The Rope Bed

A friend of mine is very much into history (and I am too) and asked me how much I knew about the old rope beds.  She was making a presentation for her history group and ask if I could make a pamphlet to hand out.  I told her I could do her one better and make a small rope bed that she could use as a prop, along with the pamphlet.  The photo shows only the first page of the pamphlet, we had 4 pages in all.

I built the bed 14 inches long (doll bed size) and the "straining key" (used to periodically tighten the ropes) was made from a vintage clothespin and a dowel.

I love duplicating vintage furniture and doll furniture is an easy way to enjoy the build when you have no more room in the house for the larger pieces.