A handcrafted art activity box educating children aged 3 to 7 with art projects + exploration at home

What exactly is the Dolly Project?

We are Megan + Kelsey Small, sisters, best friends and the creative entrepreneurs behind The Dolly Project. We lost our mother, Dolly, to cancer in 2018 and since then had wanted to start or do something that would honor her in a way that would keep her love of art and creative legacy alive. Our mom went to art school, and always encouraged us to be creative and “think outside the box,” as a result we both ended up studying art in college and pursuing creative careers. Our childhood was filled with trips to the art store, painting, drawing + using our imagination. When covid hit and we were encouraged to stay home, we dove back into our childhood memories and curated themed projects and lessons to work on with Megan’s son, Maverick.

During covid and lockdowns, we created different themed boxes each week and would send to kids all over the nation who we connected with via social media. It was a bright light during those long months of uncertainty.

What is the The Dolly Project now?

In 2021 we joined forces with The Brightspot Network. The Bright Spot Network provides young cancer survivors who are parents of small children with a safe space for individual and familial healing, recovery, and reconnection. We designed these art projects with the kids' of cancer patients in mind. “Bright Boxes” provides everything they need for the families to engage while creating in the midst of sickness and fatigue. The Dolly Project creates and sends out 75 kits a month for free to the Brightspot families. Find out more about the Bright Spot Kits here.

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“We’re a sister run “small” business, our goal is to assist parents during this pandemic by building a curriculum and filling the gap left by school closures by providing them with the exact materials to engage and educate their children through arts and crafts. No need to source lessons and supplies, leave that up to us!”

— Megan + Kelsey

How it works.

Purchase your subscription or individual box
We will email you instructions on local (Alameda) pick up (Fridays) or coordinate delivery (Mondays) shipping is also available.
Enjoy your box full of lessons, activities and crafts with all the instructions and materials included.
Every Friday share photos/videos of your finished products and log onto instagram and facebook to see other kids and their amazing masterpieces.
Amid the craziness, let’s have fun while keeping our little ones learning, entertained and happy!