I am making two ‘sort of’ Canopy beds for my new China Grandbabies.
I know… Nobody gives out design ideas. But I will ask anyway. ‘Sort of’ means at this time I want to make a bed (twin size) for each.. All of the posts ( Now square) Made of laminations of Sapele and Panga-Pange. Sapele on the putside… Panga is in the inside..
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Based on the limited information in your question, the only advice I can offer is......
Don't spend a single minute thinking about the design of the canopy frame, until you are settled on the design of the headboard, footboard, and posts.
Once you have the furniture designed, it will be easier to think about whether the canopy should be flat, gabled, or curved.
Hello MrGeorge, Have you considered making beds with bamboo? The bamboo can be quite exquisite and ever lasting if it is properly glued. One must take fortitude with the joinery as the grass tends split in the spring. Check with a local bamboo wholesaler to find availabilty.
The bed posts of the canopy can be of course one thick piece of bamboo. The canopy can be overlapping rice paper weaved together to form a wicker pattern throughout. No bed frame is necessary as it would be inappropriate for the Chinese babies to jump onto the bed. Simply place the mattress on the floor. And of course, stuffed panda teddies are a must.
Edited 10/13/2008 9:50 pm ET by sandman605
Have you considered making beds with bamboo?
In fact I had thought of it as the.. wood? Grass!.
However, MOM (my daughter) did not want it so out of the question. Then again, I have never used Bamboo except for fishing.
LOL LOL.. "No bed frame is necessary as it would be inappropriate for the Chinese babies to jump onto the bed."
I fell off my chair laughing at that one.. I think the best part of their day from the way they react! Old Grandpa here.. They get away with anything within reason. Very good girs and very smart little women. BUT still Children! They can do more at 5 years old than I did in 8th. grade...
My China Dolls ARE allowed to jump on the beds before bedtime (under adult supervision until they wear out for sleep). Hopefully one of us will/can catch one of them before she hits a wall! Or something worse.
I will be using Sapele (light brown) and Panga-Panga (Black to dark brown) woods.
I already have the 'sticks' for the posts laminated.. Square now. About 3 inch by 3 inch. Sapele on the outside and Panga-Panga in the center. All the same thickness.
I am not looking for exact ideas on design. Just Ideas I can work with. As in YOUR post! Although I cannot use for reasons stated. I loved the response.
As a note.. I have no idea about Art.. I cannot carve anything.. OK, maybe one... but not eight that look the same!
As in the beds.. I would like to use the classic inward turned foot. Not sure how to carve them for a Post on a Canopy bed!
And I would love to have some reasonable cost wooden carved Dragons to put on top of the bed posts! I will need eigh friendly Dragons! Dragons are NICE Not Bad.. Bring luck to whoever they fly over?
MrGeorge, You can carve! Any one can carve if they put their mind to it. Just as anyone can sing the songs of beauty in their mind. No one will make light of ones own inability. Take the spirit of the craft into your heart and let natures beauty shine through the works you create. Your Chinese babies will love you more when they are older and wiser. They will appreciate the time and effort you put into filling their life with love. Close your eyes, hold a pencil in your hand, place it onto a blank piece of paper, feel love in your heart and let your hand do what your heart wants. Your design will show through like wild fire.
MrGeorge, You can carve! Any one can carve if they put their mind to it.
As I said.. I can make one but not another like it.
Carvings are like snowflakes. each one should have it's own voice.
Carvings are like snowflakes. each one should have it's own voice..
I agree. However with my carving skills it would be more like an opera!
as anyone can sing the songs of beauty in their mind.
I think of Blondy singing Heart Of Glass!
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