PLASTIC FREE CHAMPIONS
We’re plastic free champions!
We are thrilled to announce that our eco-friendly craft kits business Craft Box Club has been awarded the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) Plastic Free Champion status! This prestigious recognition marks a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainability and reinforces our commitment to protecting the environment. We are working towards our silver status and that involves connecting with you, our wonderful community to see how we can all reduce plastic use where we are.
Who are Surfers Against Sewage?
Surfers Against Sewage is a grassroots environmental charity dedicated to the protection of the ocean, waves, beaches, and wildlife. Founded in 1990, SAS has grown from a small group of surfers protesting against sewage pollution to a nationwide movement addressing a broad range of marine conservation issues. Their mission is to create a Plastic Free Coastlines by mobilizing local communities, promoting policy changes, and raising awareness about the impact of plastic pollution.
The Importance of Crafting Without Plastic
In our modern world, plastic has become an omnipresent material due to its convenience and low cost. However, its durability means it can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to significant environmental damage. Crafting without plastic is a powerful way to reduce our ecological footprint and promote sustainability. Far too many of the products offered to crafters are massively over packaged and contain hidden plastic. Toxic paint, plastic wool and yarn and glitter are just some examples of harmful plastic hidden in plain sight. By eliminating plastic from our craft kits, we not only reduce waste but also inspire creativity through the use of natural, biodegradable, and recyclable materials.
Why Our Eco-Friendly Craft Kits Matter
Achieving the Plastic Free Champion status from SAS underscores the value of our efforts. And we’re not just stopping there. We’re aiming for our next level silver award and that’s why we’re here engaging with our community. It means that our business practices align with the high standards set by SAS for reducing plastic use. Here’s how we do it:
Materials: Our craft kits use sustainably sourced materials such as natural wool, recycled paper, powdered Earth paints, and plant based non-toxic dyes.
Packaging: We avoid plastic in our packaging, opting for recyclable and compostable alternatives like cardboard and wood.
Community Engagement: We actively engage with our customers and community to educate and inspire plastic-free crafting.
Crafting Without Plastic: Ideas for Home
Embarking on a plastic-free crafting journey at home can be both fun and rewarding. Here are some creative ideas to get you started:
Nature-Inspired Crafts:
Use leaves, twigs, pine cones, and stones collected from nature walks to create beautiful art pieces.
Press flowers and create stunning framed artworks or greeting cards.
Upcycled Materials:
Transform old clothes into fabric scraps for sewing projects or rag rugs.
Repurpose glass jars into painted candle holders or storage containers.
Biodegradable Supplies:
Choose biodegradable glitter made from plant cellulose instead of plastic-based glitter.
Use natural dyes made from fruits, vegetables, and spices for colouring fabrics and papers.
Eco-Friendly Adhesives and Paints:
Opt for non-toxic, water-based glues and paints.
Make your own glue using simple ingredients like flour and water.
Recycled Paper Crafts:
Create your own paper from recycled scraps to use in cards, tags, and decorations.
Use old magazines and newspapers for papier-mâché projects.
Join Us in the Journey
Our achievement of the Plastic Free Champion status is just the beginning. We invite you to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly world. By choosing our craft kits, you’re not only nurturing your creativity but also making a positive impact on the planet. You’ll also help us support the planting of urban trees in the UK! Together, we can craft a future free from plastic pollution and full of creativity and environmental stewardship.
Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our mission. Let’s continue to make beautiful things, sustainably!
Happy crafting!
GETTING STARTED
If you’d like to join us on an eco crafting adventure here are some great kits to start with!
GETTING STARTED WITH MACRAME
Could this be the most eco-friendly craft?
In today’s fast-paced world, many people are seeking ways to slow down, unwind, and tap into their creative side. Macramé, the art of knotting cords into beautiful patterns, offers just that. With its roots tracing back centuries, macramé has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, captivating crafters of all ages with its simplicity and versatility. If you’re looking to embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Ultimate Eco-Craft?
Yes I really think it could be! It’s crafting alchemy, with just a few simple knots you turn humble string or rope into beautiful and often super useful creations. We know that it can look really tricky to get started though, so let’s dive in and get you excited to start your first project!
Where to start?
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll unravel the basics of macramé and provide you with the knowledge and inspiration you need to get started on your own macramé projects.
Understanding Macramé
To begin your macramé journey, it’s essential to understand the basics of this ancient craft. Macramé originated in the 13th century among Arabic weavers and sailors who used knotting techniques to create decorative fringes on textiles and secure items aboard ships. Over time, macramé evolved into an art form, with intricate patterns and designs emerging across various cultures.
Today, macramé is primarily practiced using cords made of cotton, hemp, jute, or synthetic materials. The beauty of macramé lies in its simplicity – all you need are your hands, some cord, and a few basic knots to create stunning pieces of art. I also find a tin of beans to be pretty handy too, but we’ll get to that later.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before diving into your first macramé project, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Macramé Cord: Choose a cord that suits your project’s aesthetic and purpose. Cotton cord is soft and pliable, making it ideal for beginners, while jute or hemp cord adds a rustic touch to your creations.
Scissors: A sharp pair of scissors is essential for cutting your cord cleanly and accurately.
Tape Measure: To ensure your macramé piece turns out just right, a tape measure will help you maintain consistent measurements. Of course, all our craft kits come with everything you need for your make all measured out for you!
Macramé Board or Workspace: While not essential, a macramé board or workspace will help keep your cords organized and prevent them from tangling as you work.
Optional Embellishments: Depending on your project, you may want to incorporate beads, feathers, or other embellishments to add flair to your macramé creations.
Comb: For some projects you need to fray the cord at the ends to get a lovely cascading effect. It can help to have a medium tooth comb to help you do this
Oh yes, and here’s where the beans come in. I find it really useful to have a nice heavy tin of something to weight your creation down while you’re making it to keep everything in place. Above, I’ve included a clip from one of our guides showing the all important tin in use!
Basic Knots
The foundation of macramé lies in its knots. While there are countless knotting techniques, mastering a few basic knots will allow you to create a wide variety of patterns and designs. Here are some essential knots to get you started:
Square Knot: The square knot is the building block of many macramé patterns. It consists of two half-square knots, one tied right over left and the other left over right. As an example, the photo hanger kit shown here uses square knots to create the lattice pattern.
Lark’s Head Knot: This simple knot is used to attach your cord to a dowel or ring, creating the starting point for many macramé projects.
Half Hitch Knot: The half hitch knot is created by looping one cord around another and pulling it through to create a knot. It’s commonly used to add texture and depth to your macramé designs.
All of our video guides take you through these knots nice and slowly so you’ll know what you’re doing.
