It’s no secret I love to travel. My goal is to see all 50 USA states and much more of the world. While I love all of the “usual” reasons to travel (new scenery, culture, food), it’s also a terrific chance to support local. Supporting local was a goal of mine for a while. And when all that was 2020 hit, it became vital for small businesses to survive.
One of the most artistic places I’ve been fortunate to visit is Whidbey Island, Washington. Just a stone’s throw from Seattle, Whidbey Island and its surrounding towns are filled with eclectic shops and artists. Where else would an old fire station be turned into a glass blowing studio?! I was thrilled to receive a piece of that Whidbey Island artistry from Outside the Box Creation. An imaginative subscription box just for kids.
Outside the Box Creation
Although my Mabel is just under one, igniting that creative spark in her is important to me. The arts and all of its elements have always been my passion. I play her musicals, read her books, and even have made finger paints. Outside the Box Creation combines many of these things, and once again, gives me the chance to support local.
Created by Whidbey Island local Beth Herrild, Beth majored in Fine Arts and as a mom, knows how important the arts are for children to thrive. She continually saw the subject get pushed to the backseat in schools and decided to make a change. Outside the Box Creation offers an array of options for parents and their aspiring artists. There are subscription plans, one-time box purchases, and even a digital club membership.
Create Your Own Monster Story
I received their best-selling Monster Drawing Project Box. The box contains everything you need to write and illustrate your very own monster story. If you need some inspiration, the adorable book, If Monet Painted a Monster, is included. The story tells the tale of monsters invading works of art from the likes of Frieda Kahlo, Helen Frankenthaler, and Monet. Greg Newbold’s illustrations jump off the page, and Mabel always smiles as we admire the pictures. Amy Newbold’s clever story is a fantastic intro to some of the artistic greats.
Still, need some inspiration? Local PNW artist, Justin Hillgrove, hosts a video tutorial to help guide little minds. The gel crayons are just as they’re called; imagine a crayon but more smooth and creamy. It can get messy, but I’ve held Mabel’s hand and let her experience “drawing” and holding a pen for the first time. I imagine the book will be read for many more years to come!
Support Local
Outside the Box Creation is such a great way to introduce the arts to your kids and support local artists. I have a goal to keep my “big name store” shopping to an absolute minimum this year. This is the perfect holiday gift to your kids, grand kids, and homeschoolers you know.
