Tamped into molds to create an undulating texture, designer Emeline Ong blends paper and process to create a delightful handmade table collection.

The Pastille Collection by Emeline Ong blends traditional craft techniques with technological advancement to create a brutalist take on adorable design. Like concrete dipped into candy-like colors, these beautiful pieces are handmade through a labor-intensive process, utilizing paper pulp mixed with a composite. This mixture is tamped into various molds and allowed to dry, creating unique ridges based on where the plates meet. This rough finish is juxtaposed elegantly with pastel coloring, creating organic undulations as the material meets at different consistencies.

In the Pastille Collection, we have the Bubblegum Pink Table, the Lilac Table, and the Low Blue Milk Table. The collection, when viewed all at once, is approachable. Forms that we all know and love are on full display here, featuring swooping fillets and low, accessible platforms.
The designer thoughtfully lets us in on the process, offering a behind-the-scenes video where she details how the collection is made. The filling and eventual demolding process is a delight to see, and lets the viewer in on exactly how much time it takes to make these pieces by hand.

First, the molds are screwed together and tension panels are installed to minimize any warping during the drying process. The paper pulp composite is mixed with a small amount of dye, to create a ...