D.I.Y. Paper Covered Matchboxes = the perfect hostess gift

This is a super easy project... hardly worthy of a full tutorial, but I just thought I'd share one with you all anyhow.  I picked up two standard boxes of matches at the grocery store the other day for only 79 cents each.  In their original packaging they are dull and decidedly unattractive, so I decided to cover mine in decorative paper... and voila!  I think these would be great to make in bulk and keep on hand for hostess gifts or when unexpected guests come to call.  You could make as many variations as there are decorative papers  (masculine, girly, mod, Victorian, etc.).  Just tie your finished matchbox together with a pair of tapers or tea light candles and they are set to give!

I also made up some "matchbox" labels for you to use on the side of your box if you'd like.  There are two font styles, some to/from tags, and a few blank tags as well.  All the tags print in grey lettering and borders (you can print onto white or colored papers).  They are not holiday specific, so I hope you will enjoy them all year round.

• Download Free-printable-labels

You will need:

• A box of matches (standard size)
• Decorative paper (5" x 7"size minimum)
• Ruler
• Xacto (craft knife) or paper cutting scissors
• Self-healing cutting mat
• Glue Stick (like Uhu Glue)
• Printer and paper, for printing your labels (optional)
• Candles (optional)
• Ribbons / pom poms / etc. for wrapping up your finished gift (optional)

How-to:

Step 1:  Gather your supplies.  Cut your decorative paper to the exact width of your matchbox (mine was 4.75" wide) using your xacto knife or scissors. You will now have a long rectangular piece of paper.

Step 2:  Starting at the top most edge of your box (right above the side with the striking strip), bend your paper around your box, creasing at each edge.  Leave one striking strip side open.  When holding your paper around your box there should be only one side that is sticking out from the bottom edge (see image).

Step 3: Carefully cut away the excess bit of paper noted in the last step using your xacto knife or scissors.  You will now have a piece of paper that is U shaped and creased on two edges.  My finished paper size was 4.75" x  6.75".

Step 4:  Using your glue stick, apply glue to the back side of your paper.  Make sure to coat it completely.

Step 5:  Starting at the center of your paper, place one narrow side of your box down onto the glue-covered paper.  Use you fingers to press it into place and make sure your sides are properly aligned.  Repeat with remaining two sides (pressing firmly to adhere).

Step 6:  You now have a fabulous paper-covered matchbox!  Stop  now if you'd like, or embellish by following the next steps.

Step 7:  (optional) Download the labels provided in the PDF up above and print onto standard or card stock paper.  Cut out the label of your choosing and glue onto the side or top of your box.

Step 8: (0ptional) Tie your finished matchbox (or more than one if you want) atop a package of your favorite tealight candles, and adorn with a few pom poms, a bow, or anything else you'd like finish your gift off with.

You now have a simple but lovely gift to give at any time... not just for the holidays.  Enjoy!

For non-commercial use only please (creative personal use is encouraged though). Alteration of the file does not void the copyright. The PDF file is not intended to be hosted on your own site - please link to this post for the download. Please feel free to print out copies to share with your friends and family, and of course a little shout-out for my blog is always very much appreciated too! Enjoy! xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 12. 17. 08

Flowers by Old Town Florist Weddings {FLICKR} * Photography by Steven Scardina

Give Comfort + Joy

Last Friday I wrapped up two weeks worth of gift guide posts.  Those roundups featured wonderful treasures for you to share with your friends and loved ones, and I hope you found some that were just right for everyone on your shopping list.

Today I want to touch on something very dear to my heart, and that is charitable giving and acts of kindness.

When I was young, my Mom would frequently reminded me that "there will always be somebody more fortunate, and somebody less fortunate that you are."  I often think of her words when I am feeling down about a circumstance in my life, or sorry for myself (we all have those moments right)... and I am encouraged to know that no matter how out of control certain parts of life may seem, I ultimately have control over what I will do and who I will become in spite of those challenges.

In my experience there is no faster route to true joy than to give of yourself to someone in need.  It doesn't have to be something huge.  Maybe all you can manage is a smile at an elderly woman who's sitting alone at the park, or holding the door open for somebody who's arms are full... these may be small acts, but they matter.  There are countless opportunities in our daily lives to reach out a hand (or offer a smile) to someone who who is less fortunate.

If you are able to give financially, here are a few charities that I really believe in.

THE GIRL EFFECT:

HEIFER INTERNATIONAL: A gift that keeps on giving.

KIVA: Loans that change lives.  I'm thrilled to say that I've just started a team (Give Comfort) over on Kiva,
where I would love to have you join with me and other Creature Comforts' readers in providing
micro loans to those in need around the world.  You can read more about
Kiva and how it all works right here.

There are many wonderful organizations out there.  Those you dedicate your time, money, and heart to should be the ones that matter most to you.  The links above are ones that I'm passionate about.  If you are baffled and want more information, Charity Navigator is a great site to help you find out more about the top charities and their efficiency.

Thanks for reading and for spreading kindness and joy throughout the world.  You always brighten my days so much... I am so incredibly thankful for YOU!

Chic for Cheap: Christmas Dinner to New Years Eve

Can you believe that Christmas is almost here?!!  Starting next Tuesday I'll be taking a holiday (I'll be flying to the East Coast a few days after Christmas to meet Melissa and some other wonderful bloggers for the first time) and will return again after the New Year.

With the holidays in mind, Melissa and I decided to cover both Christmas dinner and New Years Eve in our Chic for Cheap look today.  This one takes some great basics and transforms into two completely different looks with some sweet little accessories.

Of course we'd love it if you played along.  Create a chic and affordable look using Polyvore or your own program and then leave a link to your finished look in the comment section below.

{LINK LOVE}

• Open Cardigan with Sash in Grey at Forever 21
• Gem Earrings at American Eagle
• Lolla Flats by Gabriella Rocha at Zappos (I think I've already blogged about these, but I love them so I couldn't pass them up)
• Pleated Top at Banana Republic
• Perfect Tab-Waist Trouser at Gap
• Eva Wool Coat at Forever 21
• Jeweled Cuff at Forever 21
• Patent Ribbon-Trim Mary Janes at Old Navy

Inspiration Daily: 12. 16. 0

 12/15 photograph by Tina aka lifelovepaper