BEGINNER PROJECTS
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics of macramé, it’s time to dive into your first project. Here are a few beginner-friendly projects to help you hone your skills:
Plant Hanger: Create a stylish home for your favourite houseplants by crafting a macramé plant hanger. This project is perfect for practicing your square knots and can be customized to fit pots of various sizes.
Wall Hanging: Express your creativity by designing a custom macramé wall hanging. Experiment with different knot patterns and embellishments to create a unique piece of art for your home.
Keychain: For a quick and easy project, try making a macramé keychain. This miniature project is perfect for practicing your knotting skills on a smaller scale and makes a charming accessory for your keys or bag. Our Semilna kit comes with a wall hanging and a keychain so that’s a great way to get started!
Troubleshooting Tips
As with any new skill, you may encounter challenges along the way. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you overcome common macramé pitfalls:
Tangled Cords: Keep your cords organized by using a macramé board or workspace to prevent tangling as you work.
Uneven Knots: Achieving uniform knots takes practice. Take your time and focus on maintaining consistent tension to create neat and tidy knots.
Experimentation is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different knot patterns, cord thicknesses, and embellishments to discover your unique macramé style.
Congratulations! You’ve completed your crash course in macramé and are ready to unleash your creativity on the world. Whether you’re crafting plant hangers, wall hangings, or keychains, the possibilities are endless with macramé. So grab your cord, tie those knots, and let your imagination run wild. Happy knotting!
If you’re keen to try macramé for the first time, a craft kit is a great option. You’ll get all the right cord for your project with everything cut to the right size. We also provide you with easy to follow photo and video guides so you can see exactly what to do. Take your first step into learning a great new skill and click the link below…
Why should you craft plastic free
Why plastic free
2nd May 2024
In today's world, where environmental concerns are at the forefront of our minds, embracing sustainability is no longer just a trend—it's a necessity. As we strive to reduce our ecological footprint, every aspect of our lives, including our hobbies and creative pursuits, must align with eco-conscious practices. That's where eco-friendly crafting comes into play, offering you a way to unleash your creativity without it costing the Earth. Let's delve into why it's crucial to use less plastic and adopt more sustainable alternatives in crafting.
Plastic Predicament: The Urgent Need for Change
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From clogging our oceans to infiltrating our food chain, the detrimental effects of plastic are far-reaching and profound. Traditional craft materials often contribute to this crisis, with plastic-based components found in everything from glitter to beads, paints to packaging. It’s a growing problem, the World Economic Forum says that plastic production has reached 380 million tonnes in 2015 and a third of this ends up as pollution.
The production and disposal of plastic have significant environmental consequences, including greenhouse gas emissions, habitat destruction, and harm to wildlife. Recognising the urgency of the situation, we wanted to bring you incredible alternative craft materials and tools that prioritise sustainability without compromising on creativity and fun!
Crafting a Sustainable Solution
Enter Craft Box Club, designed to offer an amazing, natural creative journey. Our kits are all about sustainability at every stage, from sourcing materials to packaging and beyond. Here's why they're a game-changer:
1. Reduced Plastic Dependency
Unlike conventional craft kits laden with plastic components, eco-friendly alternatives utilise biodegradable, recycled and natural materials. From recycled t-shirt yarn to recycled paper for origami, to gorgeous wooden tools and powdered Earth paints, these kits minimize plastic dependency without sacrificing quality or variety.
2. Mindful Material Sourcing
Sustainability isn't just about eliminating plastic—it's about making conscious choices at every turn. We carefully curate materials that prioritise environmental stewardship and we love working with other small businesses who share our values.
3. Minimal Waste, Maximum Impact
A report by Greenpeace highlighted that retailers continue to rely heavily on single-use plastics for packaging, despite increasing consumer awareness of the environmental impact. Our kits are totally free of plastic and incorporate reusable and recyclable materials, encouraging crafters to minimize waste and maximise creativity.
Embracing a Greener Future
As individuals, we all have the power to effect positive change through the choices we make. By opting for eco-friendly craft kits, we not only nurture our creativity but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Here's how you can join the movement:
1. Choose Wisely
Next time you embark on a crafting project, opt for eco-friendly alternatives that prioritise sustainability. Look for products made from renewable materials or packaged in recyclable materials.
2. Spread the Word
Share your passion for eco-friendly crafting with friends, family, and fellow crafters. By raising awareness about the importance of sustainability, we can inspire others to make greener choices.
3. Support Sustainable Brands
Vote with your own money by supporting brands that are committed to sustainability. Whether it's purchasing eco-friendly craft kits or supporting businesses with robust environmental initiatives, every purchase makes a difference.
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, we’re here to offer some hope and get people talking. By embracing sustainability in our creative endeavours, we can pave the way for a greener, more vibrant future. Let's craft a world where creativity knows no bounds—and where sustainability is woven into the fabric of every masterpiece.
Mother's Day Craft Kit Picks
Our top craft kits for amazing Mums!
Mother's Day is nearly upon us, and what better way to celebrate the creative women in our lives than with a unique and eco-friendly gift? This year, consider giving the gift of creativity with a subscription to eco-friendly craft kits. Not only do these kits provide an opportunity for artistic expression, but they also prioritize sustainability. In this blog post, we'll explore our top picks for Mother's Day gifts.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Craft Kits?
Before we dive into our top picks, let's briefly discuss why eco-friendly craft kits make the perfect Mother's Day gift. These kits often feature sustainable materials, minimize waste, and support environmentally friendly practices. We even support the planting of urban trees in the UK. By choosing eco-conscious options, you're not only giving a thoughtful and creative gift but also contributing to a healthier planet.
Top Craft Kit Picks:
Still our most popular gift subscription. This really is the gift that keeps on giving. We’ll send your Mum a different craft kit to enjoy every month for 3 months. Lots of people love their subscriptions so much they choose to keep them going for the rest of the year!
Even better than flowers! This Wisteria kit is really cool. I loved designing this kit with super soft wool felt. It’s a real pop of colour and a burst of spring brightness.
A crafting chill out classic. Such a lovely kit, especially for beginner crafters. Enough wax to make 4 rose scented melts. It even comes with it’s own beautiful wax melter.
This is a craft kit with a real difference. Along with our iron on/peel off template a few different embroidery techniques and you’ll be able to create this beautiful design on your very own t-shirt!
Valentine's Craft Ideas
Loads of eco-friendly and creative gift ideas for Valentine’s Day!
Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of handmade charm? Here at Craft Box Club, not only do we love love but we’re all about heping the environment so why not ditch the mass produced cards and plastic gifts and take a look at our Valentines suggestions?
Whether you're a seasoned crafter or just discovering your artistic side, here are some delightful crafting ideas to make this Valentine's Day truly special.
