Frequently Asked Questions
What is Terra Create?
Terra Create is a line of craft kits featuring a variety of artisan quality projects designed for beginners. Each kit contains a box full of supplies curated around a central theme and project. Everything* needed to complete the project will be included in the box, along with step-by-step instructions, full color photos, and a short learning module related to the month's theme. Each kit will introduce new skills. The "terra" in our name is due to a focus on natural materials and earth based themes. Not every project falls into that category, but we make a commitment to be as eco-friendly as possible.
*Occasionally you'll need common household items like a hammer, pencil, or scissors but we never assume you have less common supplies. Our goal is that you never have to go shopping to complete our projects!
What age are Terra Create kits meant for?
Our kits are meant for older children, teens, and adults. In general, a ten year old will have the motor skills to accomplish the steps, the ability to read the instructions, and have the attention span needed for these projects. Children 10-12 will likely require some supervision and light assistance to complete the projects. Terra Create includes adult tools, sharp objects, and occasionally some chemicals that require the maturity to safely handle. So this is definitely not a craft line for young children. It is for big kids who have outgrown childish crafts and want a more grown up experience and for adults who want a simple and convenient introduction to different crafts.
How do I know if these kits are a good fit for my child?
Terra Create is geared towards an older child (10 - 14, or older) who loves to dabble with different materials, experiment, and create in new ways. As a younger child, they probably liked doing the typical pre-school and kindergarten craft projects that involved lots of materials like pipe-cleaners, construction paper, poster paints, googly-eyes, etc. But now they have matured and are showing more grown up tastes. Your child probably likes the outdoors and activities like hiking and camping and you may have caught them collecting rocks, shells, leaves, etc. Or maybe really noticing the colors, textures, and unique characteristics of trees, plants, and wildlife. Your child probably likes visiting art and natural science museums and aquariums, and has a curiosity about other cultures.
In order to work independently, your child should have at least a 4th grade reading level and have the motor skills to comfortably use tools such as scissors and glue, open containers, needle and thread, etc.
Do boys like these kits?
We think so. We've intentionally created our projects to be gender neutral. As a mother of son's, I've found it disconcerting that most craft kits on the market are clearly meant for girls. So, there's nothing pink and sparkly. Colors tend towards neutrals, warm earthy tones, and colors of the sea. There's no jewelry projects or anything that is stereo-typically girl.
Historically, about 1/4 of our kit recipients have been male, though we've found pre-teen boys to be more receptive to arts and crafts than teens and adults. All that being said, you are the best judge about the recipient's attitude towards arts and crafts.
In general, projects can be given a more feminine or masculine touch, as decided by the maker. Every project can be interpreted in different ways, and it's our hope that each person will use our instructions only as a launching point - and really make it their own.
Is this an arts box or a crafts box?
It is both. Many of the projects will be functional or useful items that are also beautiful. And some projects only purpose is the beauty of looking at it. We believe that good design or craftsmanship is an art just as much a painting, drawing, or sculpture. In most cases, our projects will meet somewhere in the middle.
Will children require assistance with these projects?
Our boxes are designed for tweens and teens to be able to work independently and flex their own creative muscles. By age ten, most kids can read pretty well and follow instructions that are not too complicated (as we've written them). Children vary in their skills development however, so some crafts may be more challenging for your child than others. We often include some extra supplies to help with do-overs.
There may occasionally be a component that you'll want to supervise - for example, hammering a nail or teaching your child about safe use of a glue gun. We sometimes use clay that requires baking and candle wax or soap bases to melt in the microwave. Our kits never require use of stove or flame.
Most of our projects will appeal to all ages. So while you don't have to participate *much*, we think you'll want to! In fact, we've created a two-person upgrade kit so that you can craft with your child.
Are your materials 100% natural?
Yes, and no. Our projects will focus around natural materials like wood, paper, shells, leaves, and sand. And each box will include some of these elements. Additionally, we use cotton rather than synthetic fabrics, soy and beeswax for candles rather than paraffin. But tools and supplies may contain plastic or come in plastic bottles or plastic bags. Some packaging is unavoidable, esp. to prevent leaky liquid items. And things like paints and glue may be synthetic. Our boxes and packing material are recyclable.
Do you offer subscriptions?
No. We used to be a subscription based business and you might find reference to that in online sources. We phased out our subscription model in 2023, however, as it was too time and resource intensive and not financially lucrative for us. Additionally, the pandemic killed off several of our key suppliers so many kits had to be discontinued. We've taken roughly a dozen of our most popular kits and now sell them a la carte.
Where and how do you ship?
At the present, we are only shipping to the United States due to International shipping rates that we feel are cost prohibitive for most families.
We primarily use USPS ground, though may use UPS or FedEx if it will be more expedient or you can't receive postal mail at your address. Kits ship within 5 business days. Transit times from when we hand off to USPS or a shipping company tend to be variable, especially at the holidays. We are unable to offer guaranteed delivery dates because of this.
Something I got didn't work for me and I need a refund or exchange.
It's important to us that you're happy with your product. You have 10 working days from the receipt of your goods to contact us and arrange an exchange, return or refund. Contact support@terracreate.net.
Can you put the recipient's name on the shipping label?
Yes. The checkout asks for the Recipient's name separate from the Billing Name (yours). If you missed this when you ordered, please contact support@terracreate.net.
