Community Brag Posts

Book Nook Tent

I loved this plan as soon as I saw it. The only modification I made was I used a 4x16 8oz drop cloth up on over the center instead of curtains or fabric and painted the wood with orange gloss spray paint. The kids love it. I think we may make come doors and ties to make it cozier but they love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Paint Spray in Real Orange
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Anna Lawrence (not verified)

Mon, 09/05/2011 - 13:05

I think I am in love with the look of the drop cloth and spray paint. :)

What a fabulous replacement for the curtains... I know at our HD or L a huge cloth is $8 or $9 bucks, so that's a really economical choice.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 13:44

I love your tent! I am thinking of making one but want to get an idea of the area it will take up. Can you tell me how much space (l, w, h) it takes when assembled? Thanks!

CraigCaggiano (not verified)

Sat, 02/11/2012 - 08:21

If you want to make one to sell let me know!

Anthropologie Style Farmhouse Table

My husband built the table and benches and I applied the finish. It pretty much took us most of two weekends, but was well worth it. We learned that we should have used kiln dried wood for the table top, since ours warped pretty significantly. We will most likely replace the planks on top of the table in the near future. Also, the plans for the length of the bench don't allow for the benches to be pushed in under the table. The supports get in the way (make sure your measure!). I used Minwax Ebony stain and wiped it off quickly after applying it, so that the wood would show through. I also used a satin finish to keep true to the vintage look, yet give the table some protection from the elements.

Estimated Cost
140.00 for both the table and benches
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax - Ebony
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toy Box / Blanket Chest

Submitted by ScottyG on Fri, 12/04/2015 - 11:10

A few weeks back, my niece asked it I wouldn't mind building a Toy Box to auction off at a benefit she's holding this Saturday (December 5th - 2015). She and her husband are adopting 4, count 'em FOUR orphans from Latvia, so naturally I was more than happy to oblige. I didn't use any specific plans per se... I just used some pocket hole cabinetry I've seen on this site and others, as well as some pictures I found on the internet of different toy boxes and blanket chests for inspiration. The final project cost about $55 all in, including lumber and hardware. I used 1x3s and 1x2s for the frame, one 4x4 sheet of 1/4" plywood for the panels, and one 3/4" x 16" x 8 foot project board (which I got for $11 and change!) to use as the bottom and lid of the chest. For hardware, I used a couple of box hinges, a lid stay so that the lid both stays open on it's own and closes softly (gotta save those little fingers, y'know ;) ), and a cool wrought iron knob I found at Hobby Lobby for about $2 (gotta love the 40% off Black Friday Deals!). Oh... I also picked up a little quote plate from Hobby Lobby too, just too add that extra touch. ヅ Stain is Rustoleum American Walnut with 3 coats of satin poly.

UPDATE:  The auction was yesterday and the chest sold for $330!  ヅ

Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum American Walnut stain with 3 coats of Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

hmetcalf10

Thu, 10/29/2020 - 14:26

Such a beautiful chest for a beautiful cause. The special extras - the plate and knob - are so perfect. Congratulations on the money raised...worth every penny.

Modified salsa console buffet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/22/2019 - 16:25

Made a little smaller than original plans and completely out of oak  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400 (oak is expensive)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax early american.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fireplace with hidden Mantle storage and side bookshelves

Submitted by ibseenu on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 14:30

Thank you Ana for you Fireplace design as it was exactly what I needed! We’ve lived in our house for 3 years now and I’ve wanted a fireplace ever since. Your plan was perfect and with a few modifications I made it come to life. My 9yr daughter as I was almost done building thought there should be a shelf for books and movies below the fire place. It gave me the idea of adding storage on the sides. I had already had the idea of the mantle storage and just used a floating shelf idea and made that. This was a lot of fun!! It took me a little over a week to build. But can’t wait to build something else for our house… like the mudroom!

Amy

Comments

jtemperley

Sun, 01/08/2023 - 19:02

That looks awesome! My husband and I are planning on doing this as well. I do have a question, as I see you have carpet just like us. Did you cut out the carpet where you built out, and if so how did you go about that, or did you just build on top of it?

