When the pilot light on our stove goes out, or we want to light a candle to help kill the fumes while chopping onions, we usually have to dig through our kitchen junk drawer to find some matches. We wanted to figure out a way to keep them within arm's reach without just cluttering up the countertops. So we grabbed a multi-pack of boxed matches at the grocery store and some magnets from the craft store and created some super-simple, customized matchbooks that are cute enough to display on the fridge 24-7. Here's how we did it...
>> View How-to Instructions as Slideshow
YOU WILL NEED:
1. Trace the matchbox shape onto the paper of your choice, then cut out using scissors or an X-Acto knife. Do this twice.
2. Cover the wrong side of the paper with a gluestick, then adhere it to the side of the matchbox. Cover both sides to hide the original packaging.
3. Once the glue is dry, apply some Mod Podge using a paintbrush to protect the finish. Go easy on the Mod Podge, especially if you're using scraps clipped from a magazine—using too much can cause the paper to ripple. If you'd like to coat both sides of the matchbox at once, just set them on their sides to dry.
4. After the Mod Podge has dried, apply a dab of E-6000 or another strong glue to a magnet and place it on one side of the matchbox. Allow to dry, then stick the matchbox on your fridge and enjoy!
>> View how-to instructions with additional images as slideshow here
And be sure to check out Jenny's other inspiring DIY projects from our archives:
Jenny Ryan is the recent author of Sew Darn Cute: 30 Sweet & Simple Projects to Sew & Embellish and also and is also co-owner of the Home Ec. Department at Reform School.
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Comments (7)
That is a neat, simple idea that does make sense, but sticking kids art work to the fridge with fun coloured boxes of matches might be a little on the dangerous side. Kids and matches.....fun coloured boxes...on the fridge.......just say'in :)
BUT! I do think it is a good idea for adult only homes.
These are great fun. But I second the first comment.
Granted, this idea won't work in every household, but for those of us who don't have small kids around....it's such a great idea!
My mom also uses matches to take care of bathroom smells. I guess it's the charcoal in the matches that does the trick. If you have those metal folding doors in the bathroom closets, like I do, the magnet idea will work there as well. I think Ill make a few to give as stocking stuffers this year. Thanks!
These are adorable! And so simple!
My boyfriend's mom make matchbooks like this for every holiday, though she doesn't add a magnet to the back. I like this idea, but I'm so clumsy I'd probably put them on the fridge slide-y way down and they'd get all over the place. ha
Hey folks, thanks for the comments! Don't worry, I don't have kids-- the pic in the photo was drawn for me by a friend's kid. :)
So very cute.
I agreed with the comments at first, then I remembered why I didn't play with matches. I was TAUGHT not to. I'm sure all of the parents here have taught their children not to as well. Teach them it burns, and they won't play with it.
For the parents that want to use these still - make little altered books for the kids to play with instead. Most kids now a days don't even know what a match, or matchbook is. *sad*
@baileyb - my Grandma did the same thing. It was amazing. They also had a space heater that was gas and lit with a match in the winter. Children won't have the same experiences we did, that's probably good in some ways.
Great little creation though.