Materials

• The background for your abstract headboard is a hardwood panel that you can cut to fit any size you need. When you measure your width, consider your bedside tables; you may want your headboard to extend far enough on either side to encompass the tables. When measuring for the height, remember you do not need the headboard to go all the way to the floor, you will be hanging it on the wall so it only needs to dip a few inches below your mattress. If you plan to encase the panel in decorative trim as opposed to iron-on edging, you can miter the corners of the trim or have the pieces butt against each other. Your materials for the abstract portion of your headboard are 1-inch-thick strips of wood cut in various lengths ranging from 3 inches to 6 inches.
  
  

Finishing

• To make this abstract headboard design, it is easier to stain or paint your woodwork before you assemble it, especially if the abstract pieces are all different colors. The exception would be if you were using iron-on edging that should be completed before you apply the finishing. Sand all woodwork with medium-grade and then light-grade sandpaper. The medium grade will bring up wood fibers and smooth small imperfections, but it will leave scratches in the surface of the wood. Sanding with light grade paper removes most scratches left by the harsher grade. Make sure you remove all the sanding debris before you stain or paint your woodwork. You will need to add a coat or two of polyurethane to all parts of your headboard after it is assembled.
  
  

Assembly

• You can attach the wood trim around the edges of your headboard with straight brackets on each corner. Create an abstract design by attaching your 1-inch-thick wood strips to the face of your headboard in any pattern that pleases you. Turn some pieces sideways and angle others. None of the wood strips should touch and the space between the pieces does not have to be the same. You can use strong craft glue like E-6000, clear Liquid Nail or screw each piece into the wood panel. Glue will have to dry before you hang it, but screws will be noticeable in the wood. If you choose glue, it is a good idea to place something heavy like a book or another wood panel on top of the wood pieces to apply pressure as the glue dries.