Community Brag Posts

Trestle Table

I was just about to sketchup this plan and Ana beat me to it! YEAH! I made two yesterday afternoon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I spent about $40 to build 2 and had a 1/2 sheet of plywood left over.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
none YET.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JenS (not verified)

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 11:51

So glad you built this. I totally have it on my to-do list. Looks great!

Corner Cupboard in Cottage White

Submitted by The Keys on Sun, 09/29/2013 - 18:20

We made this piece 7' tall rather than 6' tall so that it would go well in our dining room, leaving the cabinet doors the same height but adjusting the upper shelves to fit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint and primer that we also used on the trim throughout our house.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Herringbone Table

Submitted by newtoit on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 11:58

This was a project I had been dying to try out as a way to challenge myself. I wanted to make a herringbone pattern on a table top. I built the legs around the Bois Rouge Saint Paul Table plans. The hardest part was milling on the wood and making it the same width and size but once I had all my pieces the process went pretty smoothly. The funy thing is I did not build this piece for anyone specific and now I have this beautiful table that is sitting unused in my garage. The next step is to sell it!! wink

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300-$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Waterlox Original Sealer/Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Play Kitchen

Submitted by kld182 on Tue, 09/20/2011 - 12:31

I spent lots of time looking at all the photos posted on this site of people's amazing renditions of "Grace's Play Kitchen." I was so inspired by everyone's creativity! I found an old wooden play stove at a flea market and decided to make a matching sink. I took Ana's plans to the carpenter at the wood shop on the military base where I am stationed and asked if he could help me build a matching piece. We spent about 4 hours one Saturday building the sink. The carpenter had so much fun helping me, he suggested I build a matching refrigerator. So that was created in another couple hours the following Saturday. I did as much of the building as I could, but definitely had some help from the carpenter as I'm a novice. (Thanks, John!) I made the curtain and matching towels, but found the apron and chef's hat on Etsy. (Thanks, "SweetApronzNCupcakes"!). The play kitchen is in my kitchen, so my two year old daughter can pretend play while I'm working on meal preparation. Thanks again, Ana and all the creative folks who contributed ideas! I foresee many hours of play enjoyed by this play kitchen, and hope it can be passed on to future generations!

Estimated Cost
$150 (this is a rough estimate, everything purchased was in Euro and the exchange rate stinks!)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
water based acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Benchwright Console

Made this for my lovely friends Melissa and Lance and their adorable little boy Rylin.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I think about $100 or less
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the edges with vinegar & steel wool, 1 coat of Minwax Special Walnut, 1 coat Minwax weathered Oak, Random rub n buff spots of Minwax Dark Walnut, distressed with a dirtbike chain, hammer and a 1x2 with 6 nail tips poking through, hit the peice all over with those objects to create wormholes and random distressed markings
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Abstract geometric feature wall!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/12/2019 - 20:34

Super easy weekend project! 

I Decided to paint a feature wall in my kitchen! I’m really into geometric shapes right now and the next few projects I have planned will reflect this. 

I used some skinny tape to mark my lines and then put yellow frog tape on each side of the skinny tape and then removed the thin tape in the middle that was marking my straight line, this way my lines were all the same thickness and it was a really easy way to make sure I liked my line placement. I tried to make sure i had no two lines parallel with each other so that my pattern looked random and abstract. To limit the gold paint from bleeding and make certain my lines would be as crisp as possible I did a first coat with navy (same as wall color) over the taped lines- this kinda seals up the edges of the tape with the wall. Taping my lines was the most tedious part of this project but once they were on, it was as easy as waiting for coats of paint to dry. And I love the finished product! Really adds a POP to our kitchen! 

Check out the project on my Instagram, I will be posting some process photos and videos soon. @halfwayhandy

 

 

 

Estimated Cost
$40 ( depends on wall size, my wall was very small)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gold- metallic tones/ guilded gold

Navy - blue-grey slate

From Home Depot
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Photo Ledge from $10 ledges, slightly modified

Submitted by sshelby on Tue, 09/27/2011 - 06:47

8 foot long photo ledge inspired by $10 ledges project plan, http://ana-white.com/2010/10/ten-dollar-ledges.html

I used a 1x4, 1x3, and a 1x2 and added some crown molding to the bottom for a little something extra.

Estimated Cost
$15 in lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclaimed Pine and Poplar

Submitted by Richard714 on Thu, 10/03/2013 - 07:43

My friend saw the Gaby Kitchen Island that I posted on FB and asked me to make a wine display for him. I immediately went to Anna's site to look for a design. Added LED lights from IKEA.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cabinet

Submitted by AndyH on Wed, 12/23/2015 - 16:33

Cabinet with adjustable shelf. Finished in an antique white effect. Gave it a coat of Grey stain first then painted with two coats of white sanding back after each coat. Top was stained Walnut and then painted grey and sanded back to show some of the walnut stain and the grain through. I left the inside natural color for contrast rather than having it all white .

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gave it a coat of Rustoleum Weathered Grey and painted with two coats of white sanding back after each coat.

