3.17.2013

DIY Ballard Designs headboard...

So here is where we are at the moment with the headboard:


 Travis started off with some boards that he glued and doweled together....



He decided that the horizontal boards alone seemed a bit flimsy.  So he added boards going vertical on the other side...


 He reinforced all of it with some nails.  This man doesn't play when he builds something.  We joke that if another hurricane hits we are taking shelter in our boy's bunk-beds.



 To get the image on the boards he printed out a copy of this picture I had of the original headboard...


Then traced it and cut it out...


He used the old school projector I bought on e-bay to project the image and trace it out onto the wood...

Like so...



He is now cutting it out with the skill saw....I am thinking this project may be completed today!  Our little bird may be nesting by bedtime tonight ;)

Skill saw cutting...

Photo bombed by the bird!
Belt sander....
Perched!


Then the painting began.  French Grey....




Poor little bird...not quite finished yet!  We whitewashed the entire piece- pure white (1 pt) to water (2 pts)


Adding some anchor hooks to the back...


Adding screws to the wall...

Yes, little bird- now you are home!

Awwww... cute couple!


We intentionally made the headboard shorter than the Ballard Designs version.  We did not want to block our little pond view, but we needed something to keep the pillows on the bed while we slept!

The headboard with an unmade bed...



And the headboard with the bed all made up...




This project cost about $75 in wood.  The paint I already had.  I'd say that is way better than the $670 version I could have bought!  If you have any questions about this project just leave them in the comments section and I will be happy to answer :)


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101 comments:

  1. StaceyMarch 17, 2013 at 11:41 AM

    I'm already jealous!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Debra@CommonGroundMarch 17, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    wow, he's good! do you rent him out by the hour?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 17, 2013 at 1:19 PM

      Debra- Haha! If only! I tell him all the time how talented he is, but he just doesn't see it.

      Delete
  3. CourtneyMarch 17, 2013 at 4:51 PM

    Shawn and I have never had a headboard, and the cost was always the reason. Amazing that you guys did this for so little.... It's beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marty@A Stroll Thru LifeMarch 17, 2013 at 4:57 PM

    It is fabulous. I love it. I love the way you can still see the pond. Gorgeous. Hugs, Marty

    ReplyDelete
  5. Carol MilkMaidMarch 17, 2013 at 5:37 PM

    OMG, Ballard Designs eat your heart out!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AndreaMarch 17, 2013 at 6:10 PM

    Beautiful!! I'd say you both have some serious skills. It's like my hubby and I....I have the vision, he makes it happen, them I pretty it up :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 11:48 AM

      Andrea- It takes two! I love that we work on these together, talk & laugh- it's quality couple time :)

      Delete
  7. thistlewoodfarmMarch 17, 2013 at 7:53 PM

    Tricia,

    Please tell me you will let me post this on Facebook! You are both totally amazing! I love this bed in Ballard's....but $75?

    Yes, please!

    blessings,
    karianne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 17, 2013 at 9:40 PM

      Of course! I would be honored :) Thank you!

      Delete
  8. Jennifer InteriorsMarch 18, 2013 at 10:30 AM

    How awesome is that!?!? I have loved that headboard. I think I love yours more. :) Thanks for sharing. I am your newest follower.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 11:02 AM

      Jennifer- Thanks! & welcome :) It does feel great to get the look for a fraction of the cost!

      Delete
  9. Jamie-So Much Better With AgeMarch 18, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Wow!! Fantastic job!! I'm totally in love with your blog! I'm so glad I found you. I'm your newest follower ;)
    Jamie ~ somuchbetterwithage.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 11:34 AM

      Jamie- Hi and welcome! I am your newest follower as well :)

      Delete
  10. Upscale DownhomeMarch 18, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Love your DIY headboard and let's face the bird makes it so it was worth the search! New follower...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:08 PM

      It's all about the hunt. Hubby enjoys deer season- and I enjoy shopping for my animals ;)

      Delete
  11. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 1:05 PM

    How blessed you are to have a wonderful husband to help you with projects. His know how and strengths~

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:09 PM

      I thank G-d every day for bringing this man into my life :)

      Delete
  12. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 1:10 PM

    would dry brushing instead of whitewash had done a similar finish? Great project, can't wait to try it at my cottage!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:08 PM

      I think it would! We just opted to whitewash it for a more muted effect. I think dry brushing would be lovely too!

