Abstract: Herein are disclosed improved articles of manufacture, a method and composition for making same, involving the imparting of a pleasing "flemish" appearance to a solid substrate of natural or artificial articles having preferably a slightly rough surface including artificial flowers, fruit, vegetables, dried plants and the like by applying to the surface thereof a formulation comprising a powdered metal dispersed in a solution of a water-soluble cellulose polymer binder in solvent.Application to live plants and flowers and cut flowers and plants is feasible. This can be done with no detrimental effects on live plants.