this post was submitted on 28 Aug 2026
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Made from cardboard paper, wheat glue and filled with coffee ground

The coffee ground shrinks a lot when drying. I'd use cardboard layers instead if I had to do it again

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[–] Sendpicsofsandwiches@sh.itjust.works 26 points 1 week ago (1 children)

This is really impressive! I never thought about using paper mache to make a moulded case like this, and am now considering making cases for everything in my house lol

[–] quandang@lemmy.world 15 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

You can gets started with this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45JhacvmXV8. I don't reccomend waterproofing your stuff though, as it prevents you from modifying them later.

For moulding, coffee ground and glue is simpler, but will take a week to completely dry. It also shrinks, so you have to leave your items inside for the first days of drying. Corrugated cardboard layers will dry faster and keep their outer shape, but is more tedious to make. Maybe you can try cardboard inside and coffee ground outside

In any case, cover the surface with paper and the corners with thin strips of paper. I'd recommend drying it quickly (using a heat gun, or the sun) to prevent fungal growth inside the thick parts.

[–] Aquila@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 week ago

This looks like one of those mycelium boxes. Great job!

[–] nightofmichelinstars@sopuli.xyz 5 points 1 week ago (1 children)

That's cool. Can you post some other angles? How does it stay closed when you pick it up?

[–] quandang@lemmy.world 6 points 1 week ago

I don't have it with me right now, but basically I just wrapped many layers of paper around the inner part until it tightly fits the cover

[–] usualsuspect191@lemmy.ca 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

I've never thought of using papier-mâché this way! So cool.

You could probably paint or lacquer it too to add some extra water resistance if needed.

[–] quandang@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

That's a good idea, but I'll wait for a few months of use to see if I want to modify it before painting.

[–] Blue_Morpho@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Are there instructions about how the ground coffee is used? Your other link seems to only be about waterproofing.

[–] quandang@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

I just mixed it with glue to make a grainy paste. Then I used it to fill around the the razor and brush. Finally I covered it with paper and dry for a week. Occasionally I would leave the razor and brush inside to prevent it from shrinking

[–] Iconoclast@feddit.uk 1 points 1 week ago (2 children)

That's either a tiny razor or an absolutely massive toothbrush

That's a Gillette Superspeed, or a modern reproduction. They're about 3 inches long.

[–] ace_garp@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Electric toothbrush head.

Ingenious compact choice.

[–] quandang@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

Yeah, I put the brush handle along with other stuff but I want to keep the brush head separated and clean.

[–] strop@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago