After posting the crazy beautiful painted match sticks last week, I had multiple emails asking for the source of where to buy them. I searched online but came up empty. Then of course, realized they would be super simple to make and a festive project for this chilly time of year.
You can make your own painted matches in just a couple steps. Seriously easy! Gather a group of completed ones together and tie with ribbon for a quick hostess gift. Make them in festive colors for holiday favors, or design a stash with your own specific whimsy to keep at home.
To make the matches: first use masking tape to cover the light tip completely. Then use a small foam brush to apply a water based craft paint to the matches (be sure the paint is water based which allows it to burn without releasing toxic fumes), or be green and safe by making your own milk paint for the matches. Milk paint adheres well to the porous match wood and contains all natural ingredients.
After painting, let the matches dry for a couple days before burning, wrap up and enjoy!
blessings.
9 Comments
bianca
November 16, 2011 at 8:57 amSuch a cute idea! I love how you always find ways to bring color into the world. What a sweet gift you have!
Lena
November 16, 2011 at 12:33 pmWhat a small detail with huge impact!
kat jackson
November 16, 2011 at 3:26 pmgenius! well done again!
Rach
November 16, 2011 at 7:42 pmThese are super cute!
Kira
November 16, 2011 at 8:09 pmSimple and pretty, I love it!
Ruth Lyon
November 16, 2011 at 10:27 pmThe matches are so cute and colorful!
CraftCrave | Blog | Free Handcraft Items or Tutorials (large): Thursday, 17 Nov 2011
November 17, 2011 at 12:44 am[…] painted matches – 1 freebie(s)? […]
Make and Do Girl
November 17, 2011 at 7:04 amWhat a simple idea. And it’s not one of those “simple” ideas that still takes 3 hours. Love it.
Brett Bralley
November 17, 2011 at 9:49 amWhat a lovely gift idea! I am just in love with matches.