This is a test matchbook I made to try out the idea. I want to make some of these for my friends this year since I'm making them little stockings and need crafty little fillers.
It's just the usual folded matchbook cover design, with a strip of paper inside folded into a concertina which is stapled into place. I used scrapbooking paper so it looked nice on both sides.
This is how it looks closed up
I can make up a tutorial or get the measurements if anyone is interested, but I think it's quite straightforward
ETA: More festive trees
ETA: Instructions copied from later post
basic, but it's just measuring and folding so hopefully it'll make sense! Of course you can make these any size you want, just concertina your paper and make the cover to fit.
1. Cut your inside strips from scrapbooking paper. If you use the 12x12 paper, measure 10.6 along one side & trim. Then cut 6 strips of 2 inches wide, so you have 6 strips measuring 2 x 10.6 inches.
2. Fold your paper into a concertina every 2 inches. I used a ruler to get a neat fold for the first one, then just folded to the same size for the others. You'll end up with 4 panels of 2x2 inches and one of 2x2.6 inches. This longer one will be stapled inside the cover.
3. Ink up the edges by rubbing the paper edge along an ink pad.
4. For the covers, cut out pieces measuring 2.4 x 5.4 inches. You can use the same paper, or a contrasting one. Ink the edges.
5. Fold the small flap (staple fold) over and press flat. Insert the longer edge of the concertina, and staple in place. (You could also sew across the strip instead.)
6. The fold to make the back should measure 2.6 inches, but make sure this fits over the concertina when it is closed, and slips a little behind the staple flap. Press the fold down flat. You should be left with 2.2 inches for the front.
7. The cover just pushes under the front flap to secure it closed.
8. You're now ready to decorate!
