How to Make Decorative Matchboxes

June 7, 2023 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment

Learn how to decorate matchboxes that you can pick up for pennies at the dollar store and turn into pretty boxes for your home decor or to pair with candles.

Matchboxes covers in prints. One large and three small.

Back in the fall, I made pretty beeswax candles to give to some friends who were visiting. At the time I purchased some pretty matchboxes from Etsy to go with the candles.

They weren't expensive but I thought why didn't I make some. So today I have done just that.

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Dollar store matchboxes. One large and three small.

You can buy these little boxes at the dollar store or just about any store around. I've seen them in grocery stores and hardware stores. Nice sturdy boxes with cute wooden matchsticks inside.

Wrapping paper, floral printer paper and washi tape with flowers.

You probably already have some pretty wrapping paper or stationery that you can use. You could also try Washi tape if you have some.

Set three floral prints in five types printed to fit on top of a matchbox. — Click here to get a pdf you can print of these images

I've even created some floral prints for you to print out and use if you want.

How to Decorate Matchboxes

Make sure that you paint any markings or logos with some white craft paint first. If you are using dense paper where the print of the matchbox is not going to show through you can skip this step.
Once the paint has dried cut out 2 images. One for the front and one for the back of the matchbox.
Use Mod Podge or any white glue and brush it onto the outside of the matchbox leaving the strike plates alone.
Then carefully adhere the prints to the glue areas. Gently smooth out any wrinkles.

Floral washi tape roll and some covering a matchbox.

If you have washi tape you can just place strips along the top and bottom and over the sides of the matchbox a bit. I made them a little longer and then cut the strips to size with small scissors. This washi tape is see through so I had to paint the box first.

A glass candle container with a wooden lid next to a small floral matchbox and a large one and a couple of small boxes to the right.

See how cute they look with a little glass candle.

Aerial view of a large decorated matchbox and three small matchboxes decorated in floral styles.

I also think they would make a great decoration anywhere in the house where you need matches. Near the fireplace or any candles you have ready to light.

More Dollar Store Crafts

Three small decorative matchboxes with floral prints and a large matchbox with a country print.

One large matchboxes covered in a country print and three small matchboxes with floral prints.

5 from 1 vote

Make Your Own Decorative Matchboxes

Use inexpensive matchboxes from the dollar store and cover them with pretty prints. Perfect for pairing with candle gifts or just a pretty way to display matches in your home.

Prep Time30

Active Time8

Total Time38

Equipment

Color printer
Scissors
Paintbrush

Materials

Matchboxes
White craft paint
Mod podge or white glue
Various printed papers, wrapping paper, or washi tape.

Instructions

Paint the matchboxes white to cover the signage and logo. Consider painting over any other markings on the sides or near the strike plate.
Once dry cut out paper from the printables above or use your own wrapping paper or printed stationary.
Use some mod podge or white glue to adhere the printed paper to the matchboxes. Cover the top and bottom but leave the strike area alone.
If using washi tape place strips of tape along the matchbox to cover the top and bottom leaving the strike plates alone.

Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram

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About Patti Estep

Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.