Room For An Update: Scrap-Wrapped Headboard.

ER got her "big girl" bed at IKEA just before Easter.  We purchased the FJELLSE twin bed frame, skipping the "toddler bed" phase and going right for the full-on twin.  I think the product might be pronounced "feh jell-see," which sounds like the way an older man from the Bronx might indicate that something (maybe like a piece of hard candy?) is for his granddaughter/the little neighbor girl, Chelsea.  

"WHY IS THIS LIFESAVAH SITTING ON THE TABLE?"

"IT'S FEH JELL-SEE."

Photo courtesy of IKEA.com

In addition to the bed frame, we got the bed slats (sold separately *grumble, grumble*), a foam mattress (which is really nice), a comforter (warmth level 2), a fitted white sheet, and a duvet cover & pillow case combo.  As much as Dada and I desperately wanted to believe that ER would be an active part of making these choices, she could step up only as much as being 23 months old would allow her.  Read: he and I were making all the final decisions.  

One of the things that was most attractive to me about the FJELLSE bed frame was that it was so bare. It just cried out to be painted and loved on (creatively speaking), and I knew I'd be hard-pressed to find something for that price even at a yard sale or on Craigslist.  I knew because I had already conducted several extensive searches.

My first idea was to paint the bed.  Seemed logical enough.  But we had the bed set up for about a week before I got a really cool idea that I was very excited to try--no paint involved!  My medium of choice?  FABRIC! 

Here's how I made the Scrap-Wrapped Headboard for an IKEA FJELLSE bed!

First, I picked out the fabric I wanted to use (an excellent first step).  My objective was to include as much pink and purple as possible, but with a Boho, shabby, creative, not-for-a-nursery look.  I splurged and bought all new fabric, 1/2 yard of each type, except for one of them that was at the end of the bolt.  I took the extra.  The total for the fabric was a little over $20.

  

I am pretty lazy/impatient when it comes to crafting, so although I did wash the fabric, I didn't bother to iron it.  I just cut off the selvages with my rotary cutter.

Next, I went up to ER's room and gathered all of my supplies, one of them being a pool noodle.  A WHAT?  Yep...you'll see why in a minute!

I cut all the fabric into strips the same length, and for the most part, same width...

then, I started cutting the noodle in half, because...

I wanted to put it on the top of the headboard to make a little cushion!  Perfect for leaning on while reading stories!

This worked way better than I had imagined.  I was going to use clear packing tape to wrap the noodle to the bed, but it stayed just fine, and I knew that once I started to wrap the fabric around it, it really wouldn't be going anywhere.  A pat on the back to me for creative (and cheap!) problem solving!  

So here's where things got pretty!

I started wrapping strips of fabric around the noodle.  I wasn't sure at first if I was going to make a pattern, but I did.  It was easier and gave a hint of structure to the otherwise very un-structured design I had in mind.

I didn't use any adhesive at all.  Once I did as much as I could around the corner of the noodle, I started down the side... 

and I picked one type of fabric to serve as my ties to secure the last of the wrappings.

I went back to the corners and used the same fabric to cover the area as completely as I could, before tying it off.

By the time I was done (and it did take some time), I had this adorable result.  Lots of color, lots of interest, but nothing permanent.  If/when we decide to change it up, I can repurpose all of those fabric strips for another project!

 ER loves it and I really, really, really do, too!  I'd definitely do this again.  It was easy, cheap, and yielded a bold result!

After the room is painted, I can do a couple of other things, like hanging pictures, setting up a couple of displays, maybe, but other than that, it's pretty much done.  The bed is the centerpiece and I'm definitely proud of my idea and the fact that I came up with it myself and did not see it on Pinterest!  #smallvictories