Every house tells a story, and this one whispers through matchboxes.

The outside looks like a charming apartment block, but pull open the drawers and you reveal hidden lives, someone cooking, someone reading, someone dreaming.

It’s like a miniature theater where every window and door invites your imagination in.

Suddenly, an old matchbox isn’t just trash; it’s a tiny canvas for storytelling and play.

Materials Needed

• 12–15 empty matchboxes (standard size)
• Cardboard sheet (for the base and backing)
• Colored markers or acrylic paints
• Craft glue or hot glue gun
• Scissors or craft knife
• Decorative paper or washi tape (optional)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Collect your empty matchboxes and make sure they slide smoothly. These will be the rooms of your dollhouse.

Step 2: Glue the matchboxes side by side in rows, stacking them like apartment levels. Then add a sturdy cardboard backing for stability.

Step 3: Draw windows, doors, and bricks on the outer sleeves to create the house façade. You can even add a rooftop using red paper or draw tiles.

Step 4: Pull out each drawer and decorate the inside with tiny room scenes like beds, tables, or even a bathtub, all sketched or collaged from scraps of paper.

Step 5: Arrange the house upright and let kids explore each room. You’ll notice new stories pop up every time you open a drawer.

Tips:

If you want it sturdier, seal the house with a thin layer of clear varnish.

Adding little paper people makes it even more fun, suddenly this isn’t just a craft, it’s a stage for endless adventures.