Community Brag Posts

Door Spice Rack

We just moved into our newly built home, I love to cook, and realized really didn't have a good spot in the pantry for all the spices. This was my first project and in doing internet search for ideas came across Ana White's website, not only did I find the spice cabinet plan I was looking for, but a treasure trove of other projects and ideas. New to this so I have found Ana's site to be such a blessing. Yes, this made me a hero to my wife!

Built from Plan(s)

Shoe organizer

Submitted by Liz H. on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 21:26

I took the 25 cubbies plan and changed the dimensions to fit shoes. I made a simpler version for my husband too. This project went together quickly and was so fun to build.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Lift Top Coffee Table

Submitted by JJones0925 on Fri, 03/16/2018 - 20:48

Instead of attaching the top to the coffee table base as done in the plans, the top is attached using a set of coffee table lift top hinges. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Utility room storage modified for skis and a freezer

http://www.ana-white.com/2014/09/free_plans/easy-economical-garage-shel…

This is the garage shelving construction method, but modified because we needed room for the freezer, there is a steel support column, and skis needed to be hung.

It's really three "ladders" of 2x4s, nailed with my framing nailer.  The rungs support the shelves.

  • The only dimensions I measured were to reserve space for the freezer, and the height of the support for the ski rack pegs.  The rest was based on the height of the things I wanted to store (coolers, etc), the width for the shelf unit was "as wide as possible" and the depth was "as deep as possible without covering the power outlet". 
    Cut to fit.
  • The ladder pair at the rear of the photo makes one shelf unit. 
  • The third ladder has rungs on both sides of the support column to stabilize it, keep the skis from banging into the freezer, and to provide a place to put the ski hanging pegs. It is also has one support for the shelf over the freezer.
  • The shelf over the freezer area stabilizes the unit side to side.  It's a good place for bulk paper storage because that is light and not heat sensitive.
  • The only truly new pieces of lumber were the 6 2x4 studs for uprights and some of the rungs.  I used all the suitable scrap 2x4s I could find before I cut into new wood.
  • Shelves were made of scrap plywood from another project, and some salvaged wood from the garden shed.  Some were previously part of my truss shelves, which were no longer needed after the workshop storage improved.  (yes, I recycle my recycled and reclaimed wood.
  • Shelves are nailed in place with finish nails to keep them from slipping.
  • You can't see them, but each shelf has a 1x4 or 1x6 board nailed to the ladder behind it to keep things from falling through the gap.
  • Ski storage is dowels inserted into a 2x6.  The paired dowels are far enough apart that the ski bindings won't whack into each other.  After the picture was taken I put an over-the-door coat hook between the skis to hang the poles.
  • The space for the folding stepstool was 100% accidental! 

It's CHEAP and EASY storage.

Two reasonable skilled people could do it in an afternoon.

Estimated Cost
$20 in new wood
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None. I left it bare.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Armoire - Courtesy Ana White

Submitted by geauxpea on Sat, 07/09/2011 - 15:46

Second project we under took after stumbling over this blog. The armorie fit well in our bed room and has enough space for all my Indian sarees. Added a jewelery drawer in the middle. Love your blog Ana, thanks for the great work you do. Next project is to build a bed to match the armorie.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Red Mahagony stain and a polyurethene coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JES

Sat, 07/09/2011 - 18:42

Love the finish and detail, beautiful inside and out. The jewelry drawer is a super idea! Super job- Love it! :) J

DIY Laptop Desk with Storage

How to build a simple laptop desk to use when working from the couch. This was a quick build from a woodworking plan found on the Ana White website. We added a small storage area for my blogging binder. 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressing with pink paint and wood stain, poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entryway Table Shoe Rack Bench

Submitted by robinles on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 10:17

I adapted the plan for the Shoe Rack Bench to give it multiple levels and allow it to serve as an entryway table in addition to a shoe rack. I used 2 x 10's for the project.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

DIY Bar Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/24/2020 - 16:27

I bought this tv corner cabinet for $40. I spent many hours turning into my perfect bar cabinet. I built a custom lighted liquor display. I have posted photos of the transformation.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore- hale navy
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

frendlygrl

Tue, 07/06/2021 - 19:04

So this is not your project? Because there isn't much information or a before and after picture. This gave me an idea for our home.

Pottery Barn Inspired Media Console

Submitted by katie0910 on Wed, 03/05/2014 - 05:29

This project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited that it is finally finished. We modified the plans to better fit our media center opening, so it is about the same dimensions as the original Pottery Barn Benchwright TV Stand. We also used true dimension lumber, so we adjusted the measurements based on that. This is definitely my favorite project to date!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Provincial
Minwax Polycrylic in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

The Fred-enstein Bed

Submitted by bookette on Wed, 05/30/2012 - 14:30

For my son's 7th birthday, I promised him a new lofted bed. I poured over different designs, drooled over all of the different things I could make, worried about whether or not I could actually do it. Nothing in the market fit my requirements or my budget... I was determined to make this for my son.

Over the long weekend, this bed was constructed... a little "Loft Bed", a little "Claire", a little "Cabin" and a little inspired innovation and ta-da: The Fred-enstien Bed :)

Claire guardrails and bookshelf supports
Modified Claire Desk (work in progress)
Cabin Headboard
Custom built storage shelf stairs (he didn't want a ladder)

Next weekend will be touching up the paint and installing the remaining bookshelves

Estimated Cost
$500 (includes shelf/stairs)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Semi-Gloss Swiss Chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

chicken coop

Submitted by namaste7 on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 22:10

Modified to make the coop bigger and the planter smaller. Added 1" foam insulation on the inside and changed the design to use the "deep litter" method. This means the coop bottom goes all the way to the bottom of the support beam rather than using a removable tray. Added a steel roof with a ridge vent at the top. The chicken run under the coop is lined with buried hardware cloth so no animals can dig under the coop. All hinges are mortised and doors flush mounted. The coop is wired for power for a heat lamp. The planter is lined with a metal tray. The coop can be separated into two pieces so you can move it or rotate the top 180 deg if needed (so you can get to the eggs from the left or right side). Great plans, thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
cedar deck stain. Olympic. brand
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Organizer

Submitted by Taa-daa on Thu, 09/29/2016 - 21:41

It's a little twist on Ana's Coat organizer. Turned out really useful and did not cost me anything since I ussed scrap wood. I wish I would build have built one for coats as well.

Estimated Cost
0
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain plus clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kid's storage table and benches

Submitted by spiceylg on Wed, 10/24/2012 - 10:08

We built three of these for a women and children's shelter. We had friends help us with various aspects of the project. The colors are definitely more vibrant in person. Table tops are painted with chalkboard paint. Because we built three, it took three weeks with some down time here and there. Haven't sat down and figured cost but I know other bragposts have included them if you are curious.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Gray primer, Olympic 2 in 1 paint (still needed primer!) and Valspar Chalkboard paint for table top. All topped off with three coats of Polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest ma crazy (not verified)

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 20:49

This is beauitful I love the colors! The children are going to love them too! Keep doing God's work!

yurra-bazain

Mon, 02/25/2013 - 20:57

It is amazing that you built these for a women and children's shelter. You are truly using your talents for good. :) Thank you for the inspiration.

MrsPowers

Fri, 06/28/2013 - 22:27

Hi! I absolutely love the colors you used (and the chalkboard paint is pretty awesome as well). I did have a question. I saw your question about the type of material to keep costs down. The 1 in material in my town is way more expensive than 3/4 in quality Purebond plywood. Do you think the plywood would hold up? This would be much more cost effective and leave some change to do a couple of extra small projects. Thank you in advance for your help!

spiceylg

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 05:12

MrsPowers, I am just now seeing your comment, my apologies! I don't see why the plywood wouldn't hold up, but unfortunately, I am not the one to ask. I am still quite the novice! I had asked about material for the top because I originally didn't want to buy the pre-made round tops. However, time got away from us, so we ended up just biting the bullet and buying them after all. If you are on Facebook, you will probably get a question answered quicker there. Ana's wall name on Facebook is Knockoff Wood. Best wishes on your future projects and sorry I couldn't be of more help!

Cutting Table for Sewing room

Submitted by tjbr100 on Mon, 09/07/2020 - 22:06

Jennifer wanted a cutting table for her sewing room and so I took Ana-White's Sewing Table plans and made them taller into a cutting table. We aimed for 36" (Standard Counter-Top Height), but ended up at 36 19/64" due to the casters not being exactly two inches. Jennifer's a little short so I was really worried about the extra 19/64" (but don't tell her I said that :)

We decided to use MDF instead of plywood to avoid the risk of snags on finer fabrics.

Instead of simple hinges for the legs, I chose locking hinges available from Lee Valley https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/hardware/table-hardware/legs/leg-b… ($38 for all four).

We purchased 2" Casters from Amazon.ca https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07G84R9Q9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_… ($22.99 for all four).

The base was cut from one sheet of 3/4" MDF

We used 2 1/2" screws and glue to build the base. We pre-drilled and counter sunk the screws, ensuring squarness all around.

We attached the casters with the screws provided.

Then we cut the leaves from some scrap 3/4" MDF and attached them with some old door hinges we had.

Once the leaves were attached, we attached the locking hinges for the legs.

We cut and planed the legs a little, and then routered the corners to give them a bit of a nicer look.

Once assembly was finished we applied a coat of primer and two coats of white, satin, interior paint.

The whole thing came out really well and is a nice addition to the sewing room. Once again, I found the plans on this site to be really helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior Primer and White, satin, interior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified kitchen island off Michaela's kitchen island

Submitted by Jessjeeper on Mon, 12/31/2012 - 22:51

My husband and I built this counter height with specs of 351/2" high x 25" wide x 48" long. We are using it in our kitchen as a prep island.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We made our own stain with vinegar and steel wool for the top and shelf, painted the body with Valspar Mermaid's Song. Poly over the stain to protect it from water and heat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jake

Tue, 01/01/2013 - 05:09

I think you guys did a wonderful job on the kitchen island. I like the fat legs and the 1x4 aprons. Did you consider adding a drawer since you have deep aprons? Is the top a butcher block or did you construct the top yourself? If you did build the top is it suitable for use as a cutting board?

Market for my boys

Submitted by Quartney on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 13:30

My oldest son really wanted a toy cash register, and he loves pretending he has a Bait & Tackle shop. I built the market base where the front side is for "Will's Stop 'n' Shop" and it can be turned around and used for "Wyatt's Bait and Tackle". The countertop holds the cash register and shopping basket perfectly. They are great Shopkeepers!

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with various cans of spray paint and sample paint that I had in the garage. Vinyl lettering for the "signs".
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

A twist on Modular Family Entryway Mudroom System - Pullout Rolling Bench Cart

This is a twist on the Modular Family Entryway Mudroom System - Pullout Rolling Bench Cart . There have been many posts on the net for a mudroom locker set such as the one I have. In our case we had a mudroom with a closet, not much room to move when sliding the doors open, and as well we have kids that need a place to sit in order to put boots/shoes etc on. I took advantage of my husband's work assignment out of the country to rip back the closet,to 20 inches deep and open it up and added a bench for seating, baskets above for out of season/rarely used stuff, and used rolling cubbies below, but in my case I wanted storage bins instead. My thinking was so that I could make it look clean pretty quickly by just chucking every thing in to the bin... These are tall enough for our boots. In the bottom of the bins I put a piece of outdoor carpeting, then a plastic grid, and over that another layer of outdoor carpeting so if the footwear is wet it will drain and dry-no biggie to vacume or sweep out. Best deal: I can simply roll them out of the way when I want to sweep underneath! I measured cubby space to basket size above, and made the bins below after doing the bench and middle supports, to ensure a good fit. The bench top is an old piece of pine board I sanded, stained and used 4 coats of marine varnish so it would take lots of wear and tear.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax walnut stain, and marine varnish benchtop
behr marshmallow paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tip out garbage/storage cabinet

This little space by the back door has always made the kitchen look messy. We put the garbage can there, and other random stuff we didn't have a place for. I got the idea to build Ana's Tilt Out Trashbin cabinet, but I also wanted a place we could put things like pet treats, etc. to get them out of sight. I made the upper horizontal space to house cans of dog and cat food, and bring the cabinet up to the same height as the countertop. The right hand side has adjustable shelves with bins for things like onions and potatoes. Left side is the tilt out trashbin. Top is butcher block stained black to match my countertops.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex paint, food safe stain and poly varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My first build!

This locker cabinet was my first build and I learned a ton. For example:

1. Use the Kreg face clamps while drilling into the Kreg Jr.
2. Buy straight wood.
3. Buy wood that is not warped.
4. Do not try to buy wood with grouchy kids in tow.

Are you seeing a theme? Yep, your project will only be as square and perfect as the wood you buy.

I modified the locker plan to include apothecary-style drawers for our cell phones, sunglasses and chapstick. I also drilled through the back of one of the drawers to turn it into a charging station for our cell phones.

The locker has been super useful so far and is such a great way to keep my kids' backpacks and lunchboxes organized. The baskets are designated for my purse, stuff I need to return to stores, the dog's leashes, and library books. It's so nice to have all this stuff near the front door and never wonder where any of it is!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ralph Lauren "Aged Mint" in flat. Distressed and coated with Minwax Polycrylic in satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coffee Mug Tree

Submitted by LampAtFeet on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 15:11

Very simple project, but extremely useful! Decided to not put a knob on the top, spray painted it black matte and distressed the edges. The hooks are from Walmart. Great project to use up some scrap wood! Makes great gift!

Comments