Since you are in Australia, I want you to know that my research indicates that the McCartney Rose does grow in your country (whether or not my guess is correct). A link below features a discussion featuring several rose growers in Australia, from a forum here on GW that has become so slow I don't recommend it. However, if you look at the "My Page" of the posters, some make it possible to send them an e-mail. They would probably know most about varieties common to your area: Here is a link that might be useful: Australian rose enthusiasts

We are looking for anyone who makes the primitive dolls or sheep crows anything prim...we have a store we are opening up in camdenton,missouri and what we make there we are giving back to child advocacy council and citizens against domestic violence...........our future customers all want PRIMS! If you could we do have a tax id # for wholesale.thank you and god bless. i don't think i broke any rules on here i hope not

I do think it looks "primitive." There is nothing wrong with that in the correct setting, but if that isn't a look you want, don't do it. If you're handy enough to make this one, you can make a different one that doesn't look as simple. I agree with circuspeanut that part of the "rustic" appeal of this piece is the dark staining. I have a feeling with paint it might resemble a repurposed palette that someone painted. To me, that would lean towards industrial (palette) or primitive (simple design.) (I really hope the above doesn't sound like I'm being mean. I hesitated to reply as it is, but I do think the OP wants honest opinions.)

Hey, y'all. Back from two trips - one to see Mo/Bro, and the other one to the Big D w/FLAG. Boy, that girlie can S.H.O.P. Thanks for your comments. GC - every time I start to grout one of these 3-D numbers, I say bad words to myself for gluing everything down and then the work involved in grouting/cleaning. Yep - glue everything in the beginning. When grouting, as soon as I get it spread on, I use a dry sponge to start smooshing it in and cleaning it off, then use a tootbrush to clean as much away from the tess as possible, sometimes using a screwdriver cuz it gets hard b/f I finish. Then when almost dry, I sometimes use a damp sponge, or if I get busy and forget, I use vinegar after it's dry. That brown piece is one of about 12 pieces of vintage door hardware I picked up at Habitat/Humanity on the Tyler trip. SQUIRRELLY - just plunk them down and work around them w/a complimentary color or a pattern or wandering about w/a pretty - whatever. No planning here. Try it - whatcha got to lose? WOW - LOVE - thanks, and thank all of you.