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Personalize the Party! Posts

Foil Stamping vs. Printing: What’s the Difference?

Hello, there. My name is Amanda, I have worked at Studio Style for almost a year now. I’ve learned a lot since I have joined the Studio Style fam. One thing I have learned is not everyone knows about all our awesome personalization methods. From elegant foil stamped personalization to full-color digital printing, there is a wealth of creative options. I would love to share some knowledge from an official “insider.”


We’re party people here at Studio Style, in the most professional and chic way we can be. We love nothing more than some flashy branded party swag. And personalized photo folders and frames are a great way to remind party guests of the great time they had at your event.

We use a couple methods to help promote brands and adorn our products like foil stamping and high-quality digital printing. Some branding is best suited for one method over the other.

What is Foil Stamping?

Metal foil stamping plate with the imprint reversed
Metal plate for foil stamping
Rolls of metallic gold foil
Rolls of metallic foil
The convention imprint is on a black portrait folder in metallic gold foil
Plate + Foil + Heat + Pressure = Foil Stamping

If you like bling, foil stamping is for you. The first step in the process is converting a digital file of art to a physical die. A foil-stamping die is a metal plate that is etched or engraved into. The metal plate gets placed into a machine that uses heat and pressure to affix the foil to the paper surface of our products.

Since the process can cause some indentation, a heavier paper is ideal. Textured paper such as our linen stock is best for foil stamping (digital printing cannot be done on this paper). 

Textured white portrait folder with metallic gold foil wedding imprint on the front cover.

These products are perfect for foil stamping:

The look of a foil stamped logo gives a polished and classic look. Due to the method of application not all artwork transfers well. Artwork for foil-stamping should not contain fine lines, drop shadows, or textures and if they do, full-color printing is the better option. To achieve the best foil imprint outcome the digital artwork should start out as a black and white image. We cover all this and more in a separate post

If you don’t have a logo, you can even foil stamp simple text in various font styles. With several metallic and pigmented foil options to choose from, foil stamping can really make a statement. If your logo or event branding already pops or is super detailed or textured you will want to utilize one of our digitally printed products.

What is Digital Printing?

With full-color personalization options, digital printing is an ideal method to personalize your photo folders and frames.

Digital printing starts with a digital file that is rendered by a computer and sent to a printer. The digital printer then uses different kinds of ink or toner to place the image on the paper substrate. Digital printers are even capable of printing on fabric and vinyl surfaces. 

If a logo event branding is full color, has a color gradient, or a lot of fine details, printing is the better—and sometimes only—option. Digital printing utilizes CMYK colors which stand for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Key, which is black. Different percentages of each of these four colors combined creates different hues of printable pigment.

The great part about digital printing on our photo folders and frames is you are able to fully customize them with your colorful logo or event branding. 

Black and blue custom printed photo folder for a branded event giveaway.

The following products are perfect for digital printing:

Our digitally printed folders and frames are perfect for those who have artistic talent and are knowledgeable in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator. We offer templates for our custom folders and frames in PDF form so you can design your own.

We also have 100+ stock designs in various themes that you can customize. Even if you’re not an artistic person, give us your ideas and we can create a folder or frame for you.

If you have any questions, please reach out to our team at (800) 346-3063 or send us an email. We’re always happy to help!

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Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Whether or not you’re planning a St. Patrick’s Day Party, we thought it might be fun to do a quick history lesson on this global celebration. Let’s find out why we celebrate this historic holiday.

Here we go!

The quick history of St. Patrick’s Day

Though he is a patron saint of Ireland, Saint Patrick wasn’t born there; he was born in Britain in 385 AD. At 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders.

An antique drawing of Saint Patrick chasing snakes.
Saint Patrick, chasing out the snakes (an allegory for when he converted the pagan Irish to Christianity).

Born the son of a deacon and grandson of a priest, Saint Patrick was forced to work as a shepherd in Ireland for siz years. He escaped from slavery, but eventually returned to Ireland, bringing Christianity with him.

So why do we party on celebrate this day?

Though it began as a religious holiday, this day is now a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. In fact, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival!

Antique black and white photo of a Saint Patrick's Day parade in a city, on a crowded street. Tall buildings line each side.
St. Patrick’s Day has always boasted big parades. Here’s a parade, circa 1910-1915.

But why is drinking associated with St. Patrick’s Day?

Simple: the Lenten restriction on alcohol is lifted for that day.

Erin go Bragh!


Looking for St. Patrick’s Day frames or greeting cards?

Hi! We’re Studio Style, and we help party people get their picture home, safe and sound. We work with event planners, photographers, photo booth owners, and all sorts of party people to create memorable party favors to frame and protect event pictures.

Two St. Patrick's Day photo folders, one with a metallic green foil imprint on the front cover, the other printed green inside with a four-leaf clover. Green shamrock beads surround the folders.

Shop our themed photo folders and frames or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.

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What are photo folders, and why are they such popular event giveaways?

Hi! We’re Studio Style, and we specialize in personalized photo folders for framing event photos, photo booth prints, studio portraits, and party pictures.

If you’ve never used—or heard of—a photo folder before, we’re here to help. Let’s walk through what it is, how to use it, and how your event or company can benefit from using them.

Let’s go!

What is a photo folder?

A photo folder is a paper frame with a cover that folds over to protect the picture inside. They are available in all standard photo sizes including 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″, and 8″ x 10″, or we can make something completely custom.

Here are just some of the ways that photographers and event planners use photo event folders:

  • Studio portraits
  • Photo booth pictures
  • Event photography
  • Tourism photos, including cruises & resorts
  • Wedding & engagement portraits
  • Family & newborn photography
  • Pet photography
  • Prom & homecoming portraits
  • And more!

What are photo presentation folders made of?

Our paper photo holders are made from smooth cardstock or heavier cardboard papers (sometimes called paperboard). They are similar in style and design to vintage-style portrait folios (which are sometimes called bi-fold paper picture frames). Our portrait folders feature a textured, linen-weave finish.

Think of these paper portrait folders as the modern version of the folders you would find your grandparents’ or great grandparents’ portraits in.

Vintage portrait folder and modern portrait folder comparison.
Shown, on right: Vertical Contemporary Black Portrait Folder

Cardboard photo folders are memorable guest favors.

Whether you order blank or personalize with your logo or branding, these cardboard folders for pictures protect event photos—and create a lasting impression.

Here’s why:

The folder protects the picture, preserving the memory. The front flap covers the photo, protecting it from dust, fading, and fingerprints. Yet, you can display the photo in the folder.

If you add the event name or branding, people are more likely to remember the event. It’s funny how a logo can jog memories, but it does! To boost the memorability, add something interactive, like an event hashtag or fill-in-the-blank area.

Two Instax Mini paper frames sit on a kitchen table. Each frame has a hashtag that reads 'I'm on a natural high' and an area below the photo for people to write what their natural high is.
Shown: Custom Instax Mini Frame

Paper photo holders last.

We often hear people tell us they still have their folders or paper frames, even years after the event. You see, we make all of our cardboard picture frames, portrait folders, and photo cards in our St. Charles, IL facility—and we have designed them to last.

Slip-in folders work for any budget.

Cheap photo frame folders of high quality can be hard to come by. But our customers are thrilled with the quality they get for the price. See what our customers have to say.

Photo frame folders increase brand awareness.

Whether you’re adding just the event logo or are creating a custom cardboard picture folder, personalized folders enforce your company’s image or event branding.

Black golf photo folder, custom printed golf course photo folder, and a white golf ball textured picture frame.
Shown: Golf Photo Frame and Folders

Personalize your photo display folders with custom branding.

Our portrait folders are available with printed or foil stamped personalization. Most styles are available in horizontal (landscape) or vertical (portrait) format. Can’t decide which folders you need? We’re happy to help.

Black and blue custom printed folder for a branded event giveaway.
Shown: Custom Printed Photo Folders with double-view window opening

Small event? No problem. Get low minimums on photo event folders.

We offer no minimums on many products, including some of our themed photo frame folders. Need bulk photo holders? No problem! Bulk pricing is shown online for applicable products. You can order online or call and speak with our team: (800) 346-3063.

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Mat Boards & Picture Frame Mats: A Beginner’s Guide

What are mat boards?

A mat board is a thick layer of a cardboard-like material that is used to protect your photo or artwork in a frame. Mats are typically made from either pressed wood or cotton pulp.

The mat board material serves as a protective barrier between the glass or acrylic in a frame and the surface of your artwork/photograph.

For example, if moisture seeps into a frame and there’s no protective barrier (mat board), it can be disastrous. Over time, moisture can cause the artwork to stick to the glass or acrylic, which will eventually destroy the photograph or art piece. Having a mat board as a barrier protects your photo or artwork from the glass or acrylic.

But mats are not only used for protection of an art piece; they’re also a decorative border around your photo or art print. The mat breaks up the spatial continuity of a complete framed piece. It can be used to lead a viewer’s eye to the art/photograph by bordering it with negative space. It also gives the artwork a finished look.

Is mat board acid free?

Not all mat boards are acid free—but many are. Mat board quality depends on the material it’s made from.

There are three classes of mat board: decorative, conservation, and archival. Both decorative and conservation mat boards are made of pressed wood pulp and are made to be either acid neutral or acid free.

  • Decorative mat boards are acid neutral. The wood pulp is treated with calcium carbonate which neutralizes the acid and lignin that naturally occur in wood pulp.
  • Conservation mat boards are made of wood pulp where the acid and lignin are removed from the material.
  • Archival mat boards are usually made of cotton pulp which naturally does not contain either acid or lignin

Our mat boards are in the decorative class and are therefore acid neutralized (not acid free). The wood pulp they are made of is treated to protect the board for degradation of the acid and lignin. So if you’re looking for a mat to protect your photos or art—but not necessarily preserve them for a lifetime—our framing mats will work great for you.

Is mat board the same as mount board?

No. Mat board serves as a layer between your photograph and the glass or acrylic cover. Mount board is for support under your photograph or artwork and serves as a stiff backing to assist in sturdiness.

How to frame with mat board?

First, determine the photo or print size you’re going to frame. That’s the inner size of your mat. Then, decide what size frame you want, and that’s the outer size.

For example, if your photo is 8” x 10”, you’ll want a mat that is larger than that opening. An 11” x 14”-sized mat board with an 8” x 10” would accommodate your photo beautifully.

Mat board size also depends on preference. How much negative (border) space do you want around your photo? Do you want a thick border or a thin border? Once you choose your image and mat board size then you’ll want to choose a frame that accommodates the size of the mat board’s outer edges.

Once you have your art/photo, the mat board, and frame then it’s time to assemble your finished piece!

Black frame with white mat board holds a photo of a sun backlit lighthouse and pier.

Is mat board recyclable?

Yes. Mat boards made out of wood or cotton pulp are recyclable.

Mat Board vs. Chipboard/Cardboard

Chipboard is a thinner board made of wood pulp and/or recycled products. It’s also sometimes known as paperboard. Chipboard varies in size and thickness and is sometimes used as a backer board for photographs and artwork.

Chipboard is normally not “acid free” or “acid neutral”. Sometimes the board is covered in acid free paper that will help protect your artwork. However, this type of product is not considered “museum” or “archival” quality.

Cardboard is often made of several layers, and it’s usually thicker and sturdier than chipboard. Cardboard can come in many forms. The most common type is corrugated cardboard (what’s used for to make shipping boxes), which is made of two layers of heavy paper called liners, with a middle layer of paper folded like an accordion. The accordion is glued to the two outer layers. Corrugated cardboard is not usually acid free. It can be covered with an acid free paper to protect artwork for a limited amount of time.

Mat board is made from either wood pulp or cotton pulp; cotton pulp provides the most long-term protection. Mats are often labeled as “acid free” when they are actually “acid neutral.” Since wood pulp naturally contains acid and lignin, a chemical is added to wood pulp boards to neutralize the acid. Cotton pulp is naturally acid- and lignin-free so these types of mat boards are used for archival purposes.

Standard Mat Board Dimensions

Standard mat board sizes are typically the same size as standard photograph sizes:

  • 5″ x 7″
  • 8″ x 10″
  • 11″ x 14″
  • 16″ x 20″
  • 20″ x 24″

But mat boards are not constrained to these sizes. Professional framers and some mat board vendors can cut a mat board to a custom size. Need a custom-sized mat board? We sell mat boards cut to size.

What are some mat board uses?

Mat boards can be used to protect and display your:

  • Artwork
  • Photographs
  • Certificates, Awards & Diplomas
  • Posters
  • Sports Memorabilia

Can text or logos be added to mat board?

Yes! Decorative mat boards can be personalized. At Studio Style we can foil stamp text, logos, monograms, or even a special message on a mat board. Learn more about our personalized photo mats or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.

Green, white, and blue photo mats imprinted with company logos.

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From Mundane to Magnificent: Composition Techniques for Memorable Landscape Photography

If you have a vacation planned and you want to take some awesome landscape shots of your exotic (or not so exotic) vacation spot, we have some tips for you.

You don’t need to be a professional photographer or have a fancy camera to take great photos. Most times, a great image comes down to how it was composed. We’ve compiled some helpful landscape photography composition tips for you to reference during your next scenic trip.

Landscape photography is generally defined as images of a natural scene. A landscape photo can be of an ocean, a field, mountains, rivers, or basically any place found in nature.

Snow-capped mountains behind a river valley with green forested area in the foreground

A few bits of technical advice for taking landscape pictures

When you find yourself out in the world—either on vacation, hiking, or even a walk around town—you may find an exciting and beautiful view that you want share with others. If you don’t have a “fancy camera,” no worries! You can shoot landscape photography using your phone. With most phone cameras, you’re unable to change your aperture; the phone will set it for you.

And if you do shoot with a DLSR or mirrorless camera, stay tuned! This article is about photo composition; we’ll leave the technical camera aspects for another blog post. But a few basics:

  • When shooting a landscape, you generally want all the components in the photo to be in focus.
  • If you have a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with manual setting capabilities, think about the camera settings before you start shooting. If you’re not a professional photographer and don’t have a camera with manual mode, you can still shoot unforgettable landscape photos using your phone or point and shoot camera.
  • For shooting landscape photography, a smaller aperture (f/11 or smaller) is better. This allows you to have a larger depth of field; more of the scene will be in focus regardless of how close or far the objects are in your image.

We’ve put together a few easy-to-follow tips for better landscape photography. Follow these tips so you can take a unique image that doesn’t look like every other photo that you see on social media.

Instead of just whipping out your phone or camera and snapping a quick photo, pause and think of this:

How do you want your viewer’s eyes to navigate the photo?

A landscape photograph should be visually appealing and keep your viewer’s attention. This is why the composition of your image is so important. You want your viewer’s eyes to be able to explore your image easily and keep the viewer intrigued. Composition tools can help show the viewer’s eyes “the way” to navigate the photo.

Let’s talk about the following simple composition tools that will help you compose your next image:


Leading Lines

Finding “leading lines” in a scene can help compose an interesting photo and allow your eyes to have a clear path throughout your photo. Leading lines don’t have to be literal lines, but rather a change in the topography. Leading lines can also be actual lines, such as a road or a railroad track that navigates your eyes into the photo.

See the cracks in the foreground of the above image. The cracks create lines for your eyes to follow through the rest of the image.

Some craggy, snow-dusted mountains are in the background. A fissured, rocky landscape in the foreground has lines that draw you eye to the mountains.

Foreground/Middle Ground/Background

Another composition tool is including a foreground, middle-middle ground and background in your photo.

Take a look at the image below. This composition tool helps breaks up the visual texture of the image and gives the viewer’s eyes some variety. The water is the foreground, the trees being the middle ground, and the background being the mountains and sky. This breaks up the image into three parts, giving the photo more visual variety.

A clear river flows slowly in the foreground, a dense forest of evergreen trees are directly behind it, and a craggy, rocky mountain sits behind the tranquil scene.

Keep Your Horizon Level!

A quick way to ruin a landscape photo is having a crooked horizon. The horizon isn’t crooked in real life, so it shouldn’t be crooked in your landscape shot.

If you cant get the image level at the time of shooting it, fix it after by rotating your image using the crop tool in most photo editing apps. 

Gentle lapping waves from the ocean meet the beach at sunset.

Reflections

Reflections can help create a symmetrical composition in an image. These types of images can be taken near ponds, lakes, and even the ocean if it’s calm enough. The best time to take these types of photographs is when the wind is calm. Keep your horizon of the body of water straight in your frame. You may need to move your camera higher or lower depending on how you want your subject reflected in the water.

Mist rises off a glass-like lake at sunrise. Evergreen trees on a small bit of land are reflected nearly perfectly in the water.

Natural Framing

Find elements in your scene that can create a natural frame in your image. Trees, rocks, and flowers can all be used to frame your image.  The frame element can be on top, bottom, or on the sides of the image. It doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to around the outside of the image or on more than one side of the image.

Mist rises off a glass-like lake at sunrise. The landscape scene is framed by a tree on each side in the foreground, with a hill on the side of the lake.

Sharing Your Landscape Images

So you followed these tips and have captured yourself some really great shots. Now what? You should share them! Share them on social media, email them to family, or print them.

Now that you’ve printed them, share those prints. Send Granny one of those awesome photos you took. Is it Uncle Stu’s birthday? Send him one of your images in a photo card with a personalized message. Or if you want to make some money from your photos, learn how to sell your nature photography.

Get out there, create something beautiful.

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How to Frame Photo Booth Pictures: 4 Simple Ideas

The photo booth is often the life of the party. There’s just something about a photo booth: people relax and you capture more candid photos. But how do you frame photo booth prints?

Really, the options are nearly limitless, with professional-style print framing to DIY creations. Here, we have five budget-friendly framing ideas for photo booth prints from parties, celebrations, and events.

1. Plain paper frame for photo booth pictures

Sometimes, the best photo booth picture frame is the simplest. So why not go with a simple paper frame? Display on your desk, hang on the wall (with a thumb tack or picture hanging strips), or show it off on your fridge with some magnets.

But why put your photo booth print in a frame rather than just on its own? Simple: if left out, the print will eventually curl. And we don’t want that! A simple frame—even a lightweight paper frame—will help preserve your print.

A few more reasons a paper frame is perfect for framing photo booth pictures:

  • Budget-friendly giveaway. Great as a party favor (buy in bulk) or buy just one for yourself.
  • Blank frames for DIY event activity. For kids and adults alike! Decorate with stickers, markers, gel pens, stamps, or—if you’re brave—glitter.
White and black horizontal blank paper frames with subtle textured finish

2. Blank photo folders for 4×6 photo booth prints

These are perfect if you have a photo booth template with colorful graphics, either to match the theme, the décor, or the branding. With a blank photo booth folder, the cover folds over to protect the print inside the picture frame.

Photo folders are great photo booth party favors because:

  • The cover is designed to protect the print from fingerprints and drink spills
  • The photo folder is lightweight but sturdy enough to keep your print from getting creased

Here’s how photo folders work:

3. Custom photo folder with event branding or theme

Really want to go all-out? Then do it! Add your logo, branding, wedding monogram, your event message. Design it to match the event theme. It’s your event, your theme; run wild with it!

We offer foil stamped and printed photo folders and frames. The most popular photo folder for photo booth prints are printed. It’s a fast option for inserting prints into the folder or frame at the party.

2 by 6 photo booth picture strip folders for a wedding favor are displayed in a box.
2″ x 6″ photo booth folders with the couple’s names, all lined up for handing out after guests have their pictures taken. Photo courtesy of W Event Group.
Two Chirstmas-themed photo booth picture strip folders, each with event branding printed on the front covers.
Christmas photo booth folders with event logos and branding printed on the front covers.
Black and blue double-window photo folder holds images of smiling people.
Many event planners opt for completely custom photo folders with their brand design if one of our themed designs doesn’t fit their look.

Shown above: 2″ x 6″ Photo Booth Folders and Custom Printed Photo Folders

4. Upscale mat board photo booth frames

This is a nice gift option for event hosts, the married couple, guests of honor, or maybe everyone! Custom mat board frames for photo booth prints are an upscale gift option. If you make 4″ x 6″ prints, we have some picture frame mats to accommodate.

If you make 2″ x 6″ prints, you’ll need a custom picture frame mat—but the end result will wow. Interested? Let’s talk custom picture mats.

Black picture frame mat holds two photo booth prints. The mat has a gold logo imprint and reads  Be the spark that inspires the world.
Shown: Custom picture frame mat in black with metallic gold foil imprint.

Let’s talk photo booth picture frames.

Hi there! We’re the party people at Studio Style, and we work with event planners, party people, and photo booth companies just like you. We think every event should have a photo booth at any event—including brand activations, for pictures with Santa, or any event, really!

If you need help deciding what photo folder or frame to pick for your event, let’s talk. Send us your ideas or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.

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Why booking annual golf events is good for your photography business

We make a lot of photo folders for annual golf events. Those events are awesome for vendors because they are a recurring event: book them once, and you can book them every year. Are you booking these events?

If you’re an event photographer or photo booth owner, you already work hard enough. Here are some tips and ideas for how to break into the golf event market—and easily book those annual events.

These are the golf event clients you should look for

Golf tournaments aren’t just for the pros: park districts, country clubs, schools, alumni associations, business groups, industry associations, and more.

Find their event schedule; if there is a golf event listed, reach out to see if they are interested in booking your photo booth.

What kind of golf events are there?

Knowing what kind of golf events there are will help you plan who to approach.

  • Tournaments
  • Invitationals
  • Opens
  • Classics
  • Derbys
  • Scrambles
  • Charity
  • Fundraisers
  • Reunions
  • Benefits
  • Client Appreciation Events
  • Women’s Events

What kind of photos do you take at golf events?

The event planners might have specific ideas on what kind of golf tournament pictures are best, but here are some of the standard photos taken at golf events:

  • Foursome photos. This is the most popular golf event photo. Take a picture of each team at the first hole, before the tournament begins. Some event planners might want photos taken at select sponsor holes.
  • Golfer portraits. For a memorable keepsake or gift, take a formal, posed portrait on the course.
  • Action shots. Capture them on the backswing or in the sandpit for some shots with great movement.
  • After-party pictures. Many tournaments host dinner, drinks, or an award ceremony after the event. Take group photos or set up a location to take group photos (like a photo booth).
Four male golfers stand together with their golf clubs on the green on a sunny day.
A golfer foursome photo is one of the most popular golf event pictures. Best taken at the start of the event.

Protect golf event prints & provide event favors with photo folders

Don’t send golfers home with a print thrown in their golf bag. Protect those prints with golf photo folders. Available to photographers and photo booth owners at wholesale pricing. Need help choosing the best photo folder to really wow your new clients? Get in touch or give our team a call at (800) 346-3063.

A woman in a sleeveless black dress holds a green golf photo folder on a sunny day in front of a landscaped green yard.

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The Ultimate Guide to School Photo Mounts

So many school memories… which photo frames should you use to frame school pictures?

We’re here to help you break apart that mystery, and give examples of how teachers, PTAs, and booster groups use paper picture frames and school photo mounts.

Let’s dig in and learn about cardboard school photo mounts.

How to frame school portraits from picture day

The kids get all dressed up (usually) and do their hair (usually), so let’s give them that luxe framing option. And this is something that could be tied to a fundraising event.

Offer picture frame mats—either on their own or with the frame—with the school mascot imprinted on the mat. It’s a professional framing option that will protect the print, add a bit of elegance, and it just looks nice, whether displayed on the desk, the mantle, or hanging on the wall.

Gray picture frame mat holds a senior photo
Frame school portraits in a picture frame mat. Add your frame of choice or shop 8″ x 10″ or 11″ x 14″ frames with mats.

How to frame school sports photos

Whether you’re looking to frame memory mates, player portraits, or candid photos from field day, we have ideas that will suit any need, any budget.

If you’re looking to frame 8″ x 10″ Memory Mates, you have options: a sturdy paper photo folder to get the print home and store it OR a sturdy cardboard picture frame (below).

Red cardboard frame for 8x10 sports memory mates
Red cardboard frame for an 8×10 Memory Mate

But if you have other school sports photos to frame, we have some more colorful options. One of our most popular school photo mounts is a custom printed photo folder, complete with the school mascot, colors, and maybe even some photos.

Here’s why cardboard photo folders for school sports pictures are so popular:

  • The photo folder cover protects from fingerprints
  • Sturdy cardstock material protects the print in the backpack
  • A fun, colorful way to get the photo to parents or grandparents
Horizontal photo pocket folder for sports pictures. Printed with school mascot.
Custom sports photo print holder with school mascot printed and die-cut on the folder pocket. Learn about custom photo folders.

How to frame academic awards ceremony certificates and photos

Don’t just give students the paper award. Give it to them in a sturdy paper or cardboard certificate frame. Make it fun by adding your school crest, mascot, or slogan, or keep it simple by ordering blank award frames.

How teachers can use paper frames in the classroom

Want to roll a craft and gift idea into one? Have your kiddos decorate some paper frames. Draw with crayons, markers, colored pencils, stickers, or stamps. We recommend not using water colors or paints; that can warp the paper.

You might be asking yourself: are DIY school picture frames really popular?

Absolutely! DIY picture frames made at school are such a sweet, simple gift for parents or grandparents.

Teachers can integrate this activity into their curriculum for the hands-on portion. Have students draw what they’ve been talking about. Blank paper frames are popular for this, or the school can order paper frames in bulk for all the teachers to use. Add the school mascot for a school-wise coloring event!

A young child draws on a white paper frame with green and brown markers.
Color on any of our white picture frames or photo folders with markers.

How to present and display Student of the Month photos

Show off your Star Students! Display their photo for the month or week they are the star student, then send the photo home in a cute frame to display on the family bulletin board, fridge, or even on mom or dad’s desk.

A young elementary school student stands on a staircase, giving a thumbs up and a peace sign. His photo is framed in a Star Student picture frame.
Show off your star student with a custom printed frame like this.

Need photo mounts for school pictures?

We have you covered. We make paper photo folders and cardboard frames for all sorts of school events and activities. Check out our line at StudioStyle.com or get in touch with someone from our team at (800) 346-3063.

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Photo Mount Cards vs. Photo Insert Cards: Which is the better choice?

Before you decide which photo card you like better, let’s determine the similarities and differences between photo mount cards and photo insert cards.

What are Photo Mount Cards?

A photo mount card is a photo greeting card on which you glue or tape a picture to the front of the card. Some photo mount cards have a window frame that goes over the photo, but most have either have a blank cover or an embossed border decoration to highlight your photo or art print.

What are Photo Insert Cards?

A photo insert card—sometimes called a photo frame card—is a 5″ x 7″ photo greeting card that holds a 4″ x 6″ photo or art print. Simply slide the print under the front window frame border, and it stays in place without the use of glue or tape. The benefit of the window border is that it protects the print by holding it firmly in place, and the photo edges don’t wear down.


How to choose between photo frame card styles

Photo Mount CardsPhoto Insert Cards
Photo SizeVaries4″ x 6″
Card SizeTypically 5″ x 7″ or A75″ x 7″
How to attach the photoGlue or TapeSlide the photo in (no glue or tape)
How well does the photo stay in place?Depends on the glue or tape usedWindow frame holds the print in place
How much of the photo is visible?If no frame border, all of photo is visible. If there is a frame border, coverage varies.3-½” x 5-½” (¼” overlap on all sides under frame to hold print in place)
Good for selling as art cards?YesYes
Recycled optionsYesYes
Can you add an imprint (logo)?SometimesYes

That being said… what’s in a name?

Words are interchangeable, and sometimes the terms “Photo Mount Cards” and “Photo Insert Cards” mean the same thing. So although the cards that we make don’t require glue or tape, our insert cards are sometimes referred to as photo mount cards.

So which kind of card do you use for your studio or business?

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Summer Camp Picture Frames: 5 Cute Ideas Kids & Parents Will Love

Deciding what to give the kids for camp giveaways can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s a small budget that keeps you from giving what you want. Other times, it’s trying to decide what you can give that ALL the campers will enjoy.

It’s a tough decision. But one thing that almost always works? Picture frames. Here’s why:

  • Want to be a camp budget hero? Summer camp picture frames made out of paper are an inexpensive giveaway.
  • If the kids don’t like the frame, we bet the parents or grandparents will love it! It’s a win-win.

Full-color printed frames with summer camp theme

DIY isn’t for everyone. And that’s ok! For those who want an easy summer camp picture frame gift, check out our printed frames.

We can create fully custom printed paper picture frames that make the perfect end-of-camp giveaways for campers—or their parents.

Design it to match the camp theme (or we’ll help!).

Custom printed summer camp picture frame
Shown: Custom printed picture frame for summer campground. We can make frames like this match your camp theme! Learn more about printed picture frames.

Camp craft: let campers decorate blank picture frames

Decorate with stickers, washi tape, stamps, or scrapbooking embellishments. Or pick up small sticks or leaves and glue them to the frame.

However you choose to let kids decorate, these easy camping picture frame craft is something that parents (or grandparents!) will love as a gift from summer camp.

DIY Instax Picture Frames with Decorations
An easy camp craft idea: decorate your own camp frames. Shown: Fuji Instax Wide Frame.

An interactive camp picture frame

For when you want a hint of DIY but want your camp design on it. Here’s how to design interactive camp picture frame crafts:

  1. Design the frame with your camp theme.
  2. Leave a space for campers to full in the blank with a thought, picture, or quick doodle.
  3. That’s it!
Instax Mini summer camp picture frame
The event planners left a blank space for people to fill in their thoughts. Shown: Fuji Instax Mini Picture Frame.

Coloring book picture frame

It’s a craft and camp giveaway in one clever package! You simply design a frame with a coloring book pattern, we’ll print it, and your campers color it in! Crayons works, as do colored pencils. Markers give a vibrant splash of color, but be careful! They can smear easily on the paper frames.

Greeting cards as picture frames… gifts for loved ones

Not a traditional picture frame, photo insert cards can be used as a frame… but first, kids get to send them as a greeting card.

These 5″ x 7″ picture frame cards hold a 4″ x 6″ photo. Have campers write a note inside, and that’s it! These photo insert cards come with envelopes, so they are super easy to mail to loved ones or friends. And once they get the card, they can frame it! The card frame border acts as a simple matting for the photo, so just slide the whole thing in a 5″ x 7″ picture frame.

Recycled kraft photo frame card for 4x6 photo
Take a photo of the camper, mail the card to loved ones from camp. Campers can decorate the card or just write a note inside.

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