Forget match books! Here's how to make mint books instead

Hey lady, got a light? When serving up some rockin' flavors, it's also a kindness to offer a Lifesaver. Tasty fresh breath at the end of your savory (or sweet!) food fest lets folks get a little closer while slow dancing. I've seen it in movies! Here's a way to dress up some super-cheap grocery store mints into a totally tricked out mini-favor.

Materials and tools

• One big bag of individually wrapped Lifesavers
• Scrapbook paper
• Scissors
• Butter knife
• Stapler
• This printable template

Special note regarding mints: I'd advise only making one per guest or so. Lifesavers' individually wrapped mints are what I use, but your mileage may vary. I like the spearmint, but you should grab a bag of your favorite flavor. Doesn't even have to be mints — a rainbow of colorful sweets = awesomesauce, but mint's the idea in this post.

Procedure

Step 1: Print and cut out the template. (Or if you don't have a printer, cut out a rectangle 2" by 5" out of heavier-stock paper.)

Step 2: Trace template onto scrapbook paper. Using the back of a butter knife, score the folds.

Step 3: Cut out the traced paper and fold along scored lines.

Step 4: Insert the mint's plastic wrapper edge into the smallest fold and staple near the fold, catching the wrapper but not piercing the pocket holding the candy.

Step 5: Fold the top piece into the bottom, stapled fold. TaDa! Your minty matchbook is freshness on fire! Now just repeat till you have enough and/or the bag is empty.

(I recommend assembly-lining this — trace all of them, cut all of them, etc. Makes a great project for sitting in front of the TV watching a season of something on Netflix.)

Applications:

Just about any individually wrapped candy can be packaged this way.

Larger pieces may need to have larger versions of the paper template, but can still work just fine.

You can also download this printable template, adding your own pattern, logo, whatever you like before printing and just cut out the printed papers to wrap your mints.

Alternatively, decorate with a sticker, some ribbon, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Tips:

If you have trouble cutting a straight line, never fear. Embrace your wonky lines and make it look like they're supposed to be that way. Some folks find it easier to fold a line then cut along it. Others like to use these fancy wrapping paper cutter thingies. Just remember: no one you care about is going to be smack-talking your wonky cuts.

I used three different scrapbook paper designs, in part because I had a book of paper that only had two sheets per design and I didn't feel like buying more, and in part because the perfectionist in me likes the cheap-ass in me to say "no, it's supposed to be mis-matched, silly!" to which perfectionist me says, "oh, ok, cool — thanks!" Don't let a nice cheap project like this get unduly expensive on you. Use what you have in your stash, or grab a good deal with a Michaels' coupon, but don't go broke on mintbooks.

 

Your Turn!

Comment below telling us how you plan to give out your mintbooks. How will you make this project your own?

Updated to add: check out how one Offbeat Bride made these look awesome: