Packaging Jewelry 101: Upcycling Matchboxes

I have an infatuation with matchboxes, especially when they are repurposed into something else, like a little cute box for packaging my handmade earrings.

I had some glitter, some paint (yes, oil-paint for furniture), acrylic paint, white glue, and a stamp. And this is what I came up with.

The oil-based paint actually makes the matchboxes much more sturdier than they are. The stamped bird is made with foam. This stamped side of the matchboxes is actually painted with white acrylic, so that the ink would stick.

Matchbox inspiration

Here are some ideas for embellishing matchboxes. Some are shabby chic, some are not… but they’re all so beautiful.

Things to use upcycled  matchboxes for:

• Packaging small jewelry items, like earrings and pins, broaches, and a strand of pearls – and using them in craft shows, for instance.

Source: blog.lobsterandswan.com via Karboojeh on Pinterest

• Organizing tiny office supplies – like clips, tacks, push-pins, rubber bands, etc

Source: dollarstorecrafts.com via Karboojeh on Pinterest

• Stationary: You can put a stack of sticky notes (Post-it notes) on top of the matchbox and place a tiny pen in the “drawer” to make a quick notebook

Source: blog.piondesign.se via Karboojeh on Pinterest

• Gifts: Wrapping a cute little gift (of candy, maybe) for a loved one

Source: inchmark.squarespace.com via Karboojeh on Pinterest

• Miniatures: Making miniature drawers for small toy houses

Source: etsy.com via Karboojeh on Pinterest

One can come up with as many ideas as one can with this little drawer-shaped box. The possibilities are endless…

If you have any matchbox ideas or projects, please do share them. I created a Pinterest board for them, and I’m always on the lookout for cute little matchbox  ideas…
thanks!