Doodle Crate, by KiwiCo, 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.)
About Doodle Crate
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
Doodle Crate "Faux Leather Portfolio" Review
My box came with a simple packing slip with a description of the materials delivered. This month, we are making a faux leather pouch! This box delivers pretty much everything we need; we just needed a pair of scissors to complete the project.
The first item in our box is the actual portfolio. It is two-sided, one being faux brown leather and the other side a royal blue that felt nice and soft.
We also received a small pocket for the portfolio which is also dual sided.
Here is a close up of each side. The blue is such a pretty blue while the leather side reminds me of a football.
I loved and very much appreciated how they sent all the supplies needed for their project like this. They are labeled, organized and easy to take out and close when finished. Our supplies hardware includes elastic cord, thread, and brads of different colors and shapes.
The instructions we received were laid out perfectly, with detail and pictures of each step. They even included design ideas for the embellishments! Bella is ready to start and so am I!
The last item we received is a sketchbook, which is perfect for doodling and storing in our new portfolio!
Now it is time to create!!
Bella is our artist who will be making the portfolio today. She is 8 years old and loves to craft, draw and paint.
We started by laying out all of our materials on our table.
The first direction was to choose a side/color that the portfolio would be. Bella chose blue (I was secretly hoping for brown, but it's her project)
Next, we had to choose the string color for the pocket. We were sent blue and brown in which she chose blue.
We had to start by threading the top left corner and making sure both sides of the string were even.
Then we threaded from one hole to the other; over, under, over, under until we got to the last hole. When we got to the last one, we took the other string from the inside and went under, over, under, over until the two met at the right-hand top corner. We then tied them together and admired our pocket.
It looks pretty good!
Bella had another decision, this time for the thread color along the sides of the portfolio. With my advice she chose brown. We started at the bottom left side, and like the pocket, measured both sides to make sure they were even and started threading (over, under) with the top thread until we reached the top.
When we reached the top, we just threaded through the top layer and waited for the second thread to meet us there so that they were sandwiched in to be tied off. Once tied, we cut the excess thread off and put it aside.
And repeat on right side.
It’s looking good! By this point, we are ready to embellish!
Bella decided to use her own design and immediately went to work creating. The brads were easy to put on: simply insert then open each side to secure it stays put.
Almost done! This part took the longest for Bella and she wanted to stop and take a water break.
And she is done! One more step and the whole thing will be complete!
The last decision Bella had to make was what color she wanted her elastic band to be that would close the portfolio. She chose blue one last time. It was simple: we tied inserted it into the top flap and tied a knot.
We inserted her brand-new sketchbook for a perfect hold and fit!
Mission completion!!
When I asked Bella how she felt at the end of this project she said (very proudly) accomplished.
The Verdict: This was our first Doodle Crate and was right up our alley: the perfect craft for Bella with little for me to do – though, admittedly, I wanted to do one myself. The craft was easy and fun with easy to follow instructions with pictures! Bella really enjoyed being able to make it her own design with the embellishments. I look forward to future crafts! I think that this is a great box for only $19.99 (plus $6.95 shipping). It created a super cool project that will absolutely get some use and some fun memories while we made it.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? It is possible you might get this crate, but it is not a guarantee. From KiwiCo:
Crates are assigned each month based on availability and your crate history – not all subscribers receive the same theme each month.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 50% off your first box. No coupon needed - just use this link.
Check out all of our Doodle Crate reviews and the best subscription boxes for tweens and teens!
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What do you think of the Doodle Crate portfolio?
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