1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Channing Desks

Submitted by tomlin-t on Tue, 02/06/2018 - 04:20

I made a pair of Channing desks, one for each son to match the Channing Bookcases I'd made previously using another one of Ana's plans!   I followed the directions pretty much exactly, except for a couple of minor changes.  On the tops, I wanted to router the edges to add detail, and to make it neat I covered the ply end-grain with some pine 2x1's.  At the end (step 15) of the build I added the extra support. 2x1 at the front to match the rail above the drawer, and 2x2 at back to make the RHS legs properly sturdy.  

Overall, the project was not particularly difficult, the building took about 3 days to complete both desks. As usual the finishing always takes longer than the building, and in this case it took 4 days. This was mostly due to the 6 hrs between coats for the varnish. 

I sprayed the white desk (masking the top) with satin door trim paint I had available, and I used clear satin varnish on the top as a contrast.

The other desk has 1 coat of sealer and 3 coats of chocolate walnut satin stain/varnish.  

I'm very happy with the results - but I'm not really sure which one is my favourite!

Built from Plan(s)
Desk with Drawer and Shelving
Estimated Cost
$300 for both desks
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin white paint, satin clear varnish, and chocolate walnut stain/varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

American Girl Doll Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/12/2022 - 13:23

Thank you so much for the plans! My Granddaughter loved it❤️

Comments

Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional

This was our first project and i gotta say, I love doing this! There are so many ideas on this website!
This was super easy, my husband and I had trouble with some of it because it wasnt fitting right, but we just tweaked it and it turned out perfect!
I had been looking online for an outdoor sectional for months, and the price was too high for us to spend. Our final total was only 238 dollars all together. Store (and bad quality at that) furniture would have cost us over 500. So, I am VERY pleased.
I got the cushions on craigslist. Listed at 8 dollars a cushion. They were still in the wrapping! We have one extra cushion that we plan on making an ottoman soon.

Estimated Cost
240
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic X mixed with a Triple Truss Coffee Table

I considered myself pretty good at cutting and assembling, less when it comes too filling, sanding, and staining. I could not figure out the X for the life of me! Luckily I could figure out the Tuss table :D

Blog Link
Creative Rayne: The Coffee Table
Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Coffee Table
Triple Truss Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$80-100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

$6 Scrap wood coffee table

Submitted by pmgriffith on Tue, 07/21/2015 - 09:23

Decided it was time to use up some scrap wood and build a coffee table.

Now I need to get wood to actually make the matching end tables.

1x8s and 1x4s for the top and 2x2s for the legs and underside braces

Hope this help to inspire others on how to use up their scrap wood

Estimated Cost
6 Bucks!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
'Fruitwood' hence the 6 bucks :)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Toy Box

Submitted by JustJ on Sun, 02/18/2018 - 07:13

I used your basic plans,  but modified it to use some scrap wood I had from another project. I used blue stain pine,  tongue and groove. 

I made this toy box for my niece who is expecting her first baby (it's a boy).  I know she likes things clean and uncluttered,  so I added a lid, and then added some corner pieces to make it a little more juvenile. 

It was so much fun. 

Blog Link
JJ's Rags to Brags
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Open Top Wood Toy Box
Farmhouse Toy Box
Estimated Cost
If you have to buy everything, it's around $75.

I really only had to buy some hardware and rope, so it was minimal for me.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin finish, poly coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by rcoulth on Thu, 03/31/2022 - 02:20

I made this for my granddaughter’s birthday. It was super easy, but it’s really big. I’d reduce size if I made it again. She said she can fit 2 dolls in it.

Comments

Narrow Farmhouse Table

Submitted by tfox on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 19:49

This is my take on Ana's Narrow Farmhouse Table project. I plan on adding a bench to one side and random color matched chairs to the other.

Blog Link
fox.and.hammer
Built from Plan(s)
Narrow Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut stain with six coats of Wipe-On Poly. Finished with steel wool to knock down shine of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dog Bed

Submitted by daddydrew on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 12:48

I did this project today with some old scrap that has been sitting around and taking up way to much space! Shotzie got a new bed out of the deal and she is pretty happy about it. I am available to do builds for people who like what they see and dont want to pay retail price for this stuff. check out my profile.

http://ana-white.com/users/daddydrew

Blog Link
My Page
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Grey oil based stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 15:19

What a great way to use your scrap wood! Love the color and the design. Looks super!

