To make a covered matchbox book, you will need:
A matchbox (did I need to write that?)
Paper in a variety of colours/ patterns
Pencil
Glue stick
Scissors
Office labels make it easier to add a front label, and stickers are fun, but they're not necessary.
To begin, measure the paper to cover the outside of your matchbox using the lid itself (roll the box over on all four sides in a row and then mark the end of the last side). See view 1. Now (view 2) cut the paper to size, and stick it on. I find it easiest to add the glue to the box two sides at a time, and then adjust the paper as I go. Matchbox makers don't seem too fussed about having their products square, so jimmy room is good.
Cut another bright bit of paper for the bottom, and glue it in place, and yet another piece of paper for a bit of contrast on the lid. Still with me?
To make the pages of your book, measure a long strip of plain paper so that it is slightly less wide across than the matchbox. Now fold it up accordian style to make your pages, trimming off any extra bits. I make the last page (which I glue to the bottom of the box) half sized so that you can still see the cool paper down there when it's glued into place. I also glue another piece of the paper I used to line the bottom to make a "cover" for the first page. Add your labels for your titles and there you have it.
You can use these little boxes for many many things: Asher told a story, Ana put in a bunch of (slightly painful) jokes, Bella made a sticker collection. You can also use it to display buttons, wild flowers, stamps or make an Alexander Beetle box. They are fun to hide with a special activity (make perfect hot cocoa, have a picnic in the living room) tucked inside on a gloomy day and to give as a gift with a special barrette or wee car inside. I even understand you can keep matches in them.
This is a lovely idea to reuse,repurpose and recycle. I wish I had known this when my children were small, they always seemed to appreciate the little things (more their size!) Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Loriann | 10 June 2008 at 16:38
What a fantastic idea - I can see all three of my children (10,8 and 6) really enjoying doing this! Thank you!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 10 June 2008 at 17:17
Such a cute idea! I love this!
Posted by: heather | 10 June 2008 at 17:28
Such a cute idea! I love this!
Posted by: heather | 10 June 2008 at 17:28
Very cute - I haven't seen any small match boxes around here, like we used to get in the UK, though (I've only seen the cook's matches here). Are those all-white boxes ones you can purchase without the matches from somewhere? Thanks.
Posted by: Lil' d | 10 June 2008 at 18:57
I don't have any matchboxes either, will have to put them on my shopping list - I hope the next craft you post will be something using homeless matches!
Posted by: Angela Fehr | 10 June 2008 at 22:50
Very sweet, I'll have to have a play around. I might put some affirmations in one. Thanks! :)
Posted by: Helen | 10 June 2008 at 23:55
what a great Idea :o)
~simply~
Posted by: simply | 11 June 2008 at 02:08
I want to see Asher's story and Bella's sticker collection and Ana's jokes!
Posted by: Lauren | 11 June 2008 at 04:01
Love this idea! I'm going to have my kids make a little joke box for someone we know who could use some cheering up.
Posted by: Susan | 11 June 2008 at 08:11
This is a really lovely idea - makes sending letters a whole lot more interesting when they're inside a match box!
Posted by: Rhiannon | 18 June 2008 at 18:13
Very very cute! A fun way to put a little celebration in every day. :)
Posted by: Ann at mommysecrets | 18 June 2008 at 21:09
adorable!
Posted by: amy | 21 June 2008 at 03:35
Love it. Very cute. Where do you buy your match boxes from?
Posted by: Gina | 22 June 2008 at 02:46
These are so beautiful. I love tiny little things.
Posted by: Laura | 22 June 2008 at 21:59
Loved this for be great for Vatcation bible school craft.Be nice to keep kids quite in church!
thank you so much for shaing this with us!
Posted by: ginger | 23 June 2008 at 17:04
What a great idea! I will put this one into my to-do-craft-list :D
Posted by: Josefin | 03 July 2008 at 10:50
hooray! what a wonderful idea!
Posted by: christy | 12 August 2008 at 14:37
I have the same question as Gina. Where do you get your matchboxes? I have looked everywhere for empty, plain matchboxes and I can't find them. Thanks.
Posted by: Susan | 13 August 2008 at 04:30
What a fun idea! This post would be a perfect one to link up to "Twice the Fun Tuesday" at my site havingfunathomeblog.blogspot.com.
Twice the Fun is a weekly mr. linky about creative recycling that will start next Tuesday (Oct 14.) It would be great to see your post there!
Posted by: Having Fun at Home | 08 October 2008 at 23:46