Photos by Heather Leah Kennedy
Bed by Kayla Kromer
Words by Bonnie Burton
When we first found out about the Force-tastic Millennium Falcon bed made by fan and artist Kayla Kromer, we had to know more.
We asked Kayla — who happens to be a 1st grade teacher hailing from Austin, Texas — why she made a bed fit for every Star Wars who has ever dreamt over co-piloting the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
Why did you decide to make that awesome Millennium Falcon bed?
I mostly like to have fun, and I like making things. The original idea was to make a Death Star bed, but my idea was too big to execute in my room. But the idea of doing something spacey stuck.
What materials did you use?
The bed is a ’70s round mattress. The sides, cockpit and triangular pieces are foam. The comforter is a down comforter my mom donated. The duvet and everything is covered in gray flannel. The sheets are just white sheets modded for a circular mattress. I used a variety of fabric paints for the detail work.
How long did the bed take to construct? Any challenges you came across when making it?
I really just made it up as I went. The beginning was really bad because I cut my eye on the yucky starter parts and had to wear a patch for a week. I re-upolstered it, and then trudged along. My real job is a 1st grade teacher, so I’ve been working on it on my days off as I can since September.
What little details did you add to the bed that make it special?
The details are the smuggling areas (for my keyboard, mouse, and glasses), the detachable (for Jedi) plushie radar, the cockpit can hold figures, the fitted sheet is an interior map, and the lights in the front and back. Unlike other replicas, this is made for me, so everything is soft because I’m clumsy!
What is your favorite part of the bed?
It is very comfortable, and it’s amazing! I love being a grown up and actually getting to do what I want!
Where did you get your fantastic Leia Hoth outfit?
The Hoth costume was easy to put together, I had everything but the white coat. I have the made renditions to other costumes as well. A New Hope pics might surface, but I doubt Slave Leia pics ever do because I’m a teacher.
Were you a Star Wars fan growing up?
I loved anything with monsters and aliens in it! My step-mom was the first one to show the original films to me; she is giddy about the bed. As a kid I loved the Ewok movies more…but I like the whole series.
What is it about Star Wars that inspires you as an artist?
I think that as everyone grows up, Star Wars remains sacred as a “kid thing” that it is safe to like as a grown-up, more-so for my generation than those before us.
Did you expect such an awesome response from the fans?
(We noticed at least one marriage proposal to you in our blog comments section!)
I love how the reaction for Hamburger Bed was “You are ridiculous” and “WHY?! Why a hamburger?” But with this bed the reaction is “of course.” (The sexy stuff comments, in this “bed making art” is always expected).
Choosing something that is so specific and beloved has a lot of drawbacks I wasn’t anticipating — people wish it didn’t look so handmade, they hate that I ever put Jar Jar in the cockpit, and then I had to become an instant expert on all things Star Wars — wasn”t quite expecting that.
Mostly, everyone is so so so nice to me. I really like everyone that I’ve had a chance to exchange a few words with. It’s been a wonderful experience.
Check out more photos here:
Millennium Falcon Bed
I love it! I’ve added this to the top of my Christmas list
thats amazing! its absolutly genius.
how much does the Millennium Falcon bed cost ?
This is awesome! You should be proud of your accomplishment (and I can tell you are!).
It looks like a heavenly bed on which to sleep, and who could ask for anything better?
p.s. Jar Jar fits in well with all the other Star Wars characters!!!
Why don’t people understand that?
Very nice! Gotta be the best bed in the galaxy!
That bed ROCKS.
WOW!!! I Love it
I WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANT ONE!
its soooooo coool! i can even imagine a round death star bed
P.S: my ACTUAL name is Ben Skywalker
That is so awesome of a bed. You should be proud of what you made. As for Jar Jar I feel he is a misunderstood character and should be given a little more rerspect than he has. Hope you decided to do more stuff like this cause you are good. People who complain are just jealous cause they can’t do it themselves.
i loved the bed it was very cool i wish i could have one, you shoud do more starwars beds they are awsome and next time you could maybe do a starfighter bed like x-wing, tie defender,tie drone,tie shuttle,blade 32, jedi starfighter, jedi starfighter anikin skywalder modified or the chiss starfighter a tie fighter ball cock pit with strange wings you should look it up and also finally another splendid idea how about a very cool twi’lek chir’daki in basic it translates closest into death seed. well their are some ideas hope you like them and can’t wait to see your next bed.
THATS SO COOL!!!! Maybe you could make an X-Wing bed next!!!!
I wold like one because I love starwars and it is one cool bed!
I wonder if she wouldn’t mind making a few more for us…
Does she come with the bed. The bed is awesome all by itself though.
Fantastic! What a great creation. And to those Star Wars fans who are giving you some grief, go make your own daggone bed and leave this creative lady alone! I for one think it is great and think Lucas should fly you down to FL in August so we can all see it at Celebration V!
Sweet make me one
ps your very talented
Heh, I don’t recall that reading that she was mass-producing Star Wars beds. . .
“Jar Jar, your a genius!”
= D
When you design and create something so intricate and beloved by so many you’re bound to have to deal with the good and the bad. I for one love it and Jar-Jar better watch out if Chewy sees him in the cokpit!
This is awesome….. I WANT ONE!!!!!!
does anyone think she could make me a thundercats one too?
The “falcon” bed is !@#@! awsome!
your bed is so cool i love starwars
That is an awesome bed! I want one of those.
super cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am looking for a spectacular star wars bed…and this is it. How do I order one? Can you answer me back, please? Deb