He came to realize that what started out as a habit had become a bona fide work of art that could be sold. To this day, Quay says he doesn’t know how he obtained the skill to make the paper clip ...

Watch how artists transform the same idea into jaw-dropping masterpieces using luxury supplies versus dollar-store materials.

She has also set up a Facebook page called The Gold Paper Clip Project which will list the trades. "I'll post what we have and what is currently up for trading, so show us your trades," she said.