A great way to make simple crafty Christmas gifts is to take a handy everyday objects and add a little of your own embellishments.
By Sarah Heeringa and Susan Elijas
Matches are handy to keep in your lounge (or loo) for lighting scented candles or incense, to light the fire (if you have one) for camping trips – or just to have around in case of a power cut. Buy a few boxes of matches and make them extra fancy with white tissue and paper scraps, glue and a little paint.
You will need:
- Matchboxes (I always buy Beehive matches because they are certified to the environmental management standard ISO 14001)
- White paper and coloured paper scraps
- White tissue paper
- Testpots of gold paint (I used Resene Bullion and Resene Gold Dust)
- Paper glue (I make my own using flour water and salt)
- A small paintbrush
- Masking tape (optional)
Step 1
Cut and fold two pieces of white paper to fit the front and back panel of the matchbox. You may also wish to cover the striking strip with masking tape to stop any glue getting on it. (This is especially worth doing if you have children helping you.)
Steps 2 and 3
Cut a thin strip of white tissue paper. Run a bead of glue along the paper. Fold it in half lengthwise.
Steps 4 and 5
Carefully roll the tissue paper and twist it between your fingers to create a coiled thread.
Step 6
Cut out coloured or pattered paper and glue it on the boxes. Using more glue as required, stick the coiled tissue thread on the box as piping around the edges.
Step 7
Allow to dry
Step 8
Using a fine paintbrush and a little gold paint add embellishments as you fancy.
