Ideas & guides
Finished crate or DIY crate decal? How to choose
Many Bessie Boo designs come two ways. Here's what you get with each, and how to pick.
Lots of the crate designs in the shop come in two versions. They can look almost identical in the photos, but you receive something quite different.
- A finished crate is a wooden crate that arrives already lettered with your wording.
- A DIY crate decal is the vinyl lettering on its own. You apply it to a crate you already have or buy separately.
Every product on this site carries a label, Finished gift or Decal only, so you can tell them apart at a glance.
What’s included with each
| Finished crate | DIY crate decal | |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden crate | Included | Not included |
| Personalised vinyl lettering | Applied for you | Supplied ready to apply |
| Books, treats or props in photos | Not mentioned in the listings, so assume not | Not included |
The decal listings state clearly that the crate isn’t included. The finished crate listings don’t mention contents, so treat books, sweets and props in the photos as styling. If you’re unsure, ask Fliss through Etsy before ordering.
Will a decal fit my crate?
The crate decals are sized for the Hobbycraft wooden crate in the photos:
- top bar 7cm deep
- bottom bar 8cm deep
- 40cm wide
The listings say the decals fit lots of other crates too. If your crate is a different size, message Fliss before you order and she can resize the design to fit. Some listings also let you note a maximum width or height in the personalisation box.
Choose a finished crate if…
- you’d like a gift that’s ready to give, with nothing to make
- you don’t already have a crate
- you’d rather not apply vinyl yourself
Choose a DIY decal if…
- you already have a crate, or want to reuse one each year
- you’d like to apply the lettering yourself as a little project
- you want to put the design on something other than a crate (ask Fliss about sizing first)
What to know about applying a decal
The listings say the decals are quick to apply and arrive on transfer tape with instructions. A few points from the listings are worth knowing before you start:
- They work best on a smooth, clean surface.
- They can be used on washable items, but aren’t dishwasher safe.
- They’re removable, but once placed they can’t be reused or repositioned. Take your time lining them up.
The same choice for other occasions
The two-ways approach isn’t just for Christmas.
