Match collecting, once a niche hobby, has sparked widespread interest, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. This resurgence is fueled by enthusiasts who appreciate the aesthetic appeal, historical significance, and personal stories behind each matchbook. As collectors share their finds online, the hobby has transformed into a viral trend, captivating a new generation of collectors.
The Allure of Match Collecting in the Digital Age
The appeal of match collecting lies in its ability to blend art, history, and personal expression. Each matchbook is a miniature canvas, often adorned with intricate designs, logos, or illustrations that reflect a specific time, place, or brand. For history buffs, these tiny artifacts offer a glimpse into the past, evoking nostalgia and curiosity about their origins.
Social media has played a pivotal role in the resurgence of match collecting. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become virtual galleries where collectors showcase their diverse collections. Hashtags like #matchbookart and #vintagematchbooks allow users to discover and connect with fellow enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community among collectors.
The Viral Aspect of Match Collecting
The visual nature of matchbooks makes them ideal for social media sharing. Collectors often arrange their matchbooks in creative displays, highlighting their vibrant colors and designs. These visually appealing posts have the potential to go viral, attracting likes, comments, and shares from a broader audience.
Instagram accounts dedicated to showcasing matchbook collections are increasingly popular, featuring a diverse array of matchbooks from vintage to modern designs. Here are some notable accounts to explore if you're interested in phillumeny:
@Meetyourmatches: Imagine a dating app for matches, this Instagram handle wants to set you up with your perfect match!
@Matchesinla: If you’re a phillumenist and ever in the LA area, you’re going to want to check out this account to plan some pit stops during your visit.
@Matchbookdiaries: Match Book Diaries explains the “why” behind the “what” allowing phillumenists to connect on a deeper level with the matches they purchase.
@Matchsouth: Based in Atlanta, Match South is a brand that creates its own matches and candles.
@Oh_what_a_match: Looking for matchbooks with quirky designs and playful themes, look no further- Oh What A Match has it all!
@Behindthematches: Curious about stories and people behind your favorite match collections? Behind the Matches has all the insider info.
@Strykevintage: If you like keeping it classy and old school, this vintage match collection Instagram is for you.
For a closer look at these fascinating collections, you can visit their Instagram profiles directly.
Why Collect Matchbooks?
Match collecting offers a unique blend of art appreciation and historical exploration. Each matchbook tells a story, whether it's a souvenir from a memorable vacation, a remnant of a bygone era, or a piece of brand memorabilia. For collectors, the joy lies in the hunt for these miniature treasures and the satisfaction of preserving and displaying them.
As the trend continues to grow, match collecting serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of tangible, analog artifacts in an increasingly digital world. It's a hobby that invites people to slow down, appreciate the small details, and connect with others who share their passion.
For those interested in joining the matchbook collecting community or learning more about this fascinating hobby, visit Get Matches for insights and resources.
In the world of match collecting, one dynamic duo is setting the scene alight. Meet the mother and daughter team - Nadia and her daughter Alice Cavallo who make up the creative force behind Oh What A Match, a unique business with it’s focus on fanning the flames of Phillumeny (the hobby dedicated to the collecting of branded advertising matches).
A Family Affair in Match Collecting
Oh What A Match is more than just a business; it's a shared passion between a mother and her daughter. Together, they've turned their passion for collecting matches into a thriving online platform for fellow phillumenists. Their website, www.ohwhatamatch.com, is a treasure trove that includes offering insights, tips as to where to find matches out in the wild -resulting in a vibrant community and the goto source for match enthusiasts to use to seek additions to their collections!
Sparking Connections: How Oh What A Match is Revolutionizing Phillumeny
Where to Find Your Next Match Treasure
One of the standout features of Oh What A Match is their dedication to helping collectors find their next prized possession. The duo regularly updates lists of restaurants across the US that distribute branded matches. This invaluable resource saves collectors time and effort in their hunt, making the chase all the more exciting.
Spotlighting Creative Collectors
Oh What A Match isn't just about matches; it's about the people who collect them. Once a month, the website and its SubStack newsletter feature a collector with an interesting creative background. These spotlights provide a glimpse into the diverse world of phillumeny, showcasing how matches can ignite creativity and passion beyond their practical use.
Offering Decorative Solutions for Showcasing Collector’s Match Collections
They’ve personally designed and produce several versions of clear Lucite plastic tabletop vessels for collectors to use to showcase match collections!
They also offer decorative prints that showcase matches by their similarity in color and their subjects which are available for purchase here https://ohwhatamatch.com/collections/all.
From Collectors to Creators
Recently, Oh What A Match has taken their passion a step further by selling branded matches produced by Get Matches to their own restaurant clientele. This new venture allows them to share their love for unique and personalized matches with a wider audience, while also supporting their fellow collectors.
Create Your Own Branded Matches with Get Matches
If you're inspired by the story of Oh What A Match and are interested in starting your own collection or creating personalized matches for your business, TheMatchGroup is here to assist you with the process!
Our team specializes in producing premium, custom branded matches that will add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to any business to bemused as “functional business cards” .
Visit Get Matches to explore our range of extensive products and services to begin the process of bringing your artistic vision to life TODAY!
Superica Atlanta's unique retro design by Alvin DiecDelilah LARetro Feature Matchbook Individually decorated match stems with dancing nudie girls
Bill Kozlack, the owner of Jax Cafe a Minneapolis steakhouse is quoted in this article about his fight with a local councilman after he learned that restaurants were no longer able to distribute branded matches due to the new anti smoking ordinance. “I had to explain to him that it’s one of the longstanding traditions in restaurants and bars—and I informed him that no matter how hard you try, you can’t smoke a matchbook.” That response was enough to convince the counsel that restaurants would still be permitted to distribute their matches!
"Because they don’t serve as practical a purpose any more—save for lighting candles—matchbooks have to look good."
While we don't entirely agree with the above statement, we do agree that matchbooks have to look good!
We at TheMatchGroup are proud of the limitless customization and exclusive matchbook and matchbox styles that we offer for every type of business to use to promote their brand!
Joseph Martinez Oil Painting using the inside covers of match books as his canvas!
A fascinating re-purposing of Paper match books that are used by the artist Joseph Martinez to create original life like oil paintings as mini works of pocket fine art!
Check out the video montage of Joseph's fascinating work on Vimeo:
A vary retro style 40 Stem 3" Wide Paper Match Book produced for "Trailer Park Lounge" in NYC.
KEEPSAKES: 1) TACTILE ADVERTISING
If offered, most people will gladly collect match books as they leave a restaurant or a retail business to save as a memento of their pleasant experience. They serve as a tangible reminder -what we like to call "functional business cards". Most importantly, from the restaurateur's/advertiser's perspective they act as a method for a satisfied customer to use to recommend their restaurant or business to their friends and family. Furthermore, these colorful & useful 3 dimensional pocket advertisers make much more of an impression serving as a token of thanks to your customers as opposed to the default plain one-dimensional non-functional business card that ends up being forgotten in their back pockets only to end up in next week's laundry!
KEEPSAKES: 2) FOR USE AROUND THE HOUSE
Match Books DO NOT promote smoking because most smokers carry lighters. Recipients of a restaurant's advertising matches are pleased with the many uses that matches provide around the house such as: lighting the backyard grill, decorative candles, hurricane candles and birthday candles, their fireplace, their gas stove or relighting a gas pilot light. Plus, for over the past 110+ years, matchbooks have proven to be the most economical & most effective form of direct advertising for a business and are much more collectible than your basic business card. Many matches are collected and displayed at home, making them great conversation starters for one's guests!
You can rely upon TheMatchGroupfor your business' own unique match advertising campaign! Call one of our match mavens at 800.605.7331 today to get started designing your business' own branded advertising match books or match boxes!
designed and produce several versions of clear Lucite plastic tabletop vessels for collectors to use to showcase match collections! 