1. Handmade Cards That Speak From the Heart
Origami Elegance
Fold your affection into beautiful origami creations. Heart-shaped origami envelopes or intricate paper cranes are unique and thoughtful gestures. My personal fave is this origami heart design. It looks really difficult but follow the video slowly and you’ll get there!
Spell it Out with Scrabble Letters
Craft personalized messages using Scrabble letters. Spell out your favourite terms of endearment or create a quirky crossword puzzle to solve together. Wooden scrabble tiles are widely available and so much fun for that added personal touch!
Doodle Cards
Unleash your inner artist with doodle cards. Let your pen flow freely, illustrating shared memories, inside jokes, and everything that makes your bond special. All you need is a felt tip and your imagination. Start by drawing a heart shape then doodle other little shapes around it. Check out the amazing Mr Doodle for inspiration.
2. GIFT A CRAFT KIT - Our VALENTINES PICKS
Explore our curated kits designed to inspire and spark your creativity and some romance.
Show your love all your round with these squishy soft felted wool hearts. Really fun and easy to make and a stunning results you’ll love forever.
Valentine’s and chill with this wax melt making kit. Relax with the smell of roses. This is the kit to choose if your a crafty novice, it’s SO easy and rewarding. We even include your very own welt melter and tealight so you’re good to go.
We all know flowers are a Valentine’s staple right! And it’s lovely to bring nature indoors. But why not change your bouquet up a bit this year and DIY your flowers! Our Paper Flower making kit will get you going. 3 different types of flowers go together to make this gorgeous bunch. We even include the vase!
3. GET CREATIVE TOGETHER!
Emma and I love nothing better than getting creative together. Here’s Emma taking inspiration from a bauble we found on holiday and using the idea to create a huge under water themed canvas!
Here’s some other tandem crafting ideas:
Make a board game themed around how you met.
Create a scrap book from a romantic get away or an adventure book combining your bucket lists!
Decorate a plant pot and plant something in it.
Copy some artwork that you both love
Grab some chalk and trace each other on the pavement then colour in the outlines
Grab a pencil and sketch each other
Find an old film camera and take it for a walk.
Grab a couple of craft kits and make them together! Don’t forget, if you are a subscriber, we give you the chance each month to add an extra mega discounted kit so you can craft with a partner.
ORDER A CRAFT KIT BEFORE VALENTINE’S DAY AND WE’LL SEND YOU 2 TO DO TOGETHER
USE CODE VALENTINE241
3. GIFT A SUBSCRIPTION
There’s nothing like a gift that keeps on giving. Why not choose something unique and super special for your Valentine this year and send them a gift subscription? They’ll get different, eco-friendly craft kits in the post every month. Craft together or give them some relaxing time to get creative. Our easy to follow video guides will help them make some really lovely things you can both enjoy. Not quite sure what to get? We also offer instantly delivered e-vouchers!
Happy New Year
Wishing you a happy and creative new year
Happy New Year
A year of exploration, nature and creativity
Hey everyone! Wow is it really nearly mid January already!? It was such a busy Christmas period with lots of orders from our wonderful customers and so much Christmas fun with friends and family.
At this time of year I like to sit down with loads of cups of coffee and try to make sense of where I am, everything that happened last year and what’s going on this year. I hope you can join Craft Box Club on a creative journey this year, it’s going to be fun!
NEW CRAFTS
I’ve been blue sky thinking, checking out craft shops and reading up on all the latest crafts trends for 2024. I’ve got a huge list of ideas for this year and I can’t wait to get going. Plus, there are a few crafts which have been on my wish list for a while now and I’ve struggled to make them work with our eco-friendly ethos, but I feel this is the year to get them sorted!
If there are any crafts you’d really love to try this year, please send me your requests via email - adam@craftboxclub.co.uk
NATURE
Since my birthday in August last year I’ve been on a bit of a health kick. One of the main things I’ve made a habit since then is going for a 20 minute walk every day. It’s been amazing and it’s really stuck! Sometimes I find it tough when it’s cold and wet but it really wakes me up. Sometimes you find some truly magic moments too, like in the photo above, taken in my local woods.
You’ll see my love of nature reflected in the craft kit designs this year. I also want to focus on sourcing materials which are not only plastic free in themselves but also come to me without plastic packaging. I’m also keen to start sourcing more tools and materials locally to cut our carbon footprint and support other small businesses.
We’ll also be continuing to donate to the amazing urban tree planting program set up by Ethical Reading. They takes a different approach to many tree planting programs by planting mature trees in urban areas in and around Reading. These trees get all the TLC they need to really thrive and benefit the community and environment. We’ve been able to help fund the planting and care of 2 trees now and I’m so proud of each one.
CREATIVITY
Last year I got back into writing and performing music again. I’ve absolutely loved it and I’m recording an album which I’ll be releasing in the summer. If you’d like to follow me on that creative journey, please have a look at @adamroemusic on Instragram.
Part of the mission of Craft Box Club is to show that anyone can be creative. Although I have a passion for creativity, most of my career has been spent in finance. Not the more arty of times! So I want to show that whoever you are and whatever your background, if I can do it, you can be creative too. And whether that’s art, craft, music or whatever you’re into, I wish you so much luck for a creative 2024.
If you’d like a little help with that creative journey, why not give us a try? We’ll send you amazing projects and materials, provide easy to follow photo and video guides AND I’m even here for one on one help if you need it.
Join the club using the button below and get your first kit in just a few days time!
5 Ways to get creative now!
5 ways to get creative today!
It’s national pencil day on March 29th
The perfect day to start getting creative
Yes who knew there was a National Pencil day? But hey, what better excuse to get creative than today? Here’s some awesome ways to bring more creativity into your life right now!
Get those pencils out!
Well it’s obvious really? It’s pencil day so get those pencils out and put them to good use. Many of us have beautiful art supplies lurking unloved in the cupboard so now is the time to set them free. But what to draw you ask? Wow wow wow, slow down! Who needs that kind of pressure. Start by just taking your pencil for a walk. Just move the pencil around the page making whatever shapes come to mind. For this exercise, don’t lift the nib until you’re finished. Then maybe switch to a different colour or do whatever inspires you from there. This is a great way to make a start. Not got loads of beautiful pencils around? No worries! This can be done just as easily with a stray biro or those stubby pencils left over from mini golfing. Anything goes!
take inspiration from nature
The vast majority of our craft kits are inspired in some way by nature. I love to craft using leaf shapes as they are beautiful and easy to create. Go for a walk and pick up leaves, stones, pine cones etc. Anything you like the look of. Just make sure you’re taking from the ground, not pulling leaves from trees. When you get home, arrange them into a pattern and take photos to immortalise your creation!
3. USE NATURAL AS YOUR palette
Take natural art another level by using found pigments and textures. You can either use the items you collected above or use this as another excuse to get outside. If you’re going for pigments, try to find as many different coloured items as you can. To start with, it can be really fun to crush leaves, flowers and even wood against a sheet of paper. Do it gently with a rolling pin. You’ll be amazed at the range of colours you get.
You can also use natural textures for printing. Use pant of ink blocks to apply colour to your natural objects, then press them firmly against card to create super cool designs. Our autumn leaves kit is inspired by this idea. You can pick one up from the shop now!
4. FREE YOUR MIND. AND YOUR PENCIL
OK so this is not a new idea! It’s a tried and tested method of getting your brain to be more creative. The key to free writing is just going with whatever comes up. If you just feel like writing a recipe or a short story or just some notes about feelings you feel or colours you like. Anything goes. Silence your inner critic. It doesn’t matter what you write.
I’m no writer and I’ve actually written some of my favourite things starting with free writing. Recently, I free wrote for 10 minutes then spent the next 20 minutes shaping those words into a poem. It went way better than it would have if I’d just started with a blank page and been like… “YOU NEED TO WRITE A POEM!” Terrifying! So free your mind and write.
5. Join the Club!
If all this seems really awesome or you need a bit more help then take a look at our eco-friendly craft subscription. A sure way to boost your creativity. Sign up today and we’ll send you a different kit every month. The kits come with everything you need to get making. That includes step by step photo and video guides. We also offer amazing customer service. We guarantee that we can sort out any issues super fast and we offer 1 to 1 zoom calls if you get stuck. You can also message us over social media and we’ll answer any questions you have. Give it a try!
The Christmas Kit 2022
Our beautiful eco-friendly Christmas craft kit for 2022
Christmas 2022
An update
Wow! What a year! I don’t know about you but it’s gone so fast and some much has changed! If you don’t know me already, hi! I’m Adam and I run Craft Box Club from bottom to top. I design and source the materials for every single kit and lovingly pack every box from Craft Box Club HQ in my fairly light covered garage.
This year has been HUGE for me. I’ve finally moved house to somewhere way better suited to me and Craft Box Club. I’ve been waiting 2 years for this and I’m so pleased for what this new place can do for me and my amazing crafty subscribers. Sorry to all, I’ve been pretty quiet this year while I’ve been getting the move sorted. I’m really proud to say, however, that I’ve kept bringing out new eco craft kits the whole way through the year. I’ve been so pleased which what I’ve been sending out and I hope you’ve seen the quality improve.
I’m so excited for 2023! I’m going to have way more time to dedicate to making more and more awesome kits and bring eco craftiness to all my wonderful customers.
The kit
This Christmas is a little special, we’ll have 2 kits on the go this festive season. That’s because one of the kits is a reboot of an old fave, the beach hut painting kit. Way back in the summer of 2021 I brought out the painted pink beach hut kit and it was super popular. It was lovely seeing people post there makes on Instagram. I’ve been wanting to do a winter version ever since and here it is! I love how easy it is and can just picture people doing this with their families. I really hope they become treasured decorations that come out every year.
This kit is packed with natural materials and not just the FSC wood the houses are made from. The combination of wooden stars, burlap, cotton lace, earth paints and shiny snowflakes look fab together!
As some of my wonderful subscribers have been with me for a very long time, I didn’t want to give out the same kit again. So, for long standing customers, I’ve made another kit, a Christmas garland. This uses similar materials but with the addition of one of my absolute faves, metallic leaf.
The garland is made up of little presents and Christmas trees. It’s so much fun to make and I hope you love it!
Thank you!
Thanks to everyone who has crafted with me this year. It continues to be just the most fun thing! Thanks for your support and your patience with me this year while I moved. I honestly hope you get even half as much joy from Craft Box Club as I do. Thanks especially to all of you that have taken the time to get in touch personally to tell me how you’ve got on with the kits and just give me little updates.
If you’re reading this, thinking, should I give this a go? Please do! You won’t be sorry. It’s such a mission for me to help you get creative without it costing the Earth. Just go for it!
Top 10 easy ideas to make the most of Easter creativity
Top 10 easy ideas to make the most of Easter creativity
Top 10 easy ideas to make the most of Easter eco creativity
13rd April 2022
It’s nearly time for an Easter break and this year, unlike last, we’ll be out and about visiting our loved ones, at last!! But don’t forget! Easter is still a brilliant time to get crafting! And it’s even better with company. Get creative and have an energetic, eggsuberant Easter full of colourful crafts and cracking creativity!
All these ideas are great whether you want to get kids involved or you just want some crafty you time. Enjoy!
Top 10 Craft ideas for Easter
Decorate some eggs - This one is a classic! Make sure you drain the egg from your shell before you paint and use it for something yummy! Make a pin hole in each end of the egg and use a straw to blow the contents out. Decorate your eggs with anything you can find! Paint, glitter, flowers, leaves, cut out cereal boxes. Anything, just get creative! You can also use natural dyes to change the colour of your eggs! Check out the twinkl link at the end for more. If you fancy exploring natural dyes even more, why not try our wooden bead or t-shirt dyeing kits.
Make a rag wreath - Wreaths don’t all have to be about Christmas you know! I’m seeing way more Easter decorations around these days and a spring rag wreath is a super addition to the festivities! It’s a great way to use up old fabric, even old tea towels or t-shirts. Just cut out fabric strips as long as your forearm and tie them to a ring. This can be an embroidery hoop if you have one but some garden wire or an old coat hanger work just as well. A trim at the end helps you get a neater look but don’t worry too much. You want a rustic look!
Rag wreath
Make an origami tulip - A real celebration of spring flowers and all you need is paper! Don’t worry to much about getting the right colours. I’ve seen paper flowers made from newspaper and they’re brilliant! I made my flowers using this YouTube video.
Homemade Easter treats - Cut down on all that Easter egg packaging and make your own Easter treats! You can buy Easter egg moulds to create your own eggsellent egg masterpieces or just go with an amazing chocolate cake to share with everyone! My absolute favourite is a chocolate and Guinness cake. It’s sooo easy and it’s delicious! You won’t miss the eggs, and yep, it’s child friendly as all the alcohol cooks off.
Get your camera out - It’s Spring remember! Get outside and see what’s growing. There’s so much going on in nature at this time of year. Every day I go for a walk there is something different to see. Dust off your camera or just use your camera phone and document the season.
Crafty spring clean - Dip into your crafting draw, cupboard, boxes and discover your leftover, unloved crafty stuff. You never know what you might find. Sometimes I’m just not in the mood for a particular craft but if I pick it up later, then it’s just the best. Go a bit mad and get creative with a craft mash up, mixing kits or techniques together. Who knows what you’ll make!
Make a mandala - I love the example below of a nature inspired mandala but you can make a mandala from pretty much anything. Just aim for a geometric pattern. Circles are most popular but they can be any shape. Use, dots of paint, felt tips, coloured sand, even Easter eggs! Mandalas are meant for meditation so use this make to reconnect and relax.
Nature crushing! - OK, I know it sounds a bit odd, but it’s really fun and nowhere near as destructive as it sounds. This is an awesome way to get back in touch with nature and to start to notice the environment around you. Get outside and go for a little walk. Collect small bits of flowers, twigs, leaves, grass etc as you go. When you get home, take a white piece of paper and smush your finds against it. You’ll get some cool colours and textures! This looks great if you note what you found in pencil next to the smush and put it in a box frame. Super cool.
My nature smushes
Create a wildflower tin pot - Ah REUSE, the often forgotten R. Tin cans are so useful and so easily upcycled into a crafty wonder. Rescue one from the bin and decorate it with paint, ribbon, string or dried flowers. Plant it up with some wild flower seeds and you’ve got something that looks pretty and keeps the bees happy. Lovely!
Try some group crafting - This Easter will be a time for reunions, in person and, for some still, over Zoom. A brilliant way to reconnect with your special people is to craft with them. It’s just real quality time to create and share together. I’ve been really inspired to hear how much people have enjoyed making together and I love it when people order a few of the same kit to send across the country to friends for a group crafternoon. Check out our selection below and order some for a group of you as a crafty Easter treat! Let me know how you get on!
And, of course, if you’d like to try a more full on project this Easter, look no further than our eco craft kit shop. Order yours now for instant craft fun!
For more awesome ideas to make your Easter Eco, check out this brilliant blog from twinkl!
Why get a craft subscription?
Why a craft subscription could be for you
Why choose a craft subscription?
Our brilliant subscribers love getting their Craft Box Club kits through the door every month. We’ve only ever had 5 star reviews that pick up on our beautiful makes, awesome support and how much they love that everything comes plastic free.
But why get a craft subscription? Well I’m here to tell you that it could be just the thing you need.
Make crafting a habit - Let’s face it, life is busy! So if you really want to find that super creative version of you, you need to make err…making a habit. And what’s the best way to form a habit? Consistency! Having a kit come to you every month makes it easy to keep being creative and you’ll really start to feel the benefits.
Mental Health Boost - A craft subscription is the ultimate self care investment. Giving yourself some peaceful time to relax into making something every month, giving yourself space away from screens and to be really in the moment can be really powerful.
Affordable treat - Just imagine that mystery box coming to your door every month! It’s so exciting you’ll be desperate to craft that weekend!
Value for money - I know that signing up to £22 a month can sound like a big commitment, but if you’re really looking to make creativity a priority in your life then it’s worth it. We' make sure that you get really great quality kit that lasts. If you want to carry a craft on, we’ll also send you extra materials with a big discount.
Try new things - Whether you’re new to crafting or you’ve been making for years, there are always new and exciting crafts and techniques to learn. Our kits give you everything you need to make something you’ve never tried before.
Help and support - You could just buy a one off craft kit, sure. But when you join Craft Box Club, not only do we give you awesome easy to follow video guides, you can also book one to one sessions with me, Adam, to go through anything you’re having trouble with.
Eco-friendly - Subscription boxes are great because we give you exactly what you need to make. You don’t have to go through the process of trying loads of different tools and materials before you find just the right thing, we’ve done that for you. It’s also pretty hard to find the eco-friendly versions of things. We think about all of that so you don’t have to.
Great gift - Subscriptions are the gifts that keep on giving. Rather than sending a one off gift, imaging how cool it is for your special person to get something new every month that reminds them of how much you care about them.
So if you think that a craft subscription is for you, why choose Craft Box Club? We’ll we’re a small business that really cares about getting people being creative without the need for plastic. There’s no plastic in our materials, tools or packaging and we think that makes the whole experience much..well yeah, nicer. Every subscription supports urban tree planting in the UK.
So if you want to make beautiful things with the eco-friendly way and get all the support you need in your creative adventure, why not give us a try?
Oh, and I almost forgot, we came were top rated craft subscription by Gathered craft magazine in 2022. Yay!
The Christmas Kit
This year’s Christmas craft kit
Tis the season
Peak crafting season is here. It’s time to snuggle up and get cosy with some Christmas crafts. We’ve been working on this Christmas kit since the summer and it’s lovely to finally get it out into the world and see people enjoy making it!
This Christmas we’re making 3 different macramé star decorations for the tree! If you’re not familiar with macramé, well where have you been haha! It’s a super popular form of crafts where you use various types of string, rope and cord knotted into all sorts of patterns.
The shooting star
Here’s the first star decoration, the shooting star. This is made by wrapping coloured yarn around rope then gluing it to a wooden star. I’m really pleased with this twist on the super popular rainbows that have been everywhere this year! This yarn is our usual merino wool and silk blend. Soft, strong and sustainable!
The Ring star
The most traditional of our macramé stars. Made with a wooden macramé ring and loads of gorgeous macramé twine. You’ll learn square knots, half hitch knots and more. Don’t panic, all our kits come with super clear video guides so it’s easy to follow along!
The frame star
I love this little frame star. The half square knots make this look like dainty strands of DNA going around the star frame. It looks almost lacy. Very elegant! This star is perfect for just getting into a knot tying rhythm and losing yourself in craft. For this star we’re using super strong cotton bakers twine and a metal star frame
If you’d like to make all of these stars you can grab it as a one off kit, or subscribe now and you’ll get it as your first kit. It’s an awesome time for gift subscriptions Hit the buttons below for details!
It's Play Doh Day!
It's Play Doh Day!
Never stop playing!
It's Play Doh day on Thursday and it's time to celebrate! Since the 50s Play Doh has been introducing us to the pure and simple joy of creativity, then destruction, then creativity again! It's the total risk nature of play doh what we all loved as kids and it's that safe space for making that I love bringing to you with my eco-friendly kits.
The photo at the top is last year's earth mineral and salt dough kit which elevated the humble dough into jewellery! We've got another salt dough kit in the works for the autumn and I hope it inspires adult creatives just like play doh does for the kids!
Never stop playing!
When we’re young we learn through play. We' just try everything. We’re not afraid to make mistakes. This kind of learning is incredibly valuable and means that we develop rapidly all while having fun!
I’m a massive believer that using to play as a way to experience the world should never stop!
If you want to get more creative then we’ve got you! Click below to find your perfect video guided craft kit and you’ll have a great time relaxing and learning new skills. You’ll also make something you’re proud to show off! Worried about getting stuck? Book a 1 to 1 session with me, Adam, via the members hub and I’ll take you through it.
For a Handmade Christmas to Save the Planet, START NOW!
Get ahead for a crafty Christmas to save the planet!
Craft a better planet
It’s COP26 this year so what better time to think of ways to reduce our impact on our precious planet!? A great way we can all take action is to cut our Christmas consumption and go handmade with our gifts!
We all know that there is something special about receiving a handmade gift. The thought and the time that goes into them is much more precious than anything you can click and collect. But that’s what we tend to forget! The time! By December, the nights draw in and it’s time for some cosy crafts by a roaring fire. Oh no! There’s no time left to make all my gifts by Christmas day!
What’s the answer? Start now! We’re encouraging everyone to pick up a craft kit now to learn the skills and find the designs they want to make for Christmas. We’ll also help you to help source all the materials they need from the best, most sustainable suppliers so everything’s ready in time for Christmas! Problem solved.
Where to start?
If you’re new to Craft Box Club, check out our eco craft kit shop and pick a kit to try. Our Christmas kit is ready to pre order now but, don’t forget, your Christmas kit doesn’t have to be a Christmas decoration. There’s a succulent pot kit for a green fingered friend, a felt garland to brighten up your brother’s new babies nursery or beautiful bargello tealights your mum can display proudly on the table on Christmas day!
Once you’ve chosen a kit, watch the video guide and get making. Once you’ve finished and you need to make some more gifts, just in touch with us over social media, Facebook Messenger or adam@craftboxclub.co.uk and we’ll send you more materials or point you in the direction of out of our brilliants suppliers. Whatever works out best value for you!
If that all sounds a bit much or you have craft fans to buy for, you can, of course, gift a kit or a subscription for them to make. It’s up to you!
New kit: Wisteria Flowers Felt Mobile
Introducing our latest craft kit! We’re felt flower making!
The new Wisteria Flowers Felt Mobile craft kit!
11th August
With heat waves and down pours in the forecast, it’s great to have a few craft projects on the go, and this one is perfect for bringing that summer colour from the garden indoors.
I love the colour and the fresh smell of lavender that comes out at this time of year. It’s so refreshing and energising! For me, it’s the flower that really tells me that summer is in full bloom.
Summer lavender
For this make, I really wanted to celebrate this beautiful summer colour, but this lovely felt didn’t seem to suit the tough upright stalks of lavender so the design transformed into rows of luxuriously flowing Wisteria flowers.
A stunning photo of wisteria
I love how these designs transform in front of me. You never quite end up with what you intended to make. That’s just one of the wonderful things about creativity, standing back and watching it evolve and take on a life of it’s own. I usually make 2 or 3 prototypes before the final make on the video guide. They never look quite as good but I think you can tell when there’s some potential.
One of my earlier designs. The final craft kit gets an upgrade on the felt which makes it look much better quality and I’ve adjusted a few things to make it neater, but the basics are there!
The Eco Credentials
Who doesn’t love felt? At some point in our lives we’ve all crafted with soft, fluffy, multi-coloured felt. It’s one of the first things that we craft with at school. But how many of us know what it really is?
Traditionally felt is made using wool. A barbed needle or set of needles are used to slowly mesh the fibres together to make a sheet of felt fabric. You can have a go at making felt from wool if you grab our Needle Felting Heart Garland kit from the online shop.
Nowadays, most of the felt you’ll find is made from polyester (plastic). Why? It’s cheap! So cheap! You can get a stack of plastic felt for pennies whereas 100% wool felt can be at least 10 times the price. 100% wool felt is incredible. It’s so soft and strong and is an amazing insulator. So if you’re making something special or adding it to clothing, you’ve got a winner there. But, luckily for us eco crafters on a budget, there is a more cost effective option.
Wool/viscose blends! This is wool blended with cellulose from plants. It’s not as cheap as plastic felt but it’s much much cheaper than 100% wool and it performs and feels much more like a wool felt. That’s what I’ve chosen for this mobile and it wouldn’t work without it.
Love these summer purples together
Go Get creative
Fancy having a go? Just click the button below to explore beautiful eco friendly crafting. Start your creative journey here!
New kit: Bargello Tealights!
Introducing our latest craft kit! Bargello tealights!
The new Bargello Tealights craft kit!
30th June
This crafty summer full on sunshine and rain keeps rolling on and I have another kit to introduce to you! I’m really keen to make kits that fit the seasons and I think this one does the trick. The kit makes 3 woolly, Boho tealights. I can just see these making the perfect addition to a late night barbecue in the garden! They each come with 3 soy wax candles so you’re all sorted!
What is Bargello?
Yes, good question! You might not have heard about it, but it’s one of this year’s biggest crafting trends. It’s a type of needle point using regular geometric patterns, usually in bright colours. People are really loving now easy this craft is and the eye catching designs you get. Originally Bargello was used as a way to embroider furniture as it’s so hard wearing.
Close up you can see the squares in the jute
I’ve wanted to try some embroidery for a while but I’m not a massive fan of anything fiddly with a needle. When I found Bargello I loved how easy it was. The patterns are super easy to follow and you can get into that really lovely, mindful, repetitive action.
This is also just a super craft to make in the sunshine. You’re working with short lengths of wool and you don’t really need a work surface. I made lots of versions of these sitting in the garden!
Lids off and ready for lighting!
The Eco Credentials
The trend this year is to use plastic needlepoint canvas but, of course, we’ve put an eco-friendly spin on things. Rather than the plastic canvas we’re using super sustainable Jute. I just love the stuff! I have tried plastic canvas and I find that often the needle gets stuck in the holes. Jute feels much smoother to work with and it’s still really strong.
We’re using my favourite yarn in this kit as well. It’s a Merino/silk blend. It’s lovely and soft to work with whilst being sustainable and strong.
I know it’s hard to get excited about glass jars, however, I’ve ordered these from one of my usual UK suppliers and they’re awesome at packaging with the absolute minimum amount of plastic! Thanks guys!
Nearly finished!
Go Get creative
Fancy having a go? Just click the button below to explore beautiful eco friendly crafting. Start your creative journey here!
The Craft Box Club Story
The Craft Box Club Story
On a mission to spread eco crafts!
7th May 2021
“On a mission to show that crafting doesn’t have to cost the Earth”
I was always a creative kid. I wish I’d known! My childhood was filled with lego creations. The kits never lasted long before they were altered, embellished or transformed into something completely new. Bath time was for mixing potions, carefully left to brew overnight with the expectation of something magical, one day…surely! I used to obsessively make little flip books or adventure stories where you could choose your ending. I discovered a passion for music, teaching myself bass and crashing as many after school bands as I could. Whilst travelling, I taught myself some Green Day songs on a borrowed guitar. At uni I formed an indie rock band writing songs and playing loads of gigs.
“People would say, “you’re quite creative aren’t you!”. I used to laugh “are you kidding! Have you seen my awful handwriting!”.”
People would say, “you’re quite creative aren’t you!”. I used to laugh “are you kidding! Have you seen my awful handwriting!”. I’m dyslexic. Handwriting lessons were the absolute pinnacle of oppression. Creative, to me meant, you can draw, you can paint, basically, you can see something in real life and make it appear in front of you as a neat and finished work of art!
I’ve learned that creativity is both, much more and much less than that. Creativity can be about music and design and programming and philosophy and changing the world. It can also be as simple, silly and fun as putting some lab coats on and throwing paint at each other. At it’s simplest, it’s just making a thing. And that’s what I love. So I get it now, I am creative!
“We all have a desire, to make, it’s within each one of us and it’s deeply human.”
We all have a desire, to make, it’s within each one of us and it’s deeply human. We wouldn’t have got to where we are as a species without making. We all have a need to take what’s inside our heads and make it tangible. Creativity gives us purpose and grounds us in the world. Like many of us, I struggled for years to try to find creativity in my corporate job. Working as an analyst I’d design more and more outlandish graphics and learned to code to build the best interactive apps and dashboards. But it wasn’t enough.
I was hungry to make something more tangible, and to learn real life craft skills. First, I tried craft workshops, but it was really tough to fit in workshops around work and time with my daughter in the evenings. Then I turned to craft kits, but they just didn’t work for me! The instructions were hard to follow, the designs were never really anything I wanted to keep and, worst of all, these kits were full of more plastic than crafts! I wasn’t alone, I knew loads of people who’d get painting kits as a gift but never got round to using them. They’d inevitably end up in the bin and add to the ever-growing landfill.
“Craft Box Club is my reaction to this problem. I want to empower people to feel their own creativity. To have a safe space to learn real life craft skills and give them the “I made that” moment.”
Craft Box Club is my reaction to this problem. I want to empower people to feel their own creativity. To have a safe space to learn real life craft skills and give them the “I made that” moment. I want them to actually want to make the design in the kits. It should be really easy for people to understand what to do, a fiddle free, enjoyable process. I want people to be able to make without the need for any plastic packing and kit that breaks after a single use. I want creativity that doesn’t cost the Earth.
So…all the craft projects are designed to be something that you want to show off. I spend loads of time sourcing the best natural materials available. I go to great lengths to find the most sustainable packaging whether it’s traditional material like wood wool or innovative biodegradable “plastics” made from cellulose. All the kits come with really easy to follow video and step by step guides as well as optional one to one sessions with me to sort out any niggles.
I have absolutely loved connecting with people over craft. I’ve had wonderful reviews and have been told touching stories of families and friends sharing crafts over lockdown. I’m most moved by the part that crafting can play in completely changing people’s lives. Giving a relative something to keep loneliness at bay, an excuse to reach out to a support group after a loss, reigniting a long forgotten passion for creativity. I love how crafts can improve lives and, when you craft with nature, connect you with life, your environment and our precious planet.
Go Get creative
Have I inspired you to get creative yet? YES!? Amazing! Good choice! Just click below to explore beautiful eco friendly crafting. Start your creative journey here!
New kit: Painted Pink Beach Houses
Introducing our latest craft kit!
The new Painted pink beach house craft kit
25th May 2021
I have to say that went I planned on releasing this kit in May, I was imagining longer, warmer days, bathed in sunshine! It’s not quite turned out like that has it? My part of the world has been battered with storms and soaked with endless downpours all month! Though this kit might not be hailing the summer, at least it provides some hope of blue skies ahead!
Seaside beach huts, inspired this kit
The inspiration for this kit came to me during a long weekend in the beautiful little seaside town of Lyme Regis last year. It was my first holiday with girlfriend Emma and it was just heaven! We managed to squeeze it in between lockdowns and it was amazing to get to spend so much time together after so much time apart.
I loved the little painted beach houses that you find in so many of the shops in town. They were all totally unique and full of pretty pastel colours. I was quite touched when Emma bought me 2 mini beach houses for Christmas last year and I’ve wanted to see if I could recreate them ever since.
Though these houses are definitely connected with the British seaside, the pink colour takes me back to my childhood spent in Bermuda. Most of the houses of the little island are painted bright colours. The most popular colour of all, pastel pink, to blend with their pink tinted sandy beaches!
Sandy Bermuda beach
The craft - Powdered Earth Paints
This is a super simple craft. It’s all about painting and decorating little seaside houses. First you apply a based coat, then paint on the details to make it look just little a little model house. I’ve supplied string, glue and a few extra to decorate the house. The guide shows you how I finished my design but I’d definitely encourage you to go freestyle if you feel it.
Even though the design is simple, there is some fine detail to apply here. The best approach is to slow down, take a deep breath and relax into it. I found it really meditative. And don’t forget, if it’s not perfect, don’t worry! Beach houses are never perfect. The style is rustic and lashed by decades of salty winds!
The Eco credentials
Oh no, there are plastic bags in this kit! NO! Don’t panic! It might look like the paint comes in plastic bags but it’s not plastic, it’s cellulose. That means that everything is home compostable.
The paints are the star of the show in this kit. They’re powdered earth paints so they’re made of pure earth minerals. Nothing nasty added and you just add water! I still can’t believe the diversity of colours you can get using earth paints and they’re just so much better for the environment than acrylic paints in little plastic pots.
I love the rustic look of the string which outlines the roofs of this design and you get a few other materials to make your house look extra beachy.
The video guide that comes with this craft kit gives you super clear instructions of how to recreate my design but I’d love you to go freestyle!
Painting video guide
Go Get creative
Fancy having a go? Just click the button below to explore beautiful eco friendly crafting. Start your creative journey here!
Behind the scenes - our craft video guides
How we make our craft video guides!
Lights, Camera…Craft!?
28th April 2021
Oh the glitz and the glamour of movie making! The Oscars came and went this week with no sign of a nomination for Craft Box Club! But I don’t care, I’m not making craft movies for the Academy, I’m making them for my amazing, creative subscribers!
I love videos!
I’ve always been a visual learner, so I’m drawn to making videos. I don’t think anything beats a how to video if your learning a new skill. I’ve been making videos for about 2 years now. Mostly craft guides, of course, but I take the odd break to edit videos for a choir, a eco festival and, just once, for a hip hop craft battle!
Every one of our kits comes with a super detailed video guide. I take each step slowly so you can follow along. I try to cut away as little as possible so you can see exactly what I’m doing
Here’s one of our guides being edited. This can take up to a day per kit. I need to make sure everything flows really nicely and each stage is clear and easy to follow. I really enjoy the process of filming and editing and really get in the flow!
Although there are video guides for each of our craft kits, I have also started to include step by step, static images with written instructions so you can choose which you prefer. Right now, I don’t do any printed guides as I want to cut down on waste paper. You do, however, get a tip sheet in each kit. These are printed by a lovely local printer that uses a special technique so each sheet is produced carbon negative!
