alternative match box

I wanted to share this project I’ve been working on. I’m in one of Heather’s matchbox swaps and wanted to make a design that could be used for other things. I’ve seen wooden boxes in this configuration and thought it might work for a matchbox, as well. Forgive my messy messy work mat. I’ve had it for a million or so years and it’s ready to retire.

The supplies you need are:

- Large Matchbox

- Glue that won’t become brittle when dried (think 327 or something like that. White glue will not work.)

- Two sheets of patterned paper.

- 1 foot of ribbon cut in half.

- Sewing machine (optional but gives a nice finish.)

1. Start with the large matchbox.

This is the guts of your project. Peel the glued seam open on the matchbox. This should be pretty easy to do. Now you have one long flat piece of cardboard that is scored and folded at different places.

The outside of the matchbox becomes the main compartment. The long pieces from the tray of the matchbox become the sides. Here’s an image to clarify.

What was the top of the matchbox becomes the bottom. See that narrow strip at the top? That becomes the flap that goes on top of the box to close it. You will see as we go along…

2. Cover all pieces with paper.

Be mindful not to place glue over the seams because it’s harder to fold when it dries.I’ve found that covering one side and then trimming off any excess on the sides works best. Go ahead and fold it along all the seams now. Then glue the paper down on the other side and trim again, if needed. Now you already know where to fold! Fold that puppy up so it’s a box shape again.Cover both flaps with paper, too. Let it all dry completely before moving on.

3. Sew around the edges of the box.

This is an optional step but one that really finished the project nicely. Sew around the flaps before adding them to the box. Sew them on flat to the back seam and then fold. See how nicely they fit? I added a small strip of patterned paper to reinforce my flaps because my boxes are filled to the brim.

4. Add ribbon.

Sew one piece of ribbon to inside flap on top (notice it’s the narrow strip I was talking about it step 1.) and outside of the bottom. This way, they tie the box closed.

5. Decorate and fill.

I’m hoping that my little boxes will be useful after the swap. Let me know if you make some!

One Comment