DIY Decorative Matchboxes

Tonight is our EIGHTH craft exchange! I couldn’t be more excited, but I just realized, I never posted MY own craft from the last exchange. It was a Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme and I had been dying to make these decorated matchboxes and thought…. well, she smokes in the movie. I guess that works. 🙂

I love the way they turned out and they’re very simple to make.

Here’s me interviewing myself on this easy DIY project.

Why did you choose it?

I saw something similar in a store and I thought it was such a neat idea. Then I saw the price and thought it was a great idea to make instead!

What materials did you use?

Specialty paper, sewing beads, bracelet beads, decorative floral ribbon, hot glue, a paper cutter, ruler and scissors. Oh, and boxes of matches.

Where did you get your materials?

I found the pretty textured paper and beads from Michaels. I found the pearls and decorative ribbon at JoAnn. I found the matchboxes at our grocery store. I had the rest of the supplies.

Cost of materials:

• The paper was $1 per sheet – but you can do two boxes with one sheet.
• The beads were around $7 I think, but I am sure I used a coupon.
• The pearls and decorative ribbon varied in price. I think they ranged from $2.99 to $7.00 per yard.
• The matchboxes were about $2 a piece.

How did you make it, step by step?

Once you make one of these and get your measurements down, it’s super easy. Just cut everything to size and then assemble with hot glue bit by bit.

How long did it take per item?

The first one took a little longer, maybe 30 minutes total just to make it perfect and cut all the extra pieces. They were easy to throw together after that in about 15 minutes each. Remember, I was making about 10 of these.

What was the hardest part about making this?

Getting the measurements exact at the beginning. I tended to oversize it a tad and trim down. Heed the advice to measure twice, cut once!

Here are roughly the dimensions that I used for the paper and ribbon for a Diamond box matches, but be sure to measure your own before you cut!

• Paper: 3.5” x 4.75” (need two)
• Side ribbon to edge the strike area: 4.75” (need 4)
• Pearls to wrap around the box: 8.75” (need 2)

What was the funnest part about making this?

I loved the way they turned out! It’s a pretty, unexpected and useful gift! Do you like the matching bag I made to gift them in?

Do you like it?

I LOVE it. I kept one for myself.

If you made it again, what would you change?

I think these would be fun to make for holiday gifts and pair with a scented candle to give to friends or a party hostess. 

Would you make it again and why?

Absolutely! Easy and inexpensive – everyone can use matches. I love it!

Here are a few other photos from our Breakfast at Tiffany’s CRAFTMAS! Follow along on social media (#Craftmas and #CraftXchange) for updates from tonight’s exchange with the Americana theme!