Video Tutorial – Making a Chest Out Of Matchboxes – Designed for Alpha Stamps

I’m so excited to be bringing you my first ever video tutorial and to share with you how to make a Matchbox Chest.

The overall size of the chest including the feet and handle is 4 ½” tall by 3 ½" wide.  This chest would make a perfect gift (if you can stand to part with it).  You can fill the drawers with love notes, candy, charms, jewelry or little pieces of art like Inchies.

In the tutorial I’ll cover the supplies you’ll need and the steps to create this matchbox chest.  I’ve also created two other versions of the chest to give you even more ideas of what you can do with matchboxes.

So sit back and relax and enjoy learning how to make a chest out of matchboxes.

VIDEO PART ONE

Be sure to watch part one before watching part two.

VIDEO PART TWO

As a companion to the video, I’ve created a PDF document that contains the supply lists for all three versions of the matchbox chest and the detailed instructions that are in the video.

Click here to download the PDF document

Small Matchbox Chest

Products I Used That You Can Find At Alpha Stamps

Printery Papers

Brass Box Feet

Glass Teardrops with Loops – Black 7mm

Brass Fleur de Lys Connectors

Metal Frame Set

Tim Holtz Ornate Plates Set

Cleo Collage Sheet

Tallulahs Drama Queens CollageSheet

Fluted Drawer Handle

French Labels Collage Sheet

MORE IDEAS

Large Version – Matchbox Chest

It’s really easy to scale the chest up in size.  This larger version of the chest is very similar the small version except that I used matchboxes that measure 4 ½” x 2 ½”.  This size of matchboxes is sometimes referred to a kitchen matches.  

The base is larger than the one in the small version.  This is to accommodate the larger feet.  The feet I used are no longer available but Alpha Stamps carries feet that would work great for a chest this size and I think they are even prettier than what I used.

Instead of a metal handle I used ribbon.

In honor of my matchbox chests and this tutorial, Alpha Stamps is offering two NEW Collage Sheets full of French ephemera.  I’ve used some of the images on the top and back of the chest.  One is the Vintage French Ads Collage Sheet and the other is the French Labels Collage Sheet (you can see the fabulous images on the sheets pictured below.)

I’ve used some of the images from the new collage sheets on the top and back of the chest.

Products I Used That You Can Find At Alpha Stamps

Printery Papers

Glass Teardrops with Loops – Black 15mm

6mm Filigree Beads

Oval Scalloped Filigree

Thin Ornate Filigree

Stamped Flourishes

Black Seam Binding

Metal Clock Faces

Mini Chandelier Crystals

Vintage Door Knockers

Fancy Clover Drop

Antique Wood Clocks

Victoriana Rub-Ons

Ornate Resin Frame Set: Ivory

VintageFrench Ads Collage Sheet

French Labels Collage Sheet
Foundations (Box Feet) - These are similar to the ones I used and are perfect for the larger chest.

Vanity Chest – Made with a Cigar Box Top

After creating the first chest I decided to build this version using a combination matchboxes and a tiny Masonite cigar box creating a hinged vanity.  The overall dimensions are 6” tall by 4” wide.

Inside the vanity you’ll find perfume bottles, powder boxes, brush and comb, a mirror, jewelry and a key to perhaps a secret diary.

Products I Used That You Can Find At Alpha Stamps

Tallulahs Drama Queens Collage Sheet

Nudes #2 Collage Sheet

Almanac 6x6 Paper Pad

Tiny Cigar Box

Brass Gate Hinges

Delicate Crest Filigree

Thin Ornate Filigree

Stamped Flourishes

Cameo Frames Circles

Black Zig Zag Dresden Borders

Metal Frame Set

Tiny Brass Leaves

6mm Black Glass Rondelles

Brass Hand Mirror or Fan

Glass Teardrops with Loops – Black 7mm

Rosary Chain - Garnet

Lace Edge Oval Settings

Tassel Tool

Rayon Cording - Solids

Mini Chandelier Crystals

I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial and have fun creating your own Matchbox Chest!!