Maker Crate is a subscription box for kids ages 14+ from the parent company KiwiCo. Each box includes high-quality materials and instructions to explore new art techniques and complete hands-on arts and crafts projects.
This review is of KiwiCo's Maker Crate (for ages 14+), which costs $29.95 per month.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This project involved not only macrame but also using some clay to make my planters. I loved ceramics in high school and college, so I was excited to have some new clay tools and clay to work with!
What's Inside This Box
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Inside your box, you will receive a Maker’s Guide which provides the QR code for accessing your instructions. The pages had some information about the history of macrame and some inspiring ideas to check out.
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Since these projects are a bit more complicated than the boxes for their younger ages, they provide online video tutorials for you to watch. While I definitely appreciate this, I'm also a big fan of having the instructions laid out in front of me on paper so I do miss that aspect. However, the videos themselves are very helpful and include some great tips.
The website also includes this guide to what is in your crate, so you can locate everything and ensure you have all the pieces you need. Now let's check out the materials we received:
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There were two packets of paper clay, a wooden roller, several clay tools, and a template to use for our planters.
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I also received two plastic planters, two wooden rings, a key ring, some suction cup hooks, sandpaper, some macrame cord, and a cool ruler that I'm probably more excited about than I should be!
Now, let's get to our project!
Part 1: Clay Planters
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First up was making our planters from the paper clay. I rolled it out and then cut it out to match the template for the round planter. Then I applied the clay over the plastic piece, smoothed it out, and attempted to add a bit of a design to it. The paper clay was great to work with in that it held its shape nicely, but it was not very easy to smooth out and it showed every fingerprint and indentation.
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The hexagon planter was easy to form thanks to the template. I attempted some more designs on this one, but I'm not totally happy with how it turned out. I was able to use only one packet of paper clay for the two pots, so I now have a whole packet to play around and work with to replace this one! These needed about 24 hours to dry.
Part 2: Macrame Keychain
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After my clay was set aside to dry, I began my introduction to macrame. They had me practice three different types of knots on a keyring. First, I did a square knot, then I switched to a half knot before finishing it up with a wrap knot. They really made it so easy to learn!
Here is my cute and simple keychain.
Part 3: Macrame Planters
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I waited for the next day to do my hanger. I measured out my very long cords using the ruler they provided and then I tied them to one of the wooden rings. I used a makeshift setup with one of the suction cup hooks to hold my cord in place with trays for weight to hold it down and then I began with a wrap knot at the top, switching to a square knot, and then a half knot. Of course, then I realized I missed that I was supposed to leave some space between the square and half knots so I had to undo the half knots and redo them. Luckily, at this point, I was pretty much a macrame expert. (I'm kidding, of course!)
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Once I had done my knotting to three separate groups of cords, I used another wrap knot to tie them all together. While I opted for the simple hanger, there was actually a more complex netted hanger that they taught in the video. I figure I will save that for my hexagon pot when I get it made to my liking!
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Then it was just a matter of fitting the pot in between the cords and it was ready to hang!
The finished project:
I could really hang this anywhere, and since they provided the suction cup hooks, it could easily be put in a window as well. If you check out the first picture at the top, I put a little succulent that had outgrown its old home into it and I'm so pleased with how it looks!
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $29.95
This project was so worth it to me! I was able to make a keychain, two clay planters, and two macrame hangers with the materials in this box and now I have some extra supplies like the clay, clay tools, and the fun ruler for my art stash!
Key Takeaways
I really loved this box. Honestly, my confidence is soaring after completing this cute little macrame hanger! I have seen them around and always loved them but they are so expensive. Turns out, with the help of KiwiCo, I can now make my own! I'm excited to experiment with other styles and adding beads, and I'm so glad that it really was not as complicated as I thought it would be. I'm also glad they included the clay - I feel like that was a little added bonus which really helped make this box feel like it was two projects in one! This was probably my favorite box so far from this line.
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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.
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