THE bright side OF THE season

Let your decor shout with joy. Vivid colors highlight seasonal favorites, bringing lively energy and unexpected excitement to Christmas trees, tabletops, and packages.

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TIE-DYE TRIO

Graphic trees use both dye and spray paint to achieve the neon color scheme. Because every tree is intentionally different, it's a no-fail project. Start with a dye bath, then add spray-painted colors a little at a time. Standouts on the mantel, the trees also can brighten a dark niche.

DESIGNER: ELIZABETH VEILLEUX

MATERIALS

☐ Small nonfood container slightly larger than bottle-brush trees (Use a microwave-safe container if using a microwave to heat the water)

☐ Liquid dye: pink (such as Rit brand)

☐ Sisal bottle-brush trees: natural

☐ Newspaper or cardboard

☐ Spray paint: assorted bright and neon colors

☐ Small paintbrush

☐ Clear acrylic sealer: gloss

DYE THE TREES

To prepare the dye bath, fill the container with water and add 1 tablespoon liquid dye for every 1 cup water. Heat the dye bath for 1 minute on high in a microwave. (Note: Hot tap water may be used as an alternative.) Submerge the brush part of a tree in the dye bath for 5 minutes or until the tree is pale pink. Remove tree from bath, shake off excess dye, and let stand to dry. Repeat with other trees.

ADD ACCENT COLORS

Place trees on newspaper or cardboard in a well-ventilated area. Starting with the lightest neon color, spray colors on the trees, trunks, and block bases in short bursts from 10 to 12 inches away. Continue spraying on color layers, allowing base color to show in some areas. Paint colors can be blended to create new colors. Let dry. Spray on more colors as desired; let dry.

FINISH THE TREES

Brush clear acrylic sealer on the wire trunk and on the top and sides of the block base of each tree; let dry.