Colorful Nature Finds

Pinecones and acorns get a real pick-me-up from a coating of metallic paint. If these from-the-ground finds aren't plentiful in your part of the country, you can purchase them in a crafts store or look for other natural items with interesting textures and shapes.

Give nature a colorful twist.

• Acorns
• Pinecones
• paper towels
• Newspapers
• Acrylic metallic paints in desired colors (available in arts, crafts, and discount stores)
• Disposable foam plate
• Paintbrush
• Small sponge paintbrush
• Thick white crafts glue

1. Rinse acorns and pinecones. Place under water to remove any dirt or dust. Place them on paper towels to dry.

2. Cover your work surface with newspapers. Place a small amount of each metallic paint color on a disposable foam plate, leaving space between the colors.

3. Paint the pinecones a solid color. To paint the crevices of the pinecones, use a small sponge paintbrush and gently poke it into the areas where paint is needed. If desired, you can let some of the natural pinecone color show and only paint the outer tips. Let the paint dry.

4. Check the acorn tops to be sure they are secure. If loose, glue the tops back on using thick white crafts glue. Let the glue dry.

5. Paint the acorn bottoms a solid color. Let the paint dry. Paint the tops a contrasting color. Let the paint dry. If desired, add tiny dots to the bottoms of the acorns by using a toothpick or the end of a paintbrush handle dipped in paint.

• Once you've got a collection of painted items, display them in a basket or wooden bowl.
• For a scented display, add some potpourri.