When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I don’t care so much about romance as I do about fun activities– so coming up with these printable punny matchboxes really hit the spot! It was also my first time designing a printable, so it was as challenging an activity as it was a fun one.
I hope these will add some cheer to your February. Pass them out to Galentines and Valentines alike!
Download the pdf, and print two copies using the printing tips listed. Then follow the step by step instructions and enjoy a day of crafting!
Download the Free Printable
Tips for Printing
1. Please print the document twice– you’ll need two of the same images for each match box (one for the front and one for the back.)
2. Printer settings and paper type make a difference! Take a look at the example below.:
3. Look for these settings when you print: fine color and best quality. For best results, use glossy photo paper or a high quality printer paper. Don’t forget to also set the paper type you’ll be printing on in the printer settings as well.
How to make your Valentines (or Galentines) Matchboxes
Gather your Materials:
- 2 printouts of the pdf
- exacto knife or scissors
- cutting mat and ruler (if using exacto knife)
- glue stick
- Ten 2″ x 1.5″ matchboxes
- white electrical tape or washi tape (optional)
This is the pack of matchboxes I got for around $2 from the grocery store
One 1.5″ x 2″ matchbox
Step-by-step Instructions
1. Cut out the images with an exacto knife and ruler or scissors. You should have two of each design from two printed pdfs.
2. Because the original printing on the match boxes runs over the sides of the box, our printed image also needs to cover those areas. Use the edge of a cutting mat or a table with a sharp edge to bend the edges.
3. Fold the edges of the image a little further with your fingertips so it fits snugly over the box.
4. As you can see, the image now fits over the box, covering a little bit of the sides.
5. To attach the image to the box, use the glue stick on the box, covering the edges well.
6. Smooth the surface of the image well and use a surface and your fingers to press the edges down.
7. Optional: My matchboxes had these printed numbers on them. I covered these with white electrical tape! Washi tape will also work, though it may not be as opaque.
8. Give out your matchboxes and spread Valentine’s cheer!
