Ignite your creativity with this list of 25 crafts with matchboxes! There is something for all ages, and these are perfect for beginners.
If you have children, I’m sure you have a tiny tea set for Barbie, small Lego kits, itty bitty dinosaurs or doll house furniture somewhere on your floor right now. If not, please share your secret with everyone! Kids are always drawn to miniature toys, and the fascination is something we all may feel even as adults.
What crafts can you make with a matchbox?
The draw of tiny treasure housed in small containers is hard to explain. Just think about all of those Altoid tin crafts people have come up with.
They’ve been turned into beds for small monsters, emergency kits for your purse and even miniature games to keep kids busy on the run. The same can be done with empty matchboxes!
Reusing or upcycling unused items is great for the environment. Why throw away a perfectly good matchbox if you can use it to create a fun craft? This is what prompted me to look for some fun matchbox craft ideas. Today I’m sharing 25 of those ideas with you.
If you are unsure about reusing matchboxes (for whatever reason), you can still make these crafts. You can purchase craft matchboxes, or you can make your own matchbox.
Crafts with Matchboxes
This list of 25 crafts with matchboxes includes ideas for all ages; from unicorn favor boxes to holiday dinner place cards. Check it out and ignite your creativity!
Matchbox Monster Puppets
With some paint and paper, you can dress up your matchbox into a super cool monster! Don't they look hungry?
Camera
Turn a matchbox into a cute little camera! You can fill it with sentimental photos or (in this case) photo prompts. A great gift for a photography loving friend.
Holiday Place Cards
This craft idea is a 3 in 1 project. Once completed, you have a place card, a little greeting for your guest and a favor to take home!
Valentine Mini Gifts
Use the free printable download to cover matchboxes and then fill them with small candy treasures!
Advent Calendar
For a tiny version of a Christmas countdown calendar, use ordinary grocery-store matchboxes to pass the days. You'll also use pretty patterned scrapbook paper.
Message Box
Learn how to make your own little message box. This one is for a birthday, but you can create whatever you like — maybe a secret message for a friend?
Comfort Boxes
Make and give these to friends and family when they need them! Create whatever messages you like.
Popsicle Favor Boxes
Download and print these free popsicle covers for matchboxes! Add a mini popsicle stick and fill the matchboxes with yummy treats.
Mini Suitcases
Such beautiful designer suitcases! Of course they are super tiny since they are made using matchboxes. Maybe these could be used for when Barbie and Ken vacation?
Unicorn Notebook
Learn how to make a matchbox accordion notebook that looks like a unicorn!
Matchbox House
Why make one matchbox into a tiny house when you can put together one box for each room? There aren't instructions for this idea, but numerous photos for inspiration!
Cross-stitched Matchboxes
Make personalized matchboxes by cross stitching an initial or small image like a heart! Fill them with candy or whatever you like.
Men's Suit Gift Box
Do you have a small gift for the man in your life? Or maybe you want to give some little treats? This matchbox turned men's suit gift box is perfect!
Unicorn Favor Boxes
These are so adorable for a unicorn or fantasy themed party! Fill the matchboxes with candy or little trinkets as a favor to take home.
Mini Office Supply Boxes
Get the free printable download to make these office supply 'books'. Such a great idea if you don't have much drawer space in your desk. These can sit on top of your desk looking great!
Ghostly Matchbox
This has to be the easiest matchbox craft on the list! So simple, but super cute.
Modern Matchbox Advent
Here is a modern, minimalist version of a matchbox advent calendar. I like that it hangs on the wall!
New Year's Confetti
Make small confetti filled matchboxes for guests on New Year's Eve. Definitely fun to make and toss, maybe not as fun to clean up!
Matchbox Weaving
Use a matchbox as a loom to weave tiny tapestries! You'll use embroidery floss and a needle.
Inspirational Shadow Box Collage
This shadow box collage would be a great idea for a dorm room decoration or for any kid's room!
Perler Bead Matchboxes
Use your matchboxes as they were intended — to hold matches! This tutorial shows you how to use Perler beads to create colorful tops for the boxes.
Travel Puzzle
Find out how to paint a small puzzle of your own and then store it in a matchbox. Perfect for putting in your purse to grab when the kids get antsy.
Adirondacks Birdhouse
I love the detail on this little birdhouse! It is complete with a bird, birdwatching journal, and a 'jar of hugs'.
Pocket Pets
These stone pets live in matchbox houses! Create your own using found rocks, felt, and googly eyes.
Meditation Matchbox
This is a nice little gift for someone who is going through a tough time. Create a small bottlecap candle and put it in a matchbox. Write a quote or message, roll it up and tie a couple of matches to it. Now you have a tiny meditation matchbox!
Which matchbox craft was your favorite? Let me know in the comments, and then check out these other popular box crafts: