I will show you how to make a mini cardboard camera from a matchbox. The fun part: filling it with tiny pictures that represent beautiful memories. It is a thoughtful little gift to show someone you care about him or her, and that you cherish the moments you have shared (as you can probably tell from the pictures, I made mine for my boyfriend).
Find an empty matchbox. Select a couple of pictures and print them. Then cut them out. Make sure they fit into your matchbox.
Cut out a few shapes from some left-over cardboard. They will become the front part of your camera, including the lens. You can even use a piece of transparent plastic to function as the ‘glass’ of your lens.
Glue the pieces together, except for the top layer and paint them black.
Glue your plastic layer on top for a reflecting effect. Finally glue the top circle on as well.
Add some details. I used silver nail polish to create a metallic feel to some parts of my camera. Use whatever you have laying around.
If you want you can also add some extra details like a button or camera strap. Put the pictures in your camera, and it is ready to give away!
Get the FREE E-Course 'Creative ReBootcamp' to Awaken your creative dreams in 5 days!
& receive uplifting updates per email
8 Comments
Carmen
March 12, 2014 at 22:19
I love this idea! Thank you. :-)
Carly
March 12, 2014 at 22:29
Oh my goodness gracious. <3 I am in love. Definitely doing this for someone someday–and I think I'll make one for myself, too! ^-^
magicaldaydream
March 13, 2014 at 09:39
Yeah making one for yourself is just as much fun :) I love that it is small enough to give at any random day, but special enough to also give for a (special) occasion.
Uncustomary Art
March 13, 2014 at 00:02
This is especially adorable.
Christina
March 13, 2014 at 18:10
What a cute idea!!! <3
Dawn
March 20, 2014 at 03:11
Definitely giving this one a try. It’s too adorable not to.
Dayleen
February 10, 2017 at 23:40
Hi! I am doing this for a special person on Valentine’s day. Quick question: which size should the pictures have in order to fix the box of matches?
magicaldaydream
February 11, 2017 at 00:39
Depends on the size of your box, matchboxes come in different shapes and sizes. I would just find a matchbox first and then measure it, and calculate what size your pictures need to be based on that. Good luck!