Headboard Tutorial

EEEKKKKK! I think I have been inspired to write again!

For those of you who don't follow me on Instagram or Twitter, the answer is yes. I'm still alive! For those of you who do follow me on Instagram and Twitter, the answer is no. I will not stop uploading pictures.

I have finally got back into crafting. I love it! When Harper Lee 

(yes, double name) was, hmm... 3 months old, I started going back to garage sales. I leave home around 7:00 AM while Daniel and Harper girl are still asleep. I just really enjoy finding old junk and turning it into something useful. Crafting has for sure taken flight! I think a little website called Pinterest, might have something to do with that :)

 My Pinterest boards:

http://pinterest.com/mkksims/

Also, there's a new show on TLC called, "Craft Wars". It's a lot like "Cupcake Wars" on the Food Network. (We have at least 20 episodes of Cupcake Wars recorded. Prior to watching, we usually make a run to Gigi's Cupcakes in Ridgeland.)

 Tuesday nights @ 9:00 PM

 Anyway, I love love love to craft. I can remember going to Lacy Hill's garage sale next door when I was... 12ish, finding an old, circular, yellow tablecloth (with a big ruffle at the bottom) and asking my stepmother to make it into a swimsuit cover-up. It was awesomeeee (so I thought).

So here's my latest project: 

A HEADBOARD

Kelli Dart and I made one last summer, and I have been itching to make another one. Thanks for all the tips, Kelli! From one stay-at-home mom to another. Here's the link to our projects from last summer (http://www.maryjunekennedy.blogspot.com/2011/07/2-weeks.html) I remember being hot, tired, sometimes grumpy and having several discussions with my mother about painting while I was pregnant. Speaking of my mother, I haven't talked to her in 2 days! I wonder if she's still alive. Funny how times have changed. 

 Harper lee eating baby food for the first time... squash! 

Ok, so here's how I did it!

STEP 1:

MEASURE

Measure the length of your bed. Mine was a queen and measured to be 34" x 64". It was perfect! I added about 5 inches to the exact measurement of the mattress length. You can make it as tall or as short as you want. My euroshams are quite large, so I made my headboard tall(er). 

STEP 2:

BUY HARDWARE

Go to the hardware store and buy an MDF board ($20).

Don't pay attention to the things on the bottom. It was to even it out, but once we put it on the wall, it didn't matter. 

It's not quite as thick as plywood. The hardware store may or may not be able to cut it. I know for a fact Lowes or Home Depot won't. Try a local hardware store! I had a family friend (Jason Hooge) in Clinton to cut it for me. Also, pick up a 2x4 (2 ft. long). You will need to cut that on a 45 degree angle. I'm sure the hardware store will cut that, too, but... if they don't, here's a MUCH EASIER way. Buy a FRENCH CLEAT at Lowes. It looks like this.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=202341629&storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&cm_sp=BazVoice%2d%5f%2dRLP%2d%5f%2d202341629%2d%5f%2dx

mine looked somewhat like this

Mine. Yes, I have sent all of the background to the Salvation Army... finally!

I found this handy dandy guy after the headboard was built. I could've saved Jason from extra work. It will fit perfectly and make the transition easy, if you ever wanted to switch your headboard for something new. Two more things! Buy a piece of foam board ($11) and screws (4 4” wood screws – for 2x4 into wall and 4 2.5” inch screws for 2x4 into MDF board). Not sure if they make 2.5” wood screws, but I didn’t think to ask Jason what he used. Just buy a metal French cleat ($15 Home Depot or Lowes)

STEP 3:

CUTTING

Now that you have your French cleat screwed into your MDF board, it's time to cut the foam board. Lay the foam board on a level surface, and then lay the headboard on top and trace on the foam board, the shape of your headboard (sorry, long sentence)! Cut your foam board out with a box cutter. It DOES NOT have to be perfect (AT ALL). MINE WASN’T.

STEP 4:

BUY FOAM MATTRESSES AND BATTING

Next, drive to Wal-Mart. Buy 2 foam mattress pads. 

Since my bed was a queen, I bought a full ($8) and a queen ($12). I also found some batting in my mother's attic. You can buy batting at any fabric store. i would get it an inch thick. The thicker, the better, but it gets pricey. The have foam mattress pads at fabric stores, too... but they’re outrageous. Believe me, I just left one. Buy the ones from Wal-Mart.

STEP 5: 

LAYERING

my leftover foam board from another project. repeat, does not have to be cut perfectly.

Ok, layering! Lay the batting on the floor, queen foam mattress pad, full mattress pad, foam board, and headboard! 

