Community Brag Posts

Sweet Pea Cottage

What's a mom to do when she can't choose between the cabin bed, the little cottage loft bed and the sweet pea garden bed? Head over to google sketchup and sketch up a set of plans incorporating favourite aspects of all three beds! This one had been in the planning stages for over a year and I’ve called it “Sweet Pea Cottage”. It took me about 3 months to build in my spare time and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Of course our daughter loves it as well! Who wouldn't want to sleep in their own little house bed! :) I used spruce and 3/4" purebond plywood for the main build. To give the plywood panels a planked look, I cut the front into various size rectangles so I could run them through my table saw using a 1/4" dado blade before assembling the pieces together with pocket holes. The roof panels and dormer are 1/4" plywood glued and screwed to a frame and then I used construction adhesive to adhere the dormer to the front roof panel as well as adhere the cedar shakes. Painted with Behr Pure Ultra White and topped with a satin polyacrylic. I left the cedar shakes raw but if I built it again, I think I would top them with some sort of flat or matt sealer as the rough texture makes dusting them a bit difficult. One of the first questions I get is "how difficult is it to make the bed?". Surprisingly it's not that hard. Because the bed is so open on each end and we have it set up in her room with access on three sides, it's easy to manoeuvre the mattress a bit to change the bedding.

Comments

April1360

Thu, 02/17/2022 - 08:15

I love this bed. I would like to make one for my Grand-daughter. Do you have plans for this cute bed? I just signed up today so I wasn't able to see the comment section. I'm sorry if this has already been asked.

Kentwood Bookshelf

Submitted by worrow on Tue, 08/11/2015 - 17:33

I loved this from Ana's site so much we tacked one. Please note I glued, screwed and dowel ed the holes. I hate kreg jigs. We also made ours taller to add an extra shelf.

Estimated Cost
$90.

Provincial stain and triple coat poly
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3m triple coat in 1 semi gloss not pictured. My image is stain at this point
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor Grill Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:21

 

This rolling bar was inspired by Ana White's plan.  It is used as a bar and conceals an electric smoker and a grill.  I added handles for moving and some hooks on the sides.  I stained the salvaged 2 X 6 's and brushed on clear oil based poly on the new Cedar fence boards.

Billie

Miter Stand and Rolling Storage Carts

Submitted by danicarby on Sat, 04/29/2017 - 11:21

I'm so happy that I found the plans for Ana's miter stand and rolling carts!  It was just what I needed for my garage shop... so everything can be organized and stored compactly but things can pull open and expand when I have a project (which is all the time, actually).

The actual miter stand was super easy to build - the carts took a few days working non-stop (when the kids permitted).

 

I made a few obvious changes from the plans:

-made deeper shelves on one of the carts

-added drawers on one of the carts

-added ped board on the end caps of miter stand

 

Something I didn't consider before building this was the slope of our garage floor.  There's a 3" difference from one end of the legs to the other so I had to use riser blocks to get everything perfectly level.  Unfortunately there's no way to level the carts as they aren't stationary but they slide in/out just fine.

 

I'd recommend this build to everyone!  Check Home Depot clearance often for deals on plywood!

Estimated Cost
It's hard to say as I used wood I had on hand, tried to buy clearance, etc. I'm estimating $200.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Simple Outhouse

I built this outhouse to go with a dry cabin I'm working on, and also as an emergency backup for my house. I used treated lumber on the base/deck and splurged on T-111 for the siding. I wanted to use greenhouse polycarbonate for the roof, but found a piece of metal roofing in my shed that was exactly the right size so I used that instead. I thought about doing a fancy cutout on the door but ended up going with a half moon because it was easy. I'm thinking about cutting out stars of different sizes all over the rest of the door to let in more light. I'll trim and stain it next summer.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450 - I used T-111 which is $40/sheet here in Alaska. I also used treated lumber where recommended and stainless steel screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CH

Mon, 01/13/2020 - 15:25

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE 'STUFF' THAT YOU DEPOSIT IN THE TOILET?  I DIDN'T READ ANYTHING ABOUT DIGGING A PIT/TREATMENTS, ETC.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW.  THANK YOU!  CH.

OUTDOOR SOFA

Decided to build Ana's outdoor sofa for our Master Balcony and love the results. I was a bit impatient to finish the build and therefore did not take the time to use pocket screws for a more finished result, (which I will do next time). Regardless, I love how the sofa turned out and would reccomend for anybody to build. The cheapest outdoor cushions I could find were from Ikea and we spent around $160.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 BUILD, $160 CUSHIONS
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
OUTDOOR STAIN
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Curved Bench

Submitted by stevez8420 on Sat, 08/08/2015 - 13:41

I followed your idea but i think my bench is a touch smaller. I decided to add arm rests on each end, I kept the top beverage ledge or "Bever-ledge" as I call it and ofcourse I added rope lighting along the underside. This was my first ever DIY project.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a Cedar Tone semi-transparent finish which turned out a little more orange than i though but it still looks good!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Tall Bedroom Dresser

Had a blast with this project and am getting more confident with drawer slides. I built a matching dresser that is much shorter and wider. It can be found here: http://www.ana-white.com/2018/08/DIY_furniture/bedroom-dresser

Estimated Cost
$150-$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Wood Accelerator, Varathane Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

hutchingslv

Thu, 08/12/2021 - 15:35

Any way to get a copy of these plans? I really like the look and want to give it a shot. Have to make a few of these if all goes well for all my boys.
Thanks

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 12:26

I had my nephew build this outhouse for our new 70 acre lot - no neighbours in sight so I had him put in an acrylic window (with a view).  I left off the deck and had him put the boards tight together so 'critters' didn't get in as easily. I made a sign for above the door - 'Waste Management' for a touch of humour.  The plans were easy to follow and I love it.  Thanks, Ana.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approx. $300 for material and $250 for my nephew's labour.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drawer bases turned banquette

I took Ana's open base and drawer plans, added a few inches to the height (so that the base trim on the storage units would clear the base trim on our walls), and put them together to create a banquette-style bench with tons of storage underneath. We use the drawers for our family board games and photo albums.

