I started with an ugly wooden knife holder and a plain set of wooden salt and pepper shakers. I sanded them down slightly with a very soft sand paper. My house is obviously decorated in red, black, and white, so I got those three colors in craft paint. I decided the pattern and then painted them. I glossed over the paint after it dried. Be careful not to gloss over anything that needs to move like on the pepper grinder! I then added rhinestones to the salt and pepper shakers for a little sparkle. Everyone that comes over to my house for dinner is always complimenting them, so they are a great conversation starter!