Chippy Door Headboard - Fini!

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Yesterday was a perfect day. I went for an early run down by the shore, did some great yard-saling, and wrapped up the morning with a family trip to the beach.

I was hoping to get back to work on my chippy door-headboard project, but the combo of a gorgeous day, several old friends in town, lobsters in the pot... it wasn't looking good for my project schedule. Then the neighbor showed up with cold beer, and it was game over.

But today was a new day. Too tired to leave the yard, our headboard is finally done - complete with reading lamps and new owner! Read on to find out exactly how I did it.

Here is the door as I found it.

 

 First order of business- Sand off all the loose bits and disinfect! 

I used the angled attachment to get my sander into all of the crevices- I didn't want one speck of dirt near where someone's head will lie!

I took my leaf blower to the door to blow off any dust and chips (brilliant), and washed it again with my favorite Windex Multi-cleaner (I LOVE the smell of this stuff!).

Then I sprayed the entire door with two coats of poly to seal the remaining paint chips.

 Next, I measured a full-sized bed so I could mark where the reading lamps should go.

I then drilled a pair of holes where each lantern would go - one hole to accommodate the threaded post, and another one to push the wires through. 

To attach - post, nut for the back and a threaded cap from the hardware store.

 These lanterns were hardwired, so I added a push button switch to each one of them. 

 Handy that there was a second nut to hold on the decorative hanger - I removed it and threaded the button through perfectly!

Attaching the globe

Complete!

 Success!!! 

I blew the breaker with my first attempt. Then my friend showed me how to properly make the circuit to include the switch. I guess I could have just read the directions, but it's more fun to have company.

 The finished product will be hung on 100lb "D" rings attached to a 1x3 on the wall to distribute the weight. This baby is heavy and I'm not taking any chances!

Total project cost: $51

Door - free

Lanterns - $5 for the pair (bought last year and tucked away)

Poly, sandpaper, cleanser - $0 (already had)

Hardware - $46

Check out some other great DIY ideas here at
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/06/wow-us-wednesdays-72.html

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