I’ve just received a sample box of paper and card from The Paperbox Ltd after they asked me to review them. Here’s my initial review (will do ‘in use’ reviews in future posts):
From their website
“The Paperbox has just one mission, and that’s to provide a consistent, reliable source of quality craft materials.
Over the years as the company has developed, we’ve outgrown multiple premises until we finally moved into our very own purpose-built factory in 2016. It’s from here that our products are carefully and responsibly sourced, cut and creased to order and lovingly packaged for delivery.
So whether you’re a designer, an excited bride or groom, casual card maker or first-time dabbler in crafts; let us help you bring your visions to life.
Remember; whatever the occasion, make it personal.”
Initial impressions
The paper and card arrived in a cardboard box, with bubble wrap around it – well packaged in other words. There was no damage to the contents. Second class delivery is free on orders over £5 to most places, extra charges apply for Isle of Man/Scottish Highlands and international delivery.
Swatches
From the swatches, I can reveal the following…
- 25 colours of matte paper, ranging in weight from 110gsm to 140gsm. Includes a recycled kraft paper.
- 23 colours of pearlescent paper, 100-125gsm. The paper has a cracking double-sided shimmer.
- 34 different tones of white, ivory & neutrals card and paper, ranging from 110-350gsm. Includes hammer, linen, embossed and leather textures, silk and matte finishes.
- a full rainbow of 40 coloured matte card, ranging in thickness from 240-290gsm. The card is uniformly coloured and has a smooth finish.
- 34 colours of pearlescent card, most of which are double-sided and slightly thicker, ranging from 260-300gsm. Includes white tones and pearlescent black.
- 10 colours of non-shed glitter paper, 250gsm. They really are non-shed and are mainly pastel shades.
- 11 colours of mirror card. They are a proper mirror finish rather than a ‘metallic’ finish and have a very vivid colour palette. 270gsm.
other products
I’ve also been sent a range of card blanks and envelopes in various finishes. From their website, these are available in wholesale packs which would be handy for busy cardmakers. They have a whole section for DIY weddings, including various card blanks, save the date postcard sizes and embellishments. Full range of envelopes are available.
other notable features
The Paperbox Ltd is FSC certified, meaning their wood supplies come from well managed and sustainable forests. The majority of the paper and card is recyclable and chlorine-free. Some of the card is not acid-free – there is a list on the website – which would mean it will not be archival quality. A few products have a 20%-80% recycled content, with 100% content in the recycled card and paper (unsurprisingly).
final thoughts
I’m impressed with the range of colours, weights and finishes available. Free second class delivery is impressive, especially given the potential weight of a decent order of the cardstock. I’ve no prices to compare with, so I’m not going to, but bulk packs offer significant discounts. Packs are available from just 10 items, 20, 50 100 and 150 in size. Please watch out for future reviews as I start using the samples.
I have not been paid for this review, it’s all my own work and I have no affiliation to the company. Just saying…