A number of years ago . . . 20 at least . . . a small craft project, that both children and adults were making, was making the rounds. It consisted of four small (penny) boxes of wooden matches glued together to form a square, covered with a postcard picture and used as little drawers to hold either the original matches or desk supplies like paper clips and rubber bands.
With this project as a basis, we went on to bigger, more elaborate, more versatile versions. They are also much more labor intensive . . . but fun to do and pretty to look at.
Original version
Materials:
four small matchboxes
two postcards
cardboard
decorative tape
craft knife
Steps:
- Position matchboxes in a square (figure A) and trace around the perimeter onto cardboard. Move the matchboxes and cut out the cardboard square.
- Cut out a second piece of cardboard to match the size of the first.
- Glue a picture postcard to one side of each cardboard square and trim to fit (figure B). Optional - Add a length of decorative tape around the outside edge of each postcard picture.
- Glue the four matchboxes to the wrong side of one piece of cardboard. Glue second cardboard piece, picture side up, on top (figure C).
- Add small tape "handles" to each "drawer."
Updated version Materials:
12 matchboxes
gift wrap, fabric or tissue paper
glue or Mod Podge or decoupage adhesive
tissue paper or paint
1/4-inch thick foam board
small beads for drawer pulls
spray adhesive
cording
four wooden beads for legs - optional
Steps:
- Cover inside of each matchbox "drawer" with decorative tissue paper or fabric. Paint or cover with gift wrap or fabric each matchbox cover.
- Arrange four boxes as in the first project and cut three pieces of foam board 14 inches larger (1/8 inch on each side).
- Cut three pieces of paper, each four inches larger than the foam squares (two inches on each side).
- Place a foam piece in center of one paper square (wrong side up) and fold paper up and over the foam on all four sides. Unfold and notice the creases. Cut off the corners of the paper. Re-fold the paper up and over. A small "wing" will form at each corner. This can be glued to the outside or re-folded and glued to the edge of the foam on the inside of the folded paper. Repeat on all three foam pieces.
- Glue four matchboxes to the wrong side of one piece of paper-wrapped foam. The foam should extend about 1/8 inch beyond the edge of the boxes.
- Glue another piece of paper-wrapped foam on top of the foam boxes, add another layer of four boxes and top with the third piece of foam.
- Add drawer pulls to each of the matchbox fronts. Ours were small beads, through which I threaded a double strand of cord that was knotted at one end to prevent it from slipping through the hole, and tied it to a piece of match stick on the inside of the drawer.
Large matchbox version Materials:
four large matchboxes
four wooden drawer pulls for feet
gift wrapping paper
decorative tissue paper
acrylic paints or paint pens
craft knife
white glue, Mod Podge or decoupage adhesive
decorative braid for wrapping - optional
tassels - optional
Steps:
- Remove inside of box (drawer) and remove matches. Cut three pieces of tissue to cover box. Cut one piece long enough to go around the entire drawer. Coat drawer inside and out with Mod Podge, adhesive, etc., and smooth paper into place. Cut other two pieces of tissue long enough to come from underneath up the ends and down into the drawer. Apply as stated.
- To cover the outside of the box, slip a craft knife under the glued edge and carefully pull it apart so that it becomes a flat strip. Paint the inside (optional). I used a wide paint pen by ZIG and covered the outside with gift wrap using a spray adhesive to attach. To put the box cover back together, place it around the inside (drawer) box. Secure with glue.
- Place a small (very small) screw at one end of the drawer and screw on a small slice of wooden dowel for a drawer pull. Paint and cover with tiny beads glued to hold.
- Place two matchboxes side by side, then measure, cut and cover three pieces of foam board as you did for the Updated version steps 3 and 4. As before, the foam board should be cut 1/4 inch larger on two sides.
- Glue two matchboxes side by side to one piece of paper-covered foam. The foam should extend 1/8 inch beyond the boxes.
- Top the two boxes with another piece of the foam, two more boxes and another layer of foam.
- Paint drawer pulls (feet) with colors compatible with the paper used on the foam, and glue to the bottom of the structure.
Grande versionFollow basic directions for Large matchbox version, but in lieu of the decorative braid, glue a four-inch tall, painted wooden finial to the top. For the drawer pulls, use short lengths of dowel, painted and screwed into position. Now fill these fabulous drawers with treasures, not matches!
Matchbox marvelsIf you like the idea of making things with matchboxes but can't get very enthusiastic about all the detail work involved in our Treasure Box versions, perhaps some of the Matchbox Marvels Kits from Limited Edition Rubber Stamps might interest you. Not only are they easier and much less time-consuming to make, but the variety goes on forever. All come in kits that include the required rubber stamp, directions, fillers and even an empty matchbox. All would make delightful table favors or greeting card decorations.
The Santa Matchbox Marvel Kit contains matchbox, stamp and instructions.
The Valentine Box Matchbox Marvel Kit contains matchbox, stamp and instructions.
The Halloween Matchbox Marvel Kit contains matchbox, stamp and instructions.
Goodnight Mouse matchbox Marvel Kit contains matchbox, stamp and instructions
The Bug Box Matchbox Marvel Kit contains matchbox, stamp, one-inch piece of square screen and instructions
Treasure Box Matchbox Marvel Kit contains four matchboxes, stamp and instructions
Resources Mod Podge adhesive/sealer (Model #: CS11201- Gloss, CS11301- Matte)
Mod Podge can be used as a glue and a sealant. It is an all-in-one sealer glue and finish--gloss and matte finish. Sizes range from four ounces to one gallon.
Plaid Enterprises Inc.
Website:
www.plaidonline.com
paint pens - Zig
EK Success Ltd.
Website:
www.eksuccess.com
Matchbox Marvel Kits
Limited Edition Rubber Stamps
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