Top was stained Minwax Walnut and then painted grey and sanded back to show some of the walnut stain and the grain through.

I left the inside natural color for contrast rather than having it all white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Caged Golf Ball Puzzle

Submitted by mtairymd on Mon, 02/18/2019 - 14:17

This was a fun little project to make. The golf ball is trapped inside the 12 piece burr puzzle. As with all burr puzzles, there is a trick to solving it.

Build Instructions/Dimensions: https://www.instructables.com/id/Caged-Golf-Ball-Puzzle/

Video of Build: https://youtu.be/gcdd7ZAYNTo

Solution: https://youtu.be/IjHByz2_xMk

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen play set

Submitted by amym on Sun, 10/02/2011 - 12:13

I made this for my daughter for Christmas last year. Well, actually Santa did, or at least that's what she tells people. I had one of the big companies cut the lumber for me, but a few boards were cut incorrectly. I live about 25 minutes from a local hardware store and needed to have them re-cut. Luckily for me, my father-in-law is handy and he brought out his circular saw and helped me even out my boards. Then, for Christmas I got a gift too - a table saw.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a tip from Ana and looked to the OOPS section at Home Depot. I had this color matched with a swatch, it didn't come out quite the color I intended, but I am happy with it. Its a little difficult to see in the picture, but the finish is quite flat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Red library cart

Submitted by Nomads on Sun, 10/06/2013 - 10:59

I've been eyeing the Land of Nod library cart for months!
...However, I wasn't sure about the price tag, so I started researching how to make it myself.
This is our first of many projects!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Standing Parson Tower Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/27/2015 - 11:08

I loved the simplicity and shelving of the Parson Tower desk plans but I really wanted a standing work station. I made it taller (approx. 40 in tall) and I made the desktop longer and wider (approx. 72 x 24in) and I LOVE it! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Farm Table

My mom and o completed this weekend project together! It was so fun to complete! The table is customized to 7ft and the benches made smaller than the original plans so they slide under the table when we’re not using it. We made it for our homeschool room. The kids are excited for this space already and we all have the room we need to get our work done! Under $200 start to finish! I used a prestain to prep the wood and then stained with watco danish oil in a natural finish.

Comments

Farmhouse Table - Thanks Ana!!

I tackled the Farmhouse Table over a long weekend while my boyfriend was away - he was surprised needless to say!
I have not attempted any woodwork projects since grade 8, but this was alot of fun - I did not find it very difficult and loove using power tools :)
I made the matching bench, however I guess I did not stir the bottom of the can well enough and my bench is now red :/ soo I am going to either stain it dark or paint it white and use it as a mudroom seat!

*I also made mine shorter - 7ft long to fit in our dining room and adjusted the bench to fit.

Estimated Cost
$160 for table & bench inc. wood, screws, stain, sand paper
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded it until I was pretty sure the risk of splinters was eliminated. After pre-stain conditioner, it got a coat of Minwax 'Ipswitch Pine'. The result was perfect on the table (two coats), however I must not have stirred the can well enough as my bench turned out dark red :/ I wanted it to look like it's 100 years old.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Maggie Jaye

Fri, 10/07/2011 - 17:15

Thank you so much Ana! We are in the process of renovating our house and your website has inspired me to take on so many more projects now!! :)

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sat, 10/08/2011 - 19:46

I love your choice of stain - it is beautiful!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 11/02/2011 - 04:52

I built a similar table and I am having problems with my kids getting food in between the pieces of wood. Do you have this same problem, is anyone having this same problem? Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to fix it, how to keep food and other particles from getting trapped between the cracks? Thanks! You did a great job!!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 11/23/2011 - 15:00

I am building this table as we speak. The thought occurred to me as well concerning the cracks attracting crumbs. I believe using clamps to make the fit as tight as possible will help. Also some poly finishes may be appropriate with children which may even seal the cracks... if sanded and clamped well.

Maggie Jaye

Wed, 11/23/2011 - 15:11

I did try my best to clamp the wood together as tight as possible - due to the pieces of wood not being completely straight, they are there.

I haven't had this problem yet. I do use place mats when eating at the table, that generally stops any crumbs etc.That's probably the easiest way to avoid it :)

Thank you for your comments!

Handmade by horseminded

Only change to original plan was width of top.  Used 2  2x6 boards with 2x8 for middle board instead of 3 2x6 boards. One note: deck or porch spindles are less than 2 inches and will not fit tightly against the shelf boards. .Cut the lengths form 8ft 2x2 and sand smooth.

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Weathered Oak stain with 3 top coats of waterbased Polycrylic, semigloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Pswag on Tue, 10/11/2011 - 14:08

Modified the bed so that is was not as tall as the original project plan. We also changed the molding on the top to a 2x4 with a angle cut and then a 1x4 on top. The bed can only be positioned one way in the room and we didn't want to cover the window with a real high head board. Thank you Ana! You rock!!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used Cabot Red Oak stain and sprayed with Polyurethane clear gloss spray.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner