Community Brag Posts

Distressed console table (free)

Submitted by JoanneS on Tue, 12/27/2011 - 18:12

Ana's simple, cheap and easy console table, made entirely with repurposed and scrap wood, so it was free! The plan was great, and it was easy to adjust to the wood I had on hand. The distressed finish was fun to do too.

Estimated Cost
free (everything was scrap wood, and paint was left over)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint, then a coat of gray over the white, and sanded to reveal the white. Paint was left-over that we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

HAPPIER HOMEMAKER FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by colleend74 on Sat, 11/16/2013 - 14:26

This was our first Ana White project. We knew we wanted to do a table, and decided this was the easiest one for first-timers without a kreg jig (YET!). We made things even SIMPLER by having Lowe's do ALL the cutting for us! I didn't even know they would do that, but they will.... and happily so!

The project went VERY well and we are delighted with our new table. We used Rustoleum "Kona" stain and we used Rustoleum spray gloss poly because Lowes had a bunch of cans of it on clearance. We were happy with the results, though it may not be the best indoor product in the future ;-)

The project took us about 4-6 hours to build, and then we just sanded a little each evening, and the next weekend we stained and poly.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona Stain
Rustoleum gloss spray poly
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Breeding house

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 23:28

My daughter and I dedicate this doll house to my great uncle George Breeding who made a beautiful doll house for my sister when we were kids. I hope my kids will carry the maker bug into the next generation! Great plans!

Estimated Cost
I know I spent more than $350 on material.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
urethane and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

shannonervin

Thu, 12/15/2016 - 08:21

I'm wondering the same.  The dimensions looks bigger here.  Would you mind sharing?  I like the size of the rooms here.  Thank you. 

Farm house bench

Submitted by Builder J on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 08:40

Made from scrap wood left in the empty lots besides me, from framing crews.

Cost me just the time, screws, sand paper and stain.

Made all the cuts with a skillsaw, by saving the $$$ I have now went and bought a mitre and table saw. YAY!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 in 1 Miniwax PolyShades, Bombay Mahogany. 2 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic lap desk

This was a fun afternoon project built almost entirely from materials I already had on hand. I finished it off with a coat of Gunstock stain by Minwax, followed by a coat of Cherry stain. I sanded a little between each coat. Next I applied a thin coat of black paint and sanded gently until the stain started to show through (and bare wood in places). Finally I applied a coat of polyurethane gloss. It took about four days to complete the finish and I made it up as I went along. Super happy with the end result. I opted not to add the side bins, but I did add an extra 2x2 on each side, mostly because the 2x2 I used for the legs was a little bowed and the exta piece ensured that they'd stay where they're supposed to.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $12. I had to buy a 1x4 and some hinges.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Gunstock and Cherry
Rustoleum Gloss Black
Minwax Polyurethane Gloss
(I already had these colors on hand)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Table and chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 09:57

When we took the wall out from between the living room and kitchen in our small farmhouse, we found that our tiny table just didn’t work and we definitely needed more space at the table with the kids growing. So this is what I built. I wanted it counter height so I can have extra working space in the kitchen during canning and baking. I love how versatile it is in our space as well. We did cut down the backs of the chairs because it was too tall and overpowering in the small space. I also didn’t account for the seat length and wanted the whole chair to pushed up right to the table, so we adjusted the side measurements and made three of the chair seats one board smaller. They are perfect for the kids. Now on to the cabinets and painting the walls!

Built from Plan(s)

Truss Coffee Table

This was my third project so far. I am having so much fun with your designs! I bought your book and also got a copy for my friend. Thank you so much for all of your free posts and for being such an inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
special oak by minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bois Rouge Saint Paul bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 08:43

fit the Bois Rouge Saint Paul Table

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
use coumpound joint to fill screw holes, sand flush, prime, paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Locker cabinets

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 00:24

Modified the plans to make a fourth cubby, they turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Planter

Submitted by rsacco on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 11:59

I made these for my Aunt. She loved them. Can't wait to do another Ana project!!

Comments

Dresser

Submitted by elainefour on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 09:33

I needed some furniture for the entryway and made this dresser. All it needs now is a few accessories! Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a light cherry stain and topcoated with a matte black paint. I lightly distressed the edges to have the stain show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:00

I love this. I would love to build this, but modify it to be more narrow. I am afraid to do both. I don't have the confidence yet to modify or tackle drawers. Yikes. Going to have to bit the bullet one of these days!

