Mini Matchbooks

Well, it's been a looooong time since I updated this blog. Not that I don't find inspiration everywhere, just that, well, you know - it's the time thing. I'm the biggest procrastinator ever! But speaking of being short on time, here is a little project that you can knock out in no time at all.

 

Mini matchbooks can be used for all sorts of things. I've put photos in some, used some for journaling, and even added magnets on the back to hang on the fridge. Keep them tucked in your purse with photos of the kids or grandkids. I keep a small one with Japanese phrases I want to remember for when I'm out shopping in town.

I've made some for party favors too. These are a bit larger and are just the right size for holding a Ghirardelli chocolate square.

Here's the measurements for making the smaller accordion ones for your purse. When they are open, they look like this.

1.     Cut a 1 ¾ x 5 inch strip of cardstock or double-sided patterned paper. Score at

2,  2 ¼ and 4 ½ inches. Fold on score lines. This will be the cover of your mini album.

2.    Cut a piece of paper 1 ½ x 9 ¼ inches. Score at

2 ¼, 4, 5 ¾ and 7 ½ inches. Fold on score lines. This will be the inside of your album. You can use it for small photos or perhaps for journaling.

3.    You will notice that once the accordion part is folded, that there is one longer end. Insert this longer piece inside the shorter  end of the cover and staple or secure with brads.  

 

That's it! You are done - except for a little bit of decorating. But these are so easy and you can use up your scraps of paper and left-over stickers, die cuts and gems. So simple, fun and pretty!