Tips for getting the most from our craft guides
Relax and craft in your own time - I’ve had one or two crafters worried that they can’t keep up with the video. Don’t worry! The video is sped up 3-5 times compared to reality. You don’t need to craft along.
Watch in stages - Start by watching the video in full, then rewind to the beginning and craft along in stages. Watch a bit, do a bit, repeat.
Go slowmo! - Did you know you can slow the videos down in YouTube? Take a look at the button near the volume controls and you can slow anything down that you want to see in more detail.
Easy pause - If you need to pause a lot, the easiest way is to watch on a computer (i.e. not your phone) and pause and play using the space bar.
If you’re ever stuck - If you ever need to go over anything in more detail, head to the members hub for loads of ways to contact me. We’ll get you sorted!
WAnt to join the eco crafting club?
If you’d like to discover the joy of eco crafting, join us today and you’ll be making within a week!
Our Plastic Free Journey - #5 Happy Earth Day 2021
Be your eco best!
Our Plastic Free Journey - Be your eco best!
22nd April 2021
It’s Earth Day today which seems like a great moment to consider the eco crafting journey I’ve been on so far with Craft Box Club. I also want to offer you one single thing that you can do to contribute to combatting climate change, to helping our environment, to making a better world for everyone.
The journey
It’s been over a year now since Craft Box Club pledged to go entirely plastic free. Can I be honest with you? I was worried. When I got “PLASTIC FREE” printed on the box, friends said, “WOW, you’re just a small business dude! Are you sure you want to sign up to that? Are you really sure that you can design a new kit every month without using any plastic?!”. I really wasn’t sure. But I had to try because that’s the sort of world I want to see. I don’t want products made as cheap as possible containing tonnes of plastic. I don’t want to switch on the TV one day and see a piece Craft Box Club kit wrapped around a turtle! Horrendous!
I’m pleased to say that, a year on, it’s been surprisingly easy to keep the kits coming without including a shred of plastic. I have loved educating myself about different craft materials and innovative types of packaging. Doing something different has often helped inspire me to create something unique and really hasn’t held me back.
Please pack plastic FREE!!!
It’s not all gone smoothly! The hardest part for me has been finding packaging to hold powders of all kinds. Thanks so much to the select few customers who patiently waited for a resupply when they found powder explosions in their kits! I'm excited to have recently discovered cellulose bags which I am hopeful will finally rid us all of any more crafty surprises!
Luckily, the UK is absolutely fantastic at supplying craft materials. I’ve been able to work with several trusted suppliers who provide top quality materials such as wool, rope and powder paints with minimal packaging. Finding UK suppliers also really cuts down on any environmental impact from transport.
What I’m finding harder is sourcing tools from the UK. Although I am able to find great quality tools which are plastic free internationally, it’s very hard to explain that I want them shipped without plastic wrapping. Step one was to make sure that tools are not wrapped individually. I’ve had a decent amount of success with this and has massively reduced the amount of plastic in my supply chain. However, I still get situations like this…
When I ordered the cutters for the lino cutting kit, I had a long conversation with the supplier over 4 days about getting the tools without plastic. I convinced them to go and find a paper alternative. I was delighted! However, when they arrived a month later, the handles were packaged in paper but the blades were in plastic! My heart sinks at these moments but I promise, I will do everything in my power to improve this and that every single order I ever place comes with the note. PLEASE PACKAGE PLASTIC FREE. I encourage you to do the same. It usually works!
I’m really pleased to have started working with a few independent tool makers in the UK this year that share my values! I can’t wait to work with them again and to find more!
My number one tip for a better planet
People always want to know what the one thing is that they can do to help combat climate change, to make a better world. Ever had a straight answer? NOPE! Well that’s because it’s complex right? It’s also a huge deal? How can any of us make a difference on our own? Surely it’s impossible! NOPE AGAIN!
Here’s the answer. You need to pick a cause that you are most passionate about. Decide on the way that you want to make a better world and throw yourself at it. You can’t do everything so pick something that gets you excited. Then think about what you’re best at. Where can you make the most difference. Can you organise a demonstration? Can you inspire people? Can you educate people? Can you decide to buy more ethical product? Where do your skills overlap with your cause?
Once you’ve decided, tell everyone about it. Get other people involved. That’s where the real power of your project comes in. When you inspire people to act together you transform your individual action into global action!
I’ve chosen plastic free crafting but there some many good causes to fight and they all need help! What’s your cause? What change will you commit to?
I promise I will…
Remain independent – Without the pressure to act in the interest of external financial demands I can stay true to what I believe in.
Keep making my craft kits plastic free and as sustainable and low impact as I possibly can. Next step, removing it from my supply chain.
Continue to promote environmental issues.
Be true to the Craft Box Club values in the whole of my life. Links to some people that help me with this at the bottom.
Make sure that Craft Box Club growth and scale makes it more sustainable not less.
JOIN THE eco crafting MOVEMENT
If you’d like to learn the skills to start making your own beautiful and useful things, join us today! It won’t cost the Earth!
Top eco businesses
Riverford - food boxes
Eco friendly stuff - Plastic free household alternatives
Sustainable way - Beautiful soap, plastic fre
More cash for trees!
More cash for urban trees in Reading!
More trees please!
2nd April 2021
I’m pleased to say that we’ve made another donation to Ethical Reading’s brilliant urban tree planting project! We’re now up to £75 so far and every Craft Box Club subscription means we’re donating even more to this awesome cause.
what we’re doing
From February 1st 2021, we have supported Trees for Reading by sending them £1 for every new subscriber. Trees for Reading is a brilliant project from Ethical Reading. Their aim is to plant more trees in Reading. It’s a fairly new project but they’re already delivering by planting new trees in the urban environment in and around Reading.
Why plant urban trees?
I’ve been looking at carbon offsetting for Craft Box Club. These schemes usually involve planting new trees for a monthly fee. The main purpose of this is to use trees as carbon dioxide absorbing machines to help in the fight against climate change. However, I’ve chosen not to go down that route but instead support this local scheme.
Although the trees planted by Trees for Reading will, of course, absorb CO2 and help to tackle climate change, this is not their main aim. Urban trees, in particular, have additional benefits. They can reduce local temperatures by creating shade, filter pollution, regulate water flow and improve water quality, provide much needed habitats for wildlife and, I think we can all agree, just make the world a nicer place to be! In fact, you can see a measurable positive impact on mental health just from people having more trees in their lives!
How can I help?
If you’d like to find out more about Trees for Reading and find out more about the amazing benefits of urban trees you can do using this link.
If you’d like to get creative and plant trees you can join Craft Box Club today and we’ll send £1 to Trees for Reading.
Thanks so much for your support!