Mar 3rd 2009 02:12:19 pm

Altered matchboxes are easy and fun to make!

To view a step-by-step tutorial with photos for making these paper boxes, check out the Matchbox Valentines How Tuesday post on the Etsy Storque blog.

These little boxes are approximately the size of standard, store-bought, 32-count matchboxes (1.5″ x 2″ x .5″). They make lovely mini gift boxes, and are also fun to swap! Here you can download the PDF template I created and use for creating these matchboxes from scratch using heavy card stock. (Make sure to download the full-size document using the link below. Do not use the below .gif image.) You can also print the template onto any type of paper and then trace it onto light cardboard, such as cereal box cardboard, to make more sturdy boxes.

Download Rachel’s matchbox template.

Instructions:

1. Print out template on card stock at 100%. Do not “fit to paper size” in your printer settings or your matchbox will not be the correct size.
2. Cut along all black lines; score and fold along all grey lines.
3. Apply glue to the light grey areas of the inside drawer.
4. Fold the sides of the inside drawer in on themselves (they will be end up being double thick) while tucking the tabs into the folds of the shorter sides of the drawer.
5. Fold the outside wrap around the inside drawer and glue it in place.
6. Decorate your matchbox!

Optional: Want to include a little card or mini zine in your matchbox? Download the matchbox enclosures template here!

Want even more matchbox fun?!

Here is a newer Envelope-style matchbox template:

The inner drawer of this matchbox is exactly the same as my original Matchbox Template above, but the outer wrap differs significantly. The final matchbox constructed with this template will be about the same size as a standard, store-bought, 32-count matchbox – approximately 1.5 x 2 x .5 inches.

Download the Envelope-style Matchbox Template PDF here.

Here are the basic instructions which are also printed on the template:

1. Print out template on card stock at 100%. Do not “fit to paper size” or your matchbox will not be the correct size.
2. Cut along all black lines; score and fold along all grey lines.
3. Apply glue to the light grey areas of the inside drawer.
4. Fold the sides of the inside drawer in on themselves (they will be end up being double thick) while tucking the tabs into the folds of the shorter sides of the drawer.
5. Fold the outside wrap around the inside drawer while folding in its bottom and tucking in the tabs. (I suggest test folding the outer wrap around the inner drawer at first, then removing the inside drawer and doing the final fold with glue. This fold is a little tricky as you must tuck in the tabs and the final side.) Glue it in place.
6. The flap on the right side of the outside wrap template is the matchbox’s envelope closure. Fold it over the top of the box and secure it with a seal or ribbon.
7. Decorate your matchbox!

Writing the instructions is the most difficult part of making these templates. I know they are confusing, but try printing the template on regular paper and practicing a few times before tackling the real deal in card stock. Let me know if you have any questions.

Also…

Here is a template for a larger, 250-count matchbox from user, HelenJoy.

77 Comments » Categories:

77 Responses to “Rachel’s matchbox template”

1. crescendo on 04 Mar 2009 at 3:00 pm #

   Thanks so much for the template Rachel! This will be way easier to customize for sure.

   I was wondering how you all prefer to mail your matchboxes–that is, what is the most economical method to send so they don’t get smashed? I have gotten them before in padded envies but sometimes are smashed. Any tips appreciated!

2. mystmaiden on 07 Mar 2009 at 1:59 am #

   Thanks! Very handy, I look forward to using the template

3. Fran McGee (Franstuff) on 10 Mar 2009 at 10:55 am #

   Hi! I haven’t mailed a matchbox yet, although I plan on giving them a try, I have mailed many other potentially smashable things.

   I would probably still use a mailer, but I would cut a cardboard or chipboard band, wider than the matchbox is tall, ong enough to go around the outside of the matchbox…sorta like the sides of a box, with no top or bottom. Staple the ends together, creating a circle, or pinch it into a rectangle.

   Set the matchbox on a piece of paper or bubble wrap, put the circle/ rectangle over it. (it should look like it is sitting in a box with no top or bottom, just sides), and wrap them in the paper.

   The cardboard band, being taller than the matchbox, will keep it from being crushed, unless the post office is in a REALLY cruel mood, without adding a bunch of weight. The paper or bubble wrap will keep it all together.

