Community Brag Posts

My son's sling chair

Submitted by deanna_g on Tue, 06/21/2011 - 17:07

So, my three-year-old son was super jealous that I spent some time and made my friend a sling chair for her birthday. He kept saying, "Mommy, I want you to make ME a chair!" So I did! Oh my word, was this EVER easy!!!! I super duper LOVE this chair! I bought some canvas fabric at Walmart for $2.50 a yard (clearance) and the wood (furring strips) cost me about $8. So less than $10 a chair. I couldn't be more thrilled! And he's in love with his chair, too! He wouldn't even let me take it out of the garage before trying it out....see picture of my adorable toddler in his jammies below. (-: This chair took me about 45 minutes to cut and assemble. I spray painted it white and only did one coat to give it a white washed look.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Krylon Outdoor Spray Paint - White
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Laundry Dresser

Submitted by biffnderf on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 23:08

We had a very limited area for these to fit, so my hubby had to change the dimensions to fit these square baskets. We needed enough spots for our family of 10! I LOVE THEM, thanks; Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 14:53

We are going to have to turn the baskets the same way due to the space in out laundry room. Do you happen to remember the dimensions of them? Thanks.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 07:08

Do you have the dimensions for the square baskets? These would work much better in my home.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 16:42

We did something similar when our family was 8 (6 foster children). We bought 4 baskets (2 people per room) and then just had them on regular shelves. I LOVE the look of these! Unfortunately baskets give out over time and I can't ever seem to find baskets that once again are the same size as previous baskets. Did you order the baskets on-line someplace that you can consistenly get the same size for when the baskets wear out?

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 12:35

I have all the same laundry baskets that I bought at wal mart for like 3 or 4 bucks a piece. I would think that just meausring out the size according to the laundry baskets would work out fine! they have never stopped selling the ones that I buy, i find them at every wal mart I go to

Lindy Holcomb (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 06:05

I would love the Dimensions for this shelf.

Lindy Holcomb (not verified)

Fri, 03/02/2012 - 06:19

I would love the Dimensions on this shelf.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 05:13

Seriously? $50 for these plans. Get real. Fine woodworking plans don't cost this much. Take some wood, make a box, and put slats in it to fit the baskets. The entire set wouldn't cost $50!

davidmac (not verified)

Thu, 03/08/2012 - 06:18

The plans are free. The build costs $50. See the plans on the link above the cost.

christine (not verified)

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 20:54

once again can anyone please give the measurements for this square basket design and the basket model number as well. i am very challenged when it comes to building things, but with the idea of home depot doing the cutting i think i could manage if i had the measurements. i need the square size to work for my space though. thanks in advance.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 04/01/2012 - 09:18

I have tried clicking on the link above the cost to get the Plans...however it brings me back to the ORIGINAL Plan rather than YOUR plan (skinnier and taller)...Im sorry if I am being dense but I would really love to get the dimensions of YOUR plan but am having trouble accessing them?? Help please!!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 23:27

Where it says PS there is a link to the other dimensions.

Cari Downing (not verified)

Fri, 04/20/2012 - 14:05

If you use the large wire baskets made by elfa they would not break like the plastic. The initial investment would be more but would save money over time.

Sonya Chapin

Tue, 07/24/2012 - 04:34

Easy and awesome! My teenage children and I made these over the week-end! Super easy and great looking! Our first project was the laundry pedestal and these are a great compliment. We let Home Depot cut the wood due to time restraints and assembly was a snap! Thanks for the great family projects. My husband passed away in April and these projects have really helped us in the healing process (excellent for constructive bonding time).! Thanks again

Modified Shanty2Chic Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser

Submitted by gusnoll on Wed, 08/07/2013 - 21:47

I modified Whitney's (Shanty2Chic) Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser slightly because I didn't want to have mine on wheels. Other than that, I basically followed her plans and advice! I used Maple plywood with poplar boards. With a dark stain they are a good match. I did use 3/4 maple plywood for the dresser drawers instead of 1x8" boards to save money. My wife is happy and my boys love their new dresser--that's all that matters!

Thanks, Anna, for this great site!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3 coats of Early American Stain & 2 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adam Colburn

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 06:07

Really love how this came out! How big are those legs? I'm thinking of copying this design for my new place!

In reply to by Adam Colburn

gusnoll

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 20:23

Thanks, Adam. The legs are 3x3 poplar you can get a piece at lowes or home depot (can't remember which) but they are actually 3 1x3s glued together but you'd never know it. Anyways, they are 3 1/2" tall and I put an additional piece of my 2x2s underneath to support them, then the strip of 1x2 between the legs on the side that are pockethole screwed into them as well--this is where the true strength comes in.
good luck!

thogg4

Sun, 03/09/2014 - 06:28

Do you have a photo of the underside where the legs attach?

Stratton Daybed Knock Off Project

We followed Ana's detailed plans for the Stratton Daybed from her book and her blog. We appreciate the help!

We made this for our twin nursery, so that I could have a place to feed, sleep and read to the babies. It is much more comfortable than having to squeeze myself and two babies into a single chair.

It took us a few days because we work and have a three year old. We decided to paint the inside of the storage spaces underneath to go along with the rest of the room.

Estimated Cost
$380
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage shelves

Submitted by Joy on Sat, 09/08/2018 - 18:12

Designed to store 56 qt clear sterilite totes. Spaced 17” apart and used 5 2x4s so 23” deep. We have a lip of our foundation that sticks out so we had to adjust for the difference in leg heights. 

Estimated Cost
Lumber was $8.25 per board (2x4x16) and we used 32. 3 boxes of screws. 2 1/2 for the frame, 2” for screwing down the shelves and 3 1/2 to screw into the wall studs.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Drop Down Hutch Desk

Submitted by danicarby on Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:05

I designed this desk and created a building plan using Google Sketchup. It has 2 file drawers, 2 smaller drawers, 2 large adjustable shelves and a pullout shelf in the bottom, 4 small adjustable shelves on the top and a large space for a computer monitor. The large door drops open for a large work space. When you're done, put the door up and you have a beautiful piece of furniture!

I consider myself an advanced-beginner when it comes to building. I have just enough knowledge to get me by. If you have time, patience and the right tools you can build this too! It took me 10 days to build, working as much as my kids would allow.

It took me countless hours to perfect the building plan - probably just as much work to design it as it was to build it :)

I really scrounged around to build this desk. I used a large beam my friend cut up into 2x2's for the main posts/legs, pine furring strips for the side boards and around the top for moulding (lots of scraps I already had), 3/4" plywood for the inside dividers/panels & desktop, 1/2" plywood for the drawer boxes, drop-down door & top, 1/4" plywood for drawer bottoms & backing-board. I used 3/4" pine boards for the drawer faces and small doors on the bottom. I used drawer slides from an old dresser I found by our dumpster and vintage knobs I bought online. The other black hardware (hinges, pull handle, and clasps for door) I bought from a big box store and is categorized as gate hardware.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did one coat of Mixwax Whitewash Pickling on the main desk frame and doors. Be careful because it dries fast and you need to do sections and wipe off every minute (especially on plywood). I did Minwax Jacobean Stain on the shelves, drawer boxes and inside parts of the top/back panels. I used Minwax Polycrylic* for all visible surfaces. I sanded with 220 in between all layers.

*After using the desk for a year I wish I would have used a more durable/lasting clearcoat. The Minwax Polycrylic stained very easily (my kids love drawing on things with Crayola markers & pens) and was hard to wipe off and make it look clean. Invest in a nice clearcoat.. you won't regret it (try Ceramithane)!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 15:33

Beautiful and unique build. Just a shame you are in a sense advertising it to sell on a site that offers plans free.

Joni

Sat, 08/31/2013 - 08:22

Your attention to detail is amazing! I see that every little detail matters to you, right down to the stain selection for the interior. This is a beautiful design. I only wish I had a place to use it so I could make it!

Walnut C-tables

Submitted by SaraLodise on Wed, 10/14/2015 - 06:02

Final pieces for my walnut living room set.  C-shaped end tables that fit perfectly over the arms of the couches. They aren't large. Just enough to perch a glass of wine or snack plate when relaxing at the end of the day.

Estimated Cost
about $50 in walnut lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 - 4 coats of Waterlox Original
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Sizes from One Set of Plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 19:45

We followed Ana's plans for the large project bench. We altered the plans to make a bench for our compound miter saw with the saw platform level with the project bench.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cedar potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/02/2022 - 06:10

Cedar 4x4 and 2x4 frame, cedar fence wickets for the rest. Added - built around- a plastic planter box from big box store. Untreated, but good for covered outdoor area I think.

