Community Brag Posts

This is my second project. I based it on the "simple easy storage bench". I made this for my wife, she requested an entryway bench as you enter the house from the garage. I'm glad I was able to finish it just in time for Mother's Day :).

I learned a lot by doing this project (e.g. hiding nails, wood fillers, warped wood, sanding, to name a few). There's still a lot of things to learn, I'm hoping to be able to practice more.

Small computer desk built for mom. Was not built from a plan.

This was my first woodworking project. Thank you Ana for providing the plan and making it easier for me.

I really liked the plans and did not change from them too much. The top is pine 2 X 4's and color is bluish grey minwax stain aged barrel.

Perry

This was our first project! We built it exactly like the plans. We finished it with a clear satin poly and we are thrilled with the results. Next we plan to paint the room.

I love building my own wood furniture so that I can have beautiful pieces of furniture in my home while saving money! And while this project definitely cost more than the others I have done, I am so glad I splurged on the table legs. They ran me about $260 after tax and shipping costs, but I really think they give the table that extra OOMF! So a total of about $300 is nothing compared to a price tag at Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware!

I chose this stain because I really wanted something to contrast with our dark leather couch and white dining chairs and this stain was even more perfect than what I expected it to be.

I made the sectional from pallet wood

Needed extra wood for legs to be stable. I made these under the house, and unfortunately had to take apart to get out! luckily  i used screws.

I made to measure after getting the outdoor cushions first.

Taught me heaps

Still needs a finish but I couldnt wait to share.

Danny

This was my first project off of Ana's site. I followed her simple sawhorse table plans verbatim. The only thing different I did was use a self-made chalkboard paint for the top (instructions under the finish section) and added screws to the left side to mount my power strip with (easy on and off for everything on the bench). I made the top a chalkboard top so that I could write notes on the table and mark measurements for various projects. Costs were $30 for wood (some leftover), $8 for paint, $2 for screws, and $5 for surge protected power strip. If you have any other questions please let me know.

So we had our grandchild Emily needing a play table and chairs, a limited budget, an old play table but no chairs! Ana White to the rescue! We made 4 chairs and painted them and the table to match. As you can see Emily has made lots of new friends over tea! 

Our very first project! We absolutely love how it looks and that there's an easy way for our kids to sort their laundry. Can't wait to start more projects! You can see how we built it here http://addicted2diy.com/2014/01/14/diy-laundry-pedestal/

My 11 year old son made this library cart for our homeschool books. He followed Ana's plans with a few changes on dimensions. I love how it turned out, and it is a perfect addition to our school room. We kept the cost low by using some wood and paint that we already had.

We have 3 (almost) teenage boys and needed the storage of the Brookstone bed for their sport gear, etc. I built 2 of them and my 15 year old built his. I can't get over how easy they were to build! This was the first building project I ever made and they turned out beautifully! The headboard took about 2 hours to build and the bed about 5 hours. I was pretty slow though, checking and double checking measurements, glueing and clamping like crazy, being careful not to rush. Still, 7 hours to make the bed and a couple hours to paint, not a bad days work! The lumber cost $144/each so we were happy with the cost of the beds. I would highly recommend furniture movers underneath them. I used 4 huge ones under the ends of the 2x2 supports and small squares under the legs/headboard. They move so easily with them! Thanks, Ana, for a great plan!! We are so thankful and love our new beds!!

Built this to replace a cheap picnic table that I had bought. The table is solid and a great first project for me Pops. The grandkids will enjoy this one and Gammy has me already building #2 table. Thank you for the plans and your expertise.

I have a friend who makes beautiful quilts. She's been doing this by sitting on the floor to cut her fabric and plopping her sewing machine on a wobbly folding table. When she decided to turn her guest room into a dual purpose sewing/guest room she asked me to build her something that would fit into a niche under her dormer window.
The built in table has two large drawers for sewing notions and is supported at the back by a shelving unit with adjustable shelves. She plans to store items that she seldom uses here. They will be accessible, but out of the way and barely visible when she has guests using her room.
I suggested that I also build Anna's sewing table for small spaces so that she use that as a night stand when not in use as a cutting table.
I usually don't finish projects I build for others - I'm just not good at it! But, my friend asked me to put a finish on it. She picked out the Minwax polyshades product, and I have to tell you that it was a nightmare! (You can read about that here: http://thewidowsworkshop.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-learned-again.html)
I ended up using a stripping product to remove that finish. The final finish, just a stain and rub on poly, turned out beautifully!
Installation was also a challenge, but using brute force - and a hammer! - I was able to fit it between those very out-of-square walls!
She's happy, I'm happy to be done!