Friday, February 10, 2012

BURLAP HEADBOARD - TO TUFT OR NOT ... THAT IS THE QUESTION

Okay, I know so many of you have done it before; spotted something appealing sitting in a pile of garbage and you've stopped, snatched up the item and taken it home with you.  I read your stories all the time but personally, I have never dove into a dumpster until the day I spotted this headboard.


I was a very nervous Newbie!  I didn't want to be caught stealing someone else's garbage!

In defence of my actions let me just tell you that it was VERY dark out.  It wasn't until the light of day that I noticed this headboard was NOT wood but in fact some kind of gross plastic material.

Can you say U-G-L-Y?  Undaunted I decided to go ahead with my 'vision' and gathered my materials.

This was my inspiration ...


Source Unknown
I used homemade chalk paint.  There are many versions with various reviews but I used the plaster of paris method.  I haven't used the real ASCP so I can't do a fair comparison but I can tell you this paint did what the reviews promise - dried quickly with great adhesion to that plastic material, with no priming.
I used it for the outer frame.  The thickness of the paint prevents dripping, which I really like.


Then I had to figure out where to place all those buttons.  I played and played until I thought it looked okay.
After careful measuring, the button holes were drilled.


1.5 inch foam was adhered with spray adhesive.

Then I covered the foam with batting.

Once the burlap was attached I was very pleased with how it looked. 
Now I'm not sure if I should take it to the final step and add those buttons.


What do you think?

If you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter my
I'll be selecting a winner on February 14th.
Cheers - Lisa

11 comments:

  1. I like it just the way it is.......beautiul and what a find!
    Hugs

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  2. Lisa...what a creative dumpster diver you are LOL...i love what you've already done, but i would add the buttons...but which ever: GREAT JOB :D
    ~victoria~

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  3. Although I really like your inspiration with the tufting... I think I like your version without it better! Kind of mixes the ornate edge with the plain burlap-y center...

    Way to go to be brave and pick this baby up! My husband picks things up all the time but I'm always hesitant... and I KNOW I miss out on good stuff!

    Enjoy your weekend Lisa!
    ~Chris

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  4. What a gorgeous headboard you found there! And I love the paint job you did. I do like the idea of buttons on it. You could always try it with them & remove if they're not to your liking.
    And dumpster diving - it is a bit embarassing, but plenty of us do it (I always try to get thru it quickly so the owners don't see). But it's always worth any embarassment and raised eyebrows from hubbies. FREE!!

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  5. Lisa this is really splendid!! What a find in the trash--I've never really found anything laying out in the trash to grab. You found a gem and the paint and burlap are perfect. Have a great weekend.'
    Ann

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  6. Thought I was a follwer already--guess not-so I re-joined.
    Ann

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  7. lisa, where do you get your ideas and your energy? this turned out great, i would add the buttons. i've seen things along the curb, never had the nerve to stop and pick them up, then regretted it, one day maybe i will be brave. nice job!

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  8. That is amazing, Lisa! I just love what you did! I've been thinking about making homemade chalk paint, too. Maybe I will try it now. I don't know what to say about the buttons, I think it would look good either way.
    Blessings,
    Janet

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  9. Hi Lisa Sweetie...
    Oh my gosh is this dumpster dive diva the best ever. I love it. You added so many little extras and turned it into a vision of lovlieness. I adore the trim selection.

    I think you should enjoy it for awhile the way that it is. Then if you want a change, you already have your holes drilled and you can add the buttons for another step. It is perfect sweetie. So classy. Well worth that dumpster leap don't you think?

    Thank you for sharing. I love seeing your beautiful creation. Have a glorious weekend sweet friend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

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  10. What a gorgeous piece Lisa ~ it's really beautiful! I've wanted this type of headboard for awhile and you've certainly inspired me here ~ thanks!
    ♥Sharon

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  11. It turned out GORGEOUS Lisa!! I love it- super creative too!!

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Many thanks for your comments!