Kids Wagon

Submitted by Seth on Sun, 07/26/2015 - 16:35

This was a fun and easy project to make the little guy happy on a slow Saturday.  If  you don't have the right tools, avoid the metal stripping.  This project can look just as good without it, and it is the projects most time comsuming feature. Good luck building your own "Wahweegon" (how my son says it).

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean with two coats of poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Patio Chair

Submitted by Supertoy on Thu, 02/22/2018 - 20:09

I used 2x4 and 2x6's on this project. I am a larger woman so I wanted it to be very strong... and wow is it strong! I also routered the edges on the arms. I love it and it really does sit comfortable. Next I want to make a footstool for it. Thanks Ana for making these plans available to me. 

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Cost
Roughly $30.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Miniwax Polyurethane two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bookcase Surprise!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/06/2022 - 17:17

We began by collecting books and encyclopedias from thrift stores that were donated but the store was discarding. My husband cut them down to about 1 inch. After painting a 4X8 sheet of plywood black, we glued them in a pattern we liked. He cut faux looking drawers attaching them to the lower portion of the "bookcase". The center section actually opens for storage. Not willing to pay $20 for each of nine handles, hubby got dowels, sprayed them silver and made our own: for $2.00 total!! A strip of tape lights (which are actually white but photographed purple for some reason) with a remote runs across the top, and battery puck lights from the Dollar Tree light up the center shelves. The magic happens behind the books as they pull down to reveal two twin Murphy Beds. Purchased the kit for the beds online. Awesome for extra guests, but out of the way when used as an office. And only takes about 12 inches of room from the wall. In the last picture, we applied the same idea to hide a hallway door leading to a store room. Lots of picture taking and rave reviews from all who see these fun projects.

Comments

gioromero

Thu, 10/24/2024 - 14:02

This bookcase looks amazing! I love reading, and I wish one day I'll have such a bookcase with so many books in my flat. But now I'm a student, and I don't have a place and resources for that. I think that each of us should start reading and collecting books since childhood. And good reading skills are great for the future, and so reading is good for general knowledge and skills. I'm a student, and it's good that I have loved reading since childhood because, in the uni, I need to read and analyze a lot of information. And still, sometimes I face problems when I need to write something. But last time https://edubirdie.com/coursework-writing helped me out a lot with writing and saved me from missed deadlines. I still work on my skills, and I'm sure that the more I read, the more I practice writing, the better my skills are.

queen headboarad

The plans on this were so easy to follow. Thanks so much for posting!

I ended up using screws instead of nails just because I am more comfortable with a drill than a nail gun. Seems like it is holding up fine :)

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Wood Headboard (All Mattress Sizes)
Estimated Cost
60.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
MinWax Provincial. I painted it on and immediately wiped it off!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Finally completed a project of my own!

Submitted by veltch on Mon, 07/22/2013 - 07:29

I was looking to make a planter instead of buying one, and stumbled across Ana's website. This planter looked good and simple. I purchased the Kreg Jig Jr, and a face clamp on Ebay. I know I'll be able to use it for other projects/repairs. Home Depot did no have cedar fence pickets, so used what they had, (spruce), and brushed on some left over pecan minwax stain for contrast. I left everything else the raw, didn't fill in the pocket holes, and didn't use glue on the pocket joints. I did glue the fence pickets to the 1 x 3's and secured them with (pre-drilled holes) 1 1/4 out door screws. I suppose if you had some experience, and were not cutting all your wood clamped to a folding table, you could save some time. This took me just over 3 hours. It looks good. I placed my cleat 11 inches down from the top and lined it with that fabric to stop weeds, and poked some holes in it for more drainage. I may go back and fill the pocket holes with wood putty just to keep the bugs/spiders out.
Maybe in the fall after the tomatoes are done I'll give it the once over with some stain or water seal. This is on my back patio, the wife would already love one for mums out front. Thanks Ana White!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pecan on fence pikets
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wine Box makeover

I had an old wine box that I decided to shabby chic. I added some manila handles.  Check out my blog for more details and pictures:

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/wine-box-makeover

 

Cheers 

Ian

Blog Link
WWW.woodworkingfourdummies.com
Estimated Cost
Just had to buy the manila rope.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut stain
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Sliding Barn door TV Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/13/2022 - 05:20

This is my favorite plan that Ana provides! It's easy to modify and adjust to different sizes. Thank you Ana!

