during the last release while sharing projects with perfect match, i shared templates for making two different sizes of matchboxes. i also mentioned that it was easy to make matchboxes of all sizes with a simple formula, so i thought I'd share that today. the finished size of this one is 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" x 1/2" but using the same steps you can make them any size you like.
once you decide on the main size you want your box, you can easily figure out your sizes of cardstock to cut. for the box portion, starting with your width and height, you add your depth once on each side, and again on both the top and bottom (or twice to the width and four times to the height), so for 2-1/2" x 3-1/2" with 1/2" depth, we need a piece of cardstock measuring 3-1/2" x 5-1/2".
then you score the depth all the way around once and a second time on each width as shown above.
next, you snip the corner pieces as shown and add adhesive. i like to trim the corner pieces at an angle as well to help with folding the flap that hides them.
once you fold up the sides, the corner pieces fall into place and then you fold the extra edge over to cover them up.
for the sleeve you need a strip of cardstock the same width as the length of the box, in this case 3-1/2", with an overall length to equal three times the width of the box plus two times the depth. so 2-1/2" + 1/2" + 2-1/2" + 1/2" + 2-1/2", for a total of 8-1/2", scored following the same pattern, width, depth, width, depth, width.
i chose this particular box size so that i could add a window using the heart die from matchbook medley. any window cutting and stamping should be done to the center box size panel as shown above. i backed the window with a layer of clear cardstock so that my contents could be both protected and seen.
to complete assembly, fold the two sections on the right of the box over, add adhesive to the last box size section and adhere to the first section from the left. i like to have the bottom sections overlapping to create a more solid structure and support.
once adhered, the box pops up to the right shape, a perfect fit to slide over the box base.
decorate and fill for the perfect valentine (or birthday or anytime) treat! dies are great, but having tricks like these up your sleeves adds a bit of flexibility to match whatever you're packaging - pun intended!
happy stamping!
:) lexi