Reclaimed Wood End Table

Submitted by sc4bship on Mon, 09/05/2011 - 17:49

I've taken quite a bit of time building this project. My goal was to use all material we had here so, I had to cut down 2x4's and 1x6 tongue and groove. I am proud of how this turned out, now to build it's match.

Estimated Cost
$0 all reclaimed wood and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 09/06/2011 - 09:45

Great job! I love how this table turned out - especially for the price! Really well done.

JongPogi

Sun, 01/20/2019 - 12:42

Hi, can you add details on how you achieved that finish when you get a chance? like colors of  the paint and how many coats.. thank you.

TV Stand

Submitted by gjohanson on Wed, 09/25/2013 - 13:40

I started with Michaela's Kitchen Island plan, but reduced the dimensions and material sizes. I used 2x2s for the legs and 1x3s for the rest of the project. Everything was kreg jigged together. This project would've taken less time but the drying time for the stains ate up work time! :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used espresso poly stain for the frame and Rustoleum's wood stain in American Walnut. 2 coats each and then sealed the tops with a poly sealer in clear gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Planter

Submitted by bclute on Tue, 12/08/2015 - 10:28

I built these out of necessity to keep my tipsy Christmas decorations from blowing over. The last couple years I spent a lot of time picking these trees up off the ground. I like how they turned out and were relatively easy to build.

I was excited I got to use my Kreg Jig for the first time, which looked more difficult to use than it actually was. Although these are cedar planters I used all pine from big box orange. Some leftover from the farmhouse queen bed I built and the rest I purchased.

The finish didn't turn out as grey as I would have hoped using the steel wool and vinegar, but I still like the aged look. I added the "x" detail in the front afterward and instead of staining my wife thought it looked better natural. Either way I would have been happy. I will be able to use these year round in some capacity.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used some scrap and some new, but these cost me about $15 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel Wool and Vinegar followed by Thompsons Water Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rocket bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/29/2019 - 16:02

My son saw this project and wanted a rocketship.  I was also tired of piling up his books on the floor.  The only wood I bought for it was 1/4" ply for the back as I used leftover 3/4" plywood for the bookcase itself.  Fairly easy with a Kreg, it just took a little while to finish all of the painting.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
the only paint I bought for this was the red - just bought a sample of Behr's MPH in Satin. I used leftover Behr National Anthem (originally purchased for a dresser that I made my son) and some shade of white that Ihad used on closets (eggshell sheen but can't remember the exact color).
And of course, Zinsser Bullseye primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Headboard

Submitted by Linaloo on Fri, 09/09/2011 - 12:34

Made by my husband.

Estimated Cost
$60 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Theresa619 (not verified)

Mon, 09/26/2011 - 01:21

Love this! I also want to build this headboard and finish it in a bright white. One question- how did you secure it? Is it in any way attached to the wall or the bed frame or is it just leaning there? Thanks, and great job!

Custom Sandbox with built-in seats

Submitted by Ljmommy on Sat, 09/28/2013 - 10:13

On this project we modified a few things like the arm rests which we cut at an angle to keep kids from pinching fingers in there if someone decided to move the bench back on them. We also modified the size which we made 6'x4' to maximize play sand space and kid space. Therefore this made our benches bigger so that big kids (my husband) could sit on the benches and play in the sandbox. Yes there was talk about putting cup holders but I won the conversation by mentioning sand in his drink and we would have to do a sippy cup. We notched out the handles instead of installing handles which made it look sleek. We used the template from the hinge so it matched the shape....clever huh? We decided to primer and paint this one sandstone in the brick and mortar sample book by Behr and had them put it in an exterior paint color for us. We used a wagner paint sprayer which made the project fast at the end. Overall still an easy project for anyone. I do suggest pre drilling all holes first before screwing in screws so the wood doesn't split when doing the slats on the top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer/Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sand Box

This is a 4 x 6 sand box. I took the Idea from this website and add a roof just for looks. It is made with 2 x 12 , 1 x 4 and 2 x 4. I used Flood Stain which I loved the clean up. I made the second one with 2x12 and 2 x 4 because it was going on a comminuty playground and I thought it sould be stonger. It takes 22 50 pound bags of play sand to fill it. Had a great time building them Thanks for the idea

Estimated Cost
160 without the roof and 200 with
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Flood Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bedside tables

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/04/2019 - 06:21

The plans are pefect. Very easy to follow and the measurements make the drawer install a breeze. Very enjoyable project.

