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
I was surprised to be doing another planter craft this month (check out last month's macrame planter I made), but this looked totally different, so I was still excited to check out this project!
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 plaster 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.
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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 paper and plastic cups, lots of tools for mixing, three bags of plaster, a mold, some clips, a mess mat, sandpaper, a sponge brush, pebbles, and floral foam and wire.
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They also included some materials for personalizing our design including four different acrylic paint colors and several sticker plant sheets.
Now, let's get to our project!
Part 1: Pour the Plaster
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There were actually two different molds, one that was just a simple round shape, and then this fun decagon one. I added some water to one of my cups and mixed in one bag of plaster. It was actually the perfect consistency so I was able to pour it into my mold right away. I had to pick up the mold and tap it a few times to get the air bubbles out. Then I let mine dry overnight, although an hour probably would have been sufficient.
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Removing the mold was very easy and I was pleased to see I had very few air bubbles and the outside of my pot was so smooth!
Part 2: Create Your Plants
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While my plaster was drying I got to work on my plants. I chose to do the cordyline (the others were a monstera or swallowtail) plant because it seemed the simplest. I cut some inch-long pieces of floral wire and then folded each plant sticker over it. This was NOT easy as the stickers were hard to get perfectly folded in half and they were very sticky. I was able to just trim off the bits of white though so they turned out okay. I was really glad I hadn't tried to start with the monstera though!
Part 3: Dip Your Pot and Arrange Your Plants
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Next, I had to dip-dye my pot. I chose to go really simple and used two different colors on the bottom. They said I'd need to use a whole bottle, but I made do with less paint and just used my brush to help polish up my design. It did take awhile to dry. When it was finished though I was able to add the floral tube in the center and my plant leaves just stuck right in. I arranged them as best as I could and then added some of the little white pebbles to the top for a finishing touch.
The finished project:
It does not look real at all to me (I think I have to play around with the arrangement a bit more), but I am happy with how the planter turned out and I love that the pebbles do make it look a tad more realistic.
Value - Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: $29.95
I am so glad that I have enough materials to make two more pots and plants! I think that makes this a pretty great value! Especially since I now have a mold to use for other projects in the future.
Key Takeaways
While my finished project isn't perfect, I feel like it was a good practice run before I start my other two planters! I think that I can do something pretty cool with them using all of the materials I have leftover!
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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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