Community Brag Posts

Christmas Farmhouse Doll Bed 2

Made this for our daughter's American Girl doll for Christmas. The mattress is a basic box pillow, made out of the cheapest bleached muslin from Joann, and stuffed with polyfill. I had to make a couple before I got it right. It needed to be a little longer and wider than the dimensions of the bed to fill the space all the way. It's been a while since I made them, but I'm pretty sure I cut the box corners at 2" and added an inch to the width and length of the actual bed measurements, plus a 1/2" seam allowance on each side. It makes for a feather bed look. The coverlet is 2 pieces of broadcloth sewn right sides together (leaving an opening to turn) and then turned right side out. Then I sewed trim in rows down the front. The blanket at the foot of the bed is furry minky fabric from Joann. It was really fun to build this bed and design the bedding. Thanks for the plans! My daughter loved this!

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 03/20/2013 - 05:51

Another bed that came out great, but that bedding, wow! Especially love that little rosette pillow!

kitchen island

This was my first build, I never picked up a drill until now, but my mom really wanted something nice to hold her microwave but everywhere we looked for an island that would support it was just to flimsy so when I saw these plans and how cute it looked I told her I'm gonna build you this. I didn't add a drawer manly to force my family from putting junk in there that doesn't belong in a kitchen. I had a lot of fun building this and definitly learned a lot. Thanks for the plans.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dog bed with stairs and storage drawer

Submitted by abbpim on Sat, 04/29/2017 - 10:45

This dog bed was built with furniture grade pine and stained in Minwax Golden Oak.  I added stairs and a storage drawer in the bottom.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor furniture for my daughter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/12/2021 - 16:22

Made two chairs, side table, coffee table/ bench from Ana’s pattern

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Adapated shoe cubby to on its side with LED lights.

Submitted by forbeskm on Thu, 03/21/2013 - 22:26

This is an adaption of the shoe shrine shelves. Since I didn't have a closet or other room than the bedroom to put these, I put them on their side. I modeled these off the shoe shrine shelves.

Each cubby is 11 3/4 deep x 8 x8 for the long version. The 2nd version I made was only 48 inches wide and did not divide well so I simply left the center cubby wider. I also made the 48" version to have different height shelves for purses in the middle and flats on the bottom.

I basically flipped the shoe shrine's on their sides and added LED lights. This also inspired a tall version for a cubby we had upstairs.

I used a panel saw to cut the plywood and then assembled with a Kreg pocket hole jig for horizontal pieces and biscuits for the top and the dividers. I did not want to fill the holes or I would have used Kreg instead of the biscuits.

I used 3/4" paint grade plywood and a 1/4inch back panel.

LED lights came from LED wholesalers on amazon. This step requires electrical knowledge! Not much more than a wiring a light but do not attempt if you are not qualifed to do so. LED strings required a fine tip soldering iron, wire and heat shrink.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex Behr Swiss Coffee sprayed on.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

forbeskm

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 11:50

The LED's came after we designed them. I was like there is no light where these are going and its hard to see inside the cubbies. This is true for the bottom cubies which are only 5 inches tall. So for 30 bucks a cabinet it was a quick and easy addition that really made them pop. Only downside is it can make the room look like you are in Nordstom's :) so she doesn't leave the lights on regularly.

Kai777

Thu, 09/18/2014 - 01:42

Very nicely done.  Do you mind telling me more about which particular LED product you used and the process to wire them in?  Did you mill out any part of the cabinet to set the lights?  How are they activated?  Thanks in advance.  You can also email me at [email protected].  Much appreciated!

Walnut Sideboard Variation

Submitted by DanGuyver on Mon, 02/02/2015 - 17:08

This project was a labor of love for sure.  It took me an hour here, an hour there over the course of several months before I finally finished it.  I have never felt so proud of something I built, and I truly could not have done it without the plans written up on this site!  Thank you so very much for the service you provide with your free plans!  

I started with rough-cut American walnut from a guy's basement.  It had been stored for over 50 years in a nice dry climate.  After planing it, running it through a jointer, and trimming off the crooked parts with my table saw, I was able to get everything to line up pretty well.   I will say the drawers sure gave me a run for my money!  Those are so difficult to get perfect! 

