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Greetings!
Here in the northeast, we're still waiting for winter (if we ignore that mad snowstorm this past October). I'm thinking spring, and at the risk of just being plain corny, spring makes me think of trees.
If you're new to my newsletters, I must explain one thing. Normally, the subject of each month's issue has no relation to another newsletter. Last month, "A tree grows in Morris" centered on a dimensional, or "bas relief" treescape. It brought to mind a project that remains in my memory as outrageous fun and a perfect solution.
A solution? To what problem? OK, here is the beginning photograph.
(Click on any photograph to see it larger)
A support, or lolly column almost in the center of a recreational kitchen that opens to beautiful Bantam Lake. There is a more formal kitchen on the main floor, but this kitchen is more fun. You'll see. Not only was the column an eyesore, but the ceiling crisscrossed with build outs of a structural nature. The challenge: can you see a tree here, Sharon?
Oh yes I could. Let's follow the progress. Feel free to click on each image along the way for a better view.
The square corners of the column disappear inside a column. Next, quick drying cement was applied. I used a variety of tools to simulate the texture of bark, and real tree limbs were added.
Those are imported branches, by the way, straight from our woodpile here in Trumbull, Connecticut. They had been dried for over a year when I appropriated them, and then were treated to several coats of sealing varnish.
In this next shot
as glaze is applied, you are able to see the texture clearly and now the project is ready for the last step to complete the process.
Here painting is in progress.
As I filled in the fuller, leafy sections, the irregularities of the ceiling disappear. Check out this close-up to see how effective this technique worked.
Are you ready for the final drum roll? Here it comes, the completed tree.
Todays' lesson: there are no limits. If there is a special area in your home and you're not sure how to handle it, trust me. I've got at least a dozen solutions.
Love to know what you think of this project. Let me know.
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