This Cheap Vintage Find Looks Gorgeous, and It Took 2 Minutes to DIY

I’m someone who is almost always burning a candle while at home. I’ve always been interested in different scents and genuinely enjoy rotating through my collection of seasonal and general fragrances as the mood strikes. While I could, of course, light my candles using a standard lighter or favorite matchbook, where’s the fun in that? I’m partial to making even the most practical home elements a little more aesthetically pleasing, so I’d much rather display some sort of cute match striker on my coffee table or nightstand. 

While attending High Point Market in North Carolina this past October, I took some time to explore a few area antique malls and thrift stores. When I came across some beautiful vintage toothpick holders for just a couple of dollars each, I knew immediately that I wanted to turn them into match striker and holder combos instead. 

I’m by no means the first person who’s thought of this idea. I was, in part, inspired by designer Jayme Ritchie, who was selling a few premade toothpick holders turned match strikers at a secondhand fair I attended last fall in Northern Virginia. I loved the fun vessels she had accumulated and was thrilled to find so many great options during my own shopping trip.

The process of repurposing the toothpick holder is quite simple and affordable. All you’ll need to do is order some press-on match striker stickers. These cost about $7 for a pack of 28. Affix them to the bottom of your toothpick holder like any normal sticker, place some matches inside of the holder, and you’re good to go! 

If you’re wondering where to find matches, I got you. Typically, the ones that come inside many of the matchbooks being given out at restaurants and bars will work nicely. Look for the slightly longer size so you can see the colored tips of the matches from your vessel; that way, it’s obvious what your match striker is to guests. You probably already have some restaurant matchbooks on hand at home. Otherwise, you could always order matches together with your strike stickers. 

Keep in mind that toothpick holders aren’t the only type of vessel that make for great matchbook holders, either. A bud vase with a wider opening or even an empty candle jar, once cleaned out, would be fantastic for the job. You could also try an egg cup or tiny terracotta pot. 

While I’ve kept all of my creations so far and have put them to use around my apartment, I could totally see making more to give out as gifts. Just pair your final piece with a pretty candle, and you’ve got an excellent host gift or birthday present for someone who also appreciates scent and stylish details.