4. Laura (myrrhmaid) on 28 Mar 2009 at 8:50 am #

   Thank you Rachel! Now that I’m hooked on these things I can make my own matchboxes too! It’s kind of like the laundry soap I make- I know I can buy laundry soap at the store, but it’s soooo much better and more rewarding to be able to make it from ‘scratch’! oxo L

5. Laura (myrrhmaid) on 28 Mar 2009 at 8:53 am #

   p.s. crescendo, I put mine in another box to send. Like for the 350 ct. MB I’ll use a box the checks came in to send. Just a little bit bigger size to hopefully only crush it if mishandled. I also pad the inside usually by wrapping in tissue or fabric. HTH! oxo L

6. outsideartist on 02 Apr 2009 at 8:52 am #

   is there a good source for large unique style box templates? I am doing a survile kit for my hubbys 50th as a favor,and need to make NOW! TODAY!

   if anyone has you can either send here to the messages or to my email home!
   peace

7. Kathy on 24 May 2009 at 7:52 am #

   Is this still available for download? I can’t get it to work

8. clavriene on 27 May 2009 at 4:27 am #

   is it just me or is the template is not available for download??

9. Skulleigh on 30 May 2009 at 2:54 pm #

   It worked for me. And thanks! Looking forward to playing with the template!

10. Lush Forum Bamboo Tile Pendant Swap « hips like cinderella on 27 Jul 2009 at 8:19 pm #

    [...] I wanted to make it up to her, so I decided to box it up, sort of like a matchbox. I blew up Rachel’s matchbox template and traced it onto some T. Rowe Price catalogs and covered them with paper. The outside is covered [...]

11. faith on 07 Aug 2009 at 9:24 am #

    I just found your blog and love it! I’m gonna have to follow you! Do you ever feature other people other than your own items?

12. Gypsy Obermiller on 09 Aug 2009 at 2:43 pm #

    thanks for this template! I can’t wait to use it! blessings, Gypsy

13. befana on 16 Aug 2009 at 9:38 am #

    thank you for the templates. I have never tried matchbox swaps until now and could not find the boxes on line. Making them will be fun. thank you for sharing.

14. Gaby on 27 Aug 2009 at 5:35 pm #

    Hey, this is awesome! You totally rock! I cannot believe how cool it is!

15. yasmine on 10 Sep 2009 at 2:19 pm #

    LOVE IT! that would make such nice favours.

16. Swap-bot Weblog on 29 Sep 2009 at 6:34 pm #

    [...] reminds you of Halloween is fair game! Like always, you can download my free matchbox template PDFs here. Anyone and everyone who enjoys Halloween is invited to come sign up before October [...]

17. Swap-bot Weblog on 05 Oct 2009 at 7:03 am #

    [...] Rachel’s matchbox template [...]

18. Stacey on 07 Oct 2009 at 10:33 am #

    Hi Rachel
    I have never heard of these but I am very interested I am always looking for new crafts to share with friends. Can you explain how it works so I can start doing this?

    Thank you I can wait

19. Stacey on 07 Oct 2009 at 10:35 am #

    So sorry I meant I cant wait

20. Priscilla on 10 Oct 2009 at 12:34 pm #

    Thanks for the template, making this wil be fun.
    Priscilla

21. Susan on 23 Oct 2009 at 9:02 pm #

    Thanks! Looking forward to trying this. What kind of glue do you recommend using? I was planning to make mine out of chipboard about 4.75″ wide by 6″ tall by 1″ thick.
    Also one modification I might try is punching a matching set of holes underneath the flap, directly under the flap holes if that makes sense, and then tying my ribbon through that way. (Also doing all holes with my crop-a-dile) Do you think that would work?
    So excited about this project!

22. Kimberly on 03 Nov 2009 at 12:42 am #

    Hi Rachel: These are very snappy and smart. Love them. Also, I never got to send you your complimentary copy of the SM*Art Zine. You did advertise SwapBot in it. I can send you a digital copy if you would like. Let me know.

23. Karen on 19 Jan 2010 at 1:06 pm #

    When I was making miniature items to swap, we would sometimes mail them inside empty pill bottles, which come in various sizes. The bottle could then be mailed inside well padded envelopes or small boxes. Just remember to remove any labels from the bottle which would have personal info on them. Hope this helps.

24. Terri on 20 Jan 2010 at 10:52 am #

    Rachel this is the best. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to play around with the templates and make some of my very own boxes. It’s going to be so much fun and with Valentine’s Day coming up it’s going to be even more fun to make one.

    Thank you again!

25. Tisha on 22 Jan 2010 at 2:48 pm #

    Thank you for the template. I have 6 kids and this is a great craft.I bought a pack of matches. You made it easy for me. I can make my own know in different papers.
    I use rubber bands to hold it together while the glue dries.
    Best wishes
    Tisha

26. Swap-bot Weblog on 24 Jan 2010 at 4:31 pm #

    [...] If you can’t make it to the Etsy offices or to the Virtual Labs, there will be a detailed tutorial published on the Etsy Storque blog on Tuesday. You can also download my easy matchbox template and instructions here. [...]

27. Swap-bot Weblog on 27 Jan 2010 at 12:43 pm #

    [...] up with three very easy card types that fit perfectly into the boxes created using either of my Matchbox Templates. On my free, downloadable Matchbox Enclosure Cards PDF (seen below) you will find a simple folded [...]

28. ayelet(nishale) on 28 Jan 2010 at 8:15 am #

    thank you! thats great!!!!!

29. Jan on 28 Jan 2010 at 11:52 am #

    I happen to have a “thing” for boxes and I love these matchboxes. Thank you for the free templates. Can’t wait to make valentines for my friends.

30. my2scrappychicks on 29 Jan 2010 at 11:22 am #

    these are adorable…. thanks so much for sharing. I love Etsy!

31. Swap-bot Weblog on 01 Feb 2010 at 6:44 am #

    [...] find the free matchbox templates we will be using at the Etsy Craft Night available for download here. There is also a free matchbox enclosure card download available here. Have fun making your [...]

32. gina on 01 Feb 2010 at 4:43 pm #

    what does “score” mean?

33. Swap-bot Weblog on 02 Feb 2010 at 10:12 am #

    [...] if you want to make a few Matchbox Valentines like the ones we made last night you can use my free matchbox templates and matchbox enclosure card template. Have fun [...]

34. giusy on 03 Feb 2010 at 7:27 am #

    Those box are adorable!! they are perfect to pack up my stitch marker )

35. one word for you: addictive! « dogwood & poppy on 08 Feb 2010 at 1:29 pm #

    [...] these little matchboxes!  i found the template (that’s right! these are totally handmade!) here.  thanks rachel at swap-bot for giving me yet another craft addiction.  no really, [...]

36. Dawn Farias on 10 Feb 2010 at 8:54 am #

    This is perfect! I am using it today to make a Valentine’s activity with my kids. Thank you!

37. Leaf and Tendril on 19 Feb 2010 at 2:14 pm #

    these are so cute! they’re the perfect size for my small earrings.

38. helene on 28 Mar 2010 at 5:19 am #

    Thank you for this template Rachel. It was so fun to create this box !

39. Glenna on 07 May 2010 at 8:10 am #

    Thanks Rachel! I look forward to trying this!

40. Another Giveaway! « Bathtub Dreamer on 23 May 2010 at 3:31 pm #

    [...] matchboxes (here’s some beautiful [...]

41. jewelry on 13 Aug 2010 at 1:20 am #

    very good !~

42. Jackie on 21 Oct 2010 at 6:53 am #

    very cool, love them, would make a awesome gift wrappers. Love paper craft

43. Looking for a Match Box template: Template & Printable Patterns - Splitcoaststampers on 09 Nov 2010 at 4:17 pm #

    [...] is another link for a free matchbox template. Swap-bot Weblog __________________ The Best Things In Life…Are Not [...]

44. Swap-bot Weblog on 30 Nov 2010 at 2:08 pm #

    [...] is a quick and easy swap to get us in the holiday spirit. Like always, you can use my downloadable matchbox template to create your matchbox or decorate a real, empty [...]

45. mia on 22 Feb 2011 at 4:45 am #

    hi my names Mia

46. Margaret Iddon on 28 Mar 2011 at 4:33 am #

    Thanks for these templates.

    Will make some and post on my blog.

47. Seahaghaz on 16 May 2011 at 9:23 pm #

    Thank you for these templates! I will use them and remember my parents who made small boxes for the jewellry they made out of their house. They used fine patterned wall paper to dress the boxes. Thank you!

48. wholesale trendy jewelry on 16 May 2011 at 11:59 pm #

    i found the template (that’s right! these are totally handmade!) here. thanks rachel at swap-bot for giving me yet another craft addiction.

49. Deepti krishna on 01 Aug 2011 at 7:21 am #

    I just loved this awesome

50. Tiffany Cottam on 03 Sep 2011 at 7:46 am #

    cute, cute, cute!

51. eranthika on 24 Sep 2011 at 3:39 am #

    hi,
    thanks very much they are super cute.

52. Linda on 11 Oct 2011 at 5:58 pm #

    fun! thanks

53. Snowmanlover on 02 Nov 2011 at 6:34 am #

    Wow,, this is great. Thank you so much for the directions !

