Transform regular branches into sparkling holiday decorations with this innovative paint-dipping technique. (Martha Stewart Living editorial director of decorating Kevin Sharkey used this method to create an Asian-Inspired Christmas Tree.)

Tools and Materials
Wide, shallow plastic bin
Tap water
1 quart oil-based metallic paint
Artificial cedar branch
Twine for hanging branch
Newspaper
Floral wire
Ribbon
Ornaments and Glittered Birds (optional)

Metallic Swag How-To
1. Pour about 4 inches of tap water into a wide, shallow bin. Pour 1 quart of oil-based metallic paint into the water.

2. Dip artificial cedar branch into paint bath and twirl around to completely coat.

3. Tie twine around end of branch and hang to dry, placing newspapers on the floor below to protect it from drips. Complete drying takes 48 hours.

4. To create a swag with multiple branches, lay two groups of branches facing in opposite directions on a flat surface, with "stems" overlapping. Wire stems together. Tie a ribbon into a bow around center point, decorate swag with glittered ornaments and birds, and hang.

Resources
All tools and materials are available at home-improvement stores and garden centers. Martha used a faux cedar bonsai tree from panysilk.com, unglazed Chinese bonsai pot from weetree.com, boughs from fmanyc.org, ornaments from the Martha Stewart Collection for Macy's available at select Macy's stores, birds from B & J Florist Supply (212-564-6086), and glitter from shop.marthastewart.com.