The stain I used is a Kona stain from Varathane.  I truly couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Finish Used
Varathane Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 02/02/2015 - 18:10

This walnut sideboard has real Wow factor! Absolutely love! The finish looks awesome, and I'm so impressed with all the work you put into making the old walnut boards ready for building. It's an Instant Heirloom!

DanGuyver

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 06:14

Thanks for the comments! I should also mention, that table was the "Rustic Farmhouse" from this site as well. And since that picture was taken I have built two more pieces from this site. I found a source for rough-cut oak lumber, and also managed to win an auction for a huge stack of maple that is currently drying in my basement. Hopefully I'll have many more projects coming soon. =)

Cali King Modified Head/Foot Boards

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/01/2017 - 09:20

After showing my wife the plans, she did not like that flat top so I did some drawings until she liked what I had. I Modified the plans so that we could get what we liked. I used all 2" lumber instead of 1" because I wanted it to be nice and heavy. Raised the base of the side rails by 3" so that there would be more ground clearance, and used plywood under the slats so that we didnt need to use a box spring. I think it came out well.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 Coat of Minwax Provincial Stain
1 Coat of Spar Varnish Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified King Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/20/2021 - 15:31

We ended up deviating more than we were originally intending from the Farmhouse Bed plans. We started off planning to modify so that it was able to be disassembled (used metal brackets and to fit storage drawers at the foot of the bed. The my finance got a router, so we ended up with a lot of mortise and tenon and tongue and groove joints, and a fancier headboard. I LOVE the end result but we were definitely in over our heads at times!

Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Traditional Cherry and Black Cherry Oil Stain, Black Tea as Wood Conditioner and Poly Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sienna's loft bed!

I started with the Camp style loft bed, and modified it. Since we had a full sized bed, we knew that we needed it to be wider. Also, we knew we wanted a slide, since baby girl LOVES slides. We found one on CraigsList that was too long, but we cut it down and found a way to attach it. We also aren't very good carpenters (yet), so we had some issues with our stairs being wider then our platform, and had to add an extra piece. Overall, this project took us 3 weekends and a few nights after work. Also, we were using the plans which suggested it would only cost around $50, wasn't quite the case with us...I am pretty sure we spent over $200, but we didn't really have paint, sandpaper, the slide, etc. So that is pretty all-encompassing. Very happy with our results, and We cannot wait for the baby girl to see the outcome!

Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
white latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Handy Shanny

Tue, 09/01/2015 - 04:16

Looks great!  Could you please explain how you cut down and attached the slide?  Has it held up with use?  We are planning to do the same thing.  Thanks!

Traditional Wood Toddler Bed

Submitted by pde00311 on Fri, 02/06/2015 - 09:11

With another baby on the way in a few months, we decided to move our 2+ year old daughter across the hall into her first big girl room. I built big sister the Kendal Extra Wide Dresser, Traditional Wood Toddler Bed, Letter A Shelf and a Dollhouse Bookcase and matched the colors with her new comforter, lamps and princess canopy tent from the Land of Nod outlet.

A lot of people have done some pretty cool modifications to this project, but at the end of the day, we decided to follow the plan verbatim and build the Pottery Barn design. This build was super easy. Probably spent most of the project time sanding over and over in order to ensure that it was splinter-free, smooth, and safe for our princess. I do note that the side rails in the project design are somewhat low after you put the mattress down. However, this was really only a concern during the first few weeks. Although our daughter somehow was able fall to the floor during the first night (without incident--she did not even wake up--thank god for carpet), after she became accustomed to the bed, the lower side rails actually work rather well. Our daughter, a insanely crazy sleeper, usually wedges herself against the side rails at different parts of the night. She might hang a limb or two over the rails, but never through the rails, and she never falls off the bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr white fur paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Birdhouse Plans from Scrap Wood

Submitted by thediyplan on Mon, 04/26/2021 - 14:45

Having a home for your feathered friends will encourage the birds to keep visiting your backyard. If you have a garden, you want to attract birds to establish a healthy balance. Birds consume thousands of insects, especially in the spring when they’re feeding their young. To help support this environment, I’m made DIY Birdhouse Plans from scrap wood. If you have scrap wood laying around, you could easily build this birdhouse for your backyard.

A simple bird nest box with correct dimensions will help a mother bird with a reliable place to live in and raise her young. This helps mother nature to keep the cycle of life in order.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, THeDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Book shelves

Submitted by Marisol on Wed, 03/27/2013 - 15:55

I have had these for a while but never finished with the painting, the most dreadful part...but found some chalk paint that I love, and will always use chalk paint to finish all my projects now.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free- scrap material
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Annie Sloan Duck Egg and made my own white chalk paint with a recipe found online that worked great with Paris Plaster, water and flar behr paint, I only got a tester for $3, plaster $6. Annie Sloan $65.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Floating Shelves

I modified the size to fit my dining room and I am so pleased with the results!

Estimated Cost
$25.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I dinged up and scratched the boards, sanded then brushed on black latex pain that I thinned with water and immediately wiped it off.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Two-tone open wardrobe

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2017 - 08:06

I couldn't find any wardrobe that I was really happy with - and then I stumbled upon Ana's design, and I loved it! I went for two different colors (white for the supports and rosewood for the shelves) to give it more presence. Dimensions are 60" wide X 22" deep x 86" tall 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General finishes rosewood stain (for dark wood, it gives a red hue) and whitewash.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modern Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by frmoody on Mon, 05/03/2021 - 17:35

This was a nice simple build. The only problem where I live (near Edmonton, Alberta) is that the price of lumber has gone crazy. I think it is the same everywhere. 2 x 4's are running about $8.50 (CAD) each. I can see myself building a few more of these as the neighbours like them. Chose to go with a funky magenta colour to add some colour to the backyard. Very comfortable to sit in but I think I will add some cushions. I should have taken Ana's advice and painted the boards (especially back and seat) first. Once assembled I had to go in with a small brush to get the sides.

Estimated Cost
$40 each
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior semi gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tryde Coffee Table

Had a lot of fun completing this project. I was assisted by my fiance and her little brother.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80 or less
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Mahogany.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Cedar Kitchen Island

The original plans were altered to measure 6 feet long to fit the space. The top is all cedar which I had planned to keep unfinished and oil each month. Well, that was the plan until I found that it was very hard to clean with kids eating on it and because the 2x4 boards were screwed down, they allowed a lot of food, water to seep through.  Some of the boards began splitting and warped considerably.  Then I discovered the pocket hole jig!!  I took the top off, gave a good sand to them and attached all with pocket hole screws which tightened them up so much that I needed to add an extra 2x4 to adequately cover the top of the island. I also added a breadboard to the end to give it that finished look.  To fill in the grooves I used wood filler with a dark pigment, and gave it a really good sanding after it dried. I then applied Varathane in 4 coats to the top after using steel wool in between coats.  Gives it a lovely natural cedar patina and keeps the breadcrumbs out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Special Walnut stain from Minwax on everything except for top and drawer fronts. Varathane Diamond Water based Wood Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/11/2017 - 03:35

Needed new nightstands for our new house....these worked out perfectly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50 dollars.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gray primer spray paint sanded away and 2 coats of water based poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Simple 2x4 Potting Bench - Modified

I was intrigued by Ana’s Simple 2x4 Potting Bench. The project seemed simple enough and it would be used as a means to clean up clutter in the garage. My main focus was to make it semi-portable and weather resistant. Instead of using 2x4’s for the corner posts, I used 4x4’s to accommodate casters. I also shorted the length of the posts by 4 inches to compensate for the height of the casters. To provide extra rigidity I did a dado for the 2x4’s that connect the front and rear legs. In retrospect, I wish that I did not dado the legs because it made it more difficult to attach some of the shelf planks. I painted the frame green and left the shelves and backboards clear for beautiful contrast. My wife is ecstatic with the result.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Environ Green paint for the frame and Minwax Polycrylic for the poplar shelves and backboards.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

X desk with drawer

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Tue, 04/02/2013 - 10:59

This was my very first project (yay!). I finally got over my fear of power tools and my husband bought me a jigsaw for my birthday. (Yes, I built this whole thing with a jigsaw! Clearly I was clueless about power tools back then! :) But even a jigsaw was pretty intimidating at that stage!)

Ok... so in hindsight it was a really bad idea to start on a project marked as "intermediate" for my first project, but I was so in love with this desk that I just HAD to have it. The drawer made it really tricky, but I figured no one has to know if it has its little quirks. :)

I saw a similar version of this desk on Pottery Barn's website, which retailed for a whopping $700! Thank you Ana for giving us the gift of amazing furniture for a fraction of the price!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$70 (probably about $50 if you already have some nails, screws, etc lying around)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Jacobean wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments