Matchbox Fairy House

Materials:

Cardboard 2 3/8 x 1 3/8 x 7/8 inch matchbox (I used these)

Miniature wooden peg doll (something like this)

If you want to get fancy, you can make a more intricate doll like these - but for this project, I really like the simplicity of just making them with wood, paper and paint. 

Decorative paper - origami paper, scrapbook paper, illustrations from thrift-store books, etc.

Acrylic paint (or you could use watercolor if you prefer)

Other small accessories (e.g. wooden mushroom or ladybug)

 

Equipment:

Paint Brushes

Scissors

Ruler

Mod Podge

Glue

Optional: punch to make a window

 

Overview:

(1) Measure box and doll dimensions

(2) Cut out paper for matchbox and doll

(3) Glue the paper in place

(4) Paint doll and accessories

(5) Use more paper and paint to add details

 

Time: 2 hours

Introduction: 

This is a quick little project that is so simple you can make up a whole set for party favors, or stocking stuffers, or a special surprise to bring along on a trip. The supplies are easy to buy in quantities of 10 or more, and if you buy them in bulk they come out to a dollar or less per set! It doesn't need any special supplies either - just scissors, glue, paint, and paper.  How easy is that. It's a perfect project for kids to help out too!

Step 1: First, use a ruler to measure the dimensions of the matchbox.  You'll need to measure and cut five pieces - it's worth making a pattern from cardboard first if you plan to do more than one. The first, largest piece (A) will go around the entire outside of the matchbox. The second (B) will wrap around the outside of the inner box. The third piece (C) will line the inside bottom and two sides, and the fourth and fifth (D-E) will cover the last two inside edges. 

For my matchbox, the measurements were:

A: 2 1/4" x 4 1/2"

B: 3/4" x 7 1/2"

C: 3 3/4" x 2 1/4"

D/E: 1 1/4" x 3/4"

However, matchboxes may vary in size, so you'll want to measure yours to see if the dimensions match.

Next, measure the the size of the doll's 'dress.' Check the height from the bottom of the doll to where it starts to curve inward, and the perimeter of the doll's body. Cut a piece of paper to this size.

Step 2: Once you've got your measurements, and cut out a pattern if you like (an old cereal or cracker box works well), decide what paper you want to use. I made two versions - one used pictures from an old fairy tale book that I picked up from a used book store, and the other used origami paper. 

Your largest piece (A) will wrap around the outside of the box and should be the design you want for the outside of the fairy house. I tried one cut from an actual picture of a house in a book (below), and a second one cut from a green grassy pattern of origami paper (top image).

The next piece (B) could be a complementary color to the first.

Finally, pieces C-E should all be cut from the pattern to be used on the inside of the box. 

Matchbox lined with paper cut from a
thrift store fairy tale book

Step 3: Use a small paintbrush with Mod Podge to coat the surface of the matchbox, then press down the paper. You can also use the Mod Podge to glue the paper dress to the wooden doll. 

Step 4: Use acrylic paint to add the hair and face to the doll.  I often use watercolors to paint wooden animals and dolls, but in this case I wanted the stronger contrast from the acrylics. You could use either one depending on the look that you are going for. I used the same paints for the matching mushroom, and added some flowers in the fairy's hair. 

Step 5: This is the most fun - I cut out a belt and a pair of wings for the fairy, and some roots, seeds, and other decorations for the inside of the house. I glued these in and outlined them using a black felt pen. Then I cut out the mushroom shape for the front. I used a punch tool to cut out a little window for the house.