Here’s a guide to making matchboxes out of origami paper.
Strike-and-light matches have gradually been replaced by lighters, which produce no waste.
But these days, even lighters are being used less and less.
You never know how the world will change.
That said, matchboxes are small and just the right size.
Why not try making your own handy matchbox using origami paper in your favorite patterns and colors?
Folding Instructions
Here are two folding methods: one for a sliding sleeve and one for an inner box.
Both use a 15-centimeter sheet of origami paper.
How to Make a Sleeve
First, mark the center slightly, then fold one side so that it aligns with the center.
Next, fold the other side so that it overlaps by about 1 centimeter.
Fold it in half lengthwise.
Then, fold it in half again.
Next, fold it in half and crease it at the one-eighth mark.
Then, fold the top down so that it aligns with the one-quarter crease at the bottom.
Then, fold it in half.
Fold both ends along the one-eighth fold line.
When you unfold it, it will have creases like this.
Fold the bottom eighth of the paper and overlap it.
Then tuck it under the top.
Once you’ve shaped it, your matchbox sleeve is complete.
How to Make an Inner Box
Now, let’s move on to the inner box.
First, make a crease down the middle, then fold it in half again.
Fold the other side so that it overlaps by about 1 centimeter.
Make a crease down the middle.
Since the edges are still folded, flatten them out.
Next, lightly mark the center.
Then, align the top and bottom in the center and crease them.
Next, fold the left and right edges toward the center.
Next, make a cross-fold along the bottom quarter fold.
Fold along the intersection of the cross.
Then, crease the paper where it extends from the quarter-fold.
Crease the top in the same way.
Let’s put it together.
Lift up both sides.
Fold along the creases.
Do the same for the other side.
Now the inner box is complete.
Combine it with the sleeve, and your matchbox is ready.
Cute matchbox
It’s the perfect size for small items, but it also seems like it would come in handy for Valentine’s Day.
My daughter, who’s in school, was making chocolates for her friends.
Actually, the hardest part isn’t making the chocolate—it’s the wrapping.
My daughter was really struggling with the wrapping, too.
I think I’ll tell her about these matchboxes next year.
This is also a matchbox-sized box.
A square box
There are also square boxes with lids.
This one does not have a sliding sleeve.
The great thing about this square box is that the lid and the bottom are folded the same way.
There are also boxes you can make from a single sheet of origami paper.
Watch a video tutorial on how to fold it
On Pinterest, we show you how to fold it in a video.
In Conclusion
Simple, elegant, and made with love. Until next time, happy crafting!