quality of your images for years to come.

Keepsake Soft Cover Books are a great new way to offer customizable photo books your customers are sure to love! With custom printed soft photo covers on the same 100lb archival paper found in the Keepsake Hard Cover collection, these beautiful, affordable books are perfect for parents and friends, or as handy brag books for sharing the joy of a newborn or family pet.




Review by Robyn: I’m always looking for the perfect client thank you gift or client “stocking stuffer”, and both of these fit the bill! The color and quality are excellent, and the size of the soft cover book is great for that little “something extra”. Here – see for yourself!

Client calendars are the perfect way to make sure your client thinks of you and your business every day. Just add your logo to the front and back cover (and even on each page inside!) and it’s a year-long gift full of their memories and your branding. I think the soft cover books would be particularly cute as a storybook for a toddler or young child session – it could be designed as “the story of you”, and its soft cover and price-point are both perfect for ending up in tiny little hands. They would also make nice brag albums as an add-on to identical hard cover albums.

And as luck would have it, if you place your Color Inc order today you might just get it for FREE! There’s one winner every hour! (Valid on orders placed from 2:00 pm EST 03/23/2011 until 2:00 pm EST 03/24/2011.)




Last but not least, I have three contest winners to announce! First up, the winner of the Stash camera bag is…Wilkins Portraits!

The winner of the first Trendy camera strap is…Studio Bliss Photography!

The winner of the second Trendy camera strap is…Liz Bedwell Photography!

The winner of the SwitchBack Starter Kit from Trendy Camera Straps is…Hybrid Photography!

And the winner of the Vintage U Creations camera necklace is…Brooke!

I’ll be in touch with you all shortly to claim your prizes!

are you fit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

secret stash

Busy week here at Paperie – make sure you read ’til the end of this post so you don’t miss a thing!

Today we kick off with a great giveaway and vendor / guest post by Stash Bags. Trust me – you’ll want to enter! Stash was recently featured in a Macworld article titled “Seven unique and stylish camera cases“.

My name is Mari, and I am originally from Helsinki, Finland. I grew up being inspired by Scandinavian design and was introduced to sewing at a young age by my mother. I started sewing bags for friends and family as gifts, but my line, Stash, really came about when I found etsy.com. I had just relocated to the U.S. and happened to be between jobs.

I wanted to create bags that could be carried by men and women alike, and would be stylish and useful. The line includes camera bags in three sizes varying from small to a large size suitable for professional use.

Stash also makes messenger bags for 13″, 15″ and 17″ laptops as well as 11″ and 13″ MacBook Air and iPad.

The E-readers, iPods and iPhones have their own small Stash cases.

My aesthetic incorporates clean lines and fabrics with graphic patterns. I try to use vintage fabrics whenever possible, and I enjoy experimenting with how the fabric and hardware will work together for a bag design. The leather and metal elements have added to the distinctive quality of the line.

Stash customers like that the products are handmade on a small scale, with attention to detail. The Stash style is really a blend of vintage fashion inspiration combined with modern function. Bags you can really use and enjoy, while looking classically stylish at the same time.

And now one lucky Paperie reader will have a chance to win their very own Stash bag! Mari is giving away the medium camera in green and gray plaid shown above. You have two chances to win by doing the following:

1. “Like” Stash Bags on Facebook: facebook.com/stashbags

2. Tweet or post the following to your Facebook account (and tell us where):
Win a COOL camera bag from Stash / stash-bags.com / mariforssell.etsy.com at PaperieBoutique.com / @paperieboutique – http://is.gd/kZ5bqM

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, March 21st. You can enter up to two times total. Post that you have met both requirements in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck!

I really want one of these bags myself – thanks to Mari and Stash for such a great giveaway for our readers!




Quick reminder – you have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday to win a vintage camera necklace from Vintage U Creations – and until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 20th, to win a camera strap from Trendy Camera Staps.

1. Win a vintage camera necklace from Vintage U Creations

2. Win a trendy camera strap from Trendy Camera Staps

And we have a winner in the TAoPaN maternity ensemble giveaway – it’s Photography By Joncee May!

Congrats to Joncee and thanks to The Art of Pregnancy and Newborn (TAoPaN) for the beautiful prize!




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

be trendy

New guest / vendor post and giveaway is courtesy of Trendy Camera Straps!

Why use a generic camera strap when you can show off your personality with a Trendy Camera Strap?  Whether you need a neck strap, wristlet or a point & shoot, Trendy offers high quality straps for every novice and professional photographer. The point & shoot straps are making their come back next week with many new options and designs. These work great for point & shoot cameras, flip video cameras, keys and school / ID badges.

Three “New Designs” coming soon, just in time for Spring! With dozens of designs that Trendy offers, you’re sure to find a strap that fits your style!  

Trendy also has just introduced a new line, the SwitchBack camera strap.  This strap allows for the interchangeability of designs without the hassle of removing it from your camera.  Whenever you want, you can change the look of your camera strap to match your outfit or mood, without having to buy a whole new strap!

We’re giving away 3 camera straps – 2 camera straps and 1 SwitchBack Starter Kit – to Paperie Boutique readers. 

Additionally, all readers who make a purchase can receive 20% off their order and a special surprise gift.  Just email info@trendycamerastraps.com before you place your order and state that you are a Paperie Boutique reader to receive the coupon.  

See all the styles at: www.trendycamerastraps.com

And like us on Facebook!

Enter to win one of three Trendy Camera Staps —

Go to your blog, Facebook, Flickr, or Twitter account and post the following:
Make my camera strap Trendy!  Visit paperieboutique.com to win a Trendy Camera Strap from trendycamerastraps.com.

After posting this, make a comment on this blog post with the URL to your post. (Only public accounts are eligible to win. If we have to register to see your comment your entry is disqualified.)  Comments will be numbered and there will be a random drawing from Random.org within 24-72 hours after the contest ends at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, March 20th.

Good luck!

Thanks to Trendy Camera Straps for today’s fun giveaway!

Quick reminder – you have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Friday to win a vintage camera necklace from Vintage U Creations.

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

in living color

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good Luck!!

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




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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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

P.S.

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

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

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

winning!

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

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

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

Read on…

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

How do you win?

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

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

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

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

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

Comment(s) must be posted here by 11:59 p.m. EST on Wednesday, March 16th. You can enter up to four times total. Post that you have “liked” the Facebook fan page or Twitter stream, posted to Twitter or Facebook (with a link to where you did it), and / or told us why you want this bag – in separate comments to have multiple chances to win!

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

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

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

Comments on this entry will be numbered in order of posting. The winning number will be chosen by Random.org, and the winner will be contacted within 24-72 hours of contest’s end to claim their prize.

Good luck to everyone who enters, and a huge thanks to TAoPaN for the fantastic giveaway!




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