Start by measuring a rectangular area of 44” W x 36” L where you want the finished headboard to be. You’ll be making a grid using painters tape, following the diagram.

First, outline your 44” W x 36” L rectangle to define the outside lines of your grid.

From there, use 1-inch (or 24mm) painter’s tape to drop vertical lines every 10” from the inside of your first tape line (so, left to right: at 11”, 22”, 33”, 44” – the extra 1” accounts for the tape itself).

Measure and mark the midpoint, or 18” down, on the outside vertical lines and the center vertical line.

Now, measure 6” above and below each 18” midpoint and mark additional points.

With these guides, you can now place all the rest of the tape. Start with a giant X over the center point of the frame from the points just above and below the midpoints of each outside vertical line. (See IMAGE 1)

Then, lay diagonal lines above and below the arms of your X to create a grid of triangles.

Now you’re ready for the fun part! Paint pieces of the grid to fill in a heart shape. Use a sponge brush and paint away from the edges of the tape to ensure a clean line once it’s removed. We used Alyssum SW 6589, a sweet pale pink.

For bonus points, paint one section of the heart in a darker accent color. We used Youthful Coral SW 6604.

Peel off the tape while the paint is still wet, and let dry fully before leaning your pillows up against it!