The Whole Kit And Caboodle: What I Think About Kits & Subscriptions

Have you been thinking about signing up for one of the many monthly kits being offered to Bible journalists and crafters alike? I consider myself a bit of a kit connoisseur or, as some would call me, a kit junkie. Because of this, I’ve decided to share my personal thoughts on the kit and kit subscriptions I’ve purchased.

One of my favorite things about subscribing to these kits is that mail (from the postal service) brings me immense joy. I love each month (or in my case, multiple times a month) walking to my mailbox and finding a much-anticipated package. We’re in a time where the term “snail mail” is rarely used and we’re even less likely to receive it. Which makes perfect sense why it would now be called Happy Mail. Kits really do make me happy! 😉

Something you may not know about me is I’m absolutely thrilled with surprises. Well, not the jump-out-of-a-dark-closet-surprise, but you know what I mean. Though many of the kit subscription companies release sneak peeks of the contents of their kits, I work hard to keep those social media posts from coming into clear view. If I suspect an image is of products, I scroll like a crazy woman so as not to see it or, at least, not to see most of it. Every month, as the subscriptions get delivered, it feels like somebody is sending me gifts. Like I said, I am a fan of surprises.

Another wonderful thing about many of the kits I subscribe to is the unique items they include, whether they are custom-made or I’m simply unable to find it in my area. One subscription often sends me the cutest and smallest colored doilies. I’ve never been able to find them in any of my local craft stores.

Kits I Subscribe To Or Purchase On A Monthly Basis

As for the following, this is not a complete list of all the kits available. I will add to it whenever I subscribe to or purchase a new kit. The list is also in no particular order.

By The Well 4 God Kits

FIND @ bythewell4god.etsy.com

Cost: $22.50 + shipping [must order monthly]
What it includes:
a coordinating canvas drawstring pouch
1 devotional booklet
1 4×6 clear stamp collection
3 tip-in journaling cards
3 4×6 clear sticker sheets
1 set paper pieces
1 custom Daniel Smith watercolor dot-card
2 coordinating clips
2 buttons
1 4×8 custom cardstock alpha sticker sheet
1 4×6 word strip sticker

By the Well 4 God (BTW4G) is currently my favorite kit of all time! I cannot say this clearly or strongly enough; the makers of this kit provide over-the-top value for your money. Just look over the list of products they include. There are so so so many amazing custom-made items, I often wonder how BTW4G can afford to sell them at such an affordable price. Don’t tell them I said that.

Each kit offered is based on a specific theme that ties together certain verses. This most recent kit is titled Cloud Of Witnesses and the one before that was called Living Water.

This is not a “subscription” that comes to your mailbox (automatically) each month. However, with every new kit you’ll receive an email from the company announcing pre-orders and bonus items you can purchase. Also, they continue selling the older kits after that first month. I am somewhat new to their kits and have found myself purchasing multiple kits each time I order, just to stock up on the ones I missed.

Each BTW4G kit is beyond extraordinary, with it’s vibrant colors and exquisite designs.

Magnolia & Magenta Kits

FIND @ magnoliamagenta.com [update 07/25/19: this shop has closed]

Cost: $22.00 + shipping
What it includes: Every month the contents of this kit changes.
Here are some of the things that have been included in past kits: die-cuts, verse cards, tabs, washi tape, clear stamps, stickers, fabric clips, patterned paper, tags, clear cuts and more.

Magnolia & Magenta kits are great themed kits that include a different variety of products each month. The items selected for this kit are super adorable and can be used in a variety of ways. The kit also includes some custom-made items, like the stickers, diecuts, and stamps, all centered around that month’s theme.

I’ve also been pleasantly surprised with things such as envelopes and stationary, incredibly expressive journaling cards and swatches of fabric and ribbons. The makers of this kit have even included unexpected goodies, like earrings, seeds, and a music CD.

Since I have a love of surprises, Magnolia & Magenta kits are one of my faves. Plus, I adore the creator’s artistic style.

Illustrated Faith Devotional Kit

FIND @ illustratedfaith.com

Cost: $19.99 + shipping [must order monthly]
What it includes (sample month):
a thank you card from Shanna
1 roll washi tape
1 clear stamp collection
3 heart-shaped tip-ins
8 paper prompts
25 paper pieces
2 sheets translucent stickers
4 journaling cards
4 devotional cards
1 plastic holder

Illustrated Faith (IF) is the OG (original) of Bible journaling kits. When I began Bible journaling, the very first kit I discovered was Dayspring’s IF devotional kit. IF kits have changed many, many times since I started ordering them. Those changes have included things like replacing their traveler’s notebooks with devotional cards. Even the pricing has changed and as of the day this post was written, they sell for less than $20. The list of items I’ve included is based on the most recent devotional kit and may change once again.

With that being said, one thing that has never changed with IF kits are the quality. The thick paper and stickers, the flexible but sturdy clear stamps and the never-ending roll of washi tape, have all been top-notch since my first order.

IF kits are also based on certain verses and everything they provide is complimentary to the rest of the kit. I especially love the washi tape they design that is custom to that specific month’s kit. And though I do not use washi all the time, I must admit, I’m a bit of a washi tape hoarder. LOL!

Citrus Twist Gracebox Kits

FIND @ citrustwistkits.com

Cost: $21.95 + shipping (subscription pricing)
What it includes (last month’s, May kit):
Fruit of the Spirit Paper Ephemera (Illustrated Faith)
Basics Cardstock Sticker Book (Illustrated Faith)
Hawthorne Acetate Words, one half split pack (6), style may vary from those shown (Heidi Swapp)
3″ x 4″ “Dwell” High-Quality polymer stamp set (Citrus Twist)
1 yard of  Gold Vine Decorative Trim (Crate Paper)
Three 3″ x 4″ “Dwell” double-sided devotional cards (Kaitlin Sheaffer for Citrus Twist Kits)

Citrus Twist offers a variety of craft-related kits. I’ve only subscribed to their Gracebox kits, which is their faith-based subscription.

As for what is included in their Gracebox, it changes every month. I’ve listed what a past month’s kit included, but remember this kit has a variety of different items each month.

I totally dig this kit and love the custom clear stamps that come with it. However, if you purchase a lot of Illustrated Faith products from Dayspring, just be aware that this kit often includes IF products.

I often purchase IF items, so I end up with duplicates. Some of these items I keep for backups because I know I will use them again and again. Other times I add them to a giveaway I’m holding, so it blesses someone else.

Though I love the surprise each month, not knowing what the new kit will include, I just want you to know about the regular inclusion of Illustrated Faith products.

Creative Retreat

FIND @ creativeretreatkits.com

Cost: $14.99 + shipping
What it includes: One sheet of cardstock (faith-based) stickers, One sheet of cardstock (alphabet) stickers, One 3″ x 4″ stamp set, Two bow-topped paperclips, and a devotional

The Creative Retreat (CR) kit was the very first subscription I signed up for. My excitement, the day the mailman delivered it, practically shot through the roof. I enjoy shopping for Bible journaling supplies, so you can imagine how delighted this lazy girl felt to have these items delivered to her home. LOL!

CR provides super similar items every month. Since I’ve been a subscriber (2017) I’ve always received the items mentioned above. The theme or devotional topic changes every month, as do the colors of the stickers and the design of the stamps.

One of the reasons I like this kit is because you know what to expect. I always get a set of stickers with hearts and words, as well as alpha stickers. For those who like change and variety, this might not be the kit for you. However, for those who tend to use certain elements repeatedly, you will find it useful.

The heart stickers that appear in every month’s kit are amazing staples to add to your collection of Bible journaling supplies, just like the alphabet stickers will be. You could utilize the hearts on practically every page in the Bible and for any journalists that are also planner girls, you can also use this kit in your planners and bullet journals.

Finishing Touch…

As a blogger and instructor of Bible journaling and faith art, I try to research, study, and purchase all that I can, so I’m able to provide you with the information you’re looking for. I will be subscribing to more and more faith-based kits as they become available and will be sure to add them to this post for your edification. If you know of any kits that are new and fresh and updated monthly, please let me know in the comments. This kit junkie is always looking for new ones!