Sunday, January 18, 2015

Winter Matchbook Tutorial

I don't like Winter. I really don't. We lived in Michigan for many years, so I'm very familiar with snow and cold. The bitter cold seeps into my bones and hurts. When I saw the that the theme this week was "Winter Stamping" for the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge, I panicked. All I could think of was cold. Then I recalled the tale of The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen, and I knew that that mini matchbooks would be a great project. If you haven't read the story, Spoiler Alert: The cold kills her. But let's think of something a bit happier...

These little books are easy to make and they're a great way to use some of those embellishments and smaller papers languishing in your craft supply stash. The 6x6 paper pads have prints in a smaller scale. This project can turn those extra sheets into something you'll be proud of. A scoring board (or a ruler and bone folder) is necessary for making straight and even fold lines. I used a Tiny Attacher for my binding, but a stapler works too.
Accurately cut a variety of papers for your "pages". You will need to cut approximately ten pages for each book. The amount of pages you need will depend on the thickness of the paper. The matchbook cover bends along the score marks and folds up and over the edge. (Where my fingers are in the photo) Attach the cover to your pages with your Tiny Attacher. Easy-Peasy!
I made several of these one evening. It was fun using all of my little embellishments.

What will you create for your "Winter Stamping" project? Link your project to the Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge Blog and your project could win a $50 gift voucher to Simon Says Stamp.  We draw a new winner each week. Your project could also be chosen to be featured in our weekly designer spotlight.

http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=821072&b=199868&m=24698&afftrack=&urllink=www%2ESimonSaysStamp%2Ecom
Here are some products that are similar to what I have used:


14 comments:

  1. Ohhhhhh these are fabulous! I love love love them!!!!!

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  2. Brilliant! They are beautiful and what a great idea! I had forgotten about the matchbook design and now you have me thinking about creating some!

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  3. These are so cute! Love the retro feel! And your handwriting is so pretty! Hugs, Sandra

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  4. Adorable matchbooks! I like the enamel dots you added! Major flower power going on!

    *mwah*
    Steph
    Simon Says Stamp!

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  5. Beautiful work! Great inspiration,beautiful design, i Love the soft tones that you used! BArbarayaya

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  6. so adorable Michelle!
    Thank You for the TUt'

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  7. Such a wonderful design and idea! Michelle. I love the beautiful and cute embellishments you used on the cover. :)

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  8. Super cute Michelle! So fun and creative! Thanks for sharing the pattern!

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  9. Isn't this a nifty little project! thanks for a terrific idea--I always can use a little notepad anywhere in the house, the car, my desk….Beautiful colors to brighten our winter days!

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  10. I adore these darling little notebooks Michelle and what a wonderful and totally unique idea! Fabulous design and thank you for sharing the pattern template! :)

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  11. Such sweet matchbooks Michelle and great idea for the winter challenge. Love the papers you used.

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  12. Just love your matchbooks...such a clever idea

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  13. Oh Michelle! This post had me smiling from ear to ear! You're such a great writer in addition to being a great artist. I loved your summary of the Little Match Girl story! Too funny! You and I were totally on the same wavelength with this challenge: that is, all wintered out. Genius way to interpret the theme! I'm glad I wasn't the only one who rebelled from icy things!

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