We recently purchased a couple of authentic Navajo pieces that we wanted to display. I couldn't figure out how to do that exactly. My shopping for southwest items to use for that purpose was less than successful. Here's what I ended up doing.
I purchased some pre-cut wood from Lowe's and a couple of hooks and a hinge.
I first painted the boards with some brown, black, silver and smudged it all around with a wet cloth. I thin distressed the wood using the claw end of a hammer and a screwdriver - scratching, digging, and banging...all the while; I even made some screw holes and purposely split the wood.
After distressing, I added some more black paint to those areas and wiped it off for an even more weathered look. In my experience you always have to "hurt" the corners - which is what happens in everyday wear and tear; this gives the wood a more authentic look.
by TR Hughes, © 2008 - 2019 GuideToLifeForWomen.com. All rights reserved worldwide.