Community Brag Posts

This was my first ever attempt at making something real out of wood. I've only made some really basic floating coat hangars and docorative rustic pieces to set around peoples houses and a spice rack. I really wanted more of a challenge and this was a perfect place to start. I had to purchase the Kreg Jig and a couple of large clamps but once I got the hang of drilling and filling pocket holes it was smooth sailing. 

The Mrs then finished it off with some lovely rustic baskets and a serving tray with all the latest Southern Living magazines.

We adapted these plans to build our tree house, I hope it's not too much of a stretch for brag posts! Every kid seems to have two wishes: a fort or tree house and a secret passage way. Or is it just my kids? Turns out we live in the desert and trees are hard to come by. Our solution? Build a tree house in the house. Why not!? Our magic tree house is well used and well loved. This is one of those projects that simmered and in my mind trying to think of the perfect way to build the thing. The stuff our parents built and played in was a hodge podge of left over wood and their own creations, crooked construction and messy paint. So, I set the perfect aside and dove in. The only things our tree house really needs to be is safe and fun. Most families try to find indoor activities for the winter, but in the desert it is so blazing hot we need indoor retreats in the summer. This tree house is the solution a gagillion times over! Thank you Ana!

I worked with a local charity group in my area as well as Home Depot, who donated the wood to make a set of bunk beds for a family in need who all shared a room.  It was great to help them out and the kiddos were super stoaked to have bunk beds and something special they could call their own!

Here are two table pedestal bases I made for a friend.  These are made from standard 2x8s (I could have used 2x6s, but I wanted enough extra to cut off the rounded corners), 1x6s and 1x3s.

More pictures are available on our blog here: http://famousartisan.com/hand-made-table-pedestal-bases/

My first build! I tore apart two old pallets to get the surface boards for the table. The skirting is 1 x 6's from the hardware store. I need larger casters but am saving up for the real vintage ones.

This is the second farmhouse table that we have built but we modified it to fit the needs of our "clients" (my parents). This was a gift for my dad made to be an outdoor prep table/kitchen island. This was the project that would NEVER END! We built it originally and decided that it was just too tall. So, we shortened the legs, put it back together, finished it, loaded it and then SMASH! the darn thing flew out of the back of our truck! So we re-pocket holed, did our best to fix the table top and put it back together once again. We built this thing 3 times! But now it is happily home on my parent's patio and enjoying its new life.

Finish: Driftwood stain, lime wax, miniwax finishing paste wax.

Cost: $15 Most everything was scrap we only had to buy a 2x4 and a 4x4 for the legs.

Cushions are from Pier 1; Seat 25" by 25" by 4"; Back cushions 25" by 18". You can't make your own for less than end-of-season sale prices. Trust me, I tried. Foam is expensive. 

About the plans: I did add a second back support because I turned the slat flat for a more comfortable back seat.  

Princess loft bed

This was a fun, easy and inexpensive project. Ana's instructions are very easy to follow. I modified her plan, only slightly, by adding 1X6 to the arms of the chairs, as well, I added a 1X2 cap to the top back of the chair. I also built four (4) accent tables (not stained yet) and a bench. Now I have a great set of outdoor furniture for my deck!

I built this for my daughters 3rd birthday. Because my wife works weekends i was only able to spare a few hours a day Monday-Friday. And because i did it in summer under the Texas heat it took longer than i would have liked. The flowers and birds came from Hobby Lobby. My daughter flipped out when she opened her room and saw it, as a father I've never felt prouder than to build this with my own 2 hands just for her.

Such a worthwhile build. I had to adjust the angles for the center/ interior dividers since these sit behind the front board. That causes the angles to be different.    I also used Luanne for the backing, installed locking wheels and handles. 

First Anna project, I needed a bench by the pool, so I did waterproof it, which is holding up well, and it's extremely nice even with my limited skills. Definately worth the time and sanding.
Things I learned, need to measure each cut out. I didn't, so my slats are not all the same length. Still works really good, but I should've measure, cut, measure, cut, because I didn't take into account the width of the blade. I wouldn't use so much wood filler. I really glopped it on there. The sanding and staining pre, good call.
I would've used 2 pieces of wood for each leg.
Well, next one. I've already learned so much from making it and had a great time making it. Can't wait to get started on the table to match!

Thisi s a bedside table that I made for my good friend Gayle for next to her log bed in her log cabin at Higgins Lake, MI

I built this bookshelf for my girlfriend, Julia over the course of two weekends.  The kreg jig helped a ton.  Staining, using the rubbed on polyurethane finish, and sanding down--plus all the drying time required--took the most time.  This is a very sturdy and finished-looking bookshelf plan.  Overall, the projectturned out nicely.

I loved the design of this planter and have been making wood quilts. This was a natural combination, incorporating a red, white & blue Americana quilt design into the front panel. The only modification I made was that the boards were 14" long instead of 15 3/4".  This way the 1x4 boards could create square sides. I also made the 2x2 corner posts 20" high.

My husband and I were able to put this together over the course of two weekend days. Then it took me an eternity to paint/finish it. But we love it now and so does our little girl!