Behind the Scenes: Curating a Surprise Box

Every few months, I get to dive into one of my absolute favorite projects — curating the Tink & The Frog Surprise Boxes.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into putting together one of these joyful little treasures, this is your peek behind the curtain!

Surprise Boxes are my way of giving you something special — a box full of color, texture, and inspiration that captures a feeling. From the very first spark of an idea to the moment you open it, every step is designed to bring a smile to your face and a spark of creativity to your needles and hooks.

It All Starts with a Feeling

Every box begins with a question: What do I want makers to feel when they open this box?

That’s where the themes come from — like “Ghoul’s Night Out” or “Retro Camper.” Each one sets the tone for the season and gives me a direction to follow. I want every box to be fun, memorable, and instantly inspiring. Something that makes you pause, grin, and think, I can’t wait to cast this on.

Building the Perfect Mix

Once I have the theme, the real fun begins — choosing what goes inside.

I start with the yarn base, keeping the season in mind. Summer boxes get lighter, breezier yarns, while cooler months call for cozy fibers and squishy textures. Then I choose the colorways that fit the theme — soothing seaside colors for “Beach House,” maybe warmer tones for “Autumn Stroll.”

Next come the goodies! For Classic boxes, I hunt for charming little extras — maybe seasonal tea, cute washi tape (perfect for marking patterns!), or other small surprises. For Premium boxes, I take things up a notch with extra gifts, treats, and exclusive finds that make the unboxing feel truly special.

Sometimes I get so caught up picking the goodies that I forget to choose the patterns until it’s almost packing day. (Oops!) But don’t worry — I only ever include patterns and projects I’d be excited to make myself.

Thoughtful, Beautiful, and Joyful

Every single item in your box is hand-chosen by me. I don’t include anything I wouldn’t want for myself — that’s my rule.

I think that’s part of what makes the boxes feel Tink & The Frog. They’re not random collections of things — they’re curated experiences. The colors, textures, and themes work together to create a cohesive story, wrapped up pretty just for you!

And many of the items inside come from small businesses and independent makers — dyers, artisans, and designers who pour their own creativity into what they make. When you open your Surprise Box, you’re supporting their craft, too.

My Favorite Moments

I absolutely love the creative process — the brainstorming, the choosing, the arranging — but there’s nothing like watching people open their boxes. That moment of surprise and joy is what makes all the behind-the-scenes chaos worth it.

Every box is a limited edition, so no two releases are ever the same. I love that sense of exclusivity — knowing that the handful of people who snag one get something truly special.

At its heart, the Surprise Box is about what we’re all here for: Craft Joy.

Every box is designed to inspire you, comfort you, and remind you why you fell in love with making in the first place. It’s a moment of beauty and creativity delivered right to your door — because sometimes, we all need a little surprise to brighten our day.