How to Make a Matchbook Journal

photos by Robin Coe

Do you want a journal you can carry in your pocket wherever you go?
You can easily create a fun mini journal by using a book of matches as inspiration. When you are done making your journal, you can decorate it with magazine pages, ribbons, colorful tape, or buttons. Here are instructions for making an easy matchbook journal decorated with magazine pictures.

Things You'll Need

• Thin cardboard or paperboard Ruler Pencil Scissors 1 Sheet of paper Stapler Magazine Glue

Instructions

1. 

   Measure 1 1/2 inches width x 4 1/4 inches height on your cardboard with your ruler, and mark the area with your pencil.

2. Use your scissors to cut the cardboard on the lines you drew. You should have a small rectangle piece when you are done.

3. Hold the cardboard so that one of the short ends is facing you for the bottom. Draw a line 1/2 inch from the bottom, across the cardboard. Then draw two horizontal lines 1 1/2 inches and 2 inches from the top. You should have a total of three lines on your cardboard piece.

4. 

   Fold your cardboard on the lines.

5. 

   Measure 1 1/2 inch squares on your sheet of paper until you have 20 squares, and mark the lines with your pencil. Use your scissors to cut on the lines, and then stack your 20 pages neatly together.

6. 

   Slide the paper evenly into the bottom flap of your matchbook. Fold the flap up and staple the center.

7. 

   Cut your favorite pictures out of a magazine and glue them over the cardboard to decorate your matchbook journal.

Tips & Warnings

• You can get creative and use cloth, buttons or a variety of other materials to decorate your matchbook journal.

References

• Etsy