Craft this cool organizer for Dad’s desk or dresser with a frozen food tray and a little papier-mâché.
Supplies:
1 clean frozen dinner tray
A sheet or two of gift tissue and/or colored paper
White glue
Water
Small disposable container
Plastic spoon
Scissors (optional)
Newspaper
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Here's How:
Cut or tear a sheet of tissue or paper into small pieces.
Squirt about 4 tablespoons of white glue into the
disposable container; add about 2 tablespoons of water to the glue and mix it well with the spoon.
One at a time, dip the paper into the glue, wipe off excess paste with fingers and smooth onto the food tray.
Continue until the top and sides of the tray are completely covered. Mix more paste if needed.
If desired, cut or tear small shapes from a different color paper and dip and adhere them onto the wet tray to make a pattern or design.
Allow the tray to dry completely, at least 24 hours.
Dad can use your gift as a valet to stylishly store his wallet, watch and phone, or on his desk to organize small office supplies.
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More Ideas:
Use a découpage medium like Mod Podge instead of the glue mixture.
Use printed gift-wrap for an instant design on the tray.
Store-bought “handmade” tissue or paper, with lots of natural fibers in it, works great for this project.
Cover the tray with plain paper, and once dry, use craft paints or stickers to decorate it.
For a different look, cover the tray with torn newspapers or comics instead of colored paper.
Paste a printed word in each section on the tray to designate what item goes where.
After applying the colored paper, add cut out drawings or magazine pictures to decorate the tray.
For kids who can’t stand getting their hands too messy, offer them a paintbrush to apply the paste and paper.
Try this idea to decorate disposable plates and bowls, too.
Papier-mâché a whole desk set for Dad by making an envelope holder and cup for pens, too.
Make a pretty tray or bowl for Mom, and she can use it to organize jewelry.
Tell Dad to keep his organizer near the front door, so he has a safe spot to keep his keys. He’ll never misplace them again!
Pamela Frye Hauer is an artist, author and mother of two busy little boys. Her craft and scrapbooking projects have appeared in numerous books and magazines. Her most recent book is “Memories in Miniature.” Photo by Pamela Frye Hauer.
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