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.