Community Brag Posts

Front Hall Armoire

Our big old house doesn't have a front hall closet, so I decided to make the Nursery Armoire for our extra coats and shoes. Since our ceilings are so tall I decided to make it the full 96" that I could get out've the sheet of plywood.
I also modified the plan to adjust the door heights so that the top would make good coat hanging and the bottom can be used for shoes and boots. I also changed the drawers to be on the outside instead of behind the upper doors.
I used 3/4" plywood for the box and pine for the doors and trim.
For the doors I pocket holed the frames and then routed an edge on the backside and stapled pine paneling to fill out the middle. This matches doors I made previously to make cupboards in our full-wall brick fireplace (and the hardware matches too).
I did the top trim as in the plan, and I decided to leave the bottom plain.
It's quite large! But in the space a smaller one would've looked silly, so I'm glad I went with the height.

I decided to paint it so that I didn't have to fuss with staining, but went with the same paint as the walls for the backs and undersides of shelves to lighten it up.

Can't wait to fill it up! ....just have to give the dark paint one more go-over....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint! "Wine and Dine" Exterior semi-gloss from Canadian Tire! And an interior yellow paint leftover from the walls in the foyer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Coat Rack with a Cubby

Our mud room/laundry room is very busy with 2 boys and 2 adults. Scarves, gloves and hats are generally tossed here or there, usually far and wide when it comes to my boys.

My solution was a coat rack with cubby. Like most of my creations, it is a Kelley Special, all up in my head. I don't have plans, although I will make some when I make the next ones for me and my husband.

I used poplar 1x4's for the sides, bottom and back attachment and 1x6's for the front where coat hooks will be mounted, 2 small coat hooks on the sides, wood glue, and pocket holes to construct it.

If you add the time I spent on it, it didn't take too long, but it took a while since it was a few minutes here and a few minutes there. I am very happy with the final product, and we are starting to test it out now that the weather is cold again.

If you want to see more pictures take a swing by my blog: www.trekkiemom.com

Estimated Cost
$20-$30 per coak rack - not sure anymore
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 Polycrylic clear coat, light sanding between coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4x4 truss beam table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 22:01

Great instructions, easy weekend build. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain finish with hand rubbed wax sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog kennel

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 06:54

In January, I came across your plans for the farmhouse, coffee table. I made it, and loved it! I had been wanting a new spin on kennels for our dogs. And thought your coffee table transformed into a dog kennel would be perfect, and they are!!

Comments

Children's Zoo

I made this as a gift for a friends Baby Shower. It's meant to mount on the wall and hold Baby's stuffed animals. After the Shower yesterday, it's half full of animals already!

I used pine, and a "walnut" stain by minwax. We only stained the structure part so the bars would look like they were a different material. I also used glue, a staple gun and my Ryobi Airstrike automatic nailer - it's a new toy for me, but one I'm in love with already :)

Please feel free to click over to my blog for details on how to help build yours! ---> http://projectjumanji.blogspot.ca/2013/10/what-ive-been-up-to.html

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain - "walnut"
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Small Flower Planter

Submitted by JamieLynn on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 04:45

This is my first project in years. It turned out exactly as I wanted. I decided to paint it after with some white paint That I had laying around. This whole project cost about $15 and 2 hours.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Bar stool

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 13:10

Hi Ana,

Using the bar stool plan and I built two bar stools for my man cave in Australia. Thank you so much. Cheers
Ricky

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ariel's Coffee Table

I built that table for a friend using primarily hand tools. The only power tools were a table saw to rip the legs from a scrap 2x12 from another project, and a drill for draw-bore holes.

The table is made from pine, so that it is light enough for a woman of small stature to carry it up to a third-floor apartment. The frame is made with mortise and tenon joinery for strength, and the joints are draw-bored to make sure it doesn't fall apart in our lifetime.

The top is a glued-up panel from five other boards. This was my first panel glue up, so it was a little bit exciting in the same way that a kitchen fire is exciting. The surface has a rustic texture, made by planing it smooth with a cambered jack plane. The texture isn't visible under normal lighting, but with a raking light you can see it. It's very interesting to run your fingers over this table because of the texture from the plane, and the strong grain of the white pine.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The finish is amber shellac, with four coats of gloss polyurethane, thinned 1:1 with mineral spirits to improve the flow and help the finish self-level.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Trug - Kit Form

Submitted by rosiejane on Tue, 10/29/2013 - 01:25

I made these back in February. I came across this project on Jamie's site (http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/t-is-for-trug-naked-versio…) earlier in the year and thought that it would make a fantastic birthday gift for my 6 year old nephew. I gave it to him in kit form complete with nails and glue so that he could assemble it himself. I predrilled the nail holes. Of course I then had to make one for my own 6 year old so that they could build them together. I adjusted the size to accommodate some tools my dad had given them for Christmas. Time indicated includes personalisation time.
I've had a bit of practice painting names since this project. Each time I get better at it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
under $5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Used cheap craft acrylics for the stripe and the name. Due to time constraints I skipped the protective poly coat. I did go back later and add poly to my son's one.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

High Patio Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/18/2023 - 12:12

Made from reclaimed materials. Made it easier to standup with my bad knees

Comments

Seth's first work bench

I am so excited to have my son see this on Christmas morning. I decided to build in the bottom shelf for more tool storage and I am considering drilling some holes in the sides of the top shelf or the back for hammering in "nails" (or clothespins painted grey). This was my first project without any man-help and I can't wait to get started on the next one! Thank you so much Ana for your designs and more importantly, your inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$21.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear coat and laytex paint (benjamin moore admiral blue)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

rhonit

Sun, 12/04/2011 - 13:44

you're little guy should love this. my grandson is 4 months old but next year this is on my list to build for him. love the idea about the wooden clothes pins. good job!

Rustic X Console Table

Submitted by hmctagg on Sat, 11/02/2013 - 13:05

We followed the plans closely, and it turned out well for the first project. It was the perfect size for what we needed! My husband had never built anything like this before and after a little research on how to use the kreg jig, he was able to finish it in a weekend.

Estimated Cost
$120 including finishing supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used one coat of Minwax Provincial. I originally bought a sample can to practice on some scraps and then planned to go buy the bigger can, but I was able to stain the entire table with the sample size using an old T-shirt instead of a brush (I didn't want to risk brush marks). I liked the look after one coat, so I stopped there. I also decided against adding the hardware since I liked the look without it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entry Cosole/Media Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 14:09

Thank you for this plan! We did a few alterations like the soft close shaker doors. We painted with Navy Blue paint mixed with BBFrosch chalk mix. Love this so much! John + Jina
Colorado

Comments

Rustic X Bench

Submitted by jont on Fri, 12/09/2011 - 18:51

Simple x bench followed the plans posted below except I shortened it to fit our old table.

Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
English Chestnut Minwax stain with 2 coats minwax polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Herringbone Side Board

Submitted by abarkman on Tue, 06/18/2019 - 14:18

I started this project by using the mini Farmhouse side tables plan.   I added my own herringbone detail on the top that turned out pretty cool.    I finished with Italian brass hardware and put a sleek satin Old Masters finish over the whole thing.  It's a lovely piece that I really enjoy.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Made mostly out of scrap that I had kicking around. The top has a 1/2" plywood base that would probably cost the most out of all the lumber.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ben Moore Paint (sanded back a bit) and Old Masters Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

COVID Projects

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/31/2023 - 07:31

A few alterations to plans….thanks for the inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Doll Beds

For these beds I modified the original farmhouse doll bed plans to accommodate a few more dolls. In the process, I discovered that, while doll furniture turns out SUPER cute, it takes me about the same amount of time to build a little piece as it does to build a big piece, especially when you consider the time it takes to sew the bedding.

I put these together mostly with nails and glue, but used my kreg jig to join the rails to the headboards and footboards.

Estimated Cost
$20 or less per bed.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey to seal. Lots of sanding before and in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:00

I love the mods you did on these. For the farmhouse w/trundle, I know you had to raise up the bottom and it looks like you did the headboard sized boards for the footboard and made the headboard w/even longer boards? Then for the bunkbeds, are those all headboard lengths for the head and footboards and then just very long 2x2s for the posts? I am never brave enough to mod anything just yet! I also absolutely love that bedding on the top pic! So bright and cheery!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:51

Isn't that bedding beautiful? I love it. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby. They have so many cute calicos.

Yes, you got the mods right. If I were to do the trundle again, I'd make the headboard longer so that it goes almost to the ground like the footboard, otherwise you can see the trundle.

The bunk was easy -- much easier than the other bunk plans all out of 1x2s. I've made them both now and the farmhouse one just comes together a lot faster (once you figure out the measurements).

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 09:57

I love Hobby Lobby but never think to check out their fabric! Silly me, I'll have to do just that! Okay, thank you for the info. I just noted the additional detail of the feet, how nice! If you don't mind, I'd love the measurement of the 2x2 for the bunks, simply because I'm lazy like that, lol!

In reply to by spiceylg

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 10:27

The 2x2s are 22 3/4" and the slats in the headboard are 7". I think the bottom of the bottom headboard is around 2 3/4" or 3" from the bottom of the 2x2s. All the width measurements are the same as in the original plan. Also, I used lath strips for the mattress to rest on instead of a rectangle of 1/4" ply -- it seemed easier and I think it was cheaper, too.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:00

You are so right about the time it takes.

I made a stuffed doll and her clothing for a niece, and I could have made myself two complete outfits in the time it took to sew one dinky doll dress.

lmhaney (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:40

Hillary how did you do the trundle for the farmhouse single bed. I read where you said you would do the headboard longer,but this is going to be my first build and I need a little more instruction to make the trundle and how long would you do the headboard. Thanks!!!

In reply to by lmhaney (not verified)

hillarylouise

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 09:05

Hey. I made the trundle using 1x3 boards just slightly shorter than the size of the overall bed (so it would fit underneath). I used two 18 1/2" 1x3s and two 14 1/2" 1x3s. I built it using pocket holes on the 14 1/2" 1x3s, screwing into the 18 1/2" 1x3s. Then I attached two 1x2 cleats to the bottom insides of the 18.5" boards so that I'd have a place to set support pieces for the mattress. I attached the cleats with glue and nails, I think, but pocket screws would work fine, too. I used pine lath for the support, attached with glue and staples.

For the headboard, I cut my panel pieces at 7", I think, but I should have cut them at 9 3/4" so that the headboard panel would extend closer to the ground like the footboard panel does. Here is an abbreviated cut list:
footboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 6"
footboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 7 1/4"
headboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 9 3/4"
headboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 11"

All of the horizontal cuts are the same as the original plan as long as you are using #1 pine. If you are using #2 pine or furring strips, your horizontal cuts will need to be slightly smaller b/c your panel board will be slightly narrower than the plans expect.

Just be sure to screw the side rails of the bed in high enough to get the trundle underneath.

Hopefully that all makes sense! Good luck! Can't wait to see photos!

In reply to by Aida (not verified)

claydowling

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 06:29

They -might- cut it for you. But based on the experience of a lot of people here, and the advice of some Home Depot employees also on here, it's a mistake to have them do that.

You can do the cuts on your own though. If you can't afford a circular saw, or you're uncomfortable with them, you can buy a hand saw for about $25. It's no good for cutting plywood or MDF, but for solid wood it's hard to beat.

Hillary (not verified)

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 19:26

Nope, I don't think they will. And if they did you won't be happy with the outcome. Too many cuts and there's no way they'll get every cut right. You'd be better off finding a friend with a miter saw you could borrow for an hour to get all the pieces cut. Good luck!

Aida (not verified)

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 08:27

Thank you........ I may have to stop been afraid of using this tools and just use it lol............love this bed and my daughter want me to make it for her........ I will post pictures

blair28

Tue, 10/29/2013 - 08:53

Just curious if you have ever thought of making these and selling them?? I have been looking for a doll bunk bed for my daughter for Christmas and love this bunk bed with trundle. So thought I would ask if you would consider making one and selling it!!

emmakayte

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 18:07

I absolutely love what you did with the trundle and the bunk bed. You are so talented! Thank you so much for sharing the measurements that you used to make the bunk bed and sharing tips. I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. This will be my first woodworking project. I am crossing my fingers it goes well. Thank you! :)