How to Make a Twig Headboard

Twigs can be transformed into a charming headboard.

A twig headboard is a charming addition to a rustic, primitive or country-style bedroom. You can make a twig headboard with natural wood found on your property, or you can purchase twigs from a florist or landscape supplier. No matter where you find twigs for your headboard, be sure to use dry twigs. If your wood is green, leave it alone for at least three months and let it air-dry.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4-inch plywood sheet
• Saw
• Stain
• Sponge
• Clear construction adhesive
• Wood sealer or polyurethane
• Stud finder
• Wall hangers

Instructions

1. Cut a sheet of 3/4-inch plywood wiht your saw to fit on the wall behind your bed. Cut a rectangular or create any shape you want.

2. Stain the back, front and edges of the cut plywood. Choose a stain color that closely matches the color of your twigs.

3. Cut twigs with a diameter of about 2 inches to fit the perimeter edge of your plywood. The larger twigs will give your headboard more definition and dimension. You don't need to have long sections for the perimeter; you can lay shorter twigs end to end, all the way around.

4. Lay the cut plywood on a flat surface. Attach the perimeter twigs to the 3/4-inch edge of the plywood with a bead of clear construction adhesive. This eliminates the risk of splitting the twigs and provides a seamless design. Brace or tape the twigs on the edge until the adhesive dries.

5. Cut twigs to fit on the face of the plywood. Place them vertically, horizontally or in a pattern -- such as small squares made from twigs run vertically, next to small squares made from twigs run horizontally.

6. Attach each twig to the plywood with clear construction adhesive. Cover the entire face of the plywood. Let the adhesive dry.

7. Apply a coat of wood sealer or clear polyurethane to the twigs for protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Stain your twigs darker or lighter than your plywood for design contrast.

• Attach your twig headboard to the wall studs behind your bed, using wall hangers.

References

• Mother Earth News: Wild and Woody