I've seen this project floating around for quite a while, and I knew immediately that I wanted to make this for my 15 month old niece. I used clear pine for this project, to minimize knotting and breaking. That said, the lumber was more expensive than the original plans called for. I think the total cost, including polyurethane for the finish ran around $50. The construction was fairly straightforward, and took a few afternoons to complete. Two changes to the instructions that I made, were to countersink my screws, rather than use pocket screws, and then to finish with wood plugs. I chose not to make the hinged version, as I was a little uneasy about little fingers near the hinged points. All in all, this was a wonderful project and made a fantastic Christmas present. My Grannie is a master carpenter, and this was a great project to work together on. I'm planning on making one for my own children when I become a momma.
