As I was scrolling through Instagram a week or so ago, I came across a post by Kat of KittyandKatMiniatures saying something called a SquintBox had arrived at her door. What is a SquintBox? I asked. Kat referred me to this site and I must say, my interest was definitely piqued.
SquintBox is a monthly subscription service created by Darren Scala, the founder of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures (which happens to be across the Hudson River and then due south from me – time for a trip to the shop). I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but monthly subscription boxes have become very popular of late. I’ve seen them for beauty products and books and food, so why not minis? Darren calls it: Your Monthly MiniFix™ You get a box delivered to your door monthly with up to 6 different handmade miniatures inside.
Well, this is manna from heaven for this girl! I signed up and then I wrote a note to Darren who generously sent me this inaugural box to review for all of you.
It arrived in my mailbox on Saturday:
Just after opening the box. I had to contain my enthusiasm so that I could ‘document’ this via my camera.
This is the booklet that is included and it answers any and all questions about SquintBox.
Lovely packaging, don’t you think? Untying the bow….
And there’s the box. Inside?
More charming packaging with the theme for this month’s selection: Celebration!
Inside each of these little envelopes were the minis. Darren has put so much thought into the packaging; each of these packets display graphics for the particular type of mini inside, and on the back is a fun quote. For example, on the back of Drinks: “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson.
The little ‘Celebration’ booklet describes this month’s theme and also includes information on this month’s Miniaturist Spotlight: Michael Yurkovic of Atomic Miniature. (Darren is also having a contest for the chance to win one of Michael’s miniatures – you’ll find more information on the site.)
What minis were chosen this month?
A retro Cosmopolitan magazine, a bottle of California Red wine, a very Carrie Bradshaw-esque Cosmopolitan in a martini glass with a lemon twist, an extension cord, candles (with wicks!), and a blueberry pie in a real tin pie pan.
These are, of course, fabulous for mini making and dollhouses, but they can also be used in crafting, room boxes, shadow boxes or simply for the joy of collecting miniatures.
Oh my heavens. Adorable.
Preparing for a celebration…
I’m in love with that Cosmo! (in a real glass, no less.)
There’s lots more information over at mysquintbox (dot) com – here’s the link.
I think it’s such a neat idea! It’s a great way to discover miniatures you might not find in your local shop (if you even have one) or online. It’s a great way for someone like me who doesn’t have a stash of mini accessories on hand to build one. You can keep them, you can give them as gifts, you can add them to your dollhouse, you can use them for scrapbooking…
And via the monthly Miniaturist Spotlight, you’ll learn about all the wonderful miniaturists working and creating out there.
Darren, thank you for this wonderful idea and for sending me the inaugural box so that I could share this with my readers. SquintBox is available to all US customers, and fear not, the international launch is coming.
You can find all about the pricing options on the site; a monthly plan, a 3-month plan and a 6-month plan.
I can’t wait to get the next box, which should arrive in my mailbox by the end of this month.
If you follow SquintBox on social media, you’ll be privy to contests that are going on – this month’s is a chance to win one of Michael Yurkovic’s ashtrays – hand signed
(Photo courtesy of D. Thomas Fine Miniatures – and the SquintBox site.)
(I received this inaugural box in exchange for my honest review.)
Happy Monday.
What a fun idea! I can’t wait to see what you get next!
Me too, Debbie! It’s really cool!
Love this idea! I supper fun surprise each month! I’m glad you signed up Claudia. I love the little cosmos drink!! Happy Monday.
hugs,
Linda
It’s nice to have a special treat arriving at my door!
Hi Claudia. Would you mind letting me know when Squint Box goes international if you remember. I would love to subscribe here in Western Australia. Cheers Julie
I will, Julie.
Who doesn’t like something in the mail that isn’t a bill or an advert? Have fun with your new mini accessories!
Exactly! A treat every month.
Oh…what fun! Enjoy your day! ;)
You too, Donnamae!
Your photos made me feel like I was right there opening the package with you.
That’s what I was aiming for, Joe.
Well, that looks like fun!
It does, doesn’t it?
Claudia, this was really fun. I like sharing your adventure of working with the wee little things. Who knew that there was a whole worldwide subculture of people who create and appreciate these tiny things.
I know! It’s amazing.
This is hilarious to me. When I happened upon your blog earlier this year, I had no idea you were interested in miniatures. But, clearly you were a collector and I connected with your writing of your work, family and at the time, the loss of your darling Scout. I, too, have had the love of miniatures since the early 80’s. You see, at the time, my Mother had died and my husband encouraged me to take an absence from work to get myself grounded. I ended up working for an adorable shop. Well, here I am years later with 2 fully decorated dollhouses, a hat shop, and a teddy bear display box. (My houses are so full that a young visitor said it looked as if they people living there were hoarders.) Yikes, how did my interest in miniatures take me here? Some people collect art, we collect miniatures. It’s art, right? My houses are displayed in my living room for all to enjoy. My interests have now taken me to quilting, but I still love viewing my art daily. P.S. The photos you take actually look like a real room. I gave a double take when viewing.
I’m the opposite. I quilted for years, now I’m into miniatures and dollhouses!
Your cosmo even has an itty lemon twist. OMG, too cute for color TV! I’m not a miniaturist myself – until I started following your blog, I never knew that it was a hobby among adults – but it certainly has been a LOT of fun watching you be one. I can’t believe the detail that can be found in the miniature world too, and I AM someone who really appreciates details, so that makes it even more fun. Looking forward to all your future projects. 🍓
I am constantly amazed at all the wonderful minis out there and the detail can be stunning. Thanks, Janet!
‘Brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things.” (Sound of Music) I know a gal who has really no one left in her life to even send her a birthday card and, upbeat person that she is, she sends herself packages in the mail for the sheer joy of having a gift to open. We all need our treats to soften what’s hard in life. This is just the ticket. GENIUS idea. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
I think it’s genius, too, Vicki. I’ll be sure to share what I find in the next box (later this month.)
I gave it a lot of thought, asked a few questions of Darren and finally put in a subscription today…all because of you (and I told him that!).
I hope you like it, Vicki!
That was a fun box to open with you Cladia. So sweet.
Blessings,
Betsy
It was a nice surprise in the mail, Betsy!
So cute and fun for you!
Thanks, Doris!
How adorable! What fun!!
It was such fun opening it, Nancy!
As if our mini addictions weren’t bad enough…..they come to our door now!
Something tells me I’m in trouble, Kat!