Materials And Supplies

1 1/2" x 21/4" boxes of matches ; scraps of brocaded material

11/2" x 61/2" pressed pearl sheets ;

Elmer's Glue-All rhinestones, flat and pointed backs

Tools

pair of scissors ;pair of tweezers toothpick

In this project the designs in the fabric will suggest and limit the arrangement of the pearls and rhinestones If you have difficulty in obtaining the pressed pearl sheets (see the appendix for name and address of supply house), you can use individual pearl ornaments and set them together closely. The three match boxes in the photograph were all decorated with pearls cut from sheets. The first and second match boxes were also decorated with flat back rhinestones. This type of stone was used because they were set directly on the fabric. The third match box has sixteen pointed back rhinestones because they were set in depressions in the pearls.

The decorated parts of the completed boxes may be used a long time because when the matches are all gone, another tray of matches of the same brand may be inserted. If the sides where the matches are struck should wear out first, the decorated top of the box may then be cut off and pasted on a new box.

Procedure

1. ;Spread Elmer's Glue-All sparingly across the top of the match box covering the entire surface evenly. Take a scrap of material about two inches by three inches and paste it on to the top of the box right side up. With your fingers smooth out any wrinkles in the fabric. If there should be a straight line design in the fabric, place the fabric so that the lines are parallel with one side of the box. Cut off surplus material close to the box and press the cut edges of the fabric down so that they will not fray.

2. ;Place a drop or two of glue as needed on the under side of the pearls and set them in position. Notice that in the center match box in the photograph advantage was taken of the bird design in the fabric, and the pearls were used to accent that design.

3. ;Set the rhinestones where you wish. Use the pair of tweezers in order to work with the stones efficiently. Place a drop of glue on the under side of the flat back rhinestones and put them in position. In working with pointed back rhinestones, cover the inside of the setting with glue using a toothpick, place the stone in the setting, and press it in place gently but firmly. It is important that the faces of the stones and pearls do not come in contact with the glue.

4. ;Place a book or a weight on the finished match boxes and allow the glue to set for an hour before handling.