Altered Matchbox Tutorial

Altered Matchbox Tutorial

Today I am going to share with you a tutorial for a large matchbox that I designed.  These matchboxes can be used for small gifts, keepsakes, candy or even a mini album.  For Christmas last year I made one and then designed a mini album that I stored inside.  It was really sweet so I decided to share it with you. It turned out really pretty and I just love the flowers - they are adorable!!  

This is what the finished product looks like.

Basic supplies:  scoreboard, ruler, adhesive, scissors, cardstock and coordinating patterned papers.

For the base (bottom of the matchbox) - start with an 7 1/2 x 9 1/2 piece of cardstock.  Score it at 1 inch and again at 2 inches on all four sides.

This is what it should look like after scored.

 Cut the three outer squares from each corner.  (cut on the dotted lines)

Fold on all score lines.

Create flaps by cutting down one side of the remaining squares in each corner.  It doesn't matter which direction you cut the flap.  (Note: when I make boxes I like to cut my flaps at an angle. That way when they are folded in the box goes together much better.

Now, glue the four small flaps to the adjacent side and then fold the four most outer flaps in to form a box.

This is the finished bottom of the matchbox.

For the lid:  Start with a 5 1/2 x 11 inch piece of cardstock.  Score it at 2 1/2, 3 1/2, 7 and 8 inches - on the long side of the cardstock.

Fold on the score lines and then glue the two ends together.  I found it helpful to wrap the lid around the bottom of the matchbox to make sure the fit is correct and then draw a line where the edge of the cardstock comes. You don't want to make the lid tight as the bottom of the box will not slide out easily.

This is what the bottom and top look like when finished.

Now you get to embellish the matchbox.  (Note: you will only embellish the lid as the bottom of the matchbox only get the drawer pull)

To embellish the lid you will need two 

3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inch pieces of patterned paper and two 1 x 5 1/2 inch pieces of patterned paper.

I inked all papers with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Once I covered the lid with coordinating papers I die cut a flourish, and a fancy rectangle that I covered with coordination paper. I stamped some flowers and leaves on cardstock using Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Ink and then die cut them.

  I added the drawer pull, pearls and brads to finish it up.

Here is a close up of the top of the matchbox. Aren't the flowers just adorable??

Here is a picture with the drawer pulled out.

Hibiscus 2 Clear Stamp Set CLR002A, Hibiscus Die Set D002, Mini Hibiscus Die D030

Thanks for tuning in. I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial.