Paint your wood tray red with a few coats of paint and allow it to dry.
Then, start laying out your buttons in a flag-like pattern. Get your pattern set before you start adding any glue.
Lift each button, adding a small dab of hot glue. Glue into place and move to the next one. Repeat until you have a button flag at the bottom of your tray.
Glue on the silver star to your button tray.
You might also have a ton of hot glue strings on your project. Just use a hair dryer to remove those before continuing.
Place wax paper under your tray. Mix and pour epoxy over the tray, following the instructions on the box.
Wave a lighter over the surface being cautious not to actually touch the epoxy. As the bubble heats, it will pop and you will be left with a smooth surface.
Use a craft stick to pop any bubbles around the edges. You will have to repeat this process several times during the first 30 minutes or so of drying time.
Use a craft knife to cut away any excess epoxy that has seeped from the sides.