Creating minor wonders with mesh screening - Christmas decorations and wrapping

Sunset, Dec, 1991

ALCHEMISTS WILL delight in this crafts project, which turns ordinary products into objects that sparkle with the rich colors of precious metals. You start with aluminum mesh screening, spray-paint it silver or gold, then outline and embellish it with fabric paint. You then cut out shapes that become delicate ornaments, napkin rings, gift bags, plant wraps, candle holders, and placemats.

The key to the transformation is the squeeze-bottle paint, which is sold at crafts stores (about $2 per 1-ounce bottle). The paints, mainly used for decorating fabric (T- shirts and sneakers are popular canvases), come in a variety of colors and textures. Look for shiny metallic paints, glitter-filled paints, "puff" and "slick" paints.