I've always had a thing for matchboxes and have quite a collection of them saved from our travels and our occasional nights out on the town–tiny boxes of cherished memories saved for future recollection. Imagine though, if you found a matchbox and discovered that, instead of matches, a special surprise was awaiting you.
Flower seeds, a tiny sewing kit, water balloons, a rainy day song list, and birthday candles...these are just some of the many gems that have been gifted to unsuspecting bus riders, cafe patrons, university students, even a photocopier user since The Matchbook Project was launched just over a year ago in Sydney Australia. Each week, a creatively embellished matchbox with a tiny present hidden inside is "left by a girl" (or one of her creative recruits) somewhere in her travels throughout Sydney--ready and waiting to be discovered by a lucky stranger.
There are three simple rules to the project:
1. Don't get caught leaving a matchbox.
2. Don't leave two in the same place.
3. No spying on it. (I would have such a hard time resisting the urge to do this).
The creative talent behind the project explains, this project is about "randomness, silly things in unexpected places, curiosity, chance and ultimately, an attempt to make (someone) smile."
I, for one, would be grinning ear to ear if I were to happen upon one of these little treasures. You can follow the chronicles of these random acts of {creative} kindness, by visiting The Matchbook Project blog. I found it to be quite inspiring--imagine the fun you could have creating one of your own to anonymously surprise a special someone.
Have any of my Australian readers found one of these little surprises or do you know of someone who has? I'd love to hear about it.
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