STEP 6: 

FABRIC!

Fun part! Buying fabric! Ok, pick out a great fabric! It can be trendy or timeless! The great thing about this headboard is that you can always recover it! I bought (my mother bought) 2 yards of fabric from P. Tree Fabrics in Baton Rouge. Funny how I would rather her buy me fabric over clothes... which, she bought me clothes, too. She's the best. Here are 2 sites that are great for affordable fabric:

www.fabric.com 

and 

www.spoonflower.com

also, painter's drop-cloth is AMAZINGGGG! 

back of my fabric

That’s what my guest bedroom headboard is made out of. I’m currently making curtains out of them!  

STEP 7:

IRON

Iron your fabric. Just do it.

STEP 8:

STAPLE

[9/16" staples]

Go to town with your staple gun! This was somewhat tricky. Since my fabric was a pattern, I had to line everything up. After you do that, start in the center (of whatever side). The corners were probably the hardest part. But come on, it's not that hard to staple fabric to a piece of wood. For the corners, look at this website... but it's not a big deal. http://www.ehow.com/how_5839305_upholster-corners-headboard.html Turn it over and... YOU'RE DONE! (Almost)

STEP 9:

DRILL

ALMOST DONE!

Nail the french cleat to your wall. Place the headboard on your wall and ... wah-la! Your new headboard! The french cleat is great! I thought about nailing one to an old, painted door and making another headboard. It's so much easier than making a stand (if you don't mind screwing into a stud on your wall.) The gentleman at Lowes recommended a 4" screw. Daniel drilled a hole into the wall (after 2 hours of measuring -- not sure why it took him that long). Then, he drilled a hole through the 2x4. It was really easy to get the screws in the wall after that. 

STEP 10:

RELAX.

I hope this wasn't too confusing :( I talk to an infant all day, and my brain is in 5,000,000 directions… and I’m typing vigorously while she’s sleeping.

Recap of Cost:

MDF Board - $20

2x4 - $3

Mattress Pads - $20

Foam Board - $11

Batting - ?? $20??

Staples - $3

Fabric - DEPENDS on you!

TIP:

You can also buy a button pack at Michaels, JoAnn's, etc. to tuft the headboard. 

http://www.joann.com/dritz-aluminum-cover-button-kits-many-sizes/xprd357330/

Just drill holes in the back (through the wood and foam board). Take a long upholstery needle and thread the buttons through. Double thread the needle. You can make whatever shape you want! Just buy a jigsaw (Wish List!) and get to crafting. Ahhh.... I wish I could do this all day. I feel like I'm on speed, because I get so giddy talking about projects. 

If you would like me to make you one, I would LOVE to. Just send me 2 yards of fabric (if a queen headboard) and a check to cover the expenses. Really, I want to.

Big shoutout to the Tigretts for allowing me to use their drill, charger, extension cord and everything else. They're a great example of Matthew 10:8, "Freely you have received, freely give."

Next Tutorial: 

  my Sunday afternoon project!

Have a great night! It’s good to be back in the blogging world. 

A Day to Remember

[4 months]

Miss Harper Lee Sims

Whew! Has it really been a year? Why yes. Yes, it has been a year. A full year. A year of ups, downs, surprises and mercy. A year ago today was what I thought the "worst day of my life". Catch that, "I thought"? June 5, 2011 was a life changing day. I vividly remember everything of that specific day. To think it was a year ago is absolutely mind boggling.

Daniel walked in after work yesterday, talked to his ever-so encouraging brother on the phone, then immediately jumped into conversation. A conversation about discipline. He told me his best memory of us was when I told him I was pregnant. (Can you just imagine my face?) I was quick to say, "What??? Out of all the memories, you choose that one?" He said, "Yes. That one. At that very place in time, I knew the Lord loved us. Mary, He disciples those He loves. [Hebrews 12:6] We had been caught in sin, needed to get married and right then and there, He disciplined us." Me, being the sinner I am, responded with, "But Daniel, that was not very fun until Harper arrived." Him, being the rational thinker, said, "That's it. That's discipline. It's not fun in the beginning, but He does it for our good." Going back in time, after the news settled in, we felt the love from our heavenly Father. It was a sense of "you're wanted" (as Mr. Bebo Elkin reminded me).

