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DIY Decor Craft Box Review – January 2019

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - DIY Decor Craft Box Close Top

DIY Decor Craft Box
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DIY Decor Craft Box is a monthly subscription box by Chelsea’s Books & Bits. Each month, you will receive everything that you need to make a stunning project, appropriate for beginning crafters to experienced crafters alike.

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - DIY Decor Craft Box Open Top

In addition to the DIY Decor Craft Box, Chelsea's Books & Bits also offers a DIY Paint Box and DIY Crafts For 2 Box.

This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - DIY Decor Craft Box All Items Show Front

About DIY Decor Craft Box

The Subscription Box: DIY Decor Craft Box

The Cost: $28.00 per month + free shipping

The Products: All materials and instructions to complete one project

Ships to: Worldwide! (Shipping may be added for some countries)

Good to Know: There are several other box varieties available. Boxes are mailed on the 5th of every month.

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” Review

This is my first DIY Decor Craft Box and I wasn't sure what to expect. My first impression was that I was surprised that the label was handwritten. It made it feel very "DIY" to start with!

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - DIY Decor Craft Box Chelsea Books & Bits Business Card Top

The first insert was a small stack of business cards, advertising this box. I believe they’re intended to pass out to your friends – no special offer is included on them.

  DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Paint Containers Top

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 1 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 2

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - A Plastic Cup With Small Paintbrush Front

When they say that “Everything” is included for this box they aren’t kidding! Literally, EVERYTHING you need to complete this project is included. I think that’s great! So often “pantry” type items are assumed, so I love that they took nothing to chance (not even a paper towel)!

I received 3 small containers of paint (black, red, white), a small cross-section of wood (around 4" in diameter and 1.5" thick), a plastic cup, a small paintbrush, a metal picture hanger, and a paper towel.

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Instructions Book Top 1 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Instructions Book Top 2 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Instructions Book Top 3 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Instructions Book Top 4 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Instructions Book Top 5

There is an insert providing detailed instructions and images giving step-by-step direction to complete this month’s craft. I wish that the image of the finished product would have been on the front page of the insert, it wasn’t immediately clear what the result should be. I also would have liked some timing expectations to be included, but overall was pleased with the detail provided. One critical note – the picture on the first few pages doesn’t seem to tie into the result page – the black branch that the owl is sitting on is missing. This was a bit confusing for me and I wish it would have been more consistent.

DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Paint Use Over Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 1 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Paint Use Over Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 2 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Paint Use Over Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 3 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” January 2019 - Small Cross-Section Of Wood Top 1

There was very little dry time required between paint colors. To begin, I started with 2 red circles. Next, I added in the black detail to the owl. Then, I added the owl’s eyes and snow pile on top of his head (you knew that’s what it was, right? Ha!). Finally, I added a few more black details and after it dried fully, flipped it over and lightly hammered in the hanger. Voila!

I’m no painter, by any stretch of your imagination, but I was pleased with how this craft turned out in the end. I’d estimate that it took me around 30 minutes, and I felt very much like an artist. You may not agree, and that’s OK! It was fun to paint, and when my child said “are you painting an owl” I felt validated that he knew what I was going for at least!

Verdict: I did not calculate a value for DIY Decor Craft Box because the materials were unbranded and not labeled. I love that every material was included, and they seemed to be of pretty good quality. The paint washed off my hands easily. I was surprised at how simple the craft was, how little time it took, and frankly would have liked something slightly more involved. I think this is great for a beginner crafter – but for someone experienced, this might have been a bit of a letdown. The price of the box is $28, and I don’t think that the resulting craft is worth that price point – based solely on the fact that I would not pay $28 for this small wooden painting done by an amateur painter at a craft show or on Etsy.

The Wrap Up:

Can you still get this box if I sign-up today? If you order today, your first box will be February and shipped on 2/5.

Value Breakdown: This box costs $28 and you get all of the material needed to complete this project.

Check out the Craft Subscription Box Directory for more great beading, craft supply, and DIY project boxes.

What did you think of the January 2019 DIY Decor Craft Box “Owl on Raw Wood” project?

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"Beginners and experienced crafters will love DIY Decor Craft Box, not only do you get to craft but everything you need to make a stunning project is included... no running to the craft store and buying $50-$100 worth of craft supplies. DIY Decor Craft Box delivers everything to you, no worry, no wa... 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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9 comments

Lisa

This is an incredibly generous review for what is essentially a box with less than $10 worth of material and some poorly worded instructions.

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Dani

I agree. Even recommending it for a beginner is far too generous. It is sometimes amazing to me how far people will stretch to spin a terrible box into a positive review. I would feel like such a fraud.
This seems to be more common when the box was sent to MSA for free.

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Elena

I think your owl turned out adorable. I agree this box is way overpriced. The cost of the supplies is about $3-4 and you can get a free painting tutorial on Youtube. They should have included a larger assortment of colors, additional slices of wood and a number of other related instructions for drawing other birds or woodland creatures. And a clear laminate + accessories to turn the finished projects into coasters or a grouped art “exhibit” or something. Even then $28 is too high.

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Colette

I totally agree.

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Trish

I really enjoy the reviews on this site but I think this one missed the mark. I think the value for this box should be $10 or less. I can got Michaels and get larger sizes of all of this items for less than $10 and that includes a plastic cups and paper towel. I could download the instructions for free online. I’m shocked that this was recommended.

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Jessica

The step by step instructions on how to paint an owl has some value, but this is a major rip off for $28. I think if I had paid $10 for this box I still would be disappointed. They’ve got to add more to make it stand out

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Lynsey

I would be pretty mad if I paid $28 for a piece of wood, a little paint and a brush

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Tanya

I agree. Michael’s (or other craft stores) often sells similar kits for $1-$3.

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Holly

Ditto. Need a wow factor or several crafts at this price point.