Faux bois brings nature where it isn't

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(AP) - 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.

"We've put faux bois patterns on cookies, cakes and cupcakes. We do it on towels, bath accessories and rugs," says Kevin Sharkey, home decorating editorial director at Martha Stewart Living. "It appears in the magazine in some incarnation in almost every issue. Christmas ornaments. Easter baskets. Valentines. There is no place we think is inappropriate for faux bois."

Jonathan Lo, who co-founded itsknotwood.blogspot.com, a blog dedicated to all things faux bois, admits that faux bois is one of those "love it or hate" designs. But he appreciates it as another way to bring nature into his life. "Will trees ever go out of style?" he says.

For those looking to incorporate faux bois in their home decor, Lo recommends moderation.

‘Think of it as an accent or way to add some texture," he says. "Try a faux bois candle-holder on your dinner table or a dresser. Maybe try a bag or wallet with a woodgrain pattern. Try mixing into your decor, a lamp that has a faux bois base, add a woodgrain throw pillow, or a mirror with a faux bois frame."

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 candle holders. An even easier approach is applying woodgrain contact paper to dress up flat surfaces, says Lo.

"One of our favorite things is to use it in places you wouldn't expect, like hi-tech items. Many people are contact papering their lap tops or cell phones with woodgrain," he says.