Doodle Crate Review + Coupon Code – May 2017

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Doodle Crate is one of the new(er) lines in the Kiwi Crate family. Designed for girls ages 9-16, Doodle Crate includes all the materials and inspiration for DIY projects such as patterned pouches, friendship bracelets, or colorful candles. Crates encourage girls to tackle new challenges and gain creative confidence!

Doodle Crate ships via FedEx Smart Post and usually takes about a week to arrive to me.

I am far from a teen/tween, but I subscribe to Doodle Crate for myself.  I typically find the projects to be (fairly) simple, fun to do and relaxing.

The May 2017 Doodle Crate explored the technique “Cord Knotting” and included the materials necessary to make your own Macrame Gear.

Materials


The box included a workboard, a stand, cords, watch guide, watch case, buckle, glue, a needle, measuring tape, a keyring, a carabiner, a timepiece and clear stickers. Subscribers also need scissors, scrap paper, and a pencil. The box includes full instructions, but if you need additional help, they also have a video on their YouTube channel.

Project #1 – Carabiner Keychain

The first project in the box was a Carabiner Keychain.  I remember making keychains like this (but using plastic strings) when I was younger, so I thought I had this in the bag.

So far so good!  I found the set-up instructions a tad confusing, but was able to sort through them so I could get tying those macrame knots!

As I was working on this, I began to realize that I didn’t have enough cord to make it to the end of the carabiner.  I added the glue to keep everything together as instructed and then continued on – hoping for the best.

I still had some space between the end of the knots and the carabiner, but I applied some glue to keep everything in place, tucked in the ends and considered it a success.

Project #2 – Macrame Wristwatch

From the start, the watch looked much more complicated.  It used six cords as opposed to the four cords we used for the keychain.

I thought things were going well until I broke the needle (it was plastic) trying to thread it through the holes in the timepiece. Ack!

Well, this is where things end.  I just could not get the Square Knots (which were suggested for the watchband) to work for me and was getting frustrated with it.  Part of my issue was me (I didn’t bring my patience with me for this project), and the other part was the workboard.  I wasn’t comfortable using it and think I would have had better luck ditching it totally and taping the cords to a table.

I learned from this project that Macrame Cord Knotting is not for me, but I still love Doodle Crate!  They explore so many different techniques, and you’ll find that you love some and that some just aren’t for you!

What do you think about Doodle Crate? Did you get a box this month?  If you are interested in subscribing, Doodle Crate is currently offering 30% off the first month of a new subscription with coupon code “SHARE30” at checkout.