The DIY Project of the Year...well, last year

So, in July Ben and I got a new bed.  It was a Sleep Number bed (still is, actually) and was the focus of 2 or 3 blog entries at the time of its arrival and subsequent assembly.  As a result of our newly acquired sleeping machine, we needed to get a new headboard.  The bed is an expanded queen which means we have to custom build, special order, or magically create everything it needs--from sheets to bed skirts to proper length pillows. While scouring the internet for headboard ideas I came across this tutorial on how to make your own tufted headboard.  I immediately knew we had to do this...and do this soon.

And 6 months later...we finally did.  Ben and I completed the headboard on December 30 and were hanging it on the wall around 11:00 p.m.  This is the first headboard that either of us had ever made and it turned out splendidly.  We decided to forego the tufted look since I found this excellent wicker-like material that was exactly what I was looking for.  Here's a photo journal of the headboard's journey into existence:

Ben, his drill and all the necessary wood for the project  that only cost $8 total

Half of the French cleat that was sawed by Grandpa Schmill and delivered by Dad
(this is how we hung it on the wall--the other half of the cleat was screwed into the wall)

The board covered with the foam, batting and awesome material
(which cost about $60)

A close-up of the textured awesomeness of our headboard

The finished look, complete with awesome comforter, assorted accumulated pillows, and Claude
I will be redoing the arrangement of the room and all wall hangings
within the next 6 months soon = next 6 months or so.

In short, it was a successful, if not drawn out, project.  But at $68 and about 2 hours of our time, it was well worth the wait and cost.  Now, if only I could get a bed skirt as 33-inch long pillows we'd be set!

ANGELA'S CORNER OF SELF-DISCOVERY:  I realized yesterday that I am still deeply sad about what all went down with my job getting eliminated and all last year.  I thought it would get easier, but it just doesn't.  I have hope for the future, though, and faith that things will get better.  I will also follow through on a suggestion of my mother's to think about the things I like about my current jobs. Here are the first three awesome things about my jobs: 1) I get to lead 4th and 5th graders in a reading club where we all use nooks and talk about our favorite books all day. (2) I spend part of 4 out of 5 work days teaching children about music...how awesome is that?! (3) I get to go to Starbucks a lot as I drive all over this awesome city!

There, that wasn't too hard.  Have a good night everyone!