54. Hannah on 02 Nov 2011 at 1:15 pm #

    This looks great! I think I’m going to try and transfer it to my silhouette!!

55. amanda on 03 Jan 2012 at 2:49 am #

    Thank you so much for posting this free! yours look great love the bright colours

56. Sara on 27 Jan 2012 at 1:43 am #

    OMG this is awesome and now with the winter and the fireplace on, I could really use a nice matchbox. Thanks for sharing!

57. Becca on 05 Feb 2012 at 10:06 am #

    Thanks so much for this! I have been wanting to try it out on my Cricut.

58. Elaynne on 12 Feb 2012 at 10:16 am #

    Hi, For some reason, I can’t get the original template to download. The envelope style works just perfectly but I’ve tried opening the first one in both Firefox and Internet Explorer to no avail. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

59. Claudia on 12 Feb 2012 at 1:52 pm #

    I was not able to download the template either…. This box will work so well using so many themes!

    Thanks for the help!

60. Cely on 14 Feb 2012 at 4:26 am #

    This is great….I have one similar, but this one is a tad different…thank you very much.

61. Judy on 22 Feb 2012 at 5:36 pm #

    I couldn’t get the first template either….it would download but wouldn’t open.

62. rachel on 20 Mar 2012 at 5:16 am #

    Hi all – I have updated the downloads and you should be able to download the original template without trouble. Have fun!

63. Carole on 20 Mar 2012 at 8:03 am #

    Love them!! Thank you for sharing

64. paper | Pearltrees on 20 Apr 2012 at 9:38 am #

    [...] To view a step-by-step tutorial with photos for making these paper boxes, check out the Matchbox Valentines How Tuesday post on the Etsy Storque blog. Altered matchboxes are easy and fun to make! Weblog [...]

65. Jane on 13 Jul 2012 at 6:24 am #

    Thanks totally going to link up to my blog for “tin can theatres”. http://www.jerisesh.blogspot.com/2012/07/kolters-tin-can-theatre.html?m=1
    These templates would be great for replacing a tin can. Thanks

66. Packers Movers on 18 Aug 2012 at 3:19 am #

    these are so cute! they’re the perfect size for my small earrings.

67. Weekend reading « neuroticdomestic on 10 Sep 2012 at 4:34 am #

    [...] Because I love small boxes.  [...]

68. justine on 08 Oct 2012 at 11:48 pm #

    this is great! thank you so much for sharing, rachel. i have one question though~ what are the preferred dimensions of the card stock?

69. VALARIE RODRIGUEZ on 18 Oct 2012 at 7:43 am #

    I just love the design on the boxes,they make perfect gifts for small things.am going try make one now.

70. Lush Forum Bamboo Tile Pendant Swap | blue evening on 03 Jan 2013 at 3:36 pm #

    [...] I wanted to make it up to her, so I decided to box it up, sort of like a matchbox. I blew up Rachel’s matchbox template and traced it onto some T. Rowe Price catalogs and covered them with paper. The outside is covered [...]

71. heather on 15 Jan 2013 at 8:40 pm #

    just added a link to the adorable template for my birthday post on my blog The Crafty Cancello. Found you on Pintrest, such a cute way to package a gift!
    Thank you so much!

72. Dream Weddings on a Budget » 5 Valentine's Day DIY Ideas for Your Wedding - Dreams Weddings on a Budget on 26 Jan 2013 at 6:17 pm #

    [...] These adorable hand made matchboxes would be perfect for holding wedding favors like small candies or a photo of the couple. You can change up the paper color and top them with flowers, ribbon, paper shapes or whatever best suited your wedding theme. The matchboxes are made using a free matchbox template that you can find here. [...]

73. Bobbi on 15 Feb 2013 at 7:58 am #

    Thank you so much

74. lasbrasas75.blogspot.com on 27 Apr 2013 at 12:41 pm #

    This ensures that Farmacia On Line is contraindicated.
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75. Gina Webber on 03 May 2013 at 5:15 am #

    I can not get the templates to download…..can you email them to me?

76. Fun with NSD challenges! | SCRaPPY CaNuCK STuDioS on 05 May 2013 at 6:28 am #

    [...] project with some of the fun challenges over at CropChocolate!  I modified an adorable matchbox template I found at Swap-Bot by increasing it to 170%.  I’m not sure you can still call it a matchbox, but you can call it [...]

77. narnt on 19 May 2013 at 5:31 am #

    Thank you for the templates for the boxes. I really appreciate your skill and generosity.

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