Faux bois is something of a lost art. It’s also everywhere.
French for “false wood,” faux bois encompasses anything that reproduces the appearance or texture of wood.
Though only a handful of artists still produce the intricate, cement-covered steel pieces prized by serious collectors, the technique also is being applied to every home decor product imaginable: pillows, plates, candles, coasters, scones, sheets.
You name it, someone has slapped a woodgrain pattern on it.
More often than not, that someone is Martha Stewart.
“We’ve put faux bois patterns on cookies, cakes and cupcakes,” said Kevin Sharkey, home decorating editorial director at Martha Stewart Living.
“We do it on towels, bath accessories and rugs.”
CB2, Crate and Barrel’s more modern offshoot, sells tote bags made of woodgrain-printed fabric, plastic placemats with a woodgrain design, and white resin soap dishes and ring holders resembling twigs.
Pottery Barn offers a chandelier made of intertwining iron branches with crystal leaves.
Macy’s sells Martha Stewart’s line of faux bois towels, bedding, kitchen and bath accessories.
And at Target, there are brown resin vases that resemble logs and black aluminum candleholders shaped like branches.
For crafty types, there are woodgraining painting tools that, when rolled across a surface, create streaks that resemble wood, complete with knots. Stewart’s Web site features dozens of DIY projects based on that painting technique, ranging from pet placemats and serving trays to wrapping paper and entire floors.
Or get creative with a digital camera: Snap some close-ups of tree bark, print them on translucent vellum and wrap them around glass canisters to create candleholders.
On the Web
www.fauxboisinconcrete.blogspot.com
www.itsknotwood.blogspot.com www.designspongeonline.com
www.marthastewartliving.com
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