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Rag Tag Box Subscription Box Review + Coupon – May 2016

Ragan Buckley
ByRagan BuckleyMay 19, 2016 | 9 comments

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Rag Tag Box
5 overall rating
2 Ratings | 1 Reviews

Rag Tag Box is a monthly paper crafts and cross stitch subscription from Spot Colors.  Each box includes a mini cross stitch kit with a movie, sci fi, funny, or scary theme, as well as paper goods, handmade items, and more. 

Rag Tag Box kindly provided us with a complimentary box for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

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The Subscription Box: Rag Tag Box

The Cost: $15 (US); $20 (Canada); or, choose downloadable patterns only for $4/month

COUPON: For a limited time, save 15% off any subscription with code MAYBOXFUN

The Products: One exclusive mini cross stitch kit including everything  (except scissors) you will need to complete the design, plus a selection of handmade goods, paper goods, jewelry, hair ties, stickers, and more.

Ships to: US and Canada for free

Check out the Craft Subscription Box Directory for more great craft and DIY subscriptions and make sure to add Rag Tag Box to your subscription list or wishlist!

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The box lid had an information card taped to it with a list of items in the box.  (I thought the black baggie was packaging so it didn’t make it into any of my box photos.  Sorry about that.)  This is the second box in about a day that I got that was decorated with washi tape (something I had never seen before).

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Cross Stitch Patterns (symbols and colored blocks) and Instructions

I have been stitching for 20 years so I didn’t need the instructions, but if you are thinking about gifting this subscription to a new cross-stitcher, there is some good basic information here.  And the patterns are pretty simple so they are great for those just starting out.  (I prefer patterns with symbols but I like that you get the choice.)

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“Free Hugs” Alien Cross Stitch Kit

Here are the materials you need to complete the cross stitch kit, including black Aida fabric, a hoop, a needle, thread (including your choice of white or glow in the dark), and an image of what the completed project should look like.

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Assorted Stationery and Paper Goods

This is kind of a random collection of items and includes Alien-themed stickers and cards, a pen, a mini clothespin, and a packet of confetti.  Some of it looks handmade.  I figure this is all basically just bonus stuff and will be popular with fans of the movie Alien.  (FYI, if you have the first 3 movies on DVD, watch the special features about the making of the movies.  All the infighting and sniping and talk about director switching is quite entertaining.  Also H.R. Giger is creepy when he gives interviews.)

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This week was crazy.  Mr. Kitty had to go to the vet, it was my husband’s birthday, and we had the house painted.  So, I didn’t get very far with the project yet…

Verdict: I did not try to calculate a value for this month’s Rag Tag Box.  Some of their past kits are retailing online for $18, and they seem to all be about the same size, so you are getting your money’s worth with the kit and the rest is just extra.

One thing that concerns me is that I don’t think the movie tie-ins are officially licensed.  This probably won’t have much of an impact on the subscriber, but it could be an issue for Spot Colors down the road.  (I work at an intellectual property law firm so I notice these things.)

I did think this box was quirky and fun (and it helps that my husband showed me the first two Alien movies while we were dating).  The projects are small and you should be able to complete them in a month.  I think this subscription could definitely appeal to younger stitchers, especially (though I noticed there is a little bit of salty language in some of the patterns in the Spot Colors Shop, so proceed with caution).

What do you think of the May 2016 Rag Tag Box?

Starting at $15.00
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"Each month’s themed box will contain: 1 cross stitch diy kit designed by spot colors, 1-2 fun misc items which could include handmade or none handmade jewelry, hair clips/ties, paper crafts, finished stitchy items, & more." Free shipping.
Ragan Buckley
Ragan Buckley
Ragan stumbled across My Subscription Addiction in late 2013 and immediately subscribed to way too many beauty boxes. She's now focused on boxes for her cats and dog, vegan/vegetarian food boxes, and craft subscriptions (and she didn't give up beauty boxes entirely).

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9 comments

Carrie

Oh wow, I love this! I’ve been on a tear lately with picking up new subscriptions and one time boxes so I am NOT allowed to sub to this one right now. Maybe in a month or two? LOL! I’d love to see some more reviews for this one in future months!

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Carrie

Well, I don’t know who I was kidding with the crazy willpower talk! I just checked out their site and might have subscribed, allegedly, LOL.

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Jessvii

FINALLY!! A cross stitch sub box that’s less than $25/month. I like cross stitch and do it maybe 3x a week, but even at that rate, I’d probably not have the time or money for a $25 box every. single. month. But at $15, HEY, that seems perfect! I like the theme this month too, because my SO is a fan of the movies, and because I’ve never worked with glow-in-the-dark thread before.

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Nicole

the theme for the next box is “Don’t Go Into The Woods”, the Alien theme has passed BUT the kit will be available on our etsy and website in June 🙂 June theme is centered around camping and campy horror 🙂

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Helen

This looks fantastic! I’m an avid cross-stitcher and love anything that isn’t too ‘normal’. I usually download patterns from etsy but would like to give this a whirl.
Of course, I really want this month’s with its Alien theme but I suppose I’m too late. ?

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Nicole

hey Helen, Nicole here from RagTagBox, you are too late to get the box in the subscription for Alien BUT I will have the kit available for purchase on my etsy and website in June

spotyourcolors.com
nikkybydesigns.com

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Ragan

Sometimes the cross stitch kits go on sale in their shop later on. You can probably get the pattern as a download, too. Not sure about the rest of the items but it probably doesn’t hurt to email and ask.

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Randi

Oh wow I am so happy you reviewed this. I have never heard of this box but after seeing this I think I need it.. It will help me keep up with some crafting too. Thanks for reviewing this! Gonna go subscribe when I get home!

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Ragan

Do you know how many subscriptions I would not have if I waited until I got home to sign up? I check MSA at work and then immediately order all kinds of things I probably shouldn’t.

Seriously, though, glad you liked it. Wish I had been able to finish more of the cross stitch pattern but there has been too much going on lately.

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