We are snowed in here, so I had some time to whip up a neat project today for the Art from Everyday Objects Challenge. This week I’ll be creating art with…

Matchsticks! Natalie from Scrap Doctor told me,

“I’ve got about a million matchsticks that currently have no purpose. They’re left over from my advent calendar which I made with the 25 match-boxes. What to do with them all?!!”

Well Natalie, thanks for the question – I have several ideas to show you and I’ll start with this one. Mini Matchstick Arrows!

Aren’t they so cute and tiny!? If you have older kids this could be a fun project to do with them. Then you can stick them in a frame or shadow box. OR, you can assemble a tiny bow and shoot candles aflame. Haha! Here’s how to do ‘em.

Step 1: Paint the stick with acrylic paint in the color you choose. Set aside to dry.
Step 2: Fold and cut out the paper shape used for the end of the arrow

Step 3: Cut the folded paper in tiny slices, creating fringe, unfold.
Step 4: Paint the tip of the arrow white or whatever other color you choose.

Step 5: Paint two thin black lines around the “point” of the arrow.
Step 6: Hot glue a tiny dab of glue to the paper, stick on the matchstick.

Repeat until you have a whole army of tiny arrows! Stay tuned, I’ve got several other great projects with matchsticks lined up.