Doodle Crate is a subscription box from Kiwi Crate targeted at older children aged 9-16 that delivers an art project every month. They describe themselves as "a studio for hands-on creativity delivered every month."
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Doodle Crate
The Cost: $19.95 per month with discounts available for longer subscription commitments
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 50% off your first box. No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: Instructions and supplies for children aged 9-16 to create one new art project
Ships to: U.S. for free, Canada for $6.95
Check out all of our Doodle Crate reviews and the Kids Subscription Box Directory!
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This month's project is making a scratch art lantern! The skill focus is scratchboard drawing. My nine-year-old does the projects. He's on the young side for this subscription, but he does just fine with it. This is the booklet that came in our box this month.
Here's a peek inside the booklet at the instructions. The instructions were clear and well illustrated, so they were easy for my son to follow. The booklet also always contains good tips and suggestions for practicing.
These are all the supplies that were included for this month's project. Everything we needed was included except scissors, tape, and a screwdriver.
His first step was to build the frame. The wooden pieces came pre-cut of course, but he attached the cardboard and the wood together with a series of stickers. I rarely disagree with the instructions, but I felt like this step should have come later in the process. The lantern wasn't complete for two days, so this just sort of sat around getting weaker.
The next step was to apply the special black paint to the plastic panes. He had to do two coats.
After the paint dried, he used the scratching tool to scratch out his designs on the panes. He went with one of the themes they suggested this month - morning, noon, and night.
After putting batteries in the light, he used another set of stickers to adhere the light and the panes to the frame. I wish we had done the frame assembly just prior to this step.
The last step was to turn on the light, fold the frame together, and secure it at the top with a rubber ring.
This is his completed lantern!
This is the lantern with some yellow cellophane inside to give it that sun/moon look. I think it turned out amazing! It's so beautiful! It's a little structurally weak at the bottom, but I'm sure we can find some kind of glue to reinforce it. He loves it! He used it in his bedroom last night, and it looked great!
Verdict: Doodle Crate is SO awesome! This month's project was one of our favorites! The completed lantern is simply stunning, and I think the structural issues at the base will be remedied easily enough. I still can't believe what Doodle Crate can provide for $20. When you consider the materials, the curation, the project selection, and instructions, that's really a bargain! Most importantly, it always sets the stage for some fun times crafting with my son.
What do you think of Doodle Crate?
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