      Delete
  13. sydwyndMarch 18, 2013 at 1:22 PM

    Damn. You guys are good. Very nice job. Looks great.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:09 PM

      Vince- You crack me up! Have you gotten to painting yet?? ;)

      Delete
    2. sydwyndMarch 19, 2013 at 6:38 AM

      No painting yet. The weather needs to warm up a little and I need to take some time off from work. Unfortunately, the weather here isn't always perfect like in Texas. However, if you want to take on the project I would be more than happy to give you a place to crash for a few days.

      Delete
  14. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    I love it! So darned cute! You guys did an amazing job. Little Bit from www.DecorateWithaLittleBit.com p.s. I re-shared it on fb. and will be pinning it too.

    ReplyDelete
  15. SImple and Serene LivingMarch 18, 2013 at 2:01 PM

    I love this and how wonderful that you were able to get such a fabulous headboard for such a great price. Definitely going to pin this.
    Hugs,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:10 PM

      I have a cabinet in our laundry room that was the result of me wanting the PB version. It was way overpriced, so hubby built a smaller version of the same cabinet and I love it. Even better when you get the look without the expense!

      Delete
  16. TinaMarch 18, 2013 at 2:16 PM

    Oh I'm in love! I just visited that bed last week at Ballard. Yours is perfection, kudos!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 18, 2013 at 2:22 PM

      Thank you Tina! I love that we did it on a dime ;)

      Delete
  17. ikndesignMarch 18, 2013 at 5:01 PM

    Perfect, a beautiful view :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 6:04 AM

      Thank you! I love that we do not back up to another house, but a large green space instead.

      Delete
  18. AnonymousMarch 18, 2013 at 10:32 PM

    If it goes missing don't come looking for me ;) haha
    I loved it in the magazine but love yours much better!!!! Thanks for the instructions. Hope u can come by my blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 6:04 AM

      Yay! I love meeting other Southern bloggers :)

      Delete
  19. Our Pinteresting FamilyMarch 19, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Stunning...simply stunning! This is so amazing and it's my favorite furniture piece from Ballard. You and your husband are so talented. ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 7:36 AM

      Thank you! I have the vision/ideas and Travis is my muscle/get it done guy!

      Delete
  20. MyklMarch 19, 2013 at 6:58 AM

    I love it! The shape is fantastic! I just finished making a headboard similar to this but I'm not digging it. I stained mine but think I will try a similar color to yours and maybe get the same effect. I love your bedding (that's next on my bedroom makeover)!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 7:36 AM

      The bedding is hodge-podge. Sheets from Target (Threshold-loving it!) The top coverlet is from my mom (chenille) and the blanket at the end of the bed is from Homegoods.

      Delete
  21. Rita's RecipesMarch 19, 2013 at 8:33 AM

    love the bed (pinned it) but the couple picture was the best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 9:10 AM

      Rita May- Thank you! We have been together for 14 years now- still see the same handsome man in the black Stetson that I married :)

      Delete
  22. JoeinVegasMarch 19, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Wow - nice work!
    Looks like the pillows are blocking the view, not the headboard. With that big bay window you guys must put on quite a show in there.

    ReplyDelete
  23. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    Wow. I mean WOW!! I have this Ballard headboard, but I love yours WAAAY better!! Great job:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 19, 2013 at 2:52 PM

      Dorie- Too funny! I read when you bought yours and I have loved that one for a while. I just wish I lived closer so that I could go to your tag sale on Saturday!

      Delete
  24. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleMarch 19, 2013 at 5:50 PM

    Wow, that is fabulous. You have one very talented hubby and so sweet of him to make that. I love your version and what a beautiful view.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Anita at Cedar Hill March 19, 2013 at 6:58 PM

    Okay I am rarely jealous of anyone, but to have a husband that can do that, wow. It's gorgeous!! I'm sharing this on Cedar Hill Ranch's FB page, so grab a "SCOOP" featured button if you like.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sandy, Sisters of SeasonMarch 19, 2013 at 11:36 PM

    Wow! How impressive . . . you have an awesome hubby there. It looks great, love the bird:O) Blessings, Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  27. LindaSoniaMarch 20, 2013 at 9:31 PM

    The only question I have is would he come to my house and make me one???!! pleasepleaseprettyplease?? LOL... seriously, he did an awesome job. I LOVE it and the bird and also love how it's framed by the windows behind it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 22, 2013 at 6:28 AM

      How far away do you live? We love to road trip! :) It really was easy peasy....message me and I can give you some hints and tricks that he used to chunk up the wood and make it all sturdy!

      Delete
  28. Shayna @ The Wood Grain CottageMarch 20, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    Simply awesome! GREAT job! :)

    -Shayna

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jodie StephensMarch 21, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Oh how I wish I lived closer...I would make my own, but would need Travis's guidance...it is stunning, like you, my friend. And I love, love, love the bird!! Waking up in that bed just looks as though it would be amazingly wonderful! Miss you!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Stephanie@New AgainMarch 22, 2013 at 12:54 PM

    WOW! That is just beautiful, I love it. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Stacey {steward of design}March 23, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    Found you from Emily's blog. What a great job on the headboard! I really love your bedding too. Where'd you find the lumbar pillow?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 23, 2013 at 10:45 AM

      Thank you, Stacey! The pillow is from pb outlet in San Marcos.

      Delete
    2. UnknownMarch 23, 2013 at 10:45 AM

      The bedding (sheets) are Threshold from Target aka The Red Dot Boutique ;)

      Delete
  32. MeganMarch 23, 2013 at 10:36 AM

    Beautiful! Where is the lumbar pillow from?

    ReplyDelete
  33. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMarch 23, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    LOVE IT!!
    Hubby did goooood!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownMarch 23, 2013 at 3:13 PM

    Truly amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  35. RoeshelMarch 23, 2013 at 4:32 PM

    Wow! Beautiful job! I love your version so much more and you can't beat the savings! I'm including a link back in this week's DIY highlights! :) Thanks so much for sharing your creativity and hard work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 24, 2013 at 1:41 PM

      Thank you :) Yes, the savings were a HUGE plus!

      Delete
  36. Cristina GarayMarch 24, 2013 at 8:32 AM

    Love love LOVE it! You guys did a great job!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Korrie@RedHenHomeMarch 24, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    Gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kathryn Ferguson GriffinMarch 24, 2013 at 11:17 AM

    This is absolutely amazing! Beautifully done. Thank you for sharing. You will be one of the features tomorrow at the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House! Pop on in and grab a feature button for your blog. Hope to see your prettiness again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
  39. UnknownMarch 25, 2013 at 8:22 AM

    Beautiful headboard! Just found your blog from The Dedicated House. Your new follower, looking forward to your posts.

    Margaret from Moving Forward

    ReplyDelete
  40. Jeanette@Creating a Life StudioMarch 25, 2013 at 3:01 PM

    This is incredible! What a beautiful headboard you've created! I just popped over from The Dedicated House. I'm going to pin this for future reference :)

    Jeanette @ Creating a Life

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 26, 2013 at 7:24 AM

      Love it! It really was very easy to make :) Well, easy for me....I watched and then painted it ;)

      Delete
  41. DIYbyDesignMarch 25, 2013 at 3:55 PM

    Incredible! I love the headboard. What a great job. I love the lumbar pillow to...what is the fabric that is on the pillow?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 25, 2013 at 4:20 PM

      The pillow cover is from the Pottery Barn outlet store. Not sure of the name though!

      Delete
  42. www.carolynsmithdesigns.comMarch 25, 2013 at 8:20 PM

    I found you on Emily's website. I am diggin' that headboard. I think I could make that. I love that you and your husband work together on projects. That is very cool. I would love to feature your post on my site!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Nita StacyMarch 26, 2013 at 12:13 AM

    I featured your fantastic headboard today on Mod Mix Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  44. ChittyMarch 26, 2013 at 1:00 AM

    That is a lovely headboard...! He did a wonderful job, and the view to the pond is gorgeous xxx

    ReplyDelete
  45. foreverdecoratingMarch 26, 2013 at 3:34 AM

    Beautifully done project! I have always admired this headboard and you just made me love it more. It works so well in your space.

