When I discovered that my matchbooks fit perfectly into this old unfinished cigar box, I knew it was a DIY matchbox in the making. I wanted to step up the fancy in a subtle way, so I could leave the dingy box out in plain site. I’m all about pretty and practical—and simple—crafts these days. And this matchbox was definitely simple.
Ok, I admit covering each individual matchbook with colored paper is a little bit obsessive, but in my defense, I did that part of this project years ago when I must have had more time on my hands. The match box itself was a breeze. If you don’t want to cut and paste colored paper onto each matchbook—and let’s face it: who does?—you can buy these gloriously pure white matchbooks at Amazon.com.
In case you’re wondering, a friend of mine made that little Dutch couple kissing. She gave them to me expecting that I would paint them the traditional blue and white, but I like them plain white. (I know: You’re shocked.) And, yes, that is my bizarre kitchen counter from the 60s. Boomerangs must have been big then.
Supplies and tools
1. Remove the hinges and clasp using a small screwdriver. Put all the tiny screws and hardware in a small baggie so you don’t lose them.
2. Lightly sand the box and remove the dust.
3. Apply a coat of paint to the outside of the box, and let dry. Apply a coat of paint to the inside of the box, and let dry. Normally I’m a firm believer in using primer, but on bare wood, this Benjamin Moore Aura paint seems to do just as well without primer—and it saves time.
4. Place the doily on a sheet of wax paper, and saturate the entire doily with glue. Use your fingers to spread the glue evenly.
5. Place the doily onto the top of the box, cover it with a sheet of wax paper, and press down the entire doily, focusing on the edges.
6. Slowly peel off the wax paper. Press down with your fingers any part of the doily that lifts in the process. Let the glue dry overnight.
7. Apply a coat of paint over the doily and the entire outside of the box. Let dry.
8. Apply the final coat of paint on the insides of the box. Let dry overnight.
9. Replace the hardware using the small screwdriver. The key to installing the clasp: Loosely screw in the screws, close the latch, then tighten the screws the rest of the way. Otherwise, your latch may not match up correctly.
10. Fill with the matches. This match box can hold 80 matchbooks.
RSS feed for comments on this post · TrackBack URL
January 24, 2011 at 8:54 am
I really like this idea! The doily adds great texture, but painting it out makes it feel more fresh and modern. Great project!
January 26, 2011 at 6:32 am
the dutch couple as white…definitely better
matchbooks recovered….not crazy, something I would do but I’d also sit there while doing it saying, “shouldn’t I be doing something so much more productive?”
Boomerang countertop…coveted by many, check out retrorenovation.com and you’ll find a plethora of info. and people that want that countertop or one like it among other vintage items. True MCM lovers and keepers of theirs homes in the style.
Match Box — the doily is not for me, but I like the red and the fact that it’s on display and easy access.
January 26, 2011 at 8:37 am
Cute!
January 27, 2011 at 12:45 am
That looks very nice with the red and beige. I’ve been using doilies in my artwork too. It creates amazing texture!
January 27, 2011 at 8:30 am
as a cigar smoker…very cool way to store matches. very creative…well done.
January 29, 2011 at 4:24 pm
That looks very nice with the red and beige.
January 31, 2011 at 10:12 am
love love this idea!!
January 31, 2011 at 12:46 pm
Fantastic! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!
xo
Kate
Centsational Girl » Blog Archive » January Favorites said,
January 31, 2011 at 1:02 pm
[…] are some fantastic Valentine crafts: this charming doily matchbox by Craftynest and these cupcake liner pom poms by Kara’s Party Ideas (found via One Pretty […]
February 1, 2011 at 10:18 am
love it! i was looking for matchboxes a while back and was unsuccessful until i begged a bunch from a restaurant :-)
February 3, 2011 at 5:42 am
Hi dear, how are you? I love this idea! I have some doilies and I was looking for something special to do with them, and that it! Thank you so much.
Have a nice day.
February 3, 2011 at 2:28 pm
Very Pretty!! Will make amazing Gifts.
February 5, 2011 at 8:11 am
i like the idea. happy weekend
April 19, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Ah yes, we have those same boomerang counters. I must have tuned them out by now, because I didn’t even notice. :)
March 13, 2012 at 10:25 am
I was wondering how you did the beige box underneath. I love the look of the two of them together.
March 18, 2012 at 1:50 pm
Jennifer – I didn’t make the beige box underneath. It was store bought, but it could be easy to make. Just cover a box with textured homemade-looking paper (available at art supply stores) and secure a rope and mini drawer pull for the clasp.