Darn Good Beads of the Month is a monthly subscription for jewelry makers from Darn Good Yarn. (You don’t have to be able to knit or crochet for this subscription!) Every month you’ll receive materials to complete a quick beading project. You will need some basic tools of your own (pliers, crimping pliers, glue) but they provide all the findings, beads, and stringing materials!
In addition to their Bead of the Month Club, Darn Good Yarn also offers a Yarn of the Month Club, Fabric of the Month Club, and Sock of the Month Club.
This box was provided at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Darn Good Beads of the Month
The Subscription Box: Darn Good Beads of the Month
The Cost: $10/month plus shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 15% off your first order when you sign up for the newsletter. No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: Materials and instructions to complete one beading/jewelry making project.
Ships to: The continental US for $4, Hawaii, Alaska, US territories, and international for $13
Darn Good Beads of the Month October 2019 Review
I’ve been receiving Darn Good Beads of the Month for a few months. I expect to get a simple project with instructions that will be easy to complete in under an hour or two, but the projects have been pretty varied:
The package came with this instruction booklet. It was recycled with minimal changes from a past month. More on that below.
Beaded Crochet Necklace
You are probably thinking, "that doesn't look like a crocheted necklace" and you are right, it isn't. Because the instructions are recycled with little-to-no alteration from the August project.
Now, I remembered my modifications from August, like using a much larger crochet hook than suggested (I used 2.5 mm), and I thought, well, I'll just crochet a bracelet again. But. After about 10 chain stitches, I noticed how much time had gone by and I had the waxy coating from the thread all over my fingers (it was really hard to wash off) and I just said, "that's it, no more." But I wanted to offer an alternative project for anyone who can't (or won't) crochet, so I put some of the beads on headpins and added them to some chain to make a bracelet.
I was disappointed with this project for several reasons. One, a lot of people won't have the knowledge or experience to do crochet, or won't have the materials. Two, the instructions contain errors (like they list two strands of beads but you only receive one) and omissions (you need to string all the beads on the thread before beginning, not lay them out, which isn't particularly relevant anyway since there's no pattern to be made when all the beads are one color). Three, it is just a repeat with different colors compared to only two months ago. Four, I really, strongly dislike the thread and don't think it's appropriate for crochet because it sticks to itself and the hook and coats your hands with waxy stuff.
The other materials were of fine quality. The charm is real TierraCast and the beads were nice.
Verdict: I did not calculate a value for Darn Good Beads of the Month because the materials were unbranded/not labeled (except the charm was TierraCast, which is a good brand). The beads were generally of decent quality but I don't feel the thread was appropriate for crochet. This project was somewhat frustrating. I do think this is a good subscription but this month was not up to par with some of the projects from past months, as detailed above.
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? No, you’ll receive the November box. More from Darn Good Beads:
If you place your order by the 1st, then your box will ship on the 20th (or the next business day during weekends). If you place your order after the 1st, then your box will ship the next month.
ACTIVE DEAL: Save 15% off your first order when you sign up for the newsletter. No coupon needed - just use this link.
Value Breakdown: This box costs $14 (including shipping to the continental US) and you get all the materials to make one (usually jewelry) project.
Check out my past reviews of Darn Good Beads of the Month and see the Craft Subscription Box List for more great beading, craft supply, and DIY project boxes.
Keep Track of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription list or wishlist!
What did you think of the October 2019 Darn Good Beads of the Month? Do you subscribe to any beading or craft boxes?
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