How to Make a Simple Paper Pulp Tray – A Creative Base for Bigger Projects

I’ve been experimenting with paper pulp for quite some time now, exploring different forms, textures, and ways to give it a unique character. I usually focus on more complex projects, testing new techniques and playing with materials… but I realized I’ve never really shared a truly simple one – a basic starting point for beginners.

So, I figured it was time to change that! If you're new to working with paper pulp and not sure where to start, this project is perfect for you. It’s easy, requires only a few materials, and serves as a great foundation for further creative exploration.

The simple tray we’ll be making today is an excellent base for future projects. You can leave it in its minimalist form or customize it with details, paints, and textures to create something truly unique. All you need is cardboard, aluminum foil, and paper pulp – that’s it! With just these materials, you can craft something by hand and discover how accessible and enjoyable this technique really is.

Why Should You Try It?

For me, crafting isn’t just about making beautiful decorations—it’s also a way to slow down, focus, and enjoy the creative process. When I work with paper pulp, the world around me seems to pause for a while. Shaping forms, smoothing out surfaces, and watching a project take shape step by step is incredibly satisfying.

If you’ve never tried working with paper pulp before, don’t worry—it’s much easier than it looks! This material is incredibly versatile, allowing you to create various shapes and structures. The piece you make today could be the foundation for something bigger—bowls, decorative trays, or even sculptural wall art.

Materials You Probably Already Have

One of the best things about this project is that you don’t need to buy anything fancy. You can use cardboard from an old box, kitchen aluminum foil, some tape, and homemade paper pulp made from old newspapers. It’s not only a creative DIY activity but also a great way to recycle materials you already have at home.

If you’re unsure how to make paper pulp, I’ve included a link below to an article where I explain the process step by step. Following these instructions will help you achieve the right consistency for shaping and molding your tray.

Patience is Key

As with all paper pulp projects, the biggest challenge is… waiting. Once you’ve applied the pulp, it needs to dry thoroughly before moving on to the next steps. This can take a few days, but trust me—it’s worth the wait! When fully dried, the tray will be sturdy, durable, and ready for further finishing touches.

A Foundation for Future Experiments

What you create today is just the beginning. Once your tray is fully dried, you can experiment with textures, play with colors, or try different finishing techniques to give it a unique character. You might be inspired by nature, imprint patterns using lace, string, or woven materials, or even try metallic effects for a modern look.

I hope this post helps those who are just starting their journey with paper pulp. And if you’re already familiar with the technique, maybe you’ll find some inspiration for your next project!

Step 1: Creating the Base of the Tray

First, we need a sturdy piece of cardboard that will serve as the foundation for our tray. On its surface, we draw the shape we want to create—this could be an oval, rectangle, circle, or any other form that fits your vision.

At this stage, it’s also important to consider the tray’s edges. Since our tray will have raised sides, we need to plan for these spatial elements in advance. You can draw additional lines around the main shape to define the width of the edges.

Step 2: Cutting Out the Template and Preparing the Edges

After drawing the shape of the tray, we proceed to cut it out from the cardboard. It’s best to use sharp scissors or a craft knife to achieve clean and precise edges.

To create raised edges for the tray, we make cuts that are perpendicular to the inner outline of the tray. These cuts will make it easier to shape and fold the edges upwards. They should be evenly spaced but not too deep—just enough to allow smooth bending while maintaining the structure’s stability.

Step 3: Shaping and Profiling the Edges

After making the cuts, we start bending the cut sections upwards to give the tray its three-dimensional form. Thanks to the previous cuts, the edges naturally fold into place, making it easier to shape and adjust them to the base.

Step 4: Gluing the Pieces Together to Create Raised Edges

Now that the edges are shaped, we move on to securing them in place. To create stable, three-dimensional tray edges, each cut section needs to be overlapped with the adjacent one and taped together.

It's best to use strong adhesive tape that will hold the shape well and won't peel off during the next steps. Make sure all edges are aligned neatly— the more precisely they are attached, the better the final result will be when the paper pulp is applied.

Step 5: Wrapping the Form with Aluminum Foil

Once the shape of the tray is ready and the edges are stable, the next step is to cover the entire surface with aluminum foil. The foil serves several important purposes—it protects the cardboard from moisture in the paper pulp, strengthens the structure, and makes it easier to separate the dried pulp from the form if needed.

While wrapping, make sure to press the foil firmly into all corners and edges to replicate the shape of the tray as accurately as possible. If one piece of foil isn't enough to cover the entire surface, you can use multiple layers, slightly overlapping them for full coverage.

Step 6: Applying the Paper Pulp

Once the form is ready, we begin applying the paper pulp. It is spread in sections, evenly covering the surface of the tray. A kitchen spoon, knife, or even hands can be used to smooth the pulp and create a uniform texture.

After the top layer has dried, we can flip the tray over and start covering the bottom. This will make the entire structure more stable and durable.