Altered Matchbox

Need a fun idea for a small gift? How about a fun box to store your mini album in? This fun matchbox can be used for so many different things such as: keepsakes, candy, gifts, photos, and many more! It is so fun to make and the best part is decorating the outside with all of your embellishments. I discovered this beautiful box on Prickley Pear blog. This was created by Michelle Pearson. Michelle gives us a full tutorial on how to create this. Get out your supplies and lets get started!

To begin you will need just a few basic supplies such as: scoreboard, ruler, adhesive, scissors, cardstock and coordinating patterned papers.

For the base (bottom of the matchbox) start with a 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 will look like after it is scored.

Cut the three outer squares from each corner. 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 you make the boxes cut your 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 into form a box.

This is the finished bottom of the matchbox.

For the lid: Start 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. It is helpful to wrap the lid around the bottom of the matchbox to make sure the fit is correct, then draw a line where the edge of the cardstock comes. You don’t want to make the lid tight as the bottom because the box will not slide out easily.

Now you get to embellish the matchbox. (Only embellish the lid as the bottom of the matchbox only gets 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 piece of patterned paper. Ink all the papers with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Once the lid is covered with coordinating papers cut a flourish and a fancy rectangle that you will cover in coordination paper. Stamp some flowers and leaves on cardstock using Peeled Paint Distress Ink and then die cut them.