My Girls' Beds ~ Part 1

I told you guys I was in a bit of a building kick...

It's addicting.

I have wanted beds for my oldest girls' room now for years but never could bring myself to buy any.  I have made my own headboards in the past but I was really wanting something more permanent.

Then I saw this plan on Ana White.

I loved the lines on that headboard!  I knew that it would be perfect for the girls.

I took Ana's wonderful plan and "shantied" it up a bit :-)

Today I am showing you the headboard.  It is so super easy and cheap.

I went to Lowe's to get my wood.

Here is what I got...

12- 1x4x4

4- 1x2x4

This was so simple.  It may not be the most professional way to do it... But it worked perfect for me!

I laid my boards out on the ground.  Because I bought 4 footers I didn't even have to cut any of them.  My middle 10 boards are lined up 8" higher than my two sides.

I would buy your boards as straight as possible.  I thought mine were super straight and I still had some space when they all lined up.  I do think it will add to the shantiness though so no worries.

I cut one of my 1x2's the width of my boards.  I then put a line of Gorilla Wood Glue on it.

Lined it up along the bottom boards...

And I used my brad nailer to put a nail through the 1x2 and into each 1x4.

I then used my other 1x2's going up the rest of the headboard to secure all the 1x4's.

Here is the backside...

For the next part you will need a jigsaw.  If you don't own one and can't borrow your hubby's, you can rent one from Lowe's or Home Depot.  I think they are under $20 for the day.  They are easy to use and fun.  It kind of reminds me of sewing... Not sure why :-)

To make my pattern I used the sports page:-)

I cut the paper to half the width of my headboard.  I then used a big plate and a pencil to trace and free hand the simple design.  I tried to copy Ana's design and I think I got close enough.

I then used a pencil to trace both sides on the back of my headboard.

Now the fun part...

I used my DeWalt Jig Saw to cut my boards.  I cut one piece at a time starting from the outside.

I cut all of my boards in a matter of minutes and I was done.  In total I bet I spent less than an hour getting the headboard put together and cut.

The best part??

My total cost into the headboard is $24... Whooop!

Here it is...

And one with my shadow...

Now it just needs a bed....

That will be one of my next posts!!

Thanks Ana for the wonderful inspiration and how-to's!  You are definitely to blame for this addiction.

Tomorrow I will be announcing the 8 winners of our ScotchBlue Edge-Lock giveaway.  You can still enter before then by going HERE!

~Whitney