DIY Matchbooks Favors

Materials

Matchboxes (ones in the tutorial are from Ralphs) kraft paper (or any color or decorative paper you plan to use) computer/printer (if you plan to print out your design) ruler Cutting Mat scissors/razor blade glue stick (or tacky glue) pencil bobby pins cardstock.

Instructions

Step1: Design the front and back images and insert the images into a Word document and create a template. This takes some trial and error to make sure everything is aligned properly.

Step 2: After the images are printed, use a ruler and razor blade to cut out the strips (leave a little more room width-wise to make sure there’s enough paper to cover the original matchbox cover). You can also make a simple window template out of cardstock so you can measure the length of each strip.

Step 3: After your personalized matchbox cover is cut out, unfold the original matchbox cover (a hairdryer does help this process).

Step 4: Use a glue stick to apply adhesive to the original matchbox cover. Then, line up your personalized cover with the original cover (making sure to line up the top edge as close as you can).

Step 5: As each matchbox slightly varies in width, it’s important to leave a little more room when cutting out the strips. At this stage you can go back and cut out any additional paper visible.

Step 6: Apply glue using a glue stick or tacky glue to the bottom of the strip and glue back together the matchbox cover. (You can use bobby pins to enforce the glue and let it sit over night.)

Step 7: After the glue has dried, insert the box of matches back into the cover and ta-da! Your very own personalized matchboxes!