My husband muttered these words one
weekend: "We can make that headboard you've been wanting to make."
There was no turning back. . no "well, maybe next weekend". . it was a
full force headboard making weekend! Being the crafter that I am, those
words were almost romantic! Ha!
A
lovely co-worker of mine just made her own headboard. Although
Pinterest is wonderful for tips, tricks, and directions, I needed
someone to tell me the what not to do and where to get the best deals. Townley lead me in the right
direction!
Here is our finished result (please excuse my husband's side of the bed!) ;)
LOVE the end result! Since our wedding was gray and yellow, we carried the color theme into our first home together. Plus, we were able to use items from our wedding as decor for our bedroom. A constant reminder of our amazing day!
Okay, enough of the reminiscing. . back to the headboard. If you want to make one yourself, keep reading! I promise you, it is very simple if you have the right tools!
Here is what you will need, the price, and tips on where to get it:
WARNING: Be prepared to spend most of your time running around town getting your supplies. Ryan was such a trooper! Then again. . he suggested it! ;)
~ 1/4 inch thick piece of plywood cut to your desired size: $17.00
**At Home Depot and Lowes, they will cut your piece of plywood to your desired size. Takes 2 minutes!
**We have a queen bed so our dimensions for the plywood were 62" x 42".
~OOK Hangman Picture/mirror hanger: $9.97
**Found at Home Depot or Lowes. They have the mirror hanger for 200 lbs that is $15.00, but we went with the 100 lbs hanger for $5.00 cheaper!
~Staple gun and staples: $10.00 - $17.00
**Home Depot has a staple gun available for $10.00, but being the crafter that I am, I went with the heavy duty one for $17.00 considering I will probably get a lot of use out of it. Make sure you get the correct staples for the staple gun! ($3.00)
** This may be an item you already have (or borrow one).
~ Rubber mallet: $5.00
** Found at Home Depot or Lowes.
** This may be an item you already have (or borrow one).
~Nailhead trim: $44.00 OR $22.00 with coupon
**Joann Fabric and Craft Store was where I found the nailhead trim. I could not find it at Hobby Lobby, but also did not attempt Michaels.
**You can certainly buy the individual nailheads, but good luck with a straight line and your patience! This pack comes with the nailheads already stuck together. Every third nailhead, you nail it into place with a small nail.
**Use a rubber mallet on this!!
** If you make a headboard bigger than 62" x 42", you will need another pack of nailhead trim.
** We used a 50% off coupon via Iphone app to get the discount!
~2 yards of your desired fabric (make it fun!): $24.00
** You can buy fabric at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Wal-Mart, and Joann's.
**We just happen to find our favorite fabric at Joann's and it was 40% off!
**We bought a thicker, upholstery fabric to make sure it lasts and because of the quality.
**Check
Etsy for original fabrics also!
~ Upholstery needle, thread, and buttons: $10.00
** We used six buttons total. You may use as many as you would like though!
~ Drill (We already owned one!)
~1/2" thick foam: $17.00 OR $10.80 with coupon
** Checked Wal-Mart and Joann Fabric for foam. Hobby Lobby ended up being the cheapest.
**If you do get yours at Joann's, they will cut the foam to your desired dimensions.
** Cut the sides minus three inches on each side.
** Buy thicker foam if you want the headboard extra plush! Make sure the sides are minus three inches on each side.
** ** We used a 40% off coupon via Iphone app to get the discount!
~ Elmer's Spray Adhesive: $7.00
** Found at Hobby Lobby
** Of course, doesn't have to be Elmer's.
~Batting: $10.00
**We purchased our batting at Wal-mart. We found that it was the cheapest!
Whew!! Now onto the steps to your DIY headboard:
1. Drill six holes into your piece of plywood where you will be placing your buttons. We did three on top and three on the bottom. Use a measuring tape to make sure they are all even!
1. Place your piece of plywood on the floor, patio, or balcony. We did ours starting off on the balcony. If doing indoors, place a sheet underneath the plywood to protect your flooring from the adhesive spray!
2. Get your foam ready and make sure it is cut to the correct dimensions! You may need to cut your foam into individual pieces to get them to fit (unless you had Joann's cut it for you). Spray the plywood generously with the adhesive spray. Quickly place the foam on top of the plywood leaving the 3 inches of plywood on each side. Press down on the foam to secure it to the adhesive. Allow it to dry 10-15 minutes.
3. Unroll your batting, making sure it is spread out flatly on the flooring/ground. I had to trim ours due to there being too much. REMEMBER to leave enough batting where it can wrap around the plywood.
4. Generously spray your foam with the adhesive spray. Center the plywood, and place foam side down onto the batting. Staple the batting to the back of the plywood, pulling it as taunt as you can as you go. Fold and staple the corners like you would a present. Cut off any excess.
5. The messy part is over! If you started your headboard outside, you can bring it inside now. Place your fabric, pattern side down, on the floor. Make sure it is wrinkle and crease free! Center the plywood on top of the fabric. Just like the batting, staple the fabric to the back of the plywood, pulling it as taunt as
you can as you go. Fold and staple the corners like you would a present. Cut off any excess.
6. Now it is time for the nailhead trim! You can use chalk to sketch the line where you will be nailing the nailhead trim to make sure you get a straight line. This is when you will use the rubber mallet so it won't scratch the trim! I hammered mine in along the edge of the foam.
7. You may stop here if you don't want the buttons or keep going for the button effect! Lean your headboard against a counter, table, or have someone hold it where you have access to both sides. Take one button, your needle, and a long piece of thread. Run your thread through the needle, then through one of the holes in the plywood. **Make sure the thread does go all way through the hole. Once the needle is through the other side, run it through the button, then back through the hole. Pull TIGHT! This is when the upholstery thread comes in great use. The tighter you pull, the further the button indention will be in fabric. Staple the thread to the back of the plywood when you reach your desired tightness. **Tip: We secured it even further by hammering the staples in further and placing hot glue on top. Repeat with the other buttons.
8. Last step! Attach the picture/mirror hanger on the wall and to the back of the headboard. Once secured, you may hang your headboard, step back, and observe your masterpiece!
I hope these directions, tips, and tricks helped. Please ask away if you have any questions!
I think our headboard will be staying for awhile. ;)
Until next time. . .
~Elizabeth and Ryan~
