How to Make a Matchbox Cover & Jewelry Holder

Make a personalized box for jewelry gifts using heavy cardstock. The box resembles an old-fashioned matchbox that slides closed. A standard size matchbox is large enough to hold rings and small pendants. You can alter the measurements to make a bigger box for larger pendants or bracelets. Make a template from heavy cardboard first if you plan to make several boxes, which will save time when measuring and cutting out the cardstock.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Craft glue
• Cotton batting

Instructions

1. Cut a 2 1/4-inch by 3-inch rectangle from a sheet of heavy cardstock.

2. Draw a light pencil line 1/2 inch in from each edge of the rectangle, parallel to the edge. This will result in four lines, 1/2 inch in from the edges, that intersect each other near the corners.

3. Cut a 1/2-inch slit with the scissors along the pencil line that's parallel to one of the short edges of the rectangle, starting where the line meets a long edge, and cutting to where the lines intersect. Repeat at each corner of the rectangle. You will have four 1/2-inch slits, two on each long side.

4. Fold in 1/2 inch of each long side toward each other, folding along the pencil lines. Fold the short sides in 1/2 inch to create a box shape. The slits form an overhanging flap on the short sides at each corner.

5. Fold the flaps in, tuck them inside the long sides, and glue them in place, using plain white craft glue.

6. Cut a second piece of cardstock into a rectangular strip that is 2 by 4 ½ inches.

7. Measure along the long edge of the cardstock, marking the measurements on the wrong side of the paper. Draw a line at 1 inch, 1 ½ inches, 3 inches and 3 ½ inches, making the lines parallel to the short side of the rectangle.

8. Fold the paper in at each mark to form the matchbox cover. The ends overlap by ½ inch. Glue the overlapping edges together to secure the cover.

9. Place a 1 1/2-by-2-inch rectangle of cotton batting inside the box. Set the jewelry on top the batting and slide the box into the cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Use decorative cardstock to make the box cover or decorate it after construction with marker or stickers.