Altered & Filled Matchboxes for Newbies!

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Swap Coordinator:	twobluecrows (contact)
Swap categories:	Art Boxes Newbie
Number of people in swap:	34
Location:	Other
Type:	None
Last day to signup/drop:	April 11, 2008
Date items must be sent by:	May 6, 2008
Number of swap partners:	2
Description:
I like to give the newbies a chance now and then to participate in the swaps I like best. This is for 2 partners, one altered and filled matchbox for each. These Altered Matchboxes will be the small size which are 32 ct (they hold 32 matches). These are inexpensive and usually come in packs of 6 or ten at your local Wal-Mart--in the kitchen gadget aisle usually. You can often find them at convenience stores, too. They can also be made out of heavy cardstock or the thinner cardboard from pasta boxes or thin cereal boxes. There is a template here to use to make your own. Use something to score the fold lines so they fold straight. Use a strong glue and little clamps to be sure they don't fall apart. You then take this plain little box and alter it into a piece of art in whatever way pleases you. You can check your partner's profile for hints on what they like and use something there for your theme or colors. Paint or collage it to be interesting, embellish with fun things. Then fill it with interesting little things that your partner may be able to use i theri art--buttons, brads, small punched shapes, short lengths of fancy strings/yarns/ribbons, inchies, little bits and pieces of found objects that would make good embellishments for ATCs, etc. Then, wrap it in tissue and or bubble wrap, package it in a small box or bubblewrap envelope or padded envelope and mail it off. Hearts are usually earned by making it extra special and the inclusion of some other treats and things that won't fit in the matchbox, but would be appreciated--larger pieces of handmade paper, ribbons, buttons, things your partner lists in their profile. Make something you would love to receive and you can't go wrong. This swap is US only for this time. Newbies and not-so-new swappers are welcome, but all must have a full profile, or you may get banned. Already rated swappers must have at least a 4.8 and no no-sends! Write me if you have any questions.

Discussion

CraftyDez 03/29/2008 #

Ok, so I'm not a newbie or a newbie matchbox maker...but I just cannot resist any matchbox swap that's posted. I just love to make them.

macka 03/30/2008 #

I agree with you CraftyDez I love to make matchboxes too. Count me in.

lampshadeburgler 04/ 1/2008 #

i'm not that new to swapping, but i've never made an altered matchbox before. i am always looking for a new fun crafty thing to addict myself to and this will probably be the next one!

twobluecrows 04/ 2/2008 #

They are as addictive as ATCs! I keep telling myself I have enough and should stop, but then I need just one more box, and have to buy them in ten-packs, so there you go--have to do enough more to use all those new boxes!! ;)

Cyn

Vblarney 04/ 3/2008 #

I just finished my matchboxes. I hope they're okay since this is only my second time making some. I think I'll have more fun filling them!

BeeCuteDesigns 04/ 4/2008 #

Im new to the swap-bot thing but i love the match box items and I am glad your allowing newbies! So count me in. :)

TeaNi 04/ 6/2008 #

I'm not a newbie, but I've only made a few matchboxes before and am gearing up to get into more matchbox swaps- fun!:)

twobluecrows 04/ 8/2008 #

I'm glad everyone is having a good time! Making and swapping the matchboxes is a pretty easy thing to slide into.

Cyn

twobluecrows 04/ 8/2008 #

Feel free to mail early, too! Don't feel you have to wait for the mail deadline.

Cyn

twobluecrows 04/ 8/2008 #

Hint: for making your own, the boxes that Teabags come in (Stash, Celestial Seasonings, Bromley, Lipton, Salada, etc) are excellent weight for making matchboxes from. They are stiff enough, but not as heavy as cereal or other food boxes. They come in cool colors and designs, too sometimes, which could give you a step ahead in your decorating scheme.

Cyn

skwerl81 04/10/2008 #

I'm not a newbie, but this is my first time trying a matchbox! Wish me luck! :)

havehope76 04/10/2008 #

I found these lil white/blank boxes at Michaels (a US craft store) that are 1 inch taller and 1 inch wider than the 32 count matchboxes. I have both but like the ones a lil bit bigger better, since these are my first. Would the ones I discribed be acceptable to use? The lid goes on top, instead of sliding on and off. Any opinions?

twobluecrows 04/12/2008 #

havehope76, real matchboxes are preferable--many of us have display boxes that are made for that size, and the top coming off rather than sliding makes them NOT matchboxes.

You can write your partners directly now that they've been assigned and ask if it would be ok with them, but be ready to use the real thing, ok?

Cyn

twobluecrows 04/16/2008 #

Vblarney!! Even if your matchbox wasn't the excellent thing it is, you way-y compensated for any impossibly imagined shortcomings by all the rest of the package! Thanks so much!

Cyn

havehope76 04/20/2008 #

I'll try using the "real" matchboxes then... just anxious cause these are my first attempts. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

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