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This is one item that is becoming quite popular through the West and
there seems to be no limit in what can be done along these lines. You
will probably get a lot of ideas when traveling, but here are a couple
that are slightly “different.”
The top tray can be made of Mexican modeling clay or some other clay
that does not require firing. In that case the top and inside are not
decorated, and the outside decoration is put on with poster color and
covered with several coats of plastic or clear lacquer to give it a
kiln-dried ceramic appearance.
A cigarette box can also be made in the shape of a Kachina mask as a
companion piece to the tray. While the lower tray has the conventional
general shape, it could also be made with vertical sides.
A few years ago it was rather difficult to obtain a good turquoise blue,
but it is now on the market.