Artistic Matchboxes

for gifting or decor

Hi and welcome! Want to make a fun little (literally) project? Let’s take a utilitarian matchbox and make it into a pretty and functional matchbox worthy of giving with your favorite candle.

To begin, you will need small commercial matchboxes.

• Remove the cover and cut it so it lies flat, but avoid damaging the strikers. Measure the length and width. Add 1/4″ to the length for overlap when assembling.
• Cut-off and save the strikers.
• Cut the box cover to the size you measured in the first step. The new Harmonious Hodgepodge paper makes a beautiful cover. If using other paper, 90# is good. Too thin and the paper may warp like my yellow rose box did in the photo above.
• Score your cover where it will be folded to make crisper folds.
• If stamping directly onto the cover, do it now. Or, if you are stamping your image to be die-cut, stamp that now. Use the postage stamp images from the new Travel & Postage stamp set. Stamp with an ink appropriate for your coloring medium. I used black hybrid ink.
• Color your image as desired. I tried different mediums: alcohol markers, watercolor, and colored pencils.
• Adhere your colored image to your box cover. Add embellishments such as die-cut rope or chain from Borders & Trims. Glue the strikers to the sides of the cover.
• It’s a fun surprise to stamp a sentiment or decoration to the inside bottom of the box.
• Last, use glue or tape to adhere the box ends overlapping the 1/4″ flap.

There are so many fun things to do with these! Make them as hostess gift to accompany a candle, stamp the host’s name on them, or make some representing their hobby. Or, remove the matches and insert a message or gift. Endless possibilities.

Thanks so much for reading along. Questions?

Happy crafting,

Di, a little bird crafts

The products used are listed. You will get a 10% discount if you use my links and I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you https://ecraftdesigns.com/ALITTLEBIRD28

• Elizabeth Craft Designs Supplies
• Travel & Postage stamps #CS352
• Harmonious Hodgepodge paper #C024
• Borders & Trims #2139
• Postage Stamps dies #2026 https://collabs.shop/lljrak
• Soft Finish Cardstock https://collabs.shop/95ccuq
• Watercolor Palette #WC01 https://collabs.shop/hjtyup