Community Brag Posts

Ladder blanket rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/23/2023 - 13:25

Made this ladder blanket rack and stained it. Only my second project that I have stained. I’m not around the learning curve yet. Works very well and hides our robo vac well. I did have a mishap - lesson learned don’t put kreg screws in for a test fit and then remove them. All of the holes stripped out while doing final assembly after finishing and I had to plug the holes to be able to finish it.

Comments

Doll Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by angiemicn on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 02:41

I love this design and have made several for family and for sale. This was the one I made for Ana's promotion, Make one, take one. This is the one that was given to charity, Wings. this is a house in our area for battered women and their children. As an ER nurse who sends patients there, I realize the importance of a well made doll bed, (Doll given as well) 90% of the time these kids have to leave their homes with nothing, no toys, no clothes, and I hope seeing this doll bed would help some little girl forget about the trauma she's been through, if only for a little while, and let her be a little girl again.

Estimated Cost
45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded smooth, 2 coats of Kilz Primer, 3 coats semi gloss Ultra White, Polyurethane coat on top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Almost wall to wall garage storage

Submitted by sraper2 on Wed, 12/18/2013 - 14:20

I didn't use one of your plans for these shelves but wanted to share it here since I learned how to build because of you! These were really easy to put together and only cost $100!!! I have the step by step plans on my blog.

Stephanie

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My version

Submitted by ltgprg on Sun, 02/28/2016 - 21:00

My version of this project using so advanced joinery and under mount self closing draw guides

Estimated Cost
$350 for the Poplar and hardware plus lots of tools!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherman Williams Pro Classic, polycrylic, and general finishes glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Coffee table and console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/07/2019 - 14:07

Made for daughter from your plans,made console longer and a little higher.

Estimated Cost
$80 for coffee table,$60 for console table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
VarathaneBriarsmoke and wax Cloth application one coat then finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Epoxy Table Top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/28/2023 - 07:14

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of the finished product, but these are the table tops I built for couch tables in my basement. First time working with resin, I learned a lot!

Buildermomma

doll bunk beds

doll bunk beds painted tangerine with bedding

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. Prime
2. Two coats Glidden sunbaked orange
3. distress
4. seal with clear satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Storage Basket Shelves

Submitted by Debbie440 on Sat, 12/21/2013 - 13:24

I built this and then ordered storage baskets that fit to the size. I built it exactly to the plan except I did not make the top flush to a back wall and I added decorative trim. I think adding trim really adds a nice look to this project.

The tower was super easy to build and took hardly any time. The most time was spent on the finishing work (sanding and painting).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Unknown/used leftover wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams sample paint color matched to an antique white.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Chalkboard Wood workers planning desk

I needed a new desk for my office workspace in the garage. I wanted something inspired, and that would BE inspiring to me as I sit at it. So, I made this chalkboard surface woodworking planning desk with mismatched legs. I love that the legs are mis-matched. LOVE IT. IT would make type a people squirm, but me. Nope, I love it. I quick made some set of sawhorse legs, and a box leg. Attached a 3/4 piece of plywood cut the the size I wanted. Stained the legs dark brown, and rolled on 3 coats of chalkboard paint on the top. Boom!! And the best part of this design, when it gets messy, I just sand it down. And clean it up again with chalkboard spray paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15-$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
brown stain and chalkboard paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Blanket Chest and DVD Shelves

Submitted by Robinwood on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 19:55

These were all Christmas projects...My daughter needed a blanket chest, so I used Anna's Toy Chest plans - modifying them to add a lid (which also functions as an extra seat). I made the dimensions larger because she had some really large blankets to store and also added some fancier trimming. Her husband wanted DVD storage in their room, so I built the cabinet and painted it to match the blanket chest. I do most of my building in the evenings, so it took a couple of days to build these - the finishing took the most time over several evenings. Also shown is the mail organizer, with an airplane motif because of my grandson's love of airplanes.

Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and polyurethane finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sandie

Mon, 02/20/2012 - 14:48

You did a great job on all of it! I especially LOVE the brown color!!

relye4b5

Tue, 03/12/2013 - 19:42

This looks amazing! I'm wanting to do something similar... a 28"x41" toy box that could double a a lounge seat. Would you be willing to share your plans for the lid addition? I really love the lip on the lid to keep the cushion in place!

Robinwood

Mon, 04/01/2013 - 12:56

Sorry, I hadn't noticed there was a new comment. I am one of those who just look at something or see a need and form plans in my head (I'm not good at writing them); so I don't have any plans. I just cut the lid so that it would overhang an inch on the ends and front. Then I cut a 1x2 the length of the lid and attached it on top of the lid at the back (the 3/4 side against the wood). The 1x2's for the end of the lid were cut to fit; the fronts rounded with a jig saw; then attached. I hope this helps.

Farm House Bar Table

Modification of Ana White's Farmhouse Table adjusted to bar height.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Bed

Submitted by big mike on Sat, 03/05/2016 - 00:19

Dog bed for our German Shepherd. I will post plans a little later. 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Closet remodel Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/13/2019 - 13:15

My master closet was a mess when I moved in and something needed to be done. I moved the doorway to create more space in my bedroom and closet. I found this lan and modified it try needs. It works great!!

Note: It is much cheaper to purchase the long pipes and have Home Depot cut them down to the right length.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Narrow Farmhouse Table - first build EVER :)

I built something!! I really want to build a bed for my son, but wanted something a little simpler for my first project. This table came together very easily. I can't wait for my craft room to be done and get all my sewing machines set up on it - Thanks so much for your site, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
primer/paint/spray polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Rustic Kitchen Island with Maple Cutting Board Top!

Submitted by bcanoel on Thu, 12/26/2013 - 14:54

We constructed the Rustic Kitchen Island with a few modifications. My dad, president of the Norm Abrams fan club, built fantastic drawers using rabbet joints and fashioned a maple cutting board top. We also chamferred the edge of the top and the leg ends, very easy and adds a beautiful touch. We finished the cutting board top with "Salad Bowl Finish" which facilitates food prep.

This was a Christmas present for my boyfriend, he is in love with it! I watched him play with it like a little kid for hours after opening it. Thank you, Ana, for your great plans! (Also, Santa brought me your book for Christmas so I will be sharing many more completed projects!)

This was my very first project in the workshop. I was able to complete most of it on my own, which is why I rated it a "beginner" project. However, construction of the drawers using rabbet joints and prepping the maple for the top were considerably more difficult.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bottom & Drawers: Golden Pecan, Minwax (2 coats on pine)
Top: Salad Bowl Finish, General Finishers (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

56x34

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 08:43

Love it. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain and polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

West elm knock off coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 00:36

This is the first piece of furniture I have built that I want to put in our house. I used a lot of our tools for the first time. It was really fun and definitely took me a long time but learned a lot in the process. I used all scrap wood from old fencing & old projects. And I had to make an opening for storage on one side! What do you think? :)

Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood stain with a mix of royal blue unicorn spit and polyurethane top coat. I had to use a wood hardener as well because the old wood I used had some dry rot. It worked well but it changed how the stain took to it a bit
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate