Matches are an affordable and environmentally friendly material for creativity. Real works of art are created from wooden sticks - huts, castles, mills, fortresses and entire palaces.
You just need to be patient and work extremely carefully and carefully.
In this article we will show how and with the help of what kind of glue you can make a cute house from the most ordinary matches, and also tell you about glue-free technology for miniature construction.
What safe glue to use for matchstick crafts
Different brands of glue are suitable for working with matches, but to speed up the creative process it is better to use quick-setting adhesives.
The most popular types of glue among match modelers today are:
PVA-MB (Russia) - universal adhesive based on aqueous polyvinyl acetate emulsion. Designed for gluing wood, so it copes with the task perfectly.
PVA sets and dries quickly enough, and when dry it becomes transparent, which is important when making crafts.
Another advantage of PVA-MB construction and household adhesive is its low price (a liter container of glue in any construction hypermarket costs less than 100 rubles);
Moment Stolyar (Russia)- modern glue, which is essentially an improved version of PVA. The presence of special additives in the composition ensures excellent adhesion and instant setting of the bonded surfaces.
The glue is sold in convenient 250 ml plastic bottles with a convenient dispenser spout for precise application of glue, costs about 150 rubles;
Moment Mounting Instant Grip (Germany)- universal express glue for instant gluing of wood of any species. Glues in a matter of seconds, without requiring fixation of the surfaces to be glued.
After drying, like regular PVA glue, it becomes transparent. Sold in plastic bottles of 100 g and 200 g, it costs about 150-250 rubles.
Step-by-step instructions - how to assemble houses from matches with glue
To understand the principle of operation and get better at it, we first recommend building a simple house made of matches with any glue from those presented above.
The assembly process is not particularly difficult:
- On a sheet of cardboard that will become the base for the house, we place two matches in parallel. In order for the “foundation” to be without distortions, sulfur should be removed from the first two matches. Then glue the second row of matches according to the picture:
- Using a similar technology, we continue to lay “logs” row by row until the house reaches the desired height;
- For each “knot”, one drop of PVA glue (or equivalent) is enough. Before laying the next row, you need to let the previous one set:
- When the walls grow to the desired height, we mount the ceiling;
- We apply two layers of glue to the finished “overlapping” for structural strength:
- Let's start making a gable roof. It will consist of two parts;
- For reliability, we tie each slope in two rows using glue and an additional match:
- We connect the two parts of the roof into a single structure and install it on the finished box of the house;
- Our first glued match house is ready:
VIDEO INSTRUCTION
What else can you do with your own hands using matches?
You can assemble many interesting models from matches - it all depends on the imagination and desire of the author.
This craft uses a different method of joining miniature logs.
Here's a quick guide:
- Using four matches, we assemble the base of the future well in accordance with the diagram. Please note that in this case all 4 matches lie in the same plane;
- Glue the next rows in the same way. There should be 10-12 of them in total;
- Then we prepare the supports for the future roof: on the inside we glue two matches tightly together to two opposite walls. We increase the supports, using two more matches for each of them;
- We separately assemble the roof frame and install it on our ready-made supports;
- We “sheath” the roof, gluing the matches into a continuous shield.
Having received the first experience, you can begin more serious modeling - do, for example, church made of matches with glue or a small mill.
VIDEO REVIEW
The most important thing is to coat all joints and joints well so that the structure does not fall apart. Excess glue must be periodically removed during work, without allowing it to harden.
I won’t explain why to build such a house. Those who want to do it will do it.
In some of the photographs below, there is an image of a magnifying glass in the upper right corner:
The presence of a magnifying glass in the corner of the images means that you can click on them to enlarge and view everything in detail.
So, we will need:
- Several boxes of matches
- Box for CD/DVD discs
- Two-ruble coin
One of our users gives a very useful tip for assembling a matchstick house:
“I suggest using a thinly rolled sheet of plasticine or dough instead of a CD, then you can put vertical matches right away instead of having to worry about inserting them, then it turns out much more convenient and faster and nothing falls apart!!!”
Instead of a CD box, you can take anything similar or nothing at all. It’s just that on the “platform” the future house can be easily moved and rotated without fear of falling apart.
We take the first 2 matches, place them parallel at a distance of a couple of centimeters from each other.
We make a flooring of eight matches on them. The match heads all point in the same direction. The distance between the matches should preferably correspond to the thickness of the matches.
We make another flooring on top, also from eight matches, but perpendicular to the previous flooring.
We lay 4 matches on top in a well, so that the heads in each layer are directed in different directions, as in the photo below.
In the same way, we lay six more similar rows of 4 matches in a well. As a result, we will get a well of 7 rows of 4 matches. We direct the heads in the same way as in the previous step. Everything is according to the photo below.
