diff --git a/src/java/com/samskivert/util/ExpiringReference.java b/src/java/com/samskivert/util/ExpiringReference.java
index 98060d84..79c30162 100644
--- a/src/java/com/samskivert/util/ExpiringReference.java
+++ b/src/java/com/samskivert/util/ExpiringReference.java
@@ -32,6 +32,14 @@ package com.samskivert.util;
  */
 public class ExpiringReference<T>
 {
+    /**
+     * Creates an expiring reference with the supplied value and expiration time.
+     */
+    public static <T> ExpiringReference<T> create (T value, long expireMillis)
+    {
+        return new ExpiringReference<T>(value, expireMillis);
+    }
+
     /**
      * Gets the value from an expiring reference but returns null if the supplied reference
      * reference is null.