I know I’m hopelessly late to review the March To DIY For box, but I’ve been really busy lately with almost no time to blog [even had to skip this week’s Talk To Me Tuesday, and have zero posts scheduled ahead]. In March, Darby Smart introduced us to the wonderful world of wood burning, an activity most of us here have never tried before, I’m sure.
HOW IT WORKS
Every month for $19.00 + free S&H Darby Smart “To DIY For” Club members receive a kit with a mystery DIY project, curated by the featured designer or blogger. The kits come equipped with everything you might need for your project, so you won’t need any additional tools. Darby Smart also offers a variety of one-off projects at various price points, as well as gift boxes.
If you would like to use my referral link, click here to check out the list of projects. Thank you! 🙂
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| Darby Smart To DIY For March 2014 Box – contents |
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| Darby Smart To DIY For March 2014 Box – contents |
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| Darby Smart To DIY For March 2014 Box – instructions |
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| Darby Smart To DIY For March 2014 Box – first attempt at wood burning, using the included scrap of wood |
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| Darby Smart To DIY For March 2014 Box – working on my project. I plan to cover the whole surface with flowers! |
The kit included everything you might need to create a fun project: two 9 1/2 x 6 Simply Bamboo cutting boards, Creative Woodburner pen, Crafter’s Workshop stencils, green Beads in a Bottle, and a plain sheet of scrap wood for practice.
As always, the instructions were very clear and easy to follow, and I’m glad I had that little scrap of wood to practice with because I totally needed it, since I never held a wood burner before. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in terms of pattern, but I used the included stencils and suddenly realized that I want to cover my whole cheese plate in flowers.
My husband was worried at first that I would hurt myself or burn the kitchen down [lol], but after supervising me for a few minutes he realized that I can handle this tool just fine, and left me alone.
The wood burner’s handle can get really hot after 10 minutes of use [at least mine did], so I had to keep taking breaks. I think the design that I have in mind is going to take me a while to complete, and with my schedule I’m only spending a few minutes a day on it, but you can see the progress I’ve made 🙂 There is a lot of detail that will go in it, but the result will be worth it, I’m sure.
Speaking of those green beads in a tube, I was confused how to use them and why they were included, but after taking a closer look at the stencils I realized that they were included as an extra in case we wanted to personalize fabric items: tablecloth, runner, napkins, maybe even a t-shirt or a canvas purse. That’s something I will consider doing in the future once I have more free time.
THE VERDICT
This was the best Darby Smart DIY project that I tried so far. I love the novelty, and the utility of it; and the fact that the wood burner is reusable will allow me to create unique items and personalized gifts in the future. I also really like those flowery stencils, I can reuse them for so many fun projects!
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This is so fun!! I’ve been thinking about getting this!
I love the mystery of these kits, but each time it’s something fun and engaging. Even my hubs got interested!
how fun is this! love the design note wood, very pretty!
Glad you like the design, I think I will add more flowers to it over time 🙂
That is such a cool kit! I’m not super crafty, but I’d love to play around with that!
I’m not terribly crafty either, but it was a very fun experience, even for beginners 🙂
This looks so fun! I am not crafty at all but it looks like something I sure would love to try!!!
Trust me, I’m not crafty either, but I had a blast with these boxes. They’re definitely aimed at DIY beginners.
I’m not crafty, but this is the second Darby DIY box review I’ve seen that I wanted to try. I am not a crafty person! Do not want! Shoot. Maybe I do want. I do want it. Darn it. I do want it.
All Darby Smart boxes are aimed at beginners I think, because all projects seemed intimidating at first, but then the instructions made everything sound super easy. It’s a fun subscription to try! They also sell one-off projects.
Looks like so much fun!
It really is 🙂
Interesting box!
Isn’t it?
What a neat project!!
Glad you like it, Destany 🙂
This looks SO fun!
I’m glad you like it too! This was an amazing project 🙂 Actually, not “was”, because it’s still ongoing.
I love Darby Smart boxes!
You and me both! They are like a breath of fresh air, especially when I get tired of reviewing makeup and skincare.
Wow, had no idea this even existed, looks cool and fun
Glad you like it, Norah! These boxes are so much fun, and it’s a nice change from reviewing nails and makeup 🙂
What a cool box! I haven’t done a wood burning kit since I was younger. It was something my dad and I like to do but we wouldn’t follow the stencils. lol This is super cool
Oh I’d be totally lost without the stencils 🙂 What kinds of projects did you and your dad make?
That is a very cool concept if you like DIY
I didn’t know I liked it until trying these boxes 😀
Wow, I had no idea there were DIY boxes, how fun!
I know, right? A nice break from polishing nails and reviewing makeup 🙂
This is a box I’ve really been wanting to try!
I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed with these boxes. The projects are always fun and the instructions are easy to follow. You should give it a try some day 🙂
This so for those crafty girls
You know, I never thought I was crafty and I was very intimidated to try these boxes, but they turned out to be so fun!
If only I have extra time in my hands, I will sub to this box because I love DIYs.
I know exactly what you mean. I’m swarmed with ideas and things I want to write about, but there’s just not enough time for it all.
This looks like a lot of fun! I want to try this. I have actually always wanted a wood burner but never bought one!
I didn’t even know they existed before seeing one on Darby Smart website! This was a really fun kit 🙂
That is super cool – I would totally subscribe.
Aren’t they just full of great ideas over at DarbySmart? The projects are very fun and so simple even for novices 🙂