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. Once a month, we send a thoughtfully prepared 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.
For under ten's, check out Green Kid Crafts or We Craft.
How do I know if this box is a good fit for my child?
This box 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.
About 1/4 of our kit recipients are 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.
What is the cost?
Single person subscriptions are $34 per month + $8 for shipping.
Two-person upgrade kits are $48 per month + $8 for shipping.
We sell overstock kits on our website as single/non-subscription. These will typically sell for $34 each + shipping (variable based on weight/quantity of items ordered).
Occasionally we run specials. Make sure you get on our mailing list and follow us on social media so that you hear about them.
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 priority mail (1-3 business day), though may use UPS or FedEx if it will be more expedient or you can't receive postal mail at your address. Your first box will ship within 7 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.
Subscription kits are typically shipped around the 20th of each month, +/- 3 business days. We ship from Kingston, WA, so time to you depends on your distance from us.
Occasionally we will alter the shipping schedule around the winter holidays, but this will be announced via email ahead of time.
How do I cancel?
You can cancel any time by logging into your account and cancelling on your own, or you can email us at support@terracreate.net. In order to receive a refund you must cancel BEFORE your box has shipped.
Manage your subscription here: https://terra-create.cratejoy.com/customer/login.
How do I change my address or payment information?
Simple. Just login to your account and make updates to your information or contact us at support@terracreate.net.
Manage your subscription here: https://terra-create.cratejoy.com/customer/login.
Something I got didn't work for me and I need a refund or exchange.
Did you receive a product that didn't work for you? It's important to us that you're happy with your product. You have 5 working days from the receipt of your goods to contact us and arrange an exchange, return or refund. It's important to contact us right away because of the unique shipping schedule of our subscription boxes. We can replace broken or damaged items, and we can refund your subscription if you're not happy with it.
Can you put the recipient's name on the shipping label?
Yes. The order form asks for the Recipient's name separate from the Billing Name (yours).
I have more than one child. Do I have to purchase a separate box?
No, we offer an upgrade for 2 crafters. We will provide extra supplies so that there is enough for two persons. If any tools (like a glue gun or wire cutter) are provided, these will typically not be sent in duplicate. This way we can keep the costs lower for the upgrade. But you can count on extra paints, brushes, papers, and misc. supplies.
If you have more than 2 children, or they don't share well, we recommend individual boxes.
