Vintage Pinup Matchbox Tutorial

Easy Handmade Gift Ideas Under $5

Hi friends! It's Debi here from my beautiful vacation spot on Coronado Island! Today I'm sharing one of my favorite quick and easy projects that make the most adorable little gifts. These designer matchboxes and tic tac containers might look fancy, but trust me, they're super simple to make and would easily sell for $15-20 in boutiques!

I love having pretty matches in my guest bathrooms and kitchen, and these cute little tic tac containers are perfect for keeping pills, mints, or tiny treasures. They make wonderful Mother's Day gifts, party favors, or just a special little something for yourself. The best part? You can personalize them any way you want - use designer fabrics, favorite colors, or even add photos of friends and family!

Let's get crafting, and I'll show you just how easy these are to make!

Materials Needed:

• Diamond matchboxes (sold in packs of 3 at Walmart)

• Gold tic tac containers (from Amazon)

• Decorative paper (I used McKenzie Childs wrapping paper and paper from "Fabulous Florals" collage book)

• Pinup images (from Amazon vintage ephemera books)

• Designer fabric pieces (optional)

• Dress form molds or small decorative elements

• Rhinestone trim in your choice of colors

• Stickles glitter glue (Mercury Glass is my favorite!)

• Butterfly wings or small decorative elements

• Adhesives: Glue stick, tacky glue, and E6000 or B7000 for heavier elements

• Small scissors (Tim Holtz scissors work great)

• Sharpie marker for details

Designer Matchbox Instructions:

1. Prepare your matchbox:

   • Start with a diamond matchbox (available at Walmart in packs of 3)

   • Measure and cut decorative paper to fit the top and sides of your matchbox

   • Apply paper to matchbox using glue stick or tacky glue

2. Add a decorative element:

   • For the dress form design: Paint a small dress form mold with white paint

   • Use a black Sharpie to create a check pattern on the dress

   • Attach butterfly wings to the back of the dress form with hot glue

   • Glue the completed dress form to the top of your decorated matchbox

3. Add trim details:

   • Apply adhesive rhinestone trim around the edges of the matchbox

   • Make sure not to overlap the opening so matches can still slide out

   • Add a small embellishment like a rhinestone or small charm to the dress form

4. Final touches:

   • Apply Stickles glitter glue to highlight details (dress form necklace, belt, wings)

   • Let dry completely (about an hour)

   • Test to make sure the matchbox still opens and closes smoothly

Designer Tic Tac Container Instructions:

1. Prepare your container:

   • Start with a gold tic tac container from Amazon

   • Measure and cut designer paper or fabric to fit the top and bottom

   • Apply using tacky glue for paper or B7000 for fabric

2. Add trim:

   • Apply rows of adhesive rhinestone trim around the sides

   • Add 2 rows on top and 4-5 rows on the bottom for a luxurious look

   • Make sure the lid still opens smoothly

3. Add embellishments:

   • Glue a small "a little bougie" label or other saying inside the lid

   • Add a small designer charm to the outside (like a miniature purse charm)

4. Final touches:

   • Apply Stickles around any text or edges for extra sparkle

   • Test to make sure the container opens properly

Tips:

• You can personalize these by adding photos of friends or family

• These make perfect Mother's Day gifts or party favors

• Fill the tic tac containers with mints, pills, or tiny treasures

• Similar items would sell for $15-20 in boutiques!

• Avoid using hot glue on small pieces - tacky glue or B7000 gives you time to adjust

Enjoy creating these fun, designer-inspired pieces that are perfect little gifts for friends and family!