Community Brag Posts

Beach Chair

Submitted by Anna H on Tue, 06/21/2011 - 04:51

I knew I had to make this the first time I saw the plans! It was super easy to make, I will definitely be making more of these. :)
I used duck cloth for the sling and embroidered a nautical design on the front.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray primer, Rustoleum Painter's Touch-Semi-gloss White
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Fancy X Farmhouse Table and Benches

I LOVE my new patio table and benches. They came out great, and I hope they hold up for several years with the waterproofing stain I used.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Waterproofing Stain in semitransparent Navajo White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X beach beverage center

Submitted by one wolf on Tue, 09/08/2015 - 06:52

We used old dock wood for the surface of our X table for a nice beach house beverage center (sand bar!).  We adjusted the size to fit our space (a little longer and wider) and used additional studs for the shelves instead of 1" shelving, glued and PH/PS together.  To cut the X pieces I just held the 1x1 on the end of the table where it goes and marked the lines. Then I clamped a guide board at the correct angle on the table saw to make all the cuts, starting a bit long and shaving off until it just fit.  

 

With all the pocket holes and screws I wouldn't consider this a beginner project. Some additional steps and pictures in your description would help also.  End result is really nice.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Patina wood from an old dock for the surface and the base is painted flat gray.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Garden Bench

Submitted by Amras on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 07:31

Used the plans changed some dimensions a little bit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax wood stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Balustrade Coffee Table

Submitted by Pippa on Sun, 11/15/2015 - 11:39

This table was my first build. Once I learned how to use the Kreg Jig and my husband taught me how to use the table and miter saws, I have fallen in love with building furniture. Since building this table, I have built a twin bed, two farm tables, a bench, the kitchen island/rolling server table from Ana's book, and an awesome workbench with red racing wheels! This past weekend I finished my first custom order - an 8-foot Husky leg Farm table using Ana's plan. I now have orders for another balustrade coffee table and an end table using the matching legs from Osborne. THank you Ana! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
less than $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
An experimental mix of Minwax and Rustoleum stains - gray with expresso and special walnut rub. Minwax poly in matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Three story doll house

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/06/2019 - 13:53

I built this American girl doll house for my daughter. I wanted to give her something to keep her youth alive! 

Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Light grey paint for all the walls and ceiling. Classic grey stain by Minwax for the floors. I also added baseboards to all the rooms with some small trim I found in the window trim section at Home Depot.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tessa2009

Sun, 01/06/2019 - 21:46

Thanks Ana! This is her momma that built it for her. I wanted to tackle something on my own and challenge myself. Your plans were amazing to work with. Thanks for taking the time to make these plans so easy to understand and follow. She is very happy with the doll house! Happy New Year! -Abbey

Mudroom bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 17:16

Ana I came across your open bottom garage bench design and really liked the concept. Inspired by your design I put this together in our laundry/mudroom and am really pleased with the result. As you described, being able to clean under it is a huge benefit and the whole bench was less than $200 even with the solid oak boards I joined and edge routed for the top. Thanks for the inspiration and all of your project posts.

Comments

Window seat built in

Submitted by daliae on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 20:19

I made this two years ago in my daughter's room, before I got to know Ana's site. This was my ever first carpentry project. It took me 4 whole days to finish. The whole wall is like a bay wall so I had to custom make the built in. Also – I did that when my husband was out of town so in order for me to be able to lift all the pieces from the basement to the second floor, I made it of 4 pieces. When my husband came back home he thought I paid someone to built it.

I made it out of 2x4’s and plywood. I trimmed the bottom with a trim.

One day I will add drawers and the cushions are in the making.

