Whether you're expecting an army of trick or treaters or are simply looking for a fun, seasonal centerpiece, this is the project for you. It is easy and fun to transform metal kitchen bowls, even colanders, into oversized candy bowls that say "Halloween" in a festive and fun way.

The key to this project is "No-Prep Metal Paint," easily available at any craft store. This creamy paint comes in any color you could wish for and solves a recurring crafter's dilemma. If you have tried using normal acrylic paints on metal, you know what that problem is: the paint simply won't adhere. This paint, as easy to clean up with water as any acrylic craft paint is just the thing I've been waiting for. Whether or not you want to make these bowls, you'll have to keep this paint in mind for other projects. It is even durable enough for outdoor use. Repaint your mailbox, hand rail, watering can, metal planter, etc.

Another thing I like about working with these paints is that with medium to dark colors, they will usually cover in one coat!

As far as these bowls are concerned, if you have an old wooden bowl or even one made of pottery, use regular acrylic paints to paint the wood one, and glossy china paints to paint the pottery one. These will be equally attractive, and I always believe in using whatever's on hand whenever possible!

And whatever the material, leave some of the original surface exposed (unless it is really ugly!) as this will provide a nice contrast to the painted surface. My pumpkin bowl is a good example.

Whatever method you choose, use the bowls for wrapped candy only, to be safe. Simply wipe them lightly with a damp paper towel to clean.

If you have questions about this project, or any other craft project, you can email me at 11am@thedenverchannel.com.

What You Need

Old or new metal bowl or colander
Vinegar and a rag
No-Prep Metal Paint in orange, yellow and black
Glitter glue in orange and black
Small and medium paintbrushes

What to Do

1. Before painting, clean all metal surfaces, inside and out with vinegar and rinse with water. If your bowl is very shiny, de-gloss the surface with fine sandpaper first. The less shiny the surface, the better the paint will "grab."

2. For the pumpkin bowl, paint five basic orange pumpkin shapes around the outside of the bowl. Let dry. Use a dry brush to add some yellow highlights to each one, and the black paint to create stems at their tops. Let dry. Paint the inside of the bowl orange. Let dry. Use the end of the small brush filled with yellow paint to dab a pattern of dots on the inside of the bowl. Let dry, making sure the dots don't run. Paint yellow polka dots on outside of bowl around pumpkins. Let dry. Outline pumpkins with orange glitter glue. Let dry.

For the colander, paint one half of the inside of the colander orange. Some paint will push through the holes onto the outside. Paint the same half of the bowl orange on the outside. Some paint will push back through to the inside. Keep smoothing out paint, inside and out, until surface is smooth and there are no drips. Let dry. Use the same method to paint the other side of the bowl yellow. Paint the base of the colander black. Paint yellow polka dots on the orange half of the rim, orange dots on the yellow half of the rim. Leave handles unpainted for contrast.