Imagine flipping open a matchbox to find a quirky little character looking back at you.
These portraits can be whimsical self-portraits, sketches of friends, or even imaginary people.
It’s like creating a cast of characters for a play, each living inside their own tiny stage.
Once you’ve made a few, you’ll find yourself stacking them into a colorful neighborhood of faces.
Materials Needed
- Empty matchboxes
- Watercolor paper or cardstock for portraits
- Colored pencils, watercolors, or acrylic paints
- Glue stick
- Scrapbook paper or colored backgrounds
- Optional: fine liners for facial details
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Prepare your matchboxes by lining the inside with colored or patterned paper. This sets the stage for your portrait.
Step 2: Draw or paint your portraits on small pieces of cardstock sized to fit inside the matchbox. Feel free to play with expressions, hairstyles, and colors.
Step 3: Cut out the portraits and glue them neatly inside. You can add shoulders, collars, or props like a cat or plant for personality.
Step 4: Embellish the background with small patterns or shapes to give each portrait its own mood.
Step 5: Arrange several matchbox portraits together, suddenly, you’ve built a miniature art exhibition.
Tips:
If you’re making these as gifts, write a personal note or quote on the back of the matchbox. It adds another layer of intimacy to the artwork.