You can paint them......just remember the area you cover will not absorb the fo. (so it's best not to cover the entire surface, but only small amounts). You can also paint one side and leave the fo for the other side. But, you CAN paint them with water based (not oil!!) soap dyes, either watered down or straight from the bottle, and that will not interfere with the scent at all. You can also decorate with beads/trims etc. attached with modge podge, but again, that area will not absorb the fo. Oh, and I have some i did in late August, and bagged.....and they are still strong and perfect!