Darby Smart To DIY For Box is a monthly craft subscription box for teens and adults. I have been an on-and-off subscriber for the past year, and I really love Darby Smart's project selections!
This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Darby Smart To DIY For Box
The Cost: $19
The Products: Each box will include all the craft supplies you need to complete a new DIY project.
Ships to: US only
Included in every box from Darby Smart is a card with a code on it to go online and see the instructions for your DIY project. On the one hand, I think I would prefer to have the instructions on paper (as much as I claim to love Mother Earth), it's just easier. On the other hand, some months the lack of information on the card makes it like a fun little mystery. This month I had no idea what I was making until I went online and looked at the instructions!
On the back of the card this month were little cut-out DIY paper cupcake toppers. Fun!
One of the main reasons I couldn't figure out the craft project was because they included these cute packages of hot chocolate on a stick! Plus, the code word this month was 'COCOA', so I thought these were actually part of the project, or at least it would be something cocoa related. Nope! I was totally wrong! Step one was "Make yourself some hot cocoa." What a great idea! Sadly, I have given up sugar for Lent, but I know a pair of little boys who will love these.
Darby Smart included all the materials I needed, except for my oven.
Here's my finished product - ring dishes! I used the included sticker stencils to make a design in one color, painted it, then allowed it to dry. Then I used the alphabetical sticker stencils to create a second layer in a second color. After I had applied all my designs, I baked them at 300 degrees in the oven for 30 minutes and then let them cool down, which is supposed to bake the paint on and make it more chip-resistant than just air drying.
I am really happy with the way they turned out! The only issue I really had was that the bottom layer (red) came off with the letter sticker stencils. I really think I could have let the first layer dry overnight and that still would have happened. I may have applied the paint too thickly. I also don't have the world's steadiest hand, but it's OK with me when my projects don't turn out perfect, I love creating new things anyway.
Verdict: I love Darby Smart! First of all, I think they have excellent project curation, very consistently. I am always excited to do their projects. I was literally just shopping for a ring dish right before I received this project! It's so much more special to use something you have created yourself. Plus, so much of what you create with Darby Smart can be gifted, and homemade gifts are totally the best! I also think the price - $19 shipped - is such a great value it's almost unreal. Craft supplies are expensive, and you almost always wind up with a ton of excess you will never get around to using again. Plus, figuring out everything you need for a craft and then running all over town trying to get your supplies is also expensive and time-consuming! Darby Smart makes it so easy! I will also mention that their customer service has always been excellent.
What do you think of Darby Smart?
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