A matchbox might be small, but your imagination isn’t.

By turning each one into a diorama, you create a world that fits in the palm of your hand.

Think of them as story snapshots, scenes inspired by your favorite café, garden, or shop.

They’re delightful to gift, too, like handing someone a tiny memory or a pocket-sized adventure.

Materials Needed

• Empty matchboxes (2" × 1.5" standard size)
• Cardstock or thick paper for illustrations
• Colored pencils, markers, or paints
• Scissors or craft knife for cutting small details
• Glue stick or craft glue
• Optional: tiny embellishments (mini beads, fabric scraps)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Take your empty matchbox and paint or line the inside with colored paper to set the background tone.

Step 2: Draw and cut out tiny characters, objects, and scenery elements like shop counters, plants, or shelves.

Step 3: Layer the pieces inside, gluing some flat to the back and raising others with small folded paper tabs to create depth.

Step 4: Add details like hanging lamps, mini signs, or a paper cat to bring personality into the scene.

Step 5: Repeat the process with other matchboxes to build an entire miniature town you can arrange and display.

Tips:

For extra durability, laminate your cutouts before gluing.

You can even theme a whole collection like a row of matchbox shops making it a fun ongoing project.