DIY Valentine Matchbox and Free SVG
If you love quick, handmade gifts that feel extra special, this DIY matchbox project is for you. Today I’m sharing how to create a simple matchbox-style gift box and embellish it with an adorable bear face and paws holding a scalloped heart — using a FREE SVG you can download and cut with your Cricut or Silhouette.
This project is perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, baby showers, or when you want a small handmade touch that makes someone smile.
Why Matchbox-Style Gifts Are a Favorite
Matchbox gifts are one of my go-to projects because they:
- Use small amounts of cardstock
- Quick to assemble
- Feel interactive and fun
- Works beautifully with layered SVG embellishments
They’re also great for gifting candy, jewelry, notes, or tiny treats.
Supplies Needed
Here’s what you’ll need for this project:
- Cardstock (medium to heavy weight for the box)
- Matchbox Template (From THIS post)
- Patterned paper and/or coordinating cardstock (optional)
- Free Bear Face & Paws SVG
- Cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette)
- Adhesive (Double-sided tape, tape runner, or liquid glue)
- Foam tape (optional, for dimension)
- Bone folder
- Scoring tool
Optional Embellishments:
- Stamps (I stamped “xoxo” on my sample)
- Ink for edging
- Enamel dots or pearls
- Twine or ribbon
Cutting the Matchbox
The matchbox consists of two pieces:
- Outer sleeve/cover – wraps around the inner tray
- Inner tray – holds the gift
Cut both pieces from sturdy cardstock so the box holds its shape. If you’re using patterned paper, I recommend keeping it for layering on the outer sleeve and using solid cardstock for the tray.
I use my Fiskars paper trimmer for cutting the cardstock and paper. I love that the blades are replaceable, and I’ve had mine for many years!
Score all fold lines before assembling. Use a bone folder to crease your cardstock for clean, crisp edges. The Scor-Pal tool works great for this.
Assembling the Matchbox
- Fold along all score lines.
- Assemble the inner tray first and secure the tabs with adhesive.
- Wrap and glue the outer sleeve, making sure it slides easily over the tray.
Adding the Bear SVG Embellishment
Now for the fun part — the embellishment!
The bear face and paws holding a scalloped heart SVG is designed to be layered and works beautifully on small projects, such as this. The eyes and nose are tiny, so you may want to use a Pick-Me-Up tool or tweezers for those small pieces.
I kept my project simple so you can really focus on the SVG itself, but feel free to make it your own. Use colors, cardstock, and embellishments that work best for your project or occasion. For example, if you’re creating this matchbox for a baby shower, try cutting the bear in soft pastels or gentle neutrals instead of traditional browns. This SVG is versatile and looks adorable in any color palette you choose.
Assembly Tips:
- Cut the bear face and paws from the color of your choice
- Use pink, red, or patterned paper for the heart and white for the scalloped heart
- Add foam tape behind the bear’s face or paws for dimension
- Lightly ink the edges for extra depth
Adhere the completed bear to the front of the matchbox sleeve.
Free SVG Download
I’m excited to share this Bear Face & Paws Holding a Scalloped Heart SVG as a freebie so you can recreate this project yourself.
Use it for personal crafting, cards, gift packaging, and small handmade projects.
Final Thoughts
This DIY matchbox project is proof that small projects can make a big impact. With just a bit of cardstock and a cute SVG, you can create something meaningful, handmade, and gift-worthy in no time.
If you make this project, I’d love to see it! Tag me or share it in the comments so we can all be inspired. Be sure to check out the Say It With Simplicity Crafting Group on Facebook for more sharing and inspiration.
Happy crafting!
