Those who know me know I've a bit of an addiction to spray paint. It's magic in a can that can give a tired object a new life or add some flair to your space. It all started out innocently enough - I had been looking to embellish some dried hydrangea and pinecones for an event that I was chairing years ago when my children were younger. Our budget was limited and we had to get creative. Ever since, a simple can of spray paint has helped to liven up seasonal decor and repurpose some tired objects in my own home, many of which come out this time of the year.

It started with the wreath (pictured above) a simple boxwood wreath, at the end of the season 2 Christmases ago. I decided to paint it to see if the leaves would stay preserved and intact. They did, and the wreath has been on front door during the holidays (and sometimes even longer) ever since. I may embellish the wreath this year... or I may not! 

Right before Thanksgiving I wanted to give my pumpkins a new look. A couple of coats of gold paint, and they were transformed completely. I've noticed many homes that are adorned by both fall and holiday decor... It's not too late to give those pumpkins a little sparkle! (Pictured below)

One summer we painted all the shells we collected. Below some simple oyster shells get a makeover and become functional as salt and pepper dishes. If you live in a coastal community - or even if you don't - they will be sure to brighten up your holiday table. 

Conch, whelk and similar shells take on an absolutely elegant appearance when dressed in gold. Our imperfect shells with barnacles and discolorations were magically transformed in an instant. Perfect for any mantel or table. Lighter shells can be strung and placed on a tree, added to your wrapping, or inverted to make a perfect place card holder. (Below)

My youngest child and I have fun with wish bones and I save those I don't manage to break. I wondered what a golden wishbone would look like. So once dried (and cleaned!) I decided to spray one - it required a couple of coats - and what resulted was something that was so pretty I almost hated to break it! And then I had an idea. What if I saved a few wishbones and painted them all? And what if I placed each painted wishbone on everyone's plate at Thanksgiving? I buy a lot of rotisserie chicken. It's great for so many things in a pinch - in sandwiches, pasta dishes, soups, casseroles or simply as a healthy snack. We go through almost one a week and so I began to collect, wash, dry and paint them. (Image below) And what a fun thing to bring to our Thanksgiving table. I imagine this will soon become a tradition! 

Something else we all have available to us are leaves, and although it's December, there are still quite a few ones floating around. Pick one up - pick up a handful. You must be sure that the leaves haven't already gone dry and brittle. You'll need freshly fallen leaves. Spray one side and let it dry completely before spraying the other side. Repeat 2 or three times. When the leaves have dried completely place each individually in between pieces of parchment or wax paper and then press them in a heavy book for a couple of days. This will help the leaves from curling and turning brittle. The leaves will remain soft and bendable. Use them on a cheese platter, on the table as a place card, or gift tag for a present.

I had boxes and boxes of unused wooden ornaments that I've had for years. Mostly likely passed down to me from my mother right after I got out of college. I was thisclose to donating them to Goodwill but had the crazy idea to try spray painting one of them gold... then one became two which then became three, and so on and so on and so on... They look wonderful on the tree!

My list would be incomplete if I didn't mention the simple pine cone that's found practically everywhere in all shapes and sizes. They look wonderful on the tree, on the mantel and haphazardly tossed into a pretty glass or ceramic bowl. Use them to adorn gifts, place settings or place cards.

Some other ideas include:
Dried flowers such as hydrangea
Topiaries
Twigs/branches
Stones/river rocks
Coffee beans
Squash, gourds, pears, pomegranates
JarsVases
Wooden spoon handles
Picture frames
Office/desk items
Vases
Christmas tree lights  
Be sure to check out my Pinterest board too!