After having my daughter I went through a creative phase and decided to start my own little headboard making business. I called it Shebajoux (a combination of my two cats’ names, so silly) and set it up on Craigslist and etsy. Between watching Peter Fallico on HGTV and reading some helpful DIY blogs I figured out how to make them credibly. I originally started out just stapling the fabric to the headboard like most people do, then after taking a sewing class through Vancouver continuing education I decided to start sewing the edges to give my product a more finished look. Here are some pictures of my favorites:
When I became pregnant with my second I put an end to what had become a stressful, and somewhat busy business. I am thankful for the time that I spent creating in this way because it is what propelled me forward in deciding to start working towards my diploma in interior decorating. I am no longer satisfied to stop at the head of the bed, and I now love learning to apply textiles in different ways around the home. Making headboards was a bit of a stressful stint, but I smile to know that my little fling with small business resulted in my creations being displayed in bedrooms across North America.
If you are thinking of trying to make one on your own. Here are links to some helpful sites:
http://www.allthingsthrifty.com/2012/11/how-to-make-upholstered-headboards.html
This one shows you how to make a simple headboard with the fabric stapled on. If you go to the foam shop with your dimensions or a tracing of the shape they can cut it out for you with their special saw. If you are buying the foam you might as well get them to do the hard part since it is no extra charge to get them to cut the shape for you.
http://www.bhg.com/rooms/bedroom/headboard/upholstered-headboard-how-to/?ordersrc=rdbhg1101695
If you are sewing savvy this website shows you how to make a more complicated headboard. The piping isn’t necessary if it is too hard for you. I cheat a bit by sewing the side and top pieces to the front piece of fabric then I staple the sides to the back of the headboard. This way you get the nice clean seams at the edges of the headboard but it has a tighter fit than if you sew the back piece on to make a slip cover.