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownMarch 26, 2013 at 10:11 AM

    That turned out so nice. Love the chunkiness of the wood and the elaborate cut.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 29, 2013 at 5:15 PM

      Di- Thank you! Everything he builds has that chunky look to it- my fav :)

      Delete
  47. Hollie @ I'm Busy ProcrastinatingMarch 28, 2013 at 8:53 PM

    Wow! I am so impressed! I have admired the Ballard headboard for some time now.

    I received a jigsaw for Xmas and a headboard project is on my list for sure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 29, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      You are braver than I am! I look at the saw and think I would probably cut off a finger or two.... ;)

      Delete
  48. AnonymousMarch 29, 2013 at 2:30 PM

    Love the Bed! Love the curtains..did you make them. Same fabric I am doing in living room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 29, 2013 at 5:14 PM

      I did make the curtains, but sewing is not my strong suit! Love the fabric :)

      Delete
  49. bendedspoonMarch 29, 2013 at 9:30 PM

    WOW! One of the loveliest DIY I saw and think it's not purely due to the skill but the love put into it! You two are amazing.

    Blessings. It's good to be here :)

    ReplyDelete
  50. bendedspoonMarch 29, 2013 at 9:32 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  51. SarahApril 20, 2013 at 9:13 PM

    I have eye-balled this headboard for awhile too....I like yours even better! Tell me, how is the headboard mounted? Is it simply hung on the wall, or is it attached to a bedframe somehow too?
    Thanks for sharing!
    ~Sarah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownApril 21, 2013 at 8:39 AM

      Sarah- We attached it to the wall. Our frame did not have anywhere for the headboard to mount. We simply put some heavy duty picture frame hangers up and that has worked well ;)

      Delete
  52. ParaeApril 27, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    Wow! My Headboard too. I inserted the photo into AutoCAD, scaled to bed size and traced over. I was able to print out a portion of the drawing several months ago and trying to figure out how to cut it out. Saw you on Knock Off Decor. Thanks for sharing, now I can move forward.
    LaTonya

    ReplyDelete
  53. MonicaMay 14, 2013 at 11:30 AM

    This is amazing but you definitely have to know how to use those tools to make one yourself. It doesn't seem to be easy the cutting part.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMay 14, 2013 at 3:57 PM

      Monica- You are right! My husband is the tool guy....I'm just design and paint :)

      Delete
  54. AnonymousJune 14, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    My goodness that is beautiful! I loved reading about the process and seeing the comparison to the catalog headboard. The color you choose is perfect too.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Katie MansfieldJanuary 26, 2014 at 4:12 PM

    Holy Cow. It is beautiful! Love, love the bird watching over the process.

    ReplyDelete
  56. blueoakJanuary 20, 2015 at 6:43 AM

    THANK YOU, I have been trying to describe this bed to my boyfriend and then found your blog!!!!!! I want to make mine out of weathered barn wood , and I love the little bird idea, I have some out in my yard getting all rusty!!!!!! I thought about putting railheads on but now after seeing your bed, I might make mine out of good wood and weather the wood, might be sturdier, is yours a king?, it looks huge, absolutely love your style, perfection!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownJanuary 20, 2015 at 7:49 AM

      Yes, it's a king size. Really easy to make! Thanks for reading :)

      Delete
  57. AllisonMarch 23, 2016 at 8:36 PM

    Dear Tricia,
    Your Ballard Knock off is beautiful! Not sure if I overlooked, but could you please tell me where you bought the little bird for the headboard? Thanks very much! Allison

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownMarch 24, 2016 at 8:22 AM

      Hi, Allison! The birdie was a Hobby Lobby find, but that was a few years ago now.

      Delete

Thanks so much for popping in. I appreciate all of your lovely comments...Tricia

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