Community Brag Posts

Special Teacher Gifts

My son Jack, has Down syndrome. He's had the same preschool teacher for the last 3 years, and now it's time to move on to kindergarten. Not only does he have a dedicated teacher, but he has two paraprofessionals (teacher's aides) that take turns in helping him 1:1 all day long. I figured that it was time for all three of them to relax this summer. So, in appreciation, I made three of the adult sling chairs so they can enjoy their much deserved relaxation.

Estimated Cost
$25 - $30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Since I used cedar, I didn't want to do anything to it except put a coat of Thompson's water sealer on it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mamma_joy

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 00:00

As an OT in the schools, I can understand your connection to the dedicated teacher and staff that work for your son. I'm sure that these gorgeous chairs will show your appreciation! What great choices in fabric, too!

marlaandwilliam

Wed, 06/22/2011 - 14:17

thanks!! i just love fabric! but mod-ish colors and designs really are so striking to me - LOVE it! :)

Sherry (not verified)

Fri, 09/23/2011 - 19:31

Would you mind sending the instructions for these chairs. I think this is something that I could do and would love to make a set for my husband for Christmas. We are all about homemade. That would be so great!

debandtom25

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 20:05

Hi Sherry. To find the page where I got the plans, just click on the words "Wood folding sling chair - adult" next to the bolded "From Plan" listed above. That will take you directly to Ana's plan.

Seasonal And Holiday

Shark Shack

I had my eye on this clubhouse bed from the Pottery Barn kids catalog and was so excited when I came across this plan and my hubby offered to build it for my 4-year-old. I think it actually turned out cuter than the Pottery Barn version! Thanks so much, Ana!

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Eggshell Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor sofa

Tweaked the plans a bit. Used 2x6s for arm rest (to support a cocktail better) and back rest. Also tilted the back 2x6 to make it more comfortable. Burnt wood with a torch.  Then stained and used a spar urethane.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Burnt wood, stain and spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Workbench Console

Submitted by katonley on Sun, 03/25/2018 - 18:15

This table was fun to build, but took me a looonng time. Things I learned doing this project: First, when the pros tell you something can be put together in a few hours, they do not mean for mere mortals. Second, good staining really requires you to know your wood. I had several pine boards with a very pink undertone that made it impossible to get the color I wanted. I had to restain this twice. Third, this console table can support at least 130 pounds! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
130
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
After several failed attempts at something lighter, I went with Minwax Dark Walnut and a one-coat polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Reclaimed wood headboard

Submitted by mom24boyz on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 09:18

This was my first building project. It turned out better than I thought it would!
I used the reclaimed wood headboard plans. The only things that I did different was added a decorative trim piece to it & did some wood filler to areas to fill in. I painted it a cream color, then antiqued it. The stuff I used was folkart antiquing medium that I got at a local craft store.
A few things that I learned...
*Make sure the wood you buy it straight. Check it at the store that it lays flat on the ground.
*Don't take a 4 & 5 year old with you to the hardware store!
*For some areas screws work better than finishing nails. AKA the top pieces of the headboard (pre drill a hole a little so that the screw head will fit in. When done add wood filler after to fill in the hole)
*measure your bed frame rail to make sure that the headboard will fit where the holes in the frame are.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint I used was Martha Stewart Heavy Cream from home depot.
The antiquing was done with Folkart Antiquing Medium 811. You can get it at your local craft store that sells Folkart paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Shanda McKeehan (not verified)

Fri, 09/07/2012 - 09:36

This looks great! I just finished my headboard and TOTALLY agree with the make sure your wood is straight thing. I didn't and it really screws things up!

Adirondack Chair

I'm a French woodworking. It was so easy to buid this adirondack chair. I'm using my lovely kreg jig. I want to redo two other chairs... Thank you so much Ana ;-). Sory for my bad english !!!

Estimated Cost
50€
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
lasure
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Media Center

Submitted by Rkh81989 on Sun, 04/08/2018 - 14:10

Farmhouse Media Center

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

Comments

Upholstered Bench

Submitted by sooz122 on Tue, 06/28/2011 - 11:42

Used the easiest upholstered bench plans as a start. I modified it just a little so that I could use what I had on hand!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 10:41

I love that fabric too! I've used that exact same stuff in my kitchen, and also framed a piece of it to cover the hole in the wall over the stove where my range hood vent is supposed to go if my husband ever gets it put up. I've also got the black version of the fabric to make baskets to go on my wire shelves.

Letter press rustic x coffee table

Submitted by kasiwalker on Tue, 08/06/2013 - 11:34

I used the Rustic x coffee table plan and modified the top. I used 2x2's to make a frame and a router to make notches for plywood under the letters and glass to fit inset on top. The letters are antique letterpress blocks that I obtained on ebay and at antique shops.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Aged Oak.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Storage Bed

Submitted by eralben on Fri, 08/28/2015 - 06:11

My daughter needed a new bed and I really liked Ana's Hailey Storage Bed plans.  I adjusted Ana's plans to fit a full size bed and I also made a different headboard and footboard.  To see how I made the headboard and footboard follow the links below:

Headboard:  http://www.betterwhenbuilt.com/diy-headboard/

Footboard:  http://www.betterwhenbuilt.com/diy-footboard/

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

Tilt out trash can with drawer and shelves

Submitted by tholler on Fri, 04/20/2018 - 19:59

A few 2x4’s and some old fence boards. 

Danish oil - walnut. 

Estimated Cost
Used mostly scraps. Bought 4 2x4 at $4 each. Hinges were $4 too I think. Had 1x6 in scrap pile for drawers.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish oil - walnut. And great patina from old fence boards...
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Turquoise Headboard

Submitted by cynthiaw on Sat, 07/02/2011 - 18:06

used Ana's plans for the Reclaimed Wood Headboard, queen size. Details can be found on my blog post about this project.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
see my blog
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cynthiaw

Sat, 07/02/2011 - 18:08

i made this last year and although ana has it featured here for the plans, i never did officially add it to the 'brag blog'

amikolajczyk (not verified)

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 11:36

I see you mentioned that you have the details about the finish work in your blog, but I don't know where to find that. I'm making one of these now and I'm really impressed with what you've done. I'd like to know more!

Thanks,
Adam

Craft Paper Holder

I made this in a few minutes. The kids were too excited to try it out; they didn't want me to fill and paint it. I made it out of scrap wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
The kids grabbed it before I could finish it :)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My First Build - Thank you for the great plan!

Submitted by TylerT on Mon, 08/31/2015 - 13:32

My first build using plans through this blog.  This project took me about four hours total and cost about 40$ with wood, paint, stain, and hardware.

 

 

Estimated Cost
$25 for the wood and an extra $15 dollars for paint, stain, and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona finish from MinWax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Outdoor Patio Furniture

Submitted by disneynut on Tue, 05/22/2018 - 19:26

I used modified plans from Thrifty and Chic. I have the same cushions size from Target that she has. It worked out beautifully. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
High gloss enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Indoor Playhouse for nephew

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/26/2022 - 10:18

First project with pocket holes. A little challenging for a complete beginner, but pretty forgiving and fun to make! My nephew LOVES it!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments