Review & Giveaway of the Paperblanks Blush Pink Guestbook #Paperblanks #LifeImitatesDoodles #giveaway

Research has shown that gratitude is good for you.  Possibly one of the most important things we can do for own health and happiness is remember to be grateful.  It doesn't really matter so much what you are grateful for, just that you are.

With this in mind, when I recently received some beautiful Paperblanks products, I knew it was time to show some gratitude.  Both as thanks to Paperblanks for giving me the items, and to you, my readers, for giving me so many compliments and allowing me to share my obsessions with you.

If you've followed my blog for very long, you know that means a giveaway!

What am I giving away?  
A Paperblanks Silver Filigree Collection Blush Pink Guest Book.

How to Enter?
Cut and paste these words 'I want to win a Paperblanks Blush Pink Guest Book' into the subject line of an email, and send it to me at LifeImitatesDoodles@gmail.com.  

When is the giveaway over?
The giveaway starts on Saturday, March 8, 06:30 AM and ends Sunday, March 16, 2014 at midnight.  I'll notify the winner by email on March 17, and announce the winner once (s)he has responded.

Who can enter?
I do apologize, this giveaway is U.S. only, because of the cost of shipping.

Now for the review.  Normally, I do artwork, but, in case the winner wants to use this for an event, I decided not to write or draw in this book, and will not be reviewing the performance of the paper. All my experience with products from Paperblanks leads me to expect that it will be excellent.

Specs
9 x 7 inches
Landscape orientation
White, Lined, Acid-free paper
2 columns per page
Smyth sewn binding
Memento pouch
Red Ribbon marker
Metal Clasp

When I first saw photos of Paperblanks' Silver Filagree collection, I thought it actually had a metal fillagree.  Later I realized it was a raised silver pattern, shaded to give the impression of metal floating over satin.  It is beautifully done.

The clasp is metal.  The connection is fairly shallow--you won't be able to shake it loose, but the slightest bump in the right place opens the clasp.













See that painted edging?  It echoes the design of the filigree and is painted on all three sides.

The Smythe-sewn binding is extremely sturdy.  You won't be losing pages from this book.

The book lies flat.

Each page has two columns for writing.  The paper is white with light silverish lines.  There is a slick coating that reminds me of paper made for alcohol markers and the paper is thick so I wouldn't expect show-through or bleed-through.

 Although the clasp is the only metal, this is a heavy book.  If you do use it for guests to sign, it will stay in place.  If you are using it for journaling (which is what I would do), it would probably be too heavy for carrying around.

The only thing I feel this book lacks for a guest book is a front page designed to record what the event is, some description and a date.  The front piece is just a brown-bronze color with no markings except the Paperblanks name toward the bottom.  If you are using the book for journaling or records, this lack is better.  I guess you could attach an invitation or flyer to the front if this is to be a mememto of some special occasion.