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How much folkart is too much

I picked up this gorgeous little desk recently and I must say that it really has me stumped.  Not normally my usual thing but I was more attracted to the shape of the desk rather than the pattern on it. 
Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to paint the most beautiful flowers and scrolls and not a novice job by any means its really well done and beautiful.  

I would normally paint over this in a heart beat but I think I’m going to have to leave this as is.  Well for the moment anyway. 
Such gorgeous detail 

Maybe if I just give it a good sand and tone down those bright flowers.

What do you all think? Is this just way over the top and needs to be painted or appreciate the artist in someone and leave it alone.
 I would love to know your thoughts!!

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August 6, 2011

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30 Comments

  1. Reply

    Lindy D.

    August 8, 2011

    I wouldn't touch it!

  2. Reply

    Shannon Crissey

    August 8, 2011

    I love it! Though it could use a light sanding to tone it down a bit overall – I quite like the color of the central flowers!
    I bought a writing desk with a similar paint job once. When I first saw it in the store all I could think about was what color to paint it. Then a few weeks later it was delivered to me and it was so perfect in my room already I couldn't do it! I can see this desk being right at home against a warm wall.

  3. Reply

    Linda

    August 8, 2011

    I like it as is but its not really your usual thing…maybe sand a bit and a white wash over it to tone it down? i dunno your the expert lol 😀 Linda x

  4. Reply

    loulou

    August 8, 2011

    Hi Sandy

    Well I appreciate the artist has taken so much time in this piece.

    Sadly though – I hate it!

    I can see it being painted in a white sanded with a peep of lightest aqua showing through or maybe the newest rave to hit the mags – oyster grey!
    Or the delicate pink flower look with vanilla white that you have in some of your photos.

    Maybe I have no taste though (hate the type of green used)..

    Hope I haven't said too much

    x

    Loulou

  5. Reply

    Anna at the Doll House

    August 8, 2011

    Hello Sandy

    Here in Norway rose-painting on wood is a folk art tradition which I believe has its roots in Germany. Typical, are these rococo s-shapes and colour palette. Old pieces here can fetch unbelievably high prices and although this desk is not very old it may have a higher value in its current state than painted white.

    Having said that, I think it would look very pretty white, or grey-painted. What a dilemma.

    Anna

  6. Reply

    Patricia

    August 8, 2011

    What a lovely desk, with a graceful shape and detailing. It would look Fabulous painted white in your special style. As one of many people who painted in this folk art decorative style back in the 90s, I would say it is rather dated now. The piece needs to live a new life: I vote White.

  7. Reply

    The Pink Poodle

    August 8, 2011

    Hi Sandy….hope you are well…

    hey, i would HAVE to sand it back a little..

    Love the fact that someone has painted it..BUT this kind of artwork is now very passe…

    so with YOUR touch…you can turn it into a lovelier piece of furniture…

    anyways..thats what I am a thinkin~~~~

    xx andrea

  8. Reply

    Junk-it Junction...

    August 8, 2011

    Mmm, it is an unusual green, maybe tone it down alot, and see how it looks.If not , at least you are half way there to sanding it all off…what sort of timber is it, it might look better back to timber.Theres alot of work gone into it, but is folkart really around anymore Sandy?

  9. Reply

    Carina

    August 8, 2011

    I would never paint it over! It's gorgoeus like that!

  10. Reply

    Fiona

    August 8, 2011

    hi Sandy – i think this would look good either way – ie as is or white. i personally wouldnt have it in it's current state in my house but i think it will sell. you could always save yourself sopme work and pop it in the shop as it and then if it doesnt sell in a couple of weeks paint it white then.
    great find. how much will you sell it for?
    cheers Fiona

  11. Reply

    Raine and Sage

    August 8, 2011

    To paint or not to paint. That is the question. I say paint!

  12. Reply

    chris hobel

    August 8, 2011

    I would live with it a while. As a very successful folk/decorative painter in a past life, I still like it in the right place such as a traditional queenslander style home. This piece I think is a little over done. You could try sanding back some of the painted decoration especially on the drawer. The lime wash over the top to soften a little may help. Looking forward to seeing what you decide/ Im sure you will do a wonderful job

  13. Reply

    Lindy in Brisbane

    August 8, 2011

    Ooh, disgusting yet strangely beautiful at the same time. I couldn't stand it in my home like that, but tastes differ, and that paintwork is gorgeous. See if it sells as is, and if not, you know what to do!

