Isn't this cute? It's a vintage Dennison display shelf circa 1940-50s that has little matchbook boxes filled with sewing notions! Though some of the boxes are empty now, it was a steal on eBay for just $15. It is one of the little sewing collectibles I'm writing about in my Notions book. 

These decorative, patterned matchboxes must have entered my subconscious because as I was designing the kraft mailer project for UPPERCASE issue #61, I settled on making a sliding matchbox where you can keep the Creative Prompt Cards that I've included as a bonus in the new issue.

I'm planning on releasing more of these collectible cards in future issues as well as free downloads in my newsletter and for members of the UPPERCASE Circle. It's an old-school idea of "collect 'em all!"

It's fun to have a hands-on project amidst all the computer stuff that I do every day. And I always enjoy when one project influences another in such an unexpected way!

1. Trim off the edges of your kraft mailer so that you have flat sheets. 

2. Using an inkjet, print the first page of the download onto your kraft mailer. Print the second page onto lightweight inkjet printer paper.

3. Cut out the box tray and cover along the red lines.

4. Glue the flaps of the tray.

5. Use binder clips to hold the flaps in place while the glue dries.

6. Cut out your pattern prints.

7. On the pattern paper back, apply glue to the top panel of the cover and then centre the kraft box cover.

8. Apply glue to the rest of the patterned sheet.

9. Snip into the corners of the patterned paper, then fold the flaps inward. Use clips to hold everything in place while the glue dries.

10. Trim the patterned strip and placed it along the bottom of the box before stacking your UPPERCASE Creative Prompt Cards. This makes it easier to lift the cards out from the box.

Subscribe to the magazine, starting with issue #61, to get a copy of the Creative Prompt Cards inserted into that issue.

These thread winders are the UPPERCASE "kraft" for issue #60 (Jan-Feb-March 2024). Print the PDF on your trimmed kraft mailer (you can also use empty cereal boxes) and cut out the shapes. Use the provided SVG files if you have a Cricut Maker or other digital cutting machine.

Inspired by issue #59's cover artist, Catherine-Marie Longtin, and the theme "made by hand," the UPPERCASE "kraft" for this issue is English Paper Piecing.

Please note that the kraft mailer is only used for subscriptions sent directly from my printer when a new issue is released. If you don't have a kraft mailer, you can easily use similarly lightweight card stock or even a cereal box. 

Please note that the kraft mailer and patterned paper shown in the video is only for subscribers prior to March 16, 2023. 

More recent subscribers can still get crafty! If you don't have a kraft mailer, you can easily use similarly lightweight card stock or even a cereal box. 

Although these particular patterned papers were for subscribers only, I've prepared some other free patterned paper downloads.