Most bamboo furniture comes from Asia and there are several varieties that are used, including moso (Ph. edulis). I've made a few things out of bamboo, like fountains and screens, but it's a lot of work to make furniture because you need to use special techniques to fasten the joints and have them hold up because you're working with something that's not not solid or a consistent size, is usually slightly oval in cross section, and tapers along the length; it's not like working with solid wood. In addition, there is very little "how-to" info available. The main thing I'm familiar with is a book called "Bamboo Work" by Paul Hasluck which is available as a reprint (it was published in 1901!). Here is one source for the book and some other related bamboo craft publications: BambooGardener - Books

It's not oil. It is an excretion from the digestive track of scale insects. They could be on the bamboo, or on other nearby trees or shrubs, so you will need to verify which plant is infested in order to treat it. Use a systemic insecticide such as Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub, this product is highly effective on scale insects. As far as the cleanup, any good detergent or soap should cut it. Try Dawn dish detergent or Murray's oil soap, both of those should clean without worrying about harming the dyes in the cushions. Spic and Span cleaner is great for hard surfaces but can fade/discolor some fabrics IMHO.

I have acquired some cool pieces of vintage bamboo furniture. It is the usual blond color with a varnished (?) surface. I would like to stain it a darker color to match my existing furnishings. Is staining bamboo the same as staining wood? Are there any special steps or products that are recommended? Thank you all in advance!

2-1 sounds good. Thanks! I typically try to work in odd numbers but was having a problem seeing the overall picture since I had so many pieces about. DH said he didn't care if I painted the bookcase. Thanks Franksmom! I'm hoping that the wall color won't be too dark for her tree mural. I don't want to go too dark on the leaves. That bureau looks totally different from when I bought it for $10 or $15 7yrs ago. It was burnt orange w/ big wooden knobs. I bought new glass knobs and glued on the 2 wooden decals. DH found small wheels at his shop and put those on for me to raise the height to a more comfortable changing table height for us. Jerseygirl - well you know the adult rocker needs to have the seat reupholstered and I've been going back and forth between cream or blue. Maybe a print w/ both colors? Her curtains are a natural muslin color w/ pom pom trim and her bedding is almost he same color as the wall w/ a brown toile print and a cream matelasse quilt. Soft pink sheets. Bumblebeez - that is an excellent point about focal points and I didn't want to take away from the bureau by adding too many painted pieces.