Matchbox Magic

Matchboxes can be turned into elegant gifts when grouped in intriguing shapes and smartly covered. It is also a good way to use up odd scraps of fabrics to make inexpensive, yet personal gifts... perfect for friends who like to go camping yet pretty enough to form part of the decor when placed near a fireplace or stove in the kitchen.

How to make matchbox gifts:

Group two, three or four boxes on a piece of stiff cardboard (see diagrams). When you are satisfied with the arrangement, draw round the outline of the grouped boxes making sure they do not move.
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Use scissors or a craft knife to cut out the shape. Place the shape on another piece of cardboard, draw around it and cut out a second piece.



Using a small amount of adhesive, stick each piece of cardboard to the wrong side of the fabric and cut out, leaving 1,5 cm surplus fabric all round. Mitre the corners and clip into the angles. (Diagram 2) Fold the excess fabric over and glue it down to the cardboard.

Cut 6cm length of ribbon for each drawer. Fold the ribbon in half lengthways and glue cut ends inside the boxes so that a looped end protrudes - see photo. Replace the matches in the boxes.

Glue the matchboxes into position on the wrong side of one piece of covered cardboard. Glue the second piece of covered cardboard on top and press down firmly. Leave the boxes under a weight until quite dry.

Take care to leave matches out of reach of young children.