Hey all you creative minds here!!

zohdee

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I am in the process of re-doing my livingroom and I have a bureau that I want to put in there. It is about 40 years old so it was well made, lasted through three kids!!!

What I would like to do is refinish it to resemble tree bark if that would be possible. Texturizing maybe.

Any ideas if that could be done or am I just looney?
 

capt_jordi

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Originally Posted by zohdee

I am in the process of re-doing my livingroom and I have a bureau that I want to put in there. It is about 40 years old so it was well made, lasted through three kids!!!

What I would like to do is refinish it to resemble tree bark if that would be possible. Texturizing maybe.

Any ideas if that could be done or am I just looney?
I would think the crackle and antiquing paints would work for it. Maybe go ask someone that works at a home store in the paint department. They may be able to lead you in the right directions
 

tavia'smom

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That sounds like something I would be asking about only I would be looking for camo furniture too
but since I have my living room done in a Native American theme camo wouldn't work. I have no idea how you would do that though.
 

strange_wings

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Originally Posted by zohdee

I am in the process of re-doing my livingroom and I have a bureau that I want to put in there. It is about 40 years old so it was well made, lasted through three kids!!!
Make sure the bureau has no significant value. Your "restoration" project would ruin it otherwise.
 
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zohdee

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I am trying to redecorate the livingroom as I stated because it is filled with antique items from when my mom was alive. She passed two years ago and its time to make it my own instead of what she did.

For the walls and furniture, I want to give the illusion of being inside of a tree. I found some great leaf wallpaper border that I am going to buy. I want to make end tables out of tree stumps (yes, I have looked into how to cure them).

I also have a friend who said she would paint a mural of Pan on one wall for me.

Not quite sure if the pink leopard print cat tree will seem out of place
.
 

strange_wings

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Please don't ruin any antiques, though. If they're not you, see if they're worth anything and sell them - use the money to buy pieces that you do like.

I sort of see some antiques like art, especially anything handmade. You don't go an destroy someone's art.
(note: I supposed it's the artist in me that hates to see that happen)
 
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zohdee

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Originally Posted by strange_wings

Please don't ruin any antiques, though. If they're not you, see if they're worth anything and sell them - use the money to buy pieces that you do like.

I sort of see some antiques like art, especially anything handmade. You don't go an destroy someone's art.
(note: I supposed it's the artist in me that hates to see that happen)
They are going in storage.
 

momofmany

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Originally Posted by capt_jordi

I would think the crackle and antiquing paints would work for it. Maybe go ask someone that works at a home store in the paint department. They may be able to lead you in the right directions
I had to chuckle at this. I'm starting work this coming Wednesday at a home store in the paint department!!

Crackle paint will work as long as you are looking for a flat surface. You need to lightly sand off any glaze on the piece, then use a really good primer before you paint. Then paint a base color on the piece, then mix a top color with a crackle glaze. If you want even more effect, you can put an antiquing glaze over all of this. If the effect you are looking for is more three dimensional, then this won't work.

Crackling isn't all that easy, and if you try it, get a piece of scrap wood and practice on it first. I do agree to go to a home store and ask about different paint techniques, as there may be different finishes that are closer to what you are looking for.

Can you tell us more what tree bark effect you are trying to achieve? Do you have a picture of something that is close to what you are looking for?
 
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zohdee

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I tend to have these ideas that I can see in my mind but have no clue how to articulate or accomplish them.

I basically would like the bureau to look like a tree stump with drawers.

I have some nice faux suede curtains that are a lovely shade of earthy green and I found a wallpaper border that I LOVE.

 

strange_wings

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You would probably have to paint it by hand. Get some decent quality craft paints/acrylics, some acrylic paper, high quality brushes, and start practicing.
 

momofmany

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Try a hobby store that has things for floral arrangements. You might be able to find some moss or bark materials that you could attach to the dresser.
 
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zohdee

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Originally Posted by Momofmany

Try a hobby store that has things for floral arrangements. You might be able to find some moss or bark materials that you could attach to the dresser.
Ohh....moss, that is a GREAT idea!!

Thank you
 
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