While browsing Toys R Us & Babies R Us last weekend, we came across a cute Tinkerbell canopy bed that Kaylee just loved. She already had a nice toddler bed, so we didn't give it much though, or at least I didn't. Daddy had other plans...
Derrick thought that it would be pretty simple to make her a canopy for her existing bed from a PVC frame. He is the king at PVC pipe creations...
(Just to name a few 🙂
And he was right. He was able to put this frame together in a matter of minutes and Kaylee was thrilled! She loved having just the frame, never mind having any sort of canopy attached. Kids are easy to please. I took her to the fabric store and she chose a couple of fabrics for the project. A pink kitty fabric and turquoise tulle.
After a couple of hours of stressing (I'd never done something like this before and did not have a pattern) and sewing, here is the finished product!
It fits perfectly, thanks to a few minor adjustments and an extra seam through the center to tighten it up a bit in the end. I've already had some requests for a tutorial. If I had any idea what I was doing(when I was doing it), I might have written down some dimensions and instructions, but it was a first time project for me that would probably turn out differently if I did it again. Basically...
You can see that both side panels are kind of a triangle shape. I followed the outline of the frame that Derrick made and added an ½" all the way around for seam allowances. I used a ⅜" seam and that gave it a little room for error. I used newspaper to make pattern pieces (taped it to the pipes) and then cut out the fabric shape. The top is one long piece that is the width of the pipes and stops where you see the crease on the front. That is a seperate piece so that it would fit the angle. It is also the width of the pipes, but only 4" or so in length. Then there is another piece directly on the front attached to the small 4" one. I made it long enough so that it was flush in length with the side panels. So the sides are each 1 panel and the top is 1 large panel + 2 smaller ones on the front and another 2 smaller ones (the same size as the front) on the back. This probably doesn't make any sense. Just use your frame as a guide. I'm not sure what it would have looked like if I just did one piece for the top and didn't use seperate pieces for the angles, it might have been fine. I'm not an expert so I just did what I thought would work. Then I hemmed it all the way around and sewed the little curtains to the hem. Total fabric for the project 3 ½ yards pink + 4 yards tulle.
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
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I used extra fabric to make ties for the faux curtains and a throw pillow. This is the reverse side of her owl comforter in the first photos. It matched the new canopy perfectly!
She loves her kitty bed (although she calls it a Tink bed after seeing the Tinkerbell one at the store) and sleeps, not only in comfort, but in style!
Here is a close-up on the fabric. It was found at Joann's in the juvenile apparel selection at 60% off last week. I picked up several prints since it is so bright and cheerful, and nice and sturdy! So much better than calico.
Lesley Litrento says
Seriously out of control creativity. Awesome.
Megan says
I always wanted a bed like this when I was a little girl!
megan
craftycpa.blogspot.com
Amy says
So cute! You did a really good job!
radn@HouseonAshwelllane says
What a beautiful canopy.Decorating girls rooms is so much fun.
Deanne says
what an amazing little girls bed!
Sam Findlay says
Super super cute!!
Zerique says
I love your blog and I really love this project!!!!!I am going to have to try this one! I would love if you would join my link up tomorrow where I am hoping to feature any and everything DIY, from recipes, to sewing, to before and afters, etc... Come on by!!!
onesweetstory.blogspot.com
Faith, Trust, and a Little Pixie Dust says
Oh my goodness, how creative & adorable. You & your hubby are geniuses!
Warmly, Michelle
Art For Little Hands says
My little girl would love this. So cute. I also like her little book thing on the bottom of her bed.
Mallory says
This is AWESOME!!! I want one for my bed! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Connie the crafterbug says
Wow this is genius and so adorable!
Connie
Lisa says
This is so neat! Great job to you and your husband!
LeighAnn says
What a handy husband you have! I love PVC.
a&c says
Amazing, you make it sound so easy!
Liz says
That is amazing! Great job!