Estimated Cost
100 $
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer and two coats of Valspar high gloos White Dove from Lowe's.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

nhoffer

Thu, 06/11/2015 - 20:20

Do you have more pics of the finished product...especially where it meets the angled wall? I don't have a table saw (yet) so I'm trying to figure out if I can handle this without one. :(

Modern Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Strong1233 on Sat, 02/23/2019 - 06:20

Made legs 16 inches to bring to height suitable for the mattress I had.  My first project ever using Kreg K5.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finish Penetrating Stain - Classic Gray 271
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Patio sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/24/2019 - 14:02

Went with regular cheap studs and extended the couch to make 4-across seating.  Probably should have used better wood because it was hard to find studs that were straight and not full of burrs and knotholes!  AND...studs are actually 1.5" x 3.5", so keep that in mind if you go that route when you're cutting from detailed plans because your dimensions will be off slightly.  Staining and adding spar urethane coat took the longest amount of time.  Cushions are 24" x 24" from Lowe's.  Wood = $80, Cushions = $180.  A little extra for screws and a few pieces of hardware.  This pic shows the couch without a back brace that I added later.  It's a beast, too!  After all that wood the couch probabaly weighs close to 150 pounds!     

Estimated Cost
$280
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Puritan Pine Wood Stain, Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde Side Table - Modified Plan

Submitted by 10todd on Sun, 11/06/2011 - 18:34

This was my very first project. I really like simple, rustic, boxy furniture. Modified the original Tryde side table plan to include additional supports near the bottom of each side. I will be sure to NOT use clear gloss poly on future projects. Way too shiny for my taste. It was leftover from some wood flooring that I refinished, so I took the cheap way out. Cut and assembled it in about 5 hours. The sanding, staining, finishing took me forever. I learned a lot though, and will probably cut that time in half next time.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut stain and clear gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Claudia

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 06:31

It looks beautiful, but if you want to tone down the gloss just sand with extra fine steel wool or sandpaper (400-600 grit). This will give it a satin (not semigloss) finish.

10todd

Mon, 11/07/2011 - 08:10

Thanks Claudia! Good tip, I'll try that. On future projects, I think I'll do a little more distressing and experiment with layering a couple different shades of stain, but overall, I'm happy with it and look forward to doing some more.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 12/28/2011 - 08:53

I love this! Where can I get the instructions?

Patio furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 22:55

Custom cedar patio furniture

Comments

Adirondack Table with modified top

Submitted by stacynabby on Mon, 12/19/2011 - 14:09

I used the design for the adirondack side table, but modified the top to have glass tiles. I just used a 12x12" sheet of glass tiles from the blue store to create the top. The wood is just clear poly. This is my Mom's Christmas present.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kristan (not verified)

Tue, 12/20/2011 - 14:19

AWESOME!!! I'm inspired by this to take your design and turn it into a mobile chess table!!! soooo pretty!!

keyetta

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 03:30

Hey i love your rendition of this table, would like to use the same rendition, only thing i cant figure out is what you did under the tiles, did you use plywood or places the tiles on top the regular wood pieces

claydowling

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 07:05

Plywood, particle board or MDF is what should be under the tiles, not solid wood. Better yet would be a plywood bottom with a thin cement board or hardibacker over it. If you put it over solid wood, expansion and contraction of the wood will pop the tiles loose over time, and probably sooner than you like to think about.

Rustic X Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/22/2019 - 14:09

I fell in love with this design right away, and rushed out to buy the wood. The build itself was super quick... 4-6 hours start to finish. Oxidizing the wood took a lot of trial and error... I was hoping for a more grey look like the plans showed, but I ended up with a richer brown. Still love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the oxidizing, strong tea followed by steel wool dissolved in vinegar, as described here: http://thefriendlyhome.blogspot.com/2012/05/oxidized-x-console.html

For the final finish, Vermont Natural Coatings Poly Whey Furniture Finish, Clear Satin Finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Back Yard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/15/2023 - 08:32

This is my homemade backyard inspired by plans from Ana. Used Ana's previous post to build all pieces. Stained in Mission Oak and bought pillows from Lowe's. Succulents from a local nursery.

Coffee Table
2 piece lounge
2 chairs
Ice chest
Planter Box

Comments

Modern Craft Table-Aqua

Submitted by beingbrook on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 15:16

Love the Modern Craft Table! It has lots of storage space and tons of workspace on top. We used pine for the shelves and plywood for the top and edged the top with pine.

There is a spot for two counter stools at the opposite ends of the table which is perfect to give kids their own spot to craft/color.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and Painted with Two coats of Behr's Woodwind Springs. Top has two coats of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:10

I love this table but I wonder how do you use it to sew with? or do you sew on this table?

beingbrook

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:24

I don't use this table to sew on. My craft room also has a sewing table that we built using the narrow farmhouse table plans. I use this to craft on and to cut fabric out.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

Lis West

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 17:32

You won't believe this...but today I was shopping for the wood to make the Modular Craft Table, but I did not buy the wood because I was trying to tweek the plans to change the "cubbies" and size. So, I came back to this sight and here is this craft table that would be much better. I want to make it table height rather than counter height so I can sit down and sew at it. I also want to be able to drop the back 12 inches of the table if I do not need it and so it will fit better in my room, wheels on the bottom to pull it out easily so I can extend the 12 inch table when needed. I love what you have done!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:36

You did a fantastic job on this project! Love the way it looks and the color!

Great job!

Ricci (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 07:00

I love this table, but I can't seem to find the directions to make it. Can you point me in the right direction to find it?

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:24

Is there a reason you can't sew on this (from what I gathered from a previous comment)? I want to build something for my wife's craft room and love this, but she will need to sew as well. Help?

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:32

Joe,

It would be hard to sew at this table because the table is counter height. You wouldn't be able to reach the foot peddle to run your sewing machine. You could alter the plans to fit a spot that could hold the peddle foot. I sew on a different table in my craft room and use this for cutting fabric and general crafts.

Brook

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 19:26

at one time I had my sewing machine in a spot that was counter height. I used a wood box to put the foot peddle on. One of anna's steep stool plans or the bathroom platform for kids plan might be good to build with this. It was also nice when I was sewing small pieces that needed lots of ironing to stand and sew at the counter.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 14:25

I have a modern sewing machine (within last 5 years) and I routinely sew at counter height with no problem. I prefer it because it really helps my back. I cannot wait to make this!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 22:36

Joe,
I think it would work to mount the foot pedal on the inside of the shelf area. She would use her lower outer thigh to depress the pedal while seated.

Angela Preimesberger (not verified)

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 07:47

I love this table! I'm with Brook and don't sew on mine. Height issue is easily worked around - main issue is usually back support. Sewing at a huge workstation tends to leave you feeling unsupported and sitting on a stool (I have a nice wide comfy one from Target) leaves your back unsupported so you usually slouch (bad! bad!). I sew at my smaller desk in a good supporting chair and use my table for everything else. I use this table for a true work area including cutting. I have an Accuquilt Studio and that sucker is HUGE and heavy!

Michele Crane (not verified)

Mon, 11/12/2012 - 11:22

I just talked my fiance' into building this for me to use as a desk. I need a desk for my work from home position where I can store everything as well as have a large area to spread things out. I loved this the moment I saw it and talked him into building it for me. Can't wait to post the pictures when it is finished.

bbawol

Wed, 12/12/2012 - 16:47

I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the chair from? It looks like it pairs very well with this table and I would love to get one for my wife for her table I just finished.

nkliegel66

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 16:15

My husband made this FABULOUS Craft Table for me last weekend, it turned out PERFECT! Thank you so much for posting this with such detailed directions....

What do you have in your galvanized pails? What do the labels say?

Thank you!

2x4 outdoor couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/13/2023 - 00:17

Love my outdoor couch. Easy to build and follow plans. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Bath cabinet, my FIRST project!

Submitted by kim french on Tue, 02/23/2016 - 13:10

After contacting two cabinetry carpenters to do this project for me,  I came upon Ana's plan for the Momplex. I made some adjustments for my home abd surprised myself. 

 

My motto "what's the worse that can happen? I have to call someone! "

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tinted kilz diluted with mineral spirits.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments