We were THRILLED with all the wonderful quote submissions on both our blog and our Facebook page for chances to win a Paperblanks Pocket Embossed Journal.

It was difficult to choose any one quote over another, so we randomly picked one winner from the blog entries and one winner from the Facebook entries.

Here is the winner from the blog comment entries: (see all of the submissions here)

Visit our Facebook page today to discover the winner from the Facebook comment entries!

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Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and spread the word! We have more giveaways, articles, tips & tricks, etc. on the way, so check back frequently. To keep in the loop, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, subscribe to our RSS feed, and/or sign up for our weekly newsletter.

If you have any ideas or feedback, definitely let us know in a comment on this blog, or you can email us at info@europeanpaper.com!

We know how it feels to write something special; something we want to pay justice to when we commit it to paper. It can be gratitude from daily interactions, the spark of a new hobby or passion, or the beginning of a new chapter in a novel. Whatever inspires the pen to be put down on paper, Paperblanks Journals are there to capture thoughts, dreams, and future goals. And Paperblanks makes it that much more special with the amazingly small, but powerful, details of their journals, such as the beautiful laid paper, durable sewn binding, and perfectly worn covers. Try just one Paperblanks journal and we guarantee you’ll know what we’re talking about (and you’ll be hooked!). Enjoy Paperblanks here >>

Giveaway Details:

• Enter by leaving a comment below with one of your favorite quotes for a chance to win one of the journals. 
• AND for a second entry, head on over to our Facebook Page and comment with another of your favorite quotes!
• We’ll choose one winner from the blog comment entries, and one winner from the Facebook comment entries. Good luck!
• This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.

Note: Comments are moderated on this blog, so if yours doesn’t pop up immediately, don’t worry! We’ll get to approving it ASAP!

Happy Holidays! As a gift from European Paper to our amazing fans, we have 10 Leuchtturm Pocket Ruled Notebooks to give away! With one of each cover color (Black, Blue, Brown, Green, Light Blue, Pink, Purple, Tan, Taupe, and White), you’ll have a chance to snag your favorite color.

Designed with the details in mind, the Leuchtturm Pocket Ruled Notebook has 185 numbered pages with a table of contents at the front for easy organization, 8 perforated pages in the back for quick notes, as well as stickers for labeling the spine and cover. The thread-bound hard cover notebook with 80 gsm acid-free paper opens flat to capture all your thoughts without fumbling around. With a matching cloth ribbon placeholder, elastic closure, plus rear expandable pocket, the Pocket Hard Cover Ruled Notebook helps keep your life in line.

Giveaway Details & Rules:

• To enter, comment on this blog post and tell us what you’d use the notebook for. 
  • Include your top 3 cover color choices.
• One entry per person please.
• The giveaway will close on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at midnight.
• Winners will be announced Thursday, December 13, 2012!
• This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents.
• Copy and paste this easy-to-share link with family and friends: http://wp.me/p2cRT5-1eu 

Have you ever heard of Leuchtturm? The eminent German notebook manufacturer, founded in 1917, is primarily known for high-quality archival storage albums, but is quickly rising in popularity among journalers, writers, students, and professionals.

Adapting their experience with archival paper quality to a versatile line of notebooks and datebooks, Leuchtturm has an eye on every detail. From durable thread-bound construction and fountain pen friendly paper, to numbered pages and a table of contents, Leuchtturm’s range is sure to grab your attention for uses in the home, office, and abroad.

Plan ahead with the Leuchtturm 2013 Daily or Weekly Planner, pick your favorite cover color and have fun with Leuchtturm Notebooks of all sizes, and add a touch of warmth with their new Linen Journal. Shop all Leuchtturm here!

Have you ever used a Leuchtturm notebook or datebook before? Tell us your thoughts about them in the comments below!

Known for its uber-classic orange and black covers, Rhodia is breaking out of the box with their new Rhodiarama Webbies! Spice up your Rhodia collection with your choice of cover color: Anis Green, Poppy Red, Regal Purple, Sultry Taupe, Turquoise Blue, or Canary Yellow.

This pocket-sized A6 journal is perfect for traveling or just journaling at home. Filled with functionality such as the classic Rhodia orange elastic closure, ribbon bookmark, and convenient expanding rear inner pocket, the Rhodia Webnotebook is a simple and sophisticated notebook for everyday life.

The hard leatherette cover is embossed with the iconic Rhodia logo, and each Rhodiarama Pocket Webnotebook is filled with 90 gsm, ivory-colored, acid-free and pH neutral paper for a wonderfully smooth and enjoyable writing experience. Brighten your days with Rhodiarama!

Shop Rhodiarama or you can shop all Rhodia!

What do you think of the Rhodiarama Journals? Do you love to pick out your personal cover color, or do you prefer Rhodia’s normal orange or black covers?

We are so pleased that Paperblanks profiled us on their blog! Check out their retailer profile on EPC here. And if you have any questions about us that weren’t answered in the profile, ask in the comments section of this blog post!

We adore carrying Paperblanks journals on our site as their books have the most durable binding method for high-quality journals; each signature is sewn rather than glued. The pages open nicely, and lie flat for ease of writing. No lost pages in these journals! See Paperblanks’ brand page on EPC here, and read their brand story on our blog here.

Tomorrow, July 14th, is Bastille Day! ‘Bastille Day’ is the English term for the French National Day (a.k.a. La Fête Nationale), which commemorates the anniversary of the 1789 French Revolution when the modern people rose up against the monarchy. Akin to Independence Day in the U.S., Bastille Day highlights the importance of the new government after the uprising. Celebrate the day with a plethora of the finest French paper goods!

1) Clairefontaine Large Vintage Notebooks (5.75 x 8.25) (Set of 2)

2) J. Herbin Calligraphy Ink

3) Sennelier Esquisse D1 Drawing Pad (9.5 x 13.5)

4) Sennelier Calligraphy Pad (8.25 x 11.25)

5) Rhodia 2012-13 Academic Large Weekly Planner (6.25 x 9.5)

6) G. Lalo Verge de France Correspondence Sets (3.75 x 6)

7) Quo Vadis University #28 (No. 2801) Academic Planner Refill (4 x 6)

8) Clairefontaine Classic Pocket Side Spiralbound Notebook (3.5 x 5.5)

Check out all EuropeanPaper.com Brands from France: Clairefontaine, G. Lalo, J. Herbin, Quo Vadis, Rhodia, Sennelier

Paperblanks is a notebook company with a goal in preserving the art of writing itself. Their beautifully crafted notebooks pay homage to a time when arts and literature stood at the forefront of culture and journals were the most sacred of objects. Striving to create a product that you want to write in and feel good about using, Paperblanks’ overwhelming attention to detail and focus on preserving the planet and our shared human culture makes them one of our favorite brands.

Craftsmanship

Have you ever had that one favorite journal you don’t go anywhere without? Its cover captures figments of your imagination, the handcrafted paper delights your every sense, and the secret compartments have room to hide your deepest secrets. That is essentially every Paperblanks journal. Their journals beg you to open the cover and put the tip of that pen down, and while it can be hard bring yourself to do so (because you’re afraid the journal might lose its perfection forever), when you finally break through you just can’t stop writing.

Paperblanks Embellished Charlotte Bronte Manuscript Wrap

Paperblanks’ journals are inspired by classic leather-bound journals from centuries ago, but don’t be fooled into thinking they are flimsy imitations. Paperblanks original cover designs are embossed with textures and patterns that give them a unique handmade appeal. Covers have captured the work and times of artists such as Shakespeare, Goethe, Charlotte Bronte, and Mozart.

All Paperblanks journals are held to high standards. The binding is either hand-sewn or smythe sewn, creating a journal that lays flat. Because the book blocks are never glued directly to the cover, but are instead sewn together, pages will not come loose or fall out. The paper itself is also held up to Paperblanks’ high standards. Their manufacturing process involves a phase called supercalendaring, where it is pressed between two rolls to achieve the smoothness that Paperblanks paper is known for. It is also acid-free, with a high opacity that guarantees minimal bleeding and feathering. Paperblanks has a true respect for the journal as a piece of art, and it shows in their products.

Global Citizenship

Paperblanks notebooks are not only journals you will want to use, but journals you can feel good about using. Their large commitment in both social and environmental advocacy speaks to the aspirations that they have for future generations.

Social Advocacy

By donating journals to charities around the globe, Paperblanks helps create funds and resources to build strong communities. One non-profit Paperblanks donates to is the Nepal Library Foundation, an organization with a goal of building long-term socioeconomic success in Nepal through education. A similar fundraising model is used in Paperblanks’ contributions to SEVA Canada, a non-profit organization that provides eye care clinics in remote developing countries.

Paperblanks also donates journals for use in youth writing workshops, such as Writegirl, a Los Angeles-based company that puts on one-on-one mentorship programs to develop creativity and encourage self-expression for young women. Paperblanks also awards scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 to students wishing to further their artistic studies abroad.

Environmental Responsibility

As a company with the future in mind, Paperblanks operates with a strong environmental conscience. The company is a willing participant of Climate Care, an initiative where a self-imposed carbon tax is paid in proportion to the release of greenhouse gases by a company. Through this initiative, Paperblanks has funded the use of energy efficient stoves and lighting in developing countries. Paperblanks also supports the David Suzuki Foundation, which focuses on climate change through science education and policy making, and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, which works to preserve wilderness, parks, and wildlife in Canada.

Paperblanks Handstitched Bamboo Pocket Journal

Furthering their efforts of sustainability, Paperblanks uses paper that is made from sustainable forest pulp and is in the process of gaining FSC certification (a tough process for any manufacturer). Their paper is acid-free and the binder boards are made from 100% recycled material. Paperblanks also has a commitment to the well-being of their employees. The working conditions exceed international standards and the facilities are routinely updated to ensure safety and minimal pollution. Paperblanks encourages employees to minimize waste by reusing and recycling whenever possible, knowing that every bit counts.

Paperblanks’ strong belief in the written word as a fabric that holds our society together shines through in their social and environmental initiatives. Though their distinctive notebooks are reminiscent of the past, their actions will lead us to the future, and that is why we are so excited to bring you Paperblanks notebooks.

1 –>  Our Moleskine Haiku Contest winner Sandra is still doling out the love with a wonderful review of the Moleskine Passions Wine Journal!

2 –> Gourmet Pens: Call for Submissions for the April Carnival of Pen & Paper

3 –> Journal Addict: Meet Journal Keeper Lynn Fisher …This sums it up quite nicely, but you still should click over to read it all! “I have now amassed what most people would regard as a fire hazard of journals in a variety of sizes, shapes, handmade, or store-bought. All reflect the joy and heartache of the examined life in a way that most precisely mirrors what and who I am as a person right now.”

4 –> Letter Writers Alliance: Cherry Blossom Centennial Stamp Release and Party

5 –> Writing Instruments: Writing Instruments are the Voice of Desire

6 –> Missive Maven: A letter to a favorite writer, hand-delivered

7 –> R Scribbling Glue: That’s Not a Tea Cup, It’s a Post Office Box!

8 –> Rhodia Drive: Creative Prompt: Your Favorite Things

9 –> Plannerisms: Preparing for the Planner Drought

Saint Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and while everyone around the world celebrates their own way, “green” is always involved. Whether that’s literal or eco-inspired, we’re sure the following round-up will inspire you to keep green close at hand this following weekend (at least so you don’t get pinched!).

1. Moleskine Passions Wellness Journal (5 x 8.25 in.) - acid-free paper
2. Leuchtturm1917 Large Hard Cover Ruled Notebook (5.75 x 8.25 in.) - acid-free paper + archival quality
3. Apica CD-11 Series Notebook (Set of 3) (5.75 x 8.25 in.) - acid-free paper
4. Poo Poo Paper Stationery Sets (11.5 x 8.5 in.) - tree-free alternative fiber
5. Mudlark Eco Clare de Lune Boxed Note Cards - 80% post-consumer recycled content + printed soy-based inks

And a few interesting St. Patrick’s Day:

“The shortest St Patrick’s Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village’s two pubs.” Wikipedia

“Though green is a very popular color on St. Patrick’s Day, the original color that was very popular and often related back to St. Patrick was not green, but blue.” TopTenz.

“There are four places in the United States named after the shamrock, the floral emblem of Ireland: Mount Gay-Shamrock, WV; Shamrock, TX; Shamrock Lakes, IN; and Shamrock, OK.” History.com

“Another St. Patrick myth is the claim that he banished snakes from Ireland. It’s true no snakes exist on the island today, Freeman said. But they never did. Ireland, after all, is surrounded by icy ocean waters—much too cold to allow snakes to migrate from Britain or anywhere else.” National Geographic