Blog Link
Check out my instagram!
Built from Plan(s)
Grandy Barn Door Console

Comments

Simple Daybed/Farmhouse-Bed-Hybrid

Submitted by uli on Mon, 06/06/2011 - 08:05

I needed a bed for my guestroom and decided to build a mixture of the simple daybed and the farmhouse bed. The back and the front rail are attached with bed brackets for easy disassembling.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Daybed
Farmhouse Bed (Twin Size)
Estimated Cost
175 $
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint in antique white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 09:42

Dear Uli, I love the daybed you created and I'm planning to build my own next week for our guest bedroom, which doubles as my project room. Could you tell me what height you made the bed? It looks lower than the average headboard height, but higher than the average footboard height. I'd like to make mine close to your, which I think is just perfect.

Thanks,
Sara

uli

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 13:30

Thx :-) I've made the panels 19,5" high, and the legs measure 31,5". On top of the panels I screwed and glued a timber, which is a little bit thicker than a 2x4. So the overall height is 33,5". If you like I could send you my sketchup file.

Uli :-)

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 19:42

Thanks Uli,

Those dimensions will be a big help. I've constructed more than 30 pieces now, thanks to Ana, so it's no big deal for me to design my own plans and dimensions now. I'm hoping to complete this project before my sister comes out for a visit. Wish me luck!

Sara

Miss Martina (not verified)

Fri, 08/19/2011 - 23:58

Hi, Uli! Do you think you could please help me out by sharing your sketchup notes for the "Farmhouse-Daybed-Hybrid"? This would really help me to get a handle on building this project.
Thank you from Martina.
P.S.-Though we now live near Palm Springs, California, we lived in Sachsenhausen for nearly 2 years & office was in Wiesbaden. Though I prefer the climate here, I still miss Germany.

Rockin'Robin

Wed, 06/20/2012 - 21:00

Dear Uli,

I am brand spanking new here on Ana-white and I love, love, love your daybed. I would like to give it a go for my daughters. Is it possible to get your sketch up notes? This will be my first build and I am so nervous about trying something without having a plan in front of me. My email is [email protected]
Blessings, Robin

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/14/2011 - 07:56

I would LOVE it if you could send me your sketchup file too. I want to build this for my guest room.

Helleni (not verified)

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 14:27

I would love to make this for my son's room. I am a beginner, can you provide the file for me to look at too?

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 09/23/2011 - 12:39

Uli,

I absolutely love this daybed and have been searching for such a bed, even to buy, but have found nothing. My husband is super handy and loves wood-working, so I think I am going to put him up to the task! :) Could you e-mail me your sketch-up file as well? My e-mail is [email protected].

Also, is there room to put a trundle underneath...this is a must-have for us. Do you happen to have any plans for a trundle? If not, hopefully my husband can come up with something for that!

Thanks so much for sharing your great idea and plans!
Amy

Siobhan (not verified)

Tue, 11/08/2011 - 17:56

Hi Uli,

Would you email me the plans for this bed please? It's perfect and exactly what I have been looking for!

Thanks so much,
Siobhan

kharrel

Wed, 12/28/2011 - 20:50

Hi Siobhan, I was wondering if you could possibly send me the plans for this bed in a Word document or through email. I tried to access the plans you attached above but my computer wouldn't allow me to open it. Also, I saw where someone else asked if a trundle would work with this bed and if you had plans for that, if so I would love to see if we can try to tackle that project as well. My email address is [email protected]. Thank you so much!...you have inspired me!!!!

Cheri (not verified)

Mon, 01/02/2012 - 09:58

I LOVE this bed. Would you mind sending me your sketch up and plans as well? Thanks so much and have a blessed and happy new year!

Jenny Briggs (not verified)

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 06:12

Hi, your bed is beautiful, could you please send me your dimensions, I would like to attempt, making this but kinda do an L, with a twin, and then a toddler mattress, at the head, the smaller mattress, would be like the short side of the L! Very new to this, but I would like to give it a go!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 09:35

Uli,

I love this so much and as others have said...it is the exact height I think I would need. This is my first solo project (without help from the man in my life) and i would love all the help I can get. Could you send me your plans for the hybrid? email address is [email protected]

Thanks much,
Raven

RachaelA (not verified)

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 10:31

Do you have a mertials list you used to buy the wood, etc for this bed. We are wanting to build a similar bed and add a trundle drawer underneath. Any guidance you can provide would be great!

