GlobeIn Limited Edition Carmel Artisan Box Review – December 2017

The GlobeIn Artisan Box is a monthly subscription that sends you original crafts by global artisans. Each box contains handcrafted items from around the world and the stories of the artists who made the pieces.

There are two levels of normal subscription: Essential and Premium. The Essential subscription comes with one handpicked artisan item each month, and the Premium comes with a full curated collection. Each month (with the Premium subscription) you have a choice of two new themes, as well as any theme from the previous month that may not have sold out. They also have a shopping club they call the Starter in which you can choose one of three levels of monthly membership, which is applied as a credit to shop in their online store at a discounted rate. 

This box was sent to us for review purposes. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).

This is a review of the Limited Edition Carmel Artisan Box.

The Box: Limited Edition Carmel Artisan Box

The Cost: $190 ($324 value)

The Products: 

• Organic Cotton + Merino Wool Blanket, Tanzania and Uruguay, 60″ x 47″ (Retail $198)
• Handpainted Platter, Morocco, 16″ (Retail $60)
• Essauoira Candle, Morocco and USA, 4″ tall (Retail $36)
• Double Layered Palm Leaf Basket, Mexico, 7.5″ x 8.5″ (Retail $30)

Ships to: U.S.

Check out all of our GlobeIn reviews and the Artisan Subscription Box Directory for similar boxes!

Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!

GlobeIn always includes a beautiful little booklet that highlights the artisans who made the goods included in your box. They tell personal stories of how making these items helps encourage independence, fair wages, and safe work environments for the craftsmen. These co-ops and small businesses also help the local communities in which they're based.

Now let's get into the special items in this box!!

Organic Cotton + Merino Wool Throw Blanket, Tanzania and Uruguay - Retail Value: $198 (found on sale here for $158)

The first item comes from brand Coyuchi, purveyors of organic and ethically created linens for the home. Their "Carmel Blanket" seems to have inspired the name of this limited edition box and comes in a pale dusty aqua color.  I'll be honest, when I first unwrapped this, it had a strong scent that reminded me of a barn or petting zoo. Luckily, even though it's a wool blend, it's machine washable on the gentle cycle and can also be tumbled dry. It's also aired out now and the scent has dissipated quite a bit. Phew!

It's woven in Germany from 100% organic cotton grown in Mali and Tanzania, and the merino wool is from Uruguay. This super soft throw has a diagonal pattern of alternating white and aqua stripes that form its pale hue from afar and has a half inch stitched edge.

I've been looking around for a new throw for my couch to snuggle under since it's getting cold outside, and this one fits the bill. It's a good size at 60 x 47 inches. Plenty to wrap my body in, but not so large that I'll get lost in it. You could also use this as a nice throw on your bed to bring soft calming colors into your room.

Serghini Workshops Ceramic Platter, Morocco - Listed Retail Value $60

The first thing I said when I pulled this platter out was "Wow, this is HUGE!". I've held it up so you can get an idea of what its 16-inch diameter is like.

I have a very small dining room, and I honestly think this handmade and painted platter would dwarf everything else, but it is tempting to put at the center of the table for fruit or decorative items for the holidays.

It's always a wonder to me how ceramicists make their items so symmetrical by hand.

I really love the dark navy hue and the pattern they chose to decorate this piece. It is suggested and can certainly be used as art to hang on the wall as well.

 Candle by Prosperity Candle, Morocco + USA - Listed Retail Value: $36

This beautiful handpainted and poured candle matches the platter quite well even though it comes from a different artisan company. Its made from a soy blend with a cotton wick and has a burning time of about 30 hours.

I immediately loved the light scent of this candle, though I can't quite put my finger on it. It definitely conjures up thoughts of the ocean, like the curator of the box intended. I always choose candles based on a combination of scent and how the container looks for repurposing uses. They suggest using this four-inch high ceramic one as a planter after the candle has burned through!

The best part of this candle is that it helps support female artisans from right here in the US, as well as around the world.

Double Layered Palm Leaf Basket, Mexico - Listed Retail Value: $30

Palm baskets are no stranger to GlobeIn subscription boxes, so it doesn't surprise me that they've included one in their limited edition box. This one, like many, hails from Mexico and was made by a husband and wife duo (Juan and Juana, how cute!) who have been weaving almost their entire lives.

The basket has a mostly natural palm leaf color with a simple design around the base in a dark grey. It has double layers for durability, so this won't easily tear or lose shape.

Once the lid is off, there is ample room for all kinds of things. Roll up towels to store in the bathroom, or toiletries in the guest bedroom. At 7.5 inches in diameter and 8.5 inches tall, you have plenty of storage for whatever you choose.

Here's a detail of the design, along with the tag featuring Juan and Juana!

Verdict: GlobeIn's Limited Edition "Carmel" Artisan Box delivered four new gorgeous handmade items to my door that brought coziness, beautiful blue hues, a lovely scent, and plenty of storage. For $190, I received $324 worth of handcrafted artisans goods for my home (that's more than a 40% discount). I'm most excited about the throw and candle which will both make my house a more inviting place this Winter!

To Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Yes, this limited edition box is still available to order!

Value Breakdown: At $190 for this box, here’s what you are paying approximately per item:

• Throw: $116.11
• Platter: $35.19
• Candle: $21.11
• Basket: $17.59

If you’re interested in the regular subscription:

Coupon – Use coupon code WELCOME to save $10 off a 3-month or longer Artisan Box subscription.

What do you think of the GlobeIn Limited Edition "Carmel" Artisan Box?