if you like it then you better put a frame on it

I love beds. Love them.

I especially love bed FRAMES!

In particular, headboards and footboards!

Especially if they are creative and unique.

My dear friend Lauren knows this about me too.

She recently sent me some pics of FAB headboards!

And that got me searching for even MORE fab ideas!

So the next few days are dedicated to headboards -

starting with the lovely old shutters, above. LOVE!

This idea even made me do a double-take!

Old book covers, flattened and attached together,

to resemble and play off the patchwork quilt.

Makes me start thinking of even more ways 

books could be incorporated into a headboard!

Now my mind is racing!    

I thought this bamboo headboard was great.

I especially love the different height levels.

And it is a good example of another easy project.

I'm not a big bamboo lover, however...

how cool would a headboard out of vintage skis be?

Or colorful skateboard decks? Or used snowboards?

Heart... beating... fast!

Now, that is one huge black headboard/wall!

Well, it's actually a chalkboard!

Okay... I've said before, that I just CAN'T 

understand the whole chalkboard paint craze :/

The thought of chalk dust makes me want to sneeze!

But these are nice, shiny vintage chalkboards :) 

 This headboard idea has become very popular:

The use of old (or even new) DOORS! LOVE IT!

Stained, painted, distressed... so many choices!

You can add moulding (or little side tables, above)

or any creative detail of your choice -

I've even seen screen doors! Endless possibilities!

Brain... on... overload! 

Now this "headboard" idea speaks for itself -

useful shelves flanked by antique columns.

This is a unique and creative "non-headboard"...

but it works, and I think it's LOVELY!

I'm going to dream "non-headboards" all week!

Who says you can't add a little humor with style?

I love the simplicity and wit of this headboard,

and that it blends fun with the room's modern decor.

Here, they've used great unique combinations!

The custom-built wall itself is a headboard of sorts -

beautifully decorated with a macro photograph.

Personally, I love large photographs on walls,

and more places are offering those services.

Then your eye floats down to see the actual headboard:

plush, colorful, and comfy buttoned cushions!

I saved my fave for last, cuz it blew my mind!

This bed is obviously not DIY but I had to add it!

Entirely made of a heavy, custom steel frame,

 and embellished with gorgeous stained glass...

this is definitely an amazing, one-of-a-kind bed!

~

I hope you enjoyed seeing these headboard examples,

and that your creativity is flowing with ideas!

MORE awesome examples coming next time!

*today's images from: Home to Life Online Designer Directory from Catherine Christie

Spotlight on 3 Etsy Artists

Is this not the most adorable set of crocheted items for play? I fell in love with Crafty Anna's Cute Colorful Crochet store. Talk about eye candy! After coming up with the most creative ideas for imaginative food play, she has painstakingly made extremely affordable patterns with directions, so you can make fun sets of crocheted toys children will love. She does not sell the finished sets, mind you - she sells her copyrighted PATTERNS, simple enough for beginning to intermediate crocheters. Stop by her Etsy store so you can see for yourself, what colorful, creative sets she has invented!
I knew I would get your attention with this little guy! This is Charlie. He's just a small bird, but as you can see, he has a LOT to say! Enter Brainiac the Art of Matte Stephens, and you enter a world of soft, pleasant colors, quirky but endearing characters, and unique retro style. Matte sells both his original gouache paintings, and his very affordable prints here in his Etsy store. His work could easily stand alone, or would make a fantastic grouping of several.  Go on one of his "family vacations" and see the wonderful cast of characters he has created for all to enjoy! 
Okay, now seriously. You didn't think I would forget my precious diet Coke did you? When I came across these ingenious ornaments cut out of diet Coke cans, there was no way I couldn't spotlight them! They came from Jenn's Recycled Things. They are backed with a foam backing - no sharp edges - and hooks are included. And they are so fun and affordable, how could you possibly go wrong? Of course other products are represented as well (Dr. Pepper earrings anyone?). Just a very fun idea to represent one of our favorite obsessions during the holidays :)

Please let me know if you would like to see more Etsy spotlights in the future. And definitely let me know how you liked the ones I just featured! I enjoy spotlighting others' creativity, so if you're all for it, I'd be happy to continue periodically. And of course you can always visit Etsy yourself - but I warn you, it might be days before you come up for air!