Amuse Yourself with the Perfect Matchbox

When I love a color or pattern, I have to use it. I have to find a way to incorporate it into my life as art, jewelry or something. In this case, the item I fell for was adhesive paper pineapples. They were whimsical, gently colorful and completely wonderful. 

I bought them at a craft store and I knew that I would love seeing them on a small match box. I chose scrapbook paper to complement the pineapples and set to work. 

First I slide the drawer of matches out of the box. I use the box as a template and trace the paper to the size I need. Remember to leave one side of the "strike a match" box uncovered so that you can still light matches. I cut the paper to size and use Elmer's white glue and a sponge brush to apply a thin layer of glue to one side of the box. I gently put the paper in place on the glue, smooth it out and let it dry. Once it's dry you can bend the paper at the corners and get a better/closer fit and you glue the remaining 2 sides. Once the entire box is dry, you may want to take fine scissors and trim off any excess paper. Now glue/stick on the adornment of your choice. Slide the drawer of matches back into the box and you're ready to put it on display.

We spend time buying just the right candles for our home, I think the match box nearby should be just as perfect. If you start looking in the sticker/embellishment department in the craft store, I bet your mind will start racing. Should you go with a theme? color? The choice is yours, just promise to show me when you're finished.

#crafting #crafts #makersgonnamake #matchbox #pineapple #hospitality

Washington, DC: Matchbox Restaurant

Before we headed into the National Portrait Gallery for an afternoon of art, we stopped at Matchbox in Chinatown for lunch. We sat in the airy section of the restaurant under skylights and loved our long lunch!

I ordered 3 mini burgers of
 certified Angus beef, toasted brioche, pickles with onion straws
 and they were delicious.  I also had a small apple and pear salad with mixed greens, candied pecans, Gorgonzola (I switched to Parmesan) with a honey-balsamic vinaigrette and I ate every bite of this fresh fruit-filled salad.

We happened to meet the thirty-something couple next to us (she complimented my necklace!) and talked for a long time about travel, Detroit and growing up in the Midwest (she is from Ohio).  It was really pleasant and had us lingering over lunch far longer than usual.  That's the beauty of vacation.  We weren't in a rush.

   

If you get a chance to visit Matchbox (at any time of day), you should.  There is always a crowd mingling outside hoping for a table and I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere.