This is a fun five minute DIY project that is extremely simple to make and use. The jar adds a nice decor touch next to a candle in a guest bathroom, especially compared to the generic cardboard box that they usually come in. This project also makes a great camping accessory that will last a very long time in a trailer, with the added bonus of a large striker making it easy for anyone to light the matches.

I have done a lot of camping since I was a kid. The one thing we were always taught, was to carry something to start a fire. Fires are a necessity when camping, how else do you make smores?

My dad used to keep his matches in a similar container. He would use a film can with a small piece of striker paper inside next to the matches. It was good for small winter trips, especially when hiking in somewhere but lacked convenience and the volume this simple jar project creates.

Supplies

Mason Jar
Sandpaper
Strike Anywhere Wood Matches
Scissors
Pen/Marker

Step 1: Laying Out the Striker

Take a square piece of sheet sandpaper slightly larger than the jar. Untwist the lid of the jar and place the band part of the lid on the sandpaper. Using a pen or marker trace around the band on the sandpaper.

If your making this project strictly for decor reasons, grit or brand of sandpaper wont really matter, so you can completely choose it based on color.

Step 2: Cut the Circle

Once the circle is marked out, using Some scissors or a knife cut just inside the line you traced.

Step 3: Assemble & Light

Sand which the circle piece of sandpaper that you cut in between the lid and the band. This will give something sturdy to strike the matches on.

Finally fill the jar with the matches. If you have a lot of matches gently shake the jar until they settle down to make enough room for all of them. I keep about 250 matches in a jar.

That's it simple and effective dry matches wherever you go.

*Tip If your backpacking or going anywhere really wet you can flip the sandpaper upside down to keep the striker dry as well.

Please Don't forget to vote for this instructable in the mason jar contest!