[4 months]

[2 months]

Daniel then went on to describe our situation as to Adam and Eve. In the beginning, Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden- a beautiful place. Life was not good; it was great. They were soon tempted by satan to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Eve (and Adam) gave into satan's lies (like us) and were quickly disciplined. God did not just abandon them. What did He do? He clothed them. Finding fig leaves, Adam and Eve now had clothes. In no way am I saying Adam and Eve are modern day Daniel and Mary, BUT the story is an illustration of how the Lord never leaves us. When we look back in time, Daniel and I see nothing but an abundance of blessings. The Lord has clothed us with two degrees, a job, a house and many more things. When we think about this house, we remember it was all in God's hands. Daniel and I are thankful for the good area we live in, I can stay home with Harper and he has a job. If I have said it once on this blog, I have said it 50,000 times, we are truly truly blessed.

Harper has rocked our world (in a good way)! Sure, we haven't been able to live the lifestyle all of our friends are living, but that does not matter. When you become a parent, this role of self-forgetfulness comes upon you. No, I am not humble, but my husband and my child come first. I wouldn't want it any other way. Motherhood has been life-changing. I didn't think I could love another human being the way I/we love Harper. When she smiles, we are reminded of the Lord's grace, mercy and discipline.

[4 months]

That day, June 5 2011, will forever be with me. I can now look back and be thankful. Thankful for a new life. Thankful I had a doctor who didn't encourage alternatives. Thankful Harper is healthy. Thankful for parents who understood. Thankful for siblings that supported us. Thankful for First Presbyterian Church in Jackson who offered everything to Daniel and me. Thankful to be shown grace by so many. Thankful for jobs. Thankful for a God fearing husband. Thankful for a new baby cousin today (awaiting the delivery!). Thankful for ... you name it. We are genuinely thankful.

[3 months]

Along with being thankful, I truly appreciate all of you for following our story. Since Harper has been on a schedule for a few weeks, Momma has some down time. Maybe I'll blog, maybe I won't. As you can tell, it's been a long year, and I might take a little break :) We'll be beach-bound soon for Jill's wedding, and CAN NOT WAIT. Do you hear me?

Life as we know it.

This is my life. This is what I was made to do. And this is 2:06 on a typical afternoon.

As you read earlier, on February 2nd, this little miracle changed our lives forever. Daniel and I have enjoyed being home with her and being amazed at every sound she makes. We even cheer when... well, nevermind. I wish I could put into words how Daniel and I feel. The love for a child is indescribable. We never thought we could love someone this much. Her birth has also brought Daniel and I to a whole new level in our marriage. It's a sacrificial, deep love. It has been incredible to see him interact with her. Daniel loves his little Harpy more than you can imagine. Going to work is not easy for him every morning. He laughs with her, plays with her, dances with her and lets her sleep on him for hours. It'll make your heart melt! 

Maybe 2 weeks old? So sweet!

I'm 1 month, y'all! My friends threw me a party!

We'll find ourselves playing with her and saying, "She's just so cute!" I know she might not be to every one else, but we think so! I often times wake up and think, "Is this really my life?" I was made to be a "momma". I know it. That's not to say I will never work, but I understand my responsibility given to me by God to raise a child in a Christian home. Children should be a joy, never a burden. Daniel and I are taking parenting very seriously. We are living off of (... hm, well... I don't know how much, but I know we're very frugal) nothing so I can be home with Harper. It's fun sometimes to be cheap (as in cook at home or watch little kids play soccer just to get out of the house). I NEVER thought I would like not spending money, but it's not too bad. (I will say momma does help out too much :) first grandchild) Anyway, I am thankful Daniel and I are on the same page with parenting. He wants me to stay at home and teach her Biblical truths. You're right, she's only 8 weeks, but it's never too early to start. 

First walk at Liberty Park

First trip to see daddy at work

Photo by: Kelli Dart

I said her birth story post was my last, but I just wanted to send a short update (between washing clothes, washing dishes, cooking dinner, cleaning up the house, eating, feeding Harper, responding to text messages/phone calls, walks in the park, changing diapers, buying diapers, etc.). We're doing great and could not be happier! She has brought/is bringing us so much joy. Motherhood is like I said, indescribable. I apologize for all of the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pictures - I just can't contain myself. Thank you all for keeping up with the blog. It's been a whirlwind, but I would do it over in a heartbeat. Daniel and I are amazed at God's perfect timing. We're also reminded that He is in control, never us. It has been a journey of redemption. He is redeeming us every single day. Thanks for the support and love! Please continue to pray for us as we start this next chapter of parenthood. Love. 

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! 

Matthew 7:11

Photo by: Kelli Dart

Side note. thanks for the birthday wishes! I forgot it was my birthday for the entire month of March. I guess that happens when you have other (demanding) responsibilities :) 

Perfect. Note from "Harpsy Marpsy", Daniel and Harper and an awesome snowball!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm 8 weeks old today!