Today is a step-by-step of how I made the matchbox case for a pair of handmade earrings from this post - photo above is the matchbox interior for today's project.
When I learned how to gift wrap a present with wrapping paper, one thing that was drilled into me was how important it was to fold over the raw edges, and not to leave a cut edge exposed.
The same rule applies for these. 
Or maybe I'm just a tad OCD. I think you knew that already...
But folding over does make for a more finished product. Professional. Yeah. 
October Afternoon 5 & Dime line was used for this project.
Begin with a long strip of scrap patterned paper - this one is about 3" wide and 12" long. We'll refer to this as 'the matchbox'. We will adjust the 12" length later.
Increase the 3" width to accomodate your needs.
From the bottom, score at 1/2" and again at 1-1/2". Adhere the 1/2" flap down. Nice & neat.
Get another strip of scrap cardstock that coordinates with the outside matchbox, and cut it down to 2-1/2" wide (this is maybe 10" long - we'll trim it later - better to be too long than too short). We'll refer to this as 'the insert'.
Score the insert in half and fold. Punch two holes for the earrings - and punch the holes askew - near the fold, using a 1/16" hole punch.
In my experience, when making these matchbox holders for earrings, I recommend making the holes askew; do not make the holes parallel with one another. Should your handmade jewelry creation be the slightest off in length it will be very obvious if you present the earrings with parallel holes. By punching the holes askew (refer to first/top photo in this post), it gives not only an artistic air to the presentation but aleviates any minor length (or other) discrepancy between the earrings.
Insert the earrings into the punched holes of the insert and hold them up - measure the earring length and mark where to trim the insert, remembering to compensate for the matchbox fold at the base. Remove earrings and continue.
Note about the earrings: I created this project/earrings for a neighbor that gives me the nicest hand-me-down clothes for my youngest daughter - Swarovski crystals on sterling chain. Simple & classic, yet artsy.
Adhere the fold of the matchbox to the insert, and staple all layers in place - use one or two staples, your choice. Here I've used a tiny attacher and two staples.
Side view. Note we need to adjust the length of the top matchbox flap. Do not trim this - score where needed and adhere the flap down - creating a finished edge...
,,,like so.
If the patterned paper used has a directional quality to it, it should be upside down on the front, which will be covered/embellished...
...but correctly viewed from the back. If you don't have time to embellish the front then either use non-directional patterned or solid paper for the matchbox, or reverse this to suit your needs/timetable.
Or don't be OCD like me...
Embellished front.
Interior.
Gift bag for the matchbox - she will love this presentation. Bag was folded horizonally, punched with an edger punch then machine stitched to form a pocket. Flower was made from linen fabric then formed using this tutorial and a slant cut. Thanks for stopping by today; hope this step-by-step is useful!