Estimated Cost
$100-$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin-Williams Pro-Classic in semi-gloss followed by Minwax Polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by nikkiice on Sat, 05/28/2016 - 17:40

I had so much fun building this! I got a little creative with the corner section and decided to make it a table. I built a small hatch so that I could put in a container for ice and cold beer. When the hatch is not in use, the container can be removed and the hatch can be closed to provide more table space. I also added drink holders! 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
none yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Eric's Cedar Shed!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 21:35

Thank you for the plans, shed turned out great! My association required me to match the siding color, roof color, and anchor to a concrete slab. So I poured 25 bags of 80lbs concrete to make a 9x5 slab. Redid the plans for an 8x4 shed, built the frame with 2x4s and not 2x2's, installed flashing, ice/water shield + felt + matching shingles since I'm near Chicago, and used a flexio finishing sprayer to paint the shed. Saved some $ by using 2 Redwood Grain Fiber siding panels for $22 each at HD.

All in all very happy with my shed and all my dangerous yard tools and woodworking tools can be put away from my toddler.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Little Princesses Playhouse

Submitted by sanmaurais on Tue, 05/07/2013 - 17:00

This was the first thing I have ever built, and I loved making the playhouse! I took pictures of every step I did! It was very rewarding to see the look on my girls faces with it was done!! They absolutely love it!!! Thank you for posting the plans.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Full size Murphy Bed

Submitted by Hartung26 on Wed, 06/26/2013 - 20:07

Used the plans for the twin bed, just added the difference in mattress size to the measurements. Pretty simple really. Used a cam lock centered above the door and a sawtooth picture hanger on the inside as a locking mechanism.

Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
WinMax English Chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 06/27/2013 - 12:16

Been thinking of building one of these. Yours looks beautiful, nice job!

campbelllsara

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 14:16

Hello,

I have been scowering the internet... I too would like to have my murphy bed raised off of the ground and be a full size murphy bed.  But everytime I try to do "adjustments" and get "creative" it ends in disaster.  I am better at following instructions.  Is there anyway that you could give me the exact measurements for your fullsize bed and let me know how it is that you propped the bed up at the end?

[email protected]

 

Thank you.

Breakfast bar with reclaimed top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/24/2019 - 19:36

Our son was moving into his first college apartment. The dining area is small and he thought a breakfast bar would be perfect in this spot. We built the base using Ana’s Counter Height Farmhouse Table for Four plans. We modified the plans to to fit the table top - which was originally the top of a desk. We purchased the desk at our local Habitat Restore. We planed to use the base of the desk for another project- so using the top for this breakfast bar was perfect! The breakfast bar was a perfect fit!

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and poly on bass. Gunstock stain and poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Narrow Sewing Table

Submitted by WeezyWorks on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 18:06

Ive been looking for a sewing table to fit my space. but found none for less than $500 and they were quite small. I found a post at quiltedcupcake.com that linked me to another blog, linking me here. I modified the plan to be about 2 feet wide and cut a hole to fit my sewing machine. There is a support in the bottom to hold my machine level with the tabletop. When I make this in the future, I will splurge on a fine hardwood. This plan was easy to build and looks great! Just what I was looking for :D

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark stain and satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tommirhea

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 09:45

I'm jealous of your organization! I've had a folding table for my sewing table since I started sewing :(

tommirhea

Sun, 09/16/2012 - 10:11

Now, I've just got to make it! I love to free motion quilt and that would make it easier. With each baby I've had my quilting space has diminished (of course it's worth it) but now I think I will reclaim some space ;)

Simple Square Outdoor Table

Submitted by hannant on Mon, 08/07/2017 - 15:10

Inspired by Finn's Dad's table, we decided to copy it since we wanted to build a table that would seat 8 comfortably. The most difficult part of this project was finding clear cedar for the top. It had to be ordered through our local lumber yard and we were not able to match boards. We built the frame out of treated pine and the 4 x 4 legs from average greade cedar found at Lowe's. We finished it with four coats of polyurethane. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300-$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Zak Polyruethane marine satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Greenhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/26/2023 - 13:04

I saw this greenhouse built on the Justin Rhodes YouTube channel and immediately wanted my own. My husband was a champ at making my dream come true!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

nifof17547

Tue, 04/09/2024 - 01:43

What a great idea! Building your own greenhouse can be a rewarding and cost-effective project. With the right planning and choice of materials, you can create a sturdy structure that will last you for years to come. In fact, a greenhouse is a great way to take care of your health because the crops grown there are undoubtedly of higher quality and healthier for you. Speaking of health, if you want to improve your health, consider using natural supplements such as mullein. Mullein supplements are known for their potential respiratory benefits and can promote overall well-being. You can find organic mullein supplements https://www.amazon.com/USDA-Organic-Mullein-Drops-Lungs/dp/B0CKBPTPRL on Amazon. Adding them to your daily diet can complement the peaceful environment of your greenhouse. So, whether you are a gardening enthusiast or just starting out, remember to take care of both your plants and your health!

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