Or, how about reproduction pieces? Making a new pine table into a
beat-up "old-looking" table with burning, beating, dents, dings and
smudges, for example.

I think Darrell said it right - be true to the craftsperson/artist, but
I will extend a bit: Be honest with the purchaser or giftee too. They
should have an appreciation for what they have bought/received so that
they are not deceived.

Joe Fleming - San Diego