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How to Make a Brass Platter

Making a brass platter is a safe way to express your interest in visual art. Real brass platters present a gorgeous and reflective surface, although the actual process of adding a brass coat to metal involves cyanide -- making it hazardous and dangerous to adults and children. According to Products Finishing Magazine, even the commercial application of simulated brass involves acid chloride. Nevertheless, make your own platter in a secure and effective way by using several arts and crafts supplies.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape
18-by-18-inch piece of shipping box cardboard
Scissors
1-by-4-inch shipping box cardboard semi-circles (2)
Permanent epoxy
12-inch strands of 5 mm wire (2)
5 cups water
1 cup flour
Pot
Medium-size bowl
1-by-5-inch newspaper strips
1-by-5-inch paper towel strips
Brass or gold-colored acrylic paint
Paintbrush
Aerosol glazing stain

Instructions

- 1
  Measure and draw the shape and design of your platter onto a piece of shipping box cardboard to 18-by-18-inch dimensions. Cut out the platter with a pair of scissors.
- 2
  Cut out two 1-by-4-inch shipping box cardboard semi-circles to act as handles for your platter. Bond each handle to the left and right edge of your platter with permanent epoxy.
- 3
  Wrap one 12-inch strand of 5 mm wire around the left handle. Repeat with a second 5 mm wire to the right handle. The wires add texture to the platter.
- 4
  Add 5 cups water and 1 cup flour to a pot to make a paper mache mix. Boil the mix for three minutes. Allow the mix to cool for five minutes. Pour the mix into a medium-size bowl.
- 5
  Soak one 1-by-5-inch newspaper strip into the mix. Press and form the strip to the platter. Continue until the entire platter is covered in one layer of newspaper.
- 6
  Soak one 1-by-5-inch paper towel strip into the mix. Press and form the strip to the platter. Continue until the entire platter is covered in one layer of paper towel. Allow the craft to dry for four hours.
- 7
  Coat the platter with brass-colored acrylic paint. Allow two hours for the craft to dry before handling and displaying. Coat the craft with an aerosol glazing stain to give it a shiny and protective finish. Purchase glazing stain at any home supply store.

Photography