Comments

Easy Heavy Duty Sawhorses

I build these from the plan for Heavy Duty Sawhorses. I preferred these for the thickness to match my butcher block desktop. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Navy Blue paint applied with roller and brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Laundry Pedestals

Submitted by stressure on Sat, 09/10/2011 - 23:01

Washer/Dryer/Shoe Rack Pedestal Project. Modified with additional base cap moulding for the front.

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

My Golf Getaway Cottage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/24/2023 - 05:31

While my vacation property was being built I got hooked on Ana’s plans. Farm table, followed by coffee and end tables and finally a fabulous pub table.

Can’t wait to entertain.

Comments

Overhead Garage Storage

This project was born out of desperation for some way to organize our garage. It is not difficult to build, and it went pretty quickly with two of us. It probably didn't take more than four hours tops for each section. I've seen the prices for garage storage components and some of them are staggering! We have removed a tall chrome shelf, and moved a ton of stuff onto these shelves, creating a hundred square feet of floor space! And for only $25! Come on over and check it out on my blog! Val

Estimated Cost
$25 per 8 foot section
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint we had left over from various projects.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Oudoor sofa and coffee table

Thank you thank Ana for this awesome plan. It took me a week to transform the ruff cedar into beautiful 2x4. We use the kreg jig everywhere we could so the holes would be hidden, and black deck screws, and I couldn't wait for the cushions to share :) we added the extra pieces at the back and armrests. We used 12 boards 2x4x8 and no waste as we changed the measurements of 24" instead of 25.5 and height at 11" for the seat. One regret I used Thompson water sealer... we live in Florida and I am planning on leaving it outdoor.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thomson water sealer clear
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ssbme7

Sun, 06/05/2016 - 18:07

I love love love this! What size are your cushions? Did you buy them or make them?

In reply to by Ssbme7

Lila Archer

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 18:32

I made them ;) bought the foam on Amazon 72x24x6 (I wished I bought 5 inches high instead) and the fabric I found in a discount fabric store , sumbrella fabric for $12.00 a yard!!! And cut all the cushion seats 24x24 and the back pillows I copied the pottery barn lumbar pillow size, I believe it was 26x18 razor age . 

In reply to by Ssbme7

Lila Archer

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 18:34

I made them ;) bought the foam on Amazon 72x24x6 (I wished I bought 5 inches high instead) and the fabric I found in a discount fabric store , sumbrella fabric for $12.00 a yard!!! And cut all the cushion seats 24x24 and the back pillows I copied the pottery barn lumbar pillow size, I believe it was 26x18 razor age . 

In reply to by Ssbme7

Lila Archer

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 18:41

I made them ;) bought the foam on Amazon 72x24x6 (I wished I bought 5 inches high instead) and the fabric I found in a discount fabric store , sumbrella fabric for $12.00 a yard!!! And cut all the cushion seats 24x24 and the back pillows I copied the pottery barn lumbar pillow size, I believe it was 26x18 razor age . 

Lila Archer

Thu, 06/09/2016 - 18:37

I made them ;) bought the foam on Amazon 72x24x6 (I wished I bought 5 inches high instead) and the fabric I found in a discount fabric store , sumbrella fabric for $12.00 a yard!!! And cut all the cushion seats 24x24 and the back pillows I copied the pottery barn lumbar pillow size, I believe it was 26x18 razor age . 

Mudroom bench with easy drawers

Submitted by barben1976 on Mon, 06/10/2019 - 13:17

Not as easy at it seems... but also, this was one of my very first woodworking projects.

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

Comments

Little Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by JamieLynn on Fri, 07/19/2019 - 12:44

This was a really fun build. The bottom side boards were put on the outside instead of the inside (this was an accident) but it still seems very sturdy. Perfect for 2-5 years old.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X brace console table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/21/2023 - 07:31

Built this from Ana White plans. Love how it looks in our four season room.

Comments

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by gahan22 on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 10:36

This was our first ana white build. Bed build took one Saturday - to finish up took another week or so working nights - most of our time spent on getting the color we wanted and sanding and finishing. Building the 2x4 frame took more time than anticipated as well. We are super happy with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$250 for lumber, stain and lumber for bed frame. We used lag screws on the side and 2x4 hangers for the frame which increased costs.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stain is two coats minwax dark mahogany plus classic grey over the top - wiped off and finished with minwax satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project