How to Make my No. 2 Match Box for Number Two

Photo: Albert Cheung Photography, www.albertcheungphoto.com

Back when I posted about our apartment renovations, I posted pics of some of the accessory styling that I did in the bathroom – including my “No.2” match box.  I made it because I love the old fashioned monogrammed number trend that is in right now.  But it was also kind of a joke to myself that most people don’t seem to get… It’s obvious isn’t it?  You light a match when you number two!!

AAAANYWAY… my original match box got pretty destroyed over time and use, so I decided to document the process of making my replacement “No.2” match box.

For this project, I actually had a rubber stamp custom made for my “No.2” monogram.  I’ve used rubberstamps.net many times for custom stamps and have been really happy with their service. For the original matches, I actually drew the “No.2” by hand, but I decided that using a stamp would be a lot easier if I’m going to constantly be making replacement match boxes.

You’ll also need a nice matchbox.  They are usually sold at most grocery stores but this time I used one that I got from a restaurant that Joe and I went to for our first Valentines Day together =)

The other supplies you’ll need are scissors, glue, and some nice paper. I used brown wrapping paper for mine, but you can use any sort of pretty hand made paper or stationary you want.

The first step is to measure the width of the match book and to cut a strip of paper to that width. It can’t hurt to make the strip longer than you think you need it to be. You can always trim things down later. I also like to put a little fold into it so I know the exact dimensions of the box for stamp placement.

Next ink up your stamp and carefully position it.  I actually messed up three times before I got it right.

Next put a line of glue along the front edge of the box, next to the lighting strip.  Glue down the front edge of your paper and smooth it down neatly over the edge.

Next wrap the rest of the paper around the box by gluing along the edges.  Be sure NOT to glue paper on top of the lighting strip.  You still want that part to be functional.

Trim off any excess paper.

Again, smooth down the end of the paper around the edge.

And there you have it!  The more stylish way to cover up bathroom odors!