DIY red doily matchbox
![closed-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Red doily matchbox, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/closed-doily-match-box-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
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 like showing off doilies in non-traditional ways. And I’m all about practical — and simple — crafts these days. And this matchbox was definitely simple.
I used mine to store matchbooks, but you can slip anything inside: greeting cards, small notebooks, craft supplies, or homemade candies. It kind of looks like a Valentine’s Day chocolate box, doesn’t it?
![open-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Finished box filled with matchbooks, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/open-doily-match-box-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
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 matchbox 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 on Etsy.
![before-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Unfinished wooden cigar box, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/before-doily-match-box-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
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 the bizarre kitchen counter from the 1960s in my rental apartment. Boomerangs must have been big then.
How to make a doily matchbox
SUPPLIES & TOOLS
INSTRUCTIONS
![DSCF6408-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Remove the hinges, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6408-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
![DSCF6409-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Sand the box, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6409-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
2. Remove the sticker. Lightly sand the box and remove the dust.
![DSCF6412-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Paint the box, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6412-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
Note: You can skip a step and glue the doily on before you paint the box. I did it in this order because I wasn’t sure before I started whether I wanted to leave the doily white.
![DSCF6430-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Apply glue to doily, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6430-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
![DSCF6433-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Adhere the doily to the box, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6433-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
![DSCF6434-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Peel off the wax paper, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6434-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
![DSCF6438-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Paint the doily, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6438-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
7. Apply a coat of paint over the doily and the entire outside of the box. Let dry.
![DSCF6439-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Apply the final coat of paint, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6439-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
8. Apply the final coat of paint on the insides of the box. Let dry overnight.
![DSCF6441-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Reattach the hinges, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/DSCF6441-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=500%2C375&ssl=1)
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.
![open-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Finished box filled with matchbooks, photo](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/open-doily-match-box-crafty-nest-scaled.jpg?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
10. Fill with the matches. This match box can hold 80 matchbooks.
![pinterest-doily-match-box-crafty-nest Crafty Nest red doily matchbox Pinterest image](https://i0.wp.com/www.craftynest.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/pinterest-doily-match-box-crafty-nest.jpg?resize=600%2C900&ssl=1)
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Made this project? Email your photo(s) to monica (at) craftynest (dot) com, and I’ll share your version here!
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