Doodle Crate, by Kiwi Crate, is a subscription box targeted to older children aged 9-16 that delivers a monthly art project. 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 each month.
Ships to: U.S. for free, Canada for $6.95
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This month's project is making a sumi-e painting, which I admit, I have never heard of. The skill focus is ink wash painting. My nine-year-old usually does the projects, but this month my eleven-year-old wanted to take a stab at it. He wanted to make a special gift for someone, and Doodle Crate is so wonderful for that. This is the booklet that came in our box this month.
Here's a peek inside the booklet at the instructions. They 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 water.
He first did some practicing with the "magic paper." The idea is that he could paint with water to get used to the brush, and the water would disappear when it dried. How very zen!
He then made some very basic shapes with the ink and brush to paint the panda. The instructions were very clear and helpful in helping him make this. He doesn't feel like he has a lot of skill in painting, but I disagree!
His next step was to make a stamp of his initials. He did this by writing them on a piece of paper, then turning the paper over and tracing so he could see how to write the letters backward. Then he copied the backward letters by pressing down very hard with the pen into some foam. He then stuck the foam to a block.
Then he stamped his work!
Finally, he adhered his painting onto this red paper stock. He rolled the paper over a dowel and stuck it down with some double-sided tape. He then tied a string to both ends of the dowel.
This is his completed painting! I think it looks really cool. I'm so proud of him!
The Verdict: Doodle Crate is amazing! This project was a lot of fun, and it was nice to see my older son enjoying it. I think his painting turned out fantastic, and I know the recipient will think so, too. 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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