thanks for all the great feedback everyone, especially those who don't care for the stipes. Your reasons make sense. I am still learning about color, scale and value and I'm not a 'natural' whn it comes to that stuff so all of your feedback really helps. I think mitering the corners would look really sharp but I'll save that one for a practice project. This one is for my 6 year old GD so I'm going to 'git er done' so I can move on the other wip's waiting in the wings! I'll put up a finished photo when it's finsihed. Thanks again!