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I teach construction at Plymouth High School. This was our first project of the year. The students did the majority of the work with my guidance. I had started the year with the intent to build sheds, but that requires groups of 4. The chicken coop allowed us to work with groups of 2. We only have 50 minutes each period to work, so it took us about 5 weeks to complete spread over 4 classes. Some of the wood was scrap that we had on hand. We cut a lot of it down to size from 2x10s. The roof was scrap metal roofing that we found in a recycling container. There were no trim pieces so we had to be creative and make our own ridge cap. I decided we would add the finials to give it more visual appeal. We took some liberties with decorating because I like to add extra flair - and I have access to a laser and CNC router. We used the plans that Ana developed for Lady Goats. https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/small-chicken-coop-plant…

I loved the AG Doll House plans you designed and when my granddaughters asked me to make one for them.... how could I resist. Unfortunately my 7' basement ceiling and steps created a challenge. As a 72 year old female, there was no way I could man-handle a 6' x 4' x 2' - 3/4" plywood project in addition to the challenges of my work space. I was not going to disappoint my granddaughters so I had to come up with a plan. Instead of making the doll house in one piece, I decided to make it as 3 individual boxes (the floors) and stack them on top of each other. Not only would I be able to handle them mostly by myself, but I would be able to work around the low ceiling and transport them up the steps. With only a few modifications to the original plans, I believe I came up with a workable solution.

Instead of the sides resting on top of the doll house floor, I extended the sides 3/4" longer to run past the floor for more stability. I also used 1x 2s to frame the inside at the top of each unit for more support and to help in keeping the box square. This may not have been necessary, but I just wanted to make sure it would be sturdy. The main change to the original plan was to add 1" x 3" routed trim to the outside top of each box having it extend 3/4" above the sides. This created a pocket that allowed the next floor to nestle in place and protect it from sliding off in case any little ones decided to climb on it. I also made a 2 car (30" x 30" x 24") detached garage for the AG vehicles. I did fill the holes, plugs, and errors with wood putty, sand numerous times, prime and paint. It was a real help to add some of the paint to the primer because plywood really soaks it up. I think this kept us from having to paint a 3rd coat. The floor was painted a med dark brown, but wiped with the grain before it dried to give a wood grain look.

I finished it in time for the birthday party even though it took 3 vehicles to transport it to the destination. It was a joy to see their faces when it was unveiled and to watch them climb on it of course.

This plan turned out perfect!! Such a great idea, thank you for the inspiration!

I started this backyard project at the beginning of the Pandemic. I used Ana’s plans for the Adirondacks and the picnic table and the bench.

Thanks for your ideas ams inspiration!!!!

Sincerely
Spencer Friedlander

This was a simple yet very time consuming building. Lots of pieces and lots of sanding. I am really pleased with how it turned out. I stained the edges of all the 1 x 4's prior to assembly just to make things easier. I also increased the sides of the chair from 24" to 26" and set the seat height to 18" to match the bench.

Planters from Easy Build DIY Planter Box. Some modifications, but essentially direct from the plans. I used redwood fence pickets for the slats, finished the frame with an "ancient oak" stain and the faces with spar varnish diluted with paint thinner.

This great plan!! Thx Ana!

This is a bit larger than Ana’s plan. I added additional support to the table top and added a braced opening for the umbrella. I also went for a more rounded finish by rounding all the corners of the table and benches with my jigsaw and then sanding to create smooth curves.

Farmhouse table

New house equals room for all the junk. Built this off the Garage Storage Shelves plan for our basement storage area. Leveraging the existing exposed studs made it a bit easier. Made these 48" deep to accommodate the big bins with all the holiday decorations. I added another along side, but made it 24" depth...one more yet to go. The wife can't throw anything away!