How to Make Your Own Matchbook Covers
Matchbook covers are small, lightweight cardboard folders that enclose matches. The cover of the folder is opened to access the matches. However, homemade matchbook covers serve more than just a utilitarian function. It is possible to design a matchbook cover to enhance a plain book of matches in any manner desired. Give away matchbooks with customized covers as gifts or display them proudly. Homemade matchbook covers require inexpensive materials to construct and are simple to design.
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Things You'll Need
- Matchbook with cover
- Ruler
- Kraft paper or other decorative paper
- Pencil
- Staple remover
- Stapler and staples
- Scissors
- Glue stick
Instructions
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1
Draw a draft of the design desired for the matchbooks. Browse the Internet for clip art, pictures or inspiration. Write a phrase using calligraphy or another decorative style of writing. Size the design to fit on the small cover of a matchbox. Copy the rough draft onto the paper that will be used as the matchbox cover on the middle of the paper.
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2
Open the matchbook. Apply the teeth of a staple remover to the staple that holds the cardboard cover over the matchsticks and pry it off. Measure the length from the tip of the striking portion to the top of the book. Next, measure the distance from one side of the matchbook to the other side. Write both of these measurements down on a piece of scratch paper. Close the matchbook and staple the cardboard back into place.
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3
Place the paper with the design on it on a flat, hard, work surface. Lightly draw a rectangle around the design with the same measurements recorded in step 2. Draw small hash lines at the point of each of the folds in the matchbox. There will be two to four folds, depending on the style of the matchbox being used as a template. Make photocopies of the template drawn if multiple custom matchbook covers will be made.
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4
Cut the new matchbook cover out. Fold the new matchbook cover along the hash lines drawn. Open the cover up and spread a layer of glue on the reverse side of the matchbook cover. Place glue on each edge as well as down the vertical length of the paper.
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5
Place the custom matchbook cover over the matchbook. Spread and smooth the cover flat.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep matches away from children.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