1st Toy Box

Submitted by Parahann on Sat, 11/23/2013 - 16:35

This is my first wood working project I've done. I am definitely a beginner, but feel that it turned out great. The project instructions were easy to follow and very descriptive. Some of the problems I ran into was my hardware store had a very limited selection of wood to choose from. I ended up buying a 2x4x1/2 sheet of plywood for the sides so when I made my cuts, I didn't take into account that the blade from the saw would eat up an 1/8" of wood which made my cuts off. Next when I was attaching the 1x2s and 1x3s to the plywood, I didn't realize I clamped the wood to hard which left a slight bend in my joined pieces. Overall I feel the project turned out great and my 3 year old loved it (which is the most important thing)!! I look forward to making more projects, to include another toy box.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White gloss paint and then spray lacquer. I used lacquer because it after doing my research, it seemed to be the most durable out the different types of protective finishes.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/18/2019 - 15:07

It took a long time to convince my husband to do this, he didn’t think he could. But with the easy instructions to follow it turned out amazing.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 11:59

I helped my 3 grands make this for their mom for Mother's Day. They loved it and she was over the moon!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Lockers for Mudroom

This was a much faster build than we anticipated, thanks to easy to work with MDF and pre-finished bead-board backing. Had all the wood pre-ordered on line from Lowe's made pick up super easy - and then they did all the cuts for us!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 15:12

Looks great! I have a goofy question -- can you specify the cuts you want made when you order online, or do you get it at the store, take it back to the saw and have them cut it then?

In reply to by Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

molliepayne

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:07

No, you have to go back to the cutting area and do those. I wouldn't want to trust them to do them just right, though. I like to watch and help measure if need be. There's nothing worse than having your cuts off by a 1/4 inch or more!

Sam - builder (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:08

I don't think that you can specify cuts in your online order, just the boards. But we picked it up with a sheet of paper specifying how each board should be cut.

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 18:01

Now that you said that, I totally agree about wanting to watch the guy cut. Usually they are pretty good, but I have run into a couple of not-so-smart ones also!

Play Vanity

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Tue, 11/26/2013 - 11:52

I wanted to surprise someone special with just the right gift on her 5th birthday. The size was just perfect for her and the space that was available.
At the last minute I decided to add drawers to contain all those girly things and am glad that I did. To finish it off I added pretty crystal knobs to really glam it up.
I also built the play table stool to complete the set.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35-50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Oak, semi-gloss poly, White semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/26/2013 - 12:48

So precious! Wish I had this type of set up when I was a teenager, let alone when I was five! LOL! Lucky girl!

BIGGER Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 11:52

Using Ana's Rustic X Coffee Table plans, I created a larger version at 60" by 33" - just as easy and perfect for my space! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane gel stain in Weathered Grey (single coat) and Varathane Triple Thick Varnish (two coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

King sized farmhouse bed

After numerous moves cross country, it was time for a new bed frame, so I was excited to find the time to try out the farmhouse king bed plans! I was lucky enough to get my hands on reclaimed lumber from an old dairy barn in the UP Michigan so that is what I used for the mountain design. I made the bed to plan, but replaced the headboard slats with the mosaic insert. I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out! 

Estimated Cost
$112
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Learning Tower

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/22/2023 - 16:27

I loved doing this project. Having the space so open on the top half made me a bit nervous, so I used some extra pieces to fill in the sides. It took me longer than 6h to complete; but I had fun while putting it together, so things worked out well. Now I can't stop thinking about what to do next!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 05/22/2023 - 19:47

Love the pink and love that you can't wait for your next project, it looks so great!

Doll Crib

I did it! Using your plans I made the doll crib. I had to improvise on the drawer as the drawer in the plans was to tall to go under the bed and I had already put it together before checking. Oh well. I also made the mattress, reversible blanket and 2 pillows for the bed. As this was my first woodworking project I am so proud of how well it turned out. Thank you Ana for this site. It is amazing and I am HOOKED.

Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, and "homemade" Pink. (Red and white mixed)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

reclaimed timber farmhouse table - first build

wanted a big table for christmas, this is over 8 foot, and we couldn't afford a table like that so having seen the site thought i'd try and build one. thanks for the plans absolutely great
first project, no real woodwork experience but competent diy-er

made mainly out of reclaimed wood, the top and side apron are made of old scaffold boards and the main brace a chunk of wood form my neighbours shed.

i did have to buy some 2x4s for the legs and the cross braces

sides painted and the top waxed, looks a bit patchy in the photos but the finish is good.

all in all cost about £70

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project