How to: DIY Matchbox

Christmas Matchbox with Authentique and Cricut

The PDF for this project was updated for clarity in 2024

A simple matchbox makes a quick and easy DIY and is a great way to give a small gift or gift card.  You don’t even have to buy the matches! Give your matchbox the look you want with patterned papers embellishments and more. 

In this tutorial, I’ll share how you can make the matchbox base and then embellish it for any season of the year.

You’ll need:

• Heavy cardstock
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Patterned paper and embellishments of choice
• Scoring Board

How to make the Matchbox  Cover Sleeve

The matchbox sleeve is very simple. Start with a piece of cardstock cut at 7 1/2″x4″.

Then, on your score board, score at 1 1/8″, 3 3/4″, 4 7/8″, 7 1/2 inches. The left over edge is your glue tab.

As shown in the photo, put a little double-sided tape to hold the sides together.

You’ll adhere to this edge on top of the narrow edge created by scoring. Now your matchbox sleeve has been created.

How to make the matchbox insert

Next, you’ll work on the insert.

I’ve created a diagram for the score and cut lines. For more details, you’ll find a cutting and scoring diagram at the end of this post.

   

First, you’ll cut on the black line shown in the diagram. Score along all red score lines as shown. Fold in the sides, bending the flaps in.

Next you’ll fold in the end tabs that were formed by cutting. Fold these in, then fold the outer end in over the flaps. Glue. It’s optional, but you could cut these down so that they don’t overlap at the ends.

Now simply slide your two pieces together. Your little box is ready to use.

I used a 1″ circle punch to just clip the ends of my box for a little finger hold. It isn’t absolutely necessary, but I think it makes a nice touch.

Use patterned papers, handmade embellishments, sequins, and more to decorate your project to use any time of the year.

The sample box has been decorated with a Christmas Tree embellishment made with Cricut. The patterned papers used were from the Authentique Collection, Vintage Christmas. Because this paper is no longer available, I’m linking to a similar Paper found HERE. 

Below you’ll find a template for making your own matchbox. I hope you enjoy making one or several for your gift-giving. Thanks for stopping by Say It With Simplicity. Have a wonderful and creative day!

Match Box Template  Free Printable Updated in 2024

All photos and text by Say It With Simplicity. You may re-post this tutorial, but please provide credits and links to this website. Thank you!