Building a Rustic Headboard - Dean Spence, Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft

In this one-day workshop, participants learn the basic techniques to build a headboard in the bent-willow style to fit a queen size or smaller bed. Each student will build a headboard to take home at the end of the day.

The workshop begins with a short introductory talk about the instructor's experience with rustic furniture building. We will discuss safety and the proper use of tools, collection of raw materials and finishing techniques.


Students will construct a headboard from materials and fasteners supplied by Kapristo Mountain Woodcraft. The wood will already be trimmed and pre-worked to the required suppleness, with the exception of a few pieces with which students will practice wood preparation techniques.

After preparing the frame wood and constructing and bracing the frame, students will wrap the frame with long slim branches to form the arching hoop, and then add the infill design of their choice.

If students are experienced with a drill and hammer they can expect to finish their headboard before the end of the day. Novice builders can expect their headboard to be at least 75% complete by the end of the workshop, and they will have the skills, confidence and materials to complete their project in a few hours at home.

Students are welcome to invite a friend to join them in the afternoon, when a second pair of hands can make the work easier and quicker.

The workshop fee includes all materials. Previous woodworking or crafting experience is recommended. Students must assemble tool kit per Tool list provided at registration. Participants must be in good health and able to perform moderate manual labor.

This workshop is a rigorous but rewarding eight hours. From past experience, we can promise that students will go home tired but happy with their new skills and headboard.