Community Brag Posts

I modified the Rustic X plans by removing the X's on the sides and using 1x3in slats on the shelf.  They were made for a beach condo so I wanted a more open look.  I wanted a white washed finish and after trying several ideas from the internet I came up with this process:  First, I used rags to rub on Minwax Special Walnut stain as lightly as I could.  Second, I diluted latex satin white paint, at least 50-50, and brushed it on a small area and immediately wiped it off with a clean rag.  I used Minwax Polycrylic as my protective layer.

We opted to make this a regular easel (no chalkboard) and just used a sheet of paneling as the background. It's perfect, our toddler loves it. Thanks Ana!

This is my first project ever built. I can't thank you enough for this site. I already have several other projects I want to build around the house because of this site. Thank you so much!

My wife loved the x-pattern of the eatherly sofa and also wants an L couch for our deck. Still have to sand and paint but that is her job :)

My kids needed a step stool and I had some scrap wood (2x10) left over from a previous project

I really wanted a built in unit for toy storage for our kids toy room but truth be told couldn't afford what I wanted ie pretty and solid. So while searching on refinishing furniture I came across this site. Thanks a bunch Ana. You've inspired me to create things I didn't think possible, all on a modest budget - diy. This was my first woodworking project. It was actually easy to me because it follows the same principles as sewing in which the depth of the wood is like the seam allowance. I really liked the 6 cubby plan but wanted it horizontal. I had to replan this piece as the plan dimensions changed when I changed the orientation of it. I also added crown moulding (but this was kind of a ledger style that rested ontop of the 1x2 - they use it as a door headers). I initially intended to paint this white but decided that it would have got lost in the white wood panelling. (DH even commented that i was taking way to long on this project but after seeing the finished results said it looked amazing.) So I painted it a grey blue, distressed the edges and then used a stain that I bought from benjamin moore's mis-tint section for $5.00 which says it's a danish walnut based but seems to have a slight purple huge to it. thanks again Ana, its because of you I don't have to stare at a messy toyroom any longer!

This was really my first build and it stemmed from not being able to find the kind of beds I wanted for my girls. My brother helped me cut the wood and assemble the first one and my husband and I did the second together. It was so rewarding to make them and I love how they turned out! You can store so much and they are sturdy pieces. My girls love them too. (bedding is from Pottery Barn) I would stay this is a beginner's project. You don't need any specialized tools. it was a lot of fun and now I'm it itching to buy a Kreg Jig so I can complete many more projects!

I built a couple benches to go with the reclaimed wood farm table I recently built. They are made out of hard to find 2″ reclaimed rough sawn lumber. The benches would also make a great coffee table or side table. Each bench is 36″ long and 18″ tall and 9″ deep.