by @TheStormyKnight
Yes, this is long. I was asked to review this BurlyBundle and while life events delayed it, I wanted to ensure I did this right and have it the attention and detail it deserved. Different people look for different things in their packages, so I tried to review as broadly as I was able.
Outside packaging: pic 2 (Mailing label removed due to presence of sender's and recipient's addresses)
Packaging is neat, pretty, and a "Just for you, Beautiful!" sticker, all framed with tape the same colour pink as on the stickers. I love the matching colours. Type of box used is easily opened with little fuss, yet it is obviously well sealed against losing internal contents.
Box open, inside: Aaaahhhh!!! A handwritten note/quote!!!! I am an absolute sucker for these. This is a beautiful and specific touch to this particular box theme. Did I mention *handwritten* *note* ??? Ok. Just to make certain youse all got that. (See pic 3)
Internal contents: Neatly and attractively wrapped in tissue paper matching the pink of the branding. Gorgeous and consistent. Love it!Individual items of the Bundle are individually wrapped and labeled. *Every* *item* is individually labeled. How cool is that????Disability Note: for those of us with cranky hands, the tissue paper is not sealed with strips of tape. It is sealed with dots of adhesive, which are easier to either pull apart or tear around. Folds in the tissue paper, ribbon, and twist ties are used where possible to reduce the need for adhesive use. Very much appreciated. For some items where special handling care might be necessary (a piece of boa, for example), there is a whole label detailing what has been done to the material, how it would be best handled, and some potential precautions in handling for best outcome. Another example of item packing with care is the packing of the needle used to poke the hole in the adhesive. Instead of being a loose needle and dangerous (even within the smaller bundle), the needle is 'capped' with a fabric heart for safety.
Everything is labeled! There is absolutely NO assumption about anyone's knowledge. These bundles place everyone at the same level, which is refreshing.Neurodivergent Note: The type of tissue paper and the use of folding the paper (as opposed to crinkling it) and the use of the little dots of adhesive as opposed to strips of tape: this cuts down on noise as the bundle items are unwrapped. This means less potential triggering of sound-based neurodivergent symptoms. Little Touch! The rhinestones on the hairpin holding the BurlyMap package together. It is little touches like this throughout the Bundle that show the extensive amount of care, thought, and planning that goes into these Bundles.
Just in case! Make certain to look in your BurlyMap package for your packing list. This inventories your BurlyBundle's full contents. The list on the inventory matches the labeling on the individual items *exactly*.
The instructions: For this particular project, the instructions were broken up into 2 main parts. Why was this cool? I could set part 2 aside while working on part 1 and not worry about flipping back and forth (which is most annoying). The instructions are written step by step, and have both photos and graphic imaging. I could simply take up part 2 and set aside part 1 when the time came.
The supplies and items included:These are all good quality items I would use in my crafting. I plan on keeping and re-using everything possible (the rhinestone template is a good little tool to hang onto!).
These Burly Bundles are super economical complete projects that are good for the beginner as well as the experienced performer. Why? They are perfect for new performers to learn how to create good, usable props for stage without having to go buy (what sometimes feels like) a million and a half bits and spend waaaay more than intended. For more experienced performers, sometimes we simply need one prop and don't want to or cannot source all the disparate items to create it.
Additionally, there is a small tip as to why specific colours were chosen for the Bundle. This can help beginners start to think through the why behind colour combinations in future projects.
TLDR: These BurlyBundles are the total package: Practical, well thought out, economical, disability* and neurodivergent*-friendly, well executed in regard to showing the recipient how to assemble the project, and good quality.
*please note that while I can speak for my own disabled and neurodivergent experience, I cannot speak for others. I included some photos in my review posted on my instagram @thestormyknight.