Here's what we've got so far:
We lay a flooring of eight matches on the well in the same way as the very first lower flooring.
On this flooring of eight matches we lay another one perpendicularly, but this time of six matches. We'll add the remaining two later.
Insert 4 matches vertically into the corners of the resulting “grid”. The necessary places in the photo below are circled in red circles. First, you can cover the entire structure on top with a coin and press it with one finger so that the matches do not fall apart. It will be more convenient this way. Although you can completely do without a coin.
When installing vertical matches, for convenience, you can correct and guide with an auxiliary match. At the bottom, these matches should be installed in the same way as at the top, that is, in the corners.
At this moment, our future house is still quite flimsy and could fall apart if we are careless. Don’t be alarmed if your top matches “move in” and “move apart”. Everything will get better a little later.
Now we also insert vertical matches around the perimeter. We lower them to the very bottom, so that all the heads on top are at the same level.
So far we have this result:
We carefully take out the coin, we won’t need it anymore. You can do this with tweezers like I did or with a match.
Now our house has solid walls. To make it stronger, you need to squeeze its walls, ceiling and floor with your hands from all sides. Now you can carefully pick it up and it won’t fall apart. Although the design is not yet very reliable.
We twist our house of matches and carefully crimp it on all sides. The better we crimp it, the stronger it will be in the future. We also align all the matches so that everything is even and neat and nothing sticks out anywhere.
As a result, we turn our house upside down, that is, we put our house upside down so that the former “foundation” is on top.
Let's strengthen the walls - vertically from the outside we launch a new layer of matches with their heads up.
We continue to strengthen the walls and now also run a new layer of matches along the walls outside, but this time horizontally. Pay attention to how to position the match heads. They should intersect alternately, and not close to each other. Look at the photo for more details.
Making a match house can be a fun activity for those who intend to unleash their creative potential and want to spend time usefully.
With the help of the Internet, even a beginner can make a beautiful matchstick house on his own - the instructions for beginners will reveal the entire process down to the smallest detail.
For a visual example, you can use the video below, as well as step by step photo instructions, which will reveal all the stages and tricks of the assembly.
Matches, among other things, are used not only when creating houses. They are also used to make figurines of various animals, miniature copies of furniture, and even modern paintings.
How to make a house of matches without glue?
Exists several manufacturing methods a house made of matches - both with and without glue. At the initial stage, you can try to build a house of matches without glue - it will be much more convenient, safer and easier.
In addition, at the end of assembly you will not need to wait for your house to dry.
And so, to create a match house without using glue you will need:
6-7 boxes of matches;
A button or coin with a diameter of about 24 mm (you can take a coin of 2 Russian rubles);
A CD case that will serve as a stand.
If you decide to make a matchstick house yourself, the instructions below will help you: will definitely help you with this.
Carefully examine the photographs, as well as study the explanations for them, and begin creating your masterpiece.
Such a craft can become a real symbol of your patience, hard work and accuracy.
How to make a house out of matches: instructions for beginners
As noted earlier, making matchstick houses with your own hands is not at all difficult. To do this, you need to study the detailed instructions, as well as show a little perseverance, desire and creativity. Let's look at the whole process step by step.
Preparation
Prepare a work surface and all necessary items. Please ensure that the matches are even and without damage - the appearance of your house depends on this.
Construction of the foundation
- To do this, we place two matches on the box. They should be parallel to each other.
- We add about eight more matches on top, forming a square. Make sure that the matches are located at the same distance from each other, and the outer ones are at a short distance from both sides.
- We lay the next row of eight matches on top, but perpendicularly.
- Then we lay out four matches in the form of a “well”, as shown in the photo.
Formation of the “log house”
- Carefully lay out six more rows of four matches, as in Fig. In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the heads of the matches are directed in one direction, otherwise the house will not be entirely aesthetically pleasing.
- The resulting “well” should be secured by placing eight matches on top, parallel to each other.
- We again lay a perpendicular layer on top, but this time of 6 matches, and cover it with a coin.
- Carefully take the house with your hand and insert a match into each corner. When installing matches through, ensure the integrity of the bottom layer.
Laying walls
- We install matches vertically along the entire perimeter of the “walls”. In this case, the heads of the matches should be directed upward and located at the same level.
- The coin will help you align all the matches. To seal the structure, move all the matches as close to the coin as possible. Then carefully remove it.
Strengthening walls
- Crimp all the elements of the house on all sides. Pay attention to the layer of six matches - it will become the base for the roof.
- Having aligned the matches, we proceed to strengthening the walls. To do this, you need to add 1 vertical row of matches on each side. We direct the matches with their heads up.
- We lay the horizontal row in the same way as we did the “well”. Please note that the heads of the matches in the horizontal row are directed alternately, then to the right, then to the left.
Making a roof
There are a huge variety of ways to keep your child busy with interesting and, most importantly, useful entertainment on a dreary, stormy day or late evening - this includes making crafts from plastic bottles, making postcards with your own hands, making crafts from salt dough and many other educational activities...
Making all kinds of crafts from scrap materials develops creative imagination, broadens horizons and stimulates a child’s curiosity. One of the ways to spend leisure time with children is to practice with matches... of course, under our watchful supervision - after all, matches are a fire hazard and can cause harm to a small child. Some crafts made from matches, created by craftsmen, are real works of art. But before you start making crafts made from matches together with your baby, you can conduct a series of classes on laying out simple figures on the table.
To begin, prepare a sheet of thick cardboard or paper (you can simply use a plain table surface), where you will lay out various figures from matches. Then remove these shapes from the surface and ask your child to make similar ones from matches. Before you start creating crafts with your own hands from matches, start by mastering simple geometric shapes: (rectangle, triangle, rhombus, polygon) and then show your child how to create from matches simple drawings (star, Christmas tree, flag, clock, window, fish). When the child learns to create simple figures from matches, you can complicate the task a little and start laying out figures with detailed elaboration. You can use halves of matches, buttons, coins or threads in the composition (for example, for the ears, eyes or noses of animals). Move from simple to complex - having mastered the basics, the child will quickly learn how to create crafts from matches on his own. After the child gets the hang of easily and quickly laying out different figures from matches, you can invite him to create the same, for example, an animal, but only in a mirror image . Make a dog out of matches that “looks” to the right, and the baby will have to lay out the same dog that “looks” to the left. You can very effectively train a child’s memory by laying out figures from matches. You lay out a figure from 6-8 matches, and the baby makes the same one without a visual sample - from memory (for example, within 1 minute). There are other options for exercises with matches that perfectly contribute to the development of sensory skills in a child: highlighting and counting geometric figures that make up an object made of matches; count the matches themselves that make up the laid out figure; paint the matches in different colors and ask the child to lay out the figure, taking into account the color ratio.
Together with your child, you can create entire paintings and compositions consisting of many match figures. For example, you can make out of matches an entire forest with fir trees, berries, mushrooms and forest inhabitants. Of course, it would be a pity to “destroy” such a picture, the creation of which took a lot of labor and patience of a child. Therefore, you can transfer it to thick cardboard or a sheet of large-format watercolor paper, sequentially gluing all the matches and other details. You can paint matches, the background is a sheet of paper, sprinkle the laid out figures with glitter, cereal, rice and coarse salt, after covering the matches with a layer of glue. Don’t forget that matches can be used to make not only animals and various geometric shapes, but also letters and numbers, fueling the child’s interest in learning them. Having learned to lay out different letters, after some time the child will be able to compose whole words and phrases from them. 
After your child learns how to make simple shapes from matches, you can start making various crafts from matches with him. From matches you can create almost any object with the finest detail, the same as in the original. Some craftsmen have created thousands of crafts from matches with unique detail - airplanes, ships, various architectural objects. Many crafts from matches do not require special skill to create. It is enough to carefully and consistently make an object, guided by a diagram of a craft made from matches or images of the step-by-step progress of work. One of the most popular crafts is a house made of matches. Below are photographs that will help you build a house of matches together with your child. A house of matches will not require any special talent from you. It is enough to show a little diligence and some “sleight of hand”. To create a house you will need the following items: 7 boxes of matches, 2-3 large (size) coins, a case for a CD. 1. Place two matches parallel to each other on the base (CD box) (as in the photo). 
2. Place eight matches on them (perpendicularly) so that there are equal gaps between them. You should get a “square” as in the photo. 
3. Then place 8 more matches perpendicular to the previous ones and with the same equal gaps. 
4. Consistently lay out 7 rows of 8 matches, placing the heads in a circle. 
5. Place eight matches on top, placing their heads in the direction opposite to the bottom row.
6. Then place six matches perpendicular to the top row (as in the photo), and place a coin on top. 
7. While holding the structure, insert 1 match all the way into each corner. You can straighten slipping matches with a toothpick or another match. 
8. While continuing to hold the structure, insert a match into each gap along the perimeter walls (as in the photo). 
9. Gently squeeze the structure from the side of the walls of the match house (the coin can now be removed). 
10. Seal the structure on all sides with your fingers (as in the photo). 
11. Press the vertical matches up to the heads. The bottom of the structure will become the foundation of our match house. 
12. Let’s complete the walls of the house on all sides, inserting matches with their heads up, as in the photo. 
13. Then we form a horizontal layer of walls. As when building a “well”, the matches should go in a circle. The heads of the matches alternate with the ends. Then you need to press all the matches from the sides of the heads. 
14. Then we build the roof of the house. We stick matches along the perimeter of parallel walls (as in the photo) 
15. Alternating the directions of the matches, we lay them perpendicular to the top layer of the “well”. We start from the edges. 16. First we put 2, then 4, then 6 matches in the two central ones, 8 matches each. 17. Then we insert the match heads into the middle between the vertical matches of the roof and compress them with the heads of the side matches in a circle. 
18. Add windows, doors and a pipe using halves of matches (as in the photo). Crafts from matches photo: 
Designing from matches is a fascinating process, which results in not only interesting souvenirs and puzzles, but also real masterpieces. In addition, matchstick architecture develops attentiveness, perseverance, a sense of composition and frees the brain from a continuous stream of thoughts.
There are two main techniques for making products from matches with your own hands - with and without glue. In the first case, all the parts of the structure are glued together, in the second, the structure “supports” itself due to the correct distribution of load-bearing elements.
What do beginners need to learn?
For crafts, ordinary household matches or large ones - fireplace or gas matches - are used.
In some products, paper is useful - as a basis for gluing. PVA glue, hot glue (applied with a hot glue gun).
Parts are painted with felt-tip pens, markers, acrylic paints or gouache. To increase shelf life, the finished structure can be coated with transparent varnish.
DIY Craft Tools:
- work surface, auxiliary devices - plasticine, square for setting matches;
- breadboard knife, pliers for shaping parts;
- scissors, brushes;
- press (coin, piece of glass or plastic).
An example of gluing panels for beginners
Matches with and without heads are used.
To construct a panel with straight edges you will need:
- cut a sheet of A4 paper into several strips, so that the width of each matches the length of the match;
- place the strip on the work surface (wooden plank);
- sort the matches into two groups, with their heads in different directions;
- apply glue to the strip;
- Glue the matches in a “chessboard” order, alternately from each pile. This measure helps to level the panel - the matches have different thicknesses at the base and near the head;
- After gluing the panel to the required length, turn it over with the paper facing up and place it under the press.
The panel with a comb edge is glued in a similar way. The base strips should be two heads narrower. Thus, the matches will protrude beyond the edges of the workpiece in a checkerboard pattern.
DIY matchstick wheel (for beginners)
The craft is made without the use of glue. Preliminary drawing and installation panel required. A circle with a radius of 39 mm is drawn onto a sheet of paper and divided into 14 equal segments. The drawing is glued onto thick cardboard. Holes are punched at the designated points.
Assembly algorithm:
- 84 high-quality matches of equal length are selected;
- the first elements are installed in the holes on the panel;
- the distances between the main supports are filled with matches - a circle is laid out, “overlapping”;
- the closing two links must be “covered” first;
- after assembly, the circle is compacted;
- 4 more layers are assembled in the same way.
How to assemble a cube with your own hands without using glue
The cube is the main element of most crafts: houses, wells, castles and fortresses. There are several ways to make it.
In the first case, you will need an auxiliary working platform with holes for vertical installation of matches.
- a square is built, the corner “puzzles” remain free;
- the bottom is laid out from two perpendicular layers, the entire internal space is filled;
- the sides are strengthened. The first row consists of two parts located along parallel sides. The next one is along the other pair of sides. Thus, 6 rows are laid out;
- the top edge is assembled by analogy with the bottom;
- The finished cube is removed from the stand and carefully leveled.
In the second case, you will need any rough surface or rolled out plasticine. The size of the structure will be limited by the length of the matches used in the assembly.
- Place two matches parallel to each other on the work surface. The distance between them is slightly less than their length;
- Arrange 8 pieces evenly across. The heads should face the same direction;
- place the same layer perpendicularly;
- Place one match around the perimeter of the square. Repeat this operation 6 times;
- The “ceiling” is assembled from two perpendicular layers. The first one will take 8 matches, the second one – 6;
- after creating the “contour”, place a load on top and install one “support” beam vertically in the corners;
- install vertical supports around the entire perimeter;
- remove the load, carefully level the cube.
To achieve final formatting, it is necessary to “plate” the sides:
- turn the structure upside down and place matches on each side in height. The heads should face up;
- then lay out the width.
If the novice master is too young and complex designs are not yet within his capabilities, then you can start with simple glued elements.
Table
- Place matches, cleared of heads, on a horizontal surface. Glue them together;
- on the “wrong” side, across the width of the tabletop, fasten two horizontal beams;
- construct the legs from cross-glued matches and a cross beam;
- secure the entire structure.
