Tiny projects can still be full of charm — and this Tiny Tuesday Matchbook Folio is a perfect example. Using a single 8.5″ x 11″ sheet of cardstock, this fold-out folio comes together with simple scoring, a few strategic cuts, and plenty of room for personalization.
This matchbook folio is ideal for junk journals, memory keeping, small notes, quotes, scriptures, or even tiny photos. It folds up neatly but opens to reveal multiple pockets and layers, making it both fun to create and satisfying to use.
Watch the Video Tutorial
The full step-by-step tutorial for this matchbook folio was originally shared during a Tiny Tuesday Facebook Live and has been lightly edited for YouTube. The video walks through the folding, cutting, pocket construction, and closure ideas in detail.
Cutting & Scoring Measurements
Base Cardstock:
8.5″ x 11″ cardstock
Score on the short side at:
2 ⅞”
5 ¾”
Score on the long side at:
2 ⅞”
3″
5 ⅞”
6 ⅛”
9″
9 ¼”
Mat Pieces:
6 squares: 2 ⅝” x 2 ⅝”
3 rectangles: 2 ⅝” x 1 ¼”
These measurements create staggered sections that allow the folio to fold smoothly without bulk.
Why the Sections Are Different Sizes
You may notice that the scored sections in this matchbook folio are not all the same width. This is intentional. The varied measurements help the folio fold neatly once layers, pockets, and mats are added.
Giving certain sections a little extra room prevents the project from feeling tight or bulky and helps everything close smoothly.
Pocket Construction Tip
Instead of gluing pockets flat, small folded gusset pieces are added along the pocket edges. This simple step gives the pockets extra depth and prevents glue from taking up valuable interior space.
Gussets don’t need to be perfectly sized — they simply need to be folded and placed along the pocket edges to create room for tags, notes, or other small elements.
Helpful Tips from the Craft Table
- Trim off visible score lines when possible for a cleaner finished look.
- Fold with the grain of the paper to prevent cracking and achieve smoother folds.
- Decorate pocket panels before assembly to make inking and layering easier.
- Save small offcuts — many of them are reused later in the project.
Decorating Ideas
This project works beautifully with:
- Vintage book pages
- Music or hymnal paper
- Quotes, scriptures, or short phrases
- Light inking around edges for definition
You can decorate before or after assembling the pockets, depending on your preference.
A Simple Closure Idea
A button and string closure adds both function and charm. Using items you likely already have on hand — a button, crochet thread or cord, and a needle — you can create a flexible wrap-around closure without specialty hardware.
Magnetic closures or tiny Velcro dots are also great alternatives if you prefer a different finish.
Alternate Size Ideas
This matchbook folio design can easily be adapted to other sizes. A larger version made from 12″ x 12″ cardstock works well for holding 3″ x 3″ photos, making it a fun option for memory keeping or themed mini albums.
Once you understand the folding concept, the measurements can be adjusted to suit your own creative needs.
More Tiny Tuesday Projects
Tiny Tuesday is my weekly series of small, focused paper crafting projects—mini albums,
folios, and clever folds you can realistically fit into your creative time.
Looking for more Tiny Tuesday projects? Here’s the full
Tiny Tuesday playlist on YouTube.
Cheers to YOUR Artful Adventures 💙