A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (middle school) I entered the wet pulpy underworld of papier-mâché. I was inspired after Neil Buchanan constructed papier-mâché jeans on Art Attack. I found one useful guide in which the author literally made anything she could from newspaper and paste. And more than just art: there were instructions on how to make plates and cups and even a pair of salad tongs. Salad tongs!

I took up the craft and this was one result. I used a “mixed party snacks” tray and carefully layered it with strips of wet newspaper and school glue. Instead of throwing out the mold however, I let the final piece sit inside it, because I thought it looked ‘neat’. I also had some spraypaint kicking around (I can’t remember why), so I painted the entire thing gold. 

In spite of its age and layers of filth, I still use this tray. It’s function (viz., to hold paper clips, elastic bands, twist ties, and safety pins) handily outweighs my issues with its form. It also easily collects other sundries; you might notice an Omnidroid and Casino chip in there too. I can’t imagine my life without this tray, so it’s unlikely I will ever rid myself of it. Though if I ever use it to serve you party snacks, feel free to politely decline.