Tufted

They predicted snow today, and it came. While I was looking forward to getting out and starting the garden or re-staining the patio furniture or treating the lawn or or or... ... it just didn't happen. So I turned my sights inside, to a project that I've been mulling for a few weeks now: a new headboard for the guest bedroom. We were using an old wicker thing I'd curbside shopped out of an apartment dumpster, and I had imagined trying to do one of those classic 'trading spaces' DIY upholstered, tufted headboards. After some digging around on the web for some ideas, all the materials were gathered, and it was astonishingly simple.

Two pairs of hands is ideal ... the headboard was not heavy, but bulky, and it helps to have one person stretching and holding the fabric while the other staples. We started with a 4x5 piece of plywood (brought home tied to the roof rack of our car, with hands out the sunroof holding it down... classy) and stapled 2 inch foam around the top. We totally recommend saving cash by using a foam mattress cover for a twin-sized bed. It was $20 bucks, as opposed to foam from Joann's that cost upwards of $20 a yard. It didn't reach all the way to the bottom of the board, but that was fine because no one's head is going to be down there anyway (hopefully).

Next, we put down some batting over the foam and stapled that down in the same way. Then we laid the upholstery fabric on the floor, pretty side down, and put the whole board with foam and batting on it. Starting at the top, we stapled 12-inch sections, alternating from top to bottom-- and then once finished-- did the sides in the same way, checking for puckers.

Voila!

Now, came the fun part- the button making! I bought this little fabric-covered button kit and made my own buttons to tuft with. Aren't they cute? And also, how adorable is that fabric? And how well does it match my comforter?

I just love love a project that can be purchased and completed and installed in ONE day. There were no hiccups, no big debacles... it was smooth sailing the whole way.

And here it is...