Rach

RachaelA (not verified)

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 10:54

We figured it out and added one more layer to the project. We are combining the simple daybed, farmhouse daybed and trundle. So far so good.

Kris Frye

Wed, 02/25/2015 - 20:15

That's exactly what I want to do. I cannot download Google SketchUp, (It requires Windows 7 or newer. I am still running XP.) so I cannot access the plans provided. Could you please share yours? I also need the bed to accommodate XL twin mattresses (upper and lower beds). I could make those adjustments to your plans if need be.

Judith (not verified)

Wed, 05/09/2012 - 01:39

Hi Uli, I just love your bed, I'm new to building your own furniture but since I saw your bed I wanted to build it so I'm doing it. So far I have made the laterals and the back panels and now I'm putting it all together. I have some questions and maybe you can help me... you used bed brackets for the back panel, how did you put these so that they won't be seen? did you put them in the top and bottom of the panel?

Thank you very much

Judith

kad050209 (not verified)

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 10:14

Hey! I love the way you used the farmhouse bed for this daybed. It's perfect for what I'm looking for. I wanted to make my daughter the farmhouse bed but, we always wanted a daybed at the same time. This is perfect. Do you have any plans you can share with me so I can start making this? Thanks! [email protected] is my email if needed

SerinaDee (not verified)

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 10:26

I absolutely LOVE this bed and it is exactly what I want. I know many people have asked for the sketches, sooooo if anyone has received them, could they please forward them on to me??? (of Uli, if you see this and you have them) I would greatly appreciate it. You should definitely post this as a plan post because I'm sure many others would love it!

my email is [email protected]

THanks so much in advance!!! :) :) :)

Jason Lebo (not verified)

Thu, 07/19/2012 - 12:58

Hi Uli,

Outstanding work. I am going t make this for my 2 year old son. Quick Question.

I am confused about how to attach the posts to the panels for the head board. I assume you drill in from the far left and right of the posts? Do you use wood putty to hide the holes later? Could you use pocket holes? Or would that not be as structurally sound. Any advise would be appreciated.

From the instructions:

Now attatch the 4x4 posts to the panels. Make sure you pre drill half way through the post and use the 4 1/2" screws. Line the top edges of the panel and the post, keeping everything square as shown. Screw into the panel where it is sandwich 3 boards thick. Put at least 6 screws in each post.

Renee Glaze (not verified)

Fri, 10/12/2012 - 20:37

Can you send me a copy of the plans for the daybed. Does it have a regular mattress or just covered foam. Thank you

Val Manchuk

Sun, 04/07/2013 - 10:27

This is a great idea for a spare bed in our home office. Under bed drawers would be a good place for oir storage, too.

josie.a.richard

Sun, 09/28/2014 - 06:43

I LOVE this. Could i please get a copy of your sketch/plan? I am very new to this, and I don't think I could recreate one myself just yet!

Thanks

J

Outdoor furniture and coffee table

Submitted by jnovotny on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 10:48

Thanks to Anna's plans online I was able to create these nice pieces for my house.

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Colonial maple and dark walnut stain for the cofee table. Traditional cherry for the outdoor furniture.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional

I just finished my very first Ana White project. I am absolutely in love with it! I already have plans to add on and build a coffee table to match!!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Triple cubby inspired part 2

Submitted by willowpond on Sun, 03/04/2018 - 15:13

I started with the triple cubby design, resized it to fit my space, made it desk height (30"), added shelves and doors.  It was my second project based on the triple cubby.  In the process I used a multitude of Kreg items - the rip cut, the pocket hole jig, the hinge jig, the cabinet knob jig, and the corner clamps.  Next up:  queen size drawer bases for my son's bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Triple Cubby Storage Base (Inspired by Pottery Barn Kids Cameron Collection)
Estimated Cost
Domestic birch plywood (very high quality) - $70; moulding - $10; hinges - $33; cabinet knobs - $8
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner