What do you do when a family member gifts you their large matchbook collection? Do you toss it out? Try to use up all the matches? What if all that’s left are the matchbooks themselves?
The unfortunate thing about collecting is that you don’t always know who’s going to be caring for your collection in the future. If you’ve recently inherited someone’s collection, check out these four eco-friendly ways to use old matchbooks.
1. Decorate With Them
The easiest thing to do if you have a collection of old intact matchbooks is to toss them in a clear jar. You can put that jar near your favorite candle in the hopes that you’ll use some of the matches, or you can just enjoy the decoration. Need something to fill up that empty spot on the shelf? Voilà, a jar of matchbooks!
2. Make Matchstick Sculptures
If your stash of old matchbooks still includes the matches, you could use them in an art project. There are lots of people who make sculptures out of matchsticks. Some of the most unique are models of buildings, like the US Capitol, and even portraits of real people. Use the opportunity to create a unique piece of art for your home.
3. Mosaic Decor
One eco-friendly way to use old matchbooks that don’t have matches in them is to cut them into flat rectangles and lay them together like a mosaic between glass panes. You can use this technique to make drink coasters, framed art, or even upcycle an end table from the antique store.
4. Turn Them Into Bookmarks
Another thing you can do is press the matchbooks so that they lie flat and turn them into bookmarks. If they have trouble lying flat on their own, you can always glue them to some sort of backing, like cardstock. Keep your matchbook bookmarks for yourself, give them away as gifts, or donate them to a local indie bookstore.
The most important thing about handling someone’s collection is that you honor the work and the memories attached to the collection. Turning a matchbook collection into something else instead of tossing it out will give it a new life and help you remember the person who gave it to you.
Get Custom Matchbooks
If you’re looking for a way to print wholesale custom matchbooks, look no further than MDM Branding. We carry a variety of sizes and styles that are sure to accommodate any logo. Call or email us today for a quote.