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The Paper Crate Card Making Kit Review + Coupon – November 2018

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Box Review Top 1

The Paper Crate
5 overall rating
2 Ratings | 0 Reviews

The Paper Crate: Card Making Kit is a monthly DIY subscription that helps subscribers learn how to make unique and beautiful greeting cards.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Box Open Top 2

Each monthly box contains kits to make four beautiful cards including a stamp set, embellishments, instructions and a variety of other items to complete your cards. Some boxes will even include a special surprise. You will learn new techniques as you master your card making craft.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Box Open Top 3

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

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Box Open With All Contents 4

About The Paper Crate

The Subscription Box: The Paper Crate: Card Making Kit

The Cost: $29.99 / month with discounts for longer subscriptions

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL: For a limited time, use code CJBLACKFRIDAY to save 30% off any subscription!

ACTIVE DEAL: 10% off
CODE: MSA10

The Products: Instructions and materials to make four unique cards

Ships to: Free shipping to the United States. Worldwide shipping available for an additional fee.

The Paper Crate Card Making Kit November 2018 Review

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Guide 5

The first item I saw when I opened the box was a helpful guide explaining the contents of the box and listing out some Pro-tips.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Welcome Kit Contents Pack 6

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Welcome Kit Contents Box Open 7

Welcome Kit Contents

All new subscribers (this is my first box) will receive a welcome kit containing a few essentials: a bone folder for expert creases in your cards, an acrylic stamp block, and an adhesive tape runner.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Handwritten Notecard 8

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Handwritten Notecard 9

I also received a sweet handwritten notecard thanking me for my subscription.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Bone Folder 10

Bone Folder

Here’s the bone folder (I didn’t use this item this month). To be honest, until I wrote this review I didn’t know what it was at all. It isn’t marked in any way.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Apple Pie Memories 3x4” Acrylic Block 11

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Apple Pie Memories 3x4” Acrylic Block 12

Apple Pie Memories 3x4” Acrylic Block – Retail Value $4.96

This is the acrylic block. I ended up using this on every card and thought it was a quality item.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Darice Double Sided Tape Runner 13

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Darice Double Sided Tape Runner 14

Darice Double Sided Tape Runner – Buy 6 for $7.56

I’ve always loved adhesive tape dispensers like this – I used quite a bit of this in my card making this month!

The rest of the items are listed on the card insert and are included in all of the November boxes:

The Paper Crate November 2018 - White Glitter Paste 15

The Paper Crate November 2018 - White Glitter Paste 16

The Paper Crate November 2018 - White Glitter Paste 17

White Glitter Paste (1 oz)

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Craft Spatula 18

Craft Spatula

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Christmas Wishes stamp set 19

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Christmas Wishes stamp set 20

KaiserCraft Christmas Wishes stamp set – Retail Value $5.29

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 3D Foam Squares by Scrapbook 21

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 3D Foam Squares by Scrapbook 22

3D Foam Squares by Scrapbook – Retail Value $5.26

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Echo Park Paper Co. 6x6 Stencil 23

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Echo Park Paper Co. 6x6 Stencil 24

Echo Park Paper Co. 6x6 Stencil in Christmas Burst

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 1 Rose Gold and 1 Silver Foil Cardstock by American Crafts 25

1 Rose Gold and 1 Silver Foil Cardstock by American Crafts

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 1 Paper Plate 26

1 Paper Plate

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 0.5 oz Clear Embossing Powder 27

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 0.5 oz Clear Embossing Powder 28

The Paper Crate November 2018 - 0.5 oz Clear Embossing Powder 29

0.5 oz Clear Embossing Powder

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Ink square in Cherry 30

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Ink square in Cherry 31

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Ink square in Cherry 32

The Paper Crate November 2018 - KaiserCraft Ink square in Cherry 33

KaiserCraft Ink Square in Cherry – Retail Value $2.19

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Assorted Rhinestone and Ribbon Embellishments 34

Assorted Rhinestone and Ribbon Embellishments

… and of course, the instructions and “card kits” themselves!

Card #1

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #1 35

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #1 36

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #1 37

This card was easy to make. After I sorted out my materials, I simply used the acrylic block and the poinsettia stamp to make images on the larger white piece of included cardstock.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Leaves Green 38

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Leaves Green 39

I decided to add some flair and color the leaves green. In addition to stamping the card, the instructions indicate that you should make a few extra that you will lay on top with the 3D foam squares, giving the card a dimensional look. I also added small crystals to the center of the poinsettia to add a bit of sparkle.

Next, I trimmed the cards down to the right size and layered them together (red, then rose gold, then white to give a matted look to the card. Finally, I stamped the “Merry Christmas” onto the small piece of white, matted it onto rose gold, and adhered it to the card.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #1 40

Here’s Card #1 - I’m very pleased with how it turned out!

Card #2

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #2 41

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #2 42

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #2 43

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #2 44

To start this card, again you stamp the red poinsettia several times onto the red cardstock. Then, you do the head embossing step – you simply sprinkle the powder onto the wet ink, tap off the remainder, and then use a heat tool to basically melt the embossing powder until it’s shiny. I used my hairdryer – I decided to make all of these cards using only materials that I had on hand and not buy anything new to see how they turned out. I’ll keep noting what I did differently as I continue this review.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Plaid Paper 45

The next step is to glue the plaid paper to the card, and then wrap the gold ribbon around and tie into a little bow.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Messaging Card 46

Then, you stamp your card messaging. You could use the one that I selected, or you could use Merry Christmas again, or even another poinsettia. I love that you can be creative in a structured way. You can follow the same steps above to head emboss -which I did.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 47

Finally, I added the crystals to the centers of the poinsettias and adhered the embellishment using the foam squares. Again, I think this is an adorable card that I look forward to sending to a friend.

Card #3

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #3 48

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #3 49

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card #3 50

I was bummed when I read the instructions for this card that blue ink and the peace on earth stamp were not included in this kit. I had to use some creative liberty, and I don’t think it ended up turning out as nicely as the example.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 51

First, you mount the light blue to the dark blue and then adhere the silver card sliver to the light blue.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 52

Next, you layer the embellished paper on the other side and cover the seam with the blue ribbon.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 53

Next, I stamped the ornament stamp onto the white cardstock, and cut it to look like a gift tag. I added a bow at the top, to add some movement to this card. I would have liked this better if I had an ink other than red to use.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 54

Next, I doctored up some of the embellishments using materials I had on hand. I tried to make the red look less weird, by adding some other stamps and shapes.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 55

Here’s the final card. It’s just ehhhh to me. Maybe I’ll send it to someone that I know isn’t judgy-wudgy…(e.g. not my mother)

Card #4

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card#4 56

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card#4 57

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card#4 58

I finally get to use the glitter paste! Whoop whoop.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Blue Cardstock 59

I loved doing this step. You simply tape the stencil down to a sheet of paper, over the blue cardstock. Then using the spatula, I smeared the glitter paste evenly across each of the snowflakes. I walked away, forgot about my project, and ended up peeling it off about a day later. I was so glad that even after drying for that long that it came off easily!

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Blue Cardstock 60

Next, I mounted the stenciled card onto the silver cardstock, and then the dark blue.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Card 61

Finally, I added some other embellishments and ribbons. Again, I wish I had blue or silver ink – even black – something other than red to blend in better with this design.

The Paper Crate November 2018 - Cards 62

And finally, here are all 4 of my cards together.

Verdict: This craft project was fun and not too difficult. I’d estimate that I spent around 2 hours total on all the cards. Overall, I like the items included and the cards that I was able to make. I wish all of the needed materials were included so that I had the option to make the cards exactly like they were shown in the instructions. I like that in the value department, I didn’t receive just one and done items, some of the items are reusable and can be added to my crafting collection – so it feels like a better investment.

To Wrap Up:

Can I get this box if I sign up today? Yes, you can order this box as a one-time shipment for $34.99 here. If you sign up for the monthly subscription, your first box will be December.

BLACK FRIDAY DEAL: For a limited time, use code CJBLACKFRIDAY to save 30% off any subscription!

Coupon - Use code MSA10 to save 10% off your first box!

Value Breakdown: The cost of this box is $29.99 and creates four cards, breaking down to about $7.50/card. This does not account for the materials that can be used for future crafting, so I do feel like it’s a fair value.

Check out more crafty subscription boxes in the DIY + Crafting Subscription Box List!

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

What do you think of November's The Paper Crate: Card Making Kit?

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"Each monthly cardmaking kit contains supplies to make four original & uniquely designed cards including a stamp set, embellishments, tools, instructions and a variety of other items to complete your cards. Some boxes will include a special surprise. You will learn new techniques as you master y... read more.
Colette Christian
Colette Christian
Colette's subscription addiction started innocently enough with a few beauty boxes in 2013. As her life has evolved, so have her subscriptions - and some of her favorites now include boxes that cater towards lifestyle (Popsugar Must Have), pets (BarkBox), and children (Gap Outfit Box and Mac & Mia).

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4 comments

Sarah

Thank you for posting pictures of the items in the box… I ordered a past box and some of the items on the list were not in the box! So far I’m very disappointed in this company…

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Geanna

I love these. I think they could be sold in a store they are so pretty and unique. I live crafting. Thanks so much for this review. Im keeping this box on my list for the near future 🙂

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Colette

Thank you!!!

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Geanna

*love I meant but I guess I sort of live for crafting too lol

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