Estimated Cost
$100 for a pair, including the pocket hole jig and excluding the plywood.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee Matte
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/28/2022 - 16:16

Built these for my Father-in-laws birthday

Comments

Turquoise Chaise Lounger

Using this plan I built my lounger with some changes, mainly adding lawn mower wheels to one end. The cushions I made have a mesh bottom to let the cushions dry faster, and zippers so they can be removed and machine washed. More details on what I used and many more photos on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
oil based primer, 2 coats exterior latex paint: Glidden Swan White in semi-gloss, Minwax Outdoor polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 12:49

I love the idea of the mesh! It would work as a great bench when you need more seating too. I think it'd be nice with huge wooden wheels also.

Customized Bench with 2 cubbies

Submitted by DogDoc25 on Sun, 09/29/2013 - 20:06

I made this bench for a friend who had a very specific space that needed a bench. I had to make it so that there was about 30 inches of length on top but with enough room on the inside of the cubbies for 10-11 inch baskets but also had to make it so there wasn't enough space for a dog to get its head into the baskets when they were put into the cubbies. So it took some thinking with the math, but ultimately, I think they turned out great and the 10 inch baskets she bought work perfectly. I made the legs with 1x3s instead of 1x2s for extra support (and that's also what I had in my scrap pile). I left it unstained because my friend is going to do that part. This took about 3 hours to plan and build. I used the kreg jig to hide pocket holes to attach the legs to the top and bottom and also to attach the inside divider to the top of the bench (I used nails to attach the inside divider to the bottom).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used all scraps, but if I were to have bought the wood it probably would have come to around $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

console table

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 19:39

This table was modified from a few different plans. I built it as a stereo/radio stand for our cottage. The 2x8s on the top have special meaning as we used the boards as a ramp to haul our fridge in.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Goudey stain in Roasted, 2 coats of Deft polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

TV console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 14:25

Had to build something to go with our brand new OLED TV. Combined Ana's 'Grandy Sliding Door Console' with a modified version of these modern barn door plans found at https://howdoesshe.com/build-a-fixer-upper-style-modern-barn-door/ from @angelarosehome to make the finished product shown here. My wife loves it (the pup doesn't mind it either)! 

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

Rustic X Kitchen Island - Double

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 10/01/2013 - 11:53

This is my latest project and my first project post on my new blog. I've included some step-by-step photos on my blog. I'm using this kitchen island as a craft cart in my craft room. This project was so fun and easy to put together. I love how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Paint + Primer in Rushing Stream
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

NimbleShopper

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 06:52

We have a small house and my craft closet shares space with well other household stuff. :( My sewing table is the computer table when my self employed husband doesn't need to work. Your work has give me a great idea for a roll away craft table. Something like this could really work for me. Thanks for posting it, and good work!

spagirlval

Thu, 10/31/2013 - 19:10

I'm in the middle of making one of these also. I had to shorten by 4" so it will fit where I need it to go. I love the color you used. I might need to try that with a dark stained top.

our modified version of printers sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 20:22

we took Ana's plans and modified them to fit our space. I ended up routing the edges of the 1x3 and 1x2s for the door and drawer fronts to give more definition between the boards to help with the illusion of seperate drawers. I absolutely love how this turned out! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400 including hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General finishes antique walnut gel stain and high performance top coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

handmadewithash

Mon, 12/21/2015 - 15:20

this looks great! That's a neat  idea about routing the edges. I started this project a year ago, but I've picked it up again.  Where did you purchase your pulls from? I'm having the hardest time decided which ones to go with.