You know those super-cute, super-versatile mini marquee signs? Well, here’s the teeny tiny version – made out of a box of kitchen matches. Pop one of these in the mail instead of a plain old card, and really get your message across. You could also write a holiday message, attach a string to the top – and voila, a cute little Christmas tree ornament. They could also serve as adorable place cards!

Materials needed: 2 ½” x 4 ½” box of kitchen matches, white card stock, Mini Marquee Alphabet Template, scissors, tape, double-sided tape.

Step 1: Print out the Mini Marquee Alphabet Template, and cut out the letters you need, leaving about ½” space on the top and bottom of each letter.
Step 2: Remove the outer box and all the matches. Remove the white cardboard strip that holds the matches in place and cut it in half lengthwise.
Step 3: Cut a piece of card stock to 4 3/8” x 4.
Step 4: Fold in one long edge 7/8” and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Fit the card stock into the matchbox to create a platform for the letters to sit on – you may have to trim the sides to get it to fit snugly. Attach the thin strip of cardboard (that came with the matchbox) across the center of the white card stock, wrapping the ends around each side and securing with tape on the backside.
Step 6: Cut out the letters you need for your message, and line them up on double stick tape. Slip the top line letters under the cardboard strip, press down to stick to card stock, and then trim the top edge of the letters with scissors flush with the top edge of the folded card stock. Repeat with the lower line of letters, slipping the top under the cardboard strip, and trimming the lower edge flush with the bottom edge of the card stock.

Photography by Tim Gibson