  14. Reply

    My Crafty Home-Life

    August 8, 2011

    This is so much fun! I would put a white/gray glaze over it. Too commanding.

  15. Reply

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    August 8, 2011

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  16. Reply

    Anonymous

    August 8, 2011

    If it's too much I think I would paint all except that part at the very top. I'd sand that area down a little and glaze it to tone it down a bit. Why not play with it before you completely get rid of the art work. I love in the 30's when very clever artist would paint furniture and add floral detail. I notice often it was painted that green.

    Kathy

  17. Reply

    NanaDiana

    August 8, 2011

    Well, that is not usually my taste…but it is a lovely piece and well done. I think I would live with it for a while and see if it grows on you..if not, you can always paint it at any time. It's always kind of fun to have one funky piece~ xo Diana

  18. Reply

    Yolanda

    August 8, 2011

    I like your idea of toning it down a bit, but it is beautiful as is also.

  19. Reply

    Norma

    August 8, 2011

    I love the shape of it but not a great fan of the paint job either in this context. I think what you do with it depends on whether or not you intend to keep it or to sell it. If you're keeping it then you should do whatever you want with it, if your're thinking of selling it I'd try it just as it is (well, maybe with a little careful sanding here and there but not over the 'art' itself) and see what happens. If you can turn a profit without reworking too much it then it seems a waste of time to do that.

    PS I heard from Karen (from NZ) that you two had a great meet-up recently 🙂

  20. Reply

    orchidlanedecor.com

    August 8, 2011

    Having lived through the "folk art era" I say PAINT. Personally, I think it's disgusting. No offence to folk art lovers, but I'm sooooo over it. I'm sure you'll make it lovely whatever you decide 🙂

    Suzy xxx

  21. Reply

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  22. Reply

    GTV Diaries

    August 9, 2011

    It needs to be toned down. I would paint it white, just keeping a little of the detail. Maybe if you paint it and sand it back over some of the flowers so they just poke through….

  23. Reply

    Peaches and Maple

    August 9, 2011

    Oh Sandy, paint it! Sorry but it's truly hideous!
    Cas x

  24. Reply

    Miranda

    August 9, 2011

    I'd be inclined to leave it as is.

  25. Reply

    Michella Marie

    August 9, 2011

    Hi Sandy!!
    I love your table!! But the green is… well… very green, lol!! I would LOVE to see it white, lightly distressed, with the hand painted detail softened. I recently painted a sofa table for a client that had pink hand painted roses on it but the table definitely needed a fresh coat. I was able to paint the table but carefully wiped away the paint over the roses. It turned out beautifully and my client was very happy with it. If I had to do it again, I would cover the roses with some wax or something to prevent the paint from covering as much as it did. But if you want to soften the colors a bit, I wouldn't worry about the wax.
    I hope this helps :)) Happy painting!!
    LOVE FROM TEXAS!!!
    ~~Michella~~
    http://www.michellamarie.com

  26. Reply

    MicheleQ

    August 9, 2011

    I think it's beautiful and the contrast against all that white is striking. But you're the one who has to live with it! 🙂

  27. Reply

    Anonymous

    August 10, 2011

    Hi Sandy, I'm looking for the shabby style white couch covers in Australia.. did I read that you do them? (can't quite remember?) Or do you know where I can purchase some? None of the ones I've found have the right kind of feel.

    Love what you did with the desk in the end.. beautiful colour, and yes the flowers and green had to go. Thanks a heap!

    Lauren.

  28. Reply

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    August 11, 2011

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  30. Reply

    KAREN

    August 18, 2011

    OOOHHHH! OOOOHHH! SANDY!

    CONGRATULATIONS ON THE MAGAZINE SPREAD! WHAT BEAUTIFUL PICTURES. MY PARTICULAR FAVORITE IS THE BEDROOM WITH THE WHITE IRON BED. LOVE THAT CHALK BOARD IN THERE, TOO. PLEASE PUT MY NAME IN THE HAT FOR A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE. THANKS SO MUCH!

    KAREN

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