Community Brag Posts

This was a Baby Gift for my sister and her little boy, Xander who was born just a couple weeks ago. I wanted to do something special that would last for my sweet nephew. She found a bookshelf similar to this on cool-rooms.com and we decided to try to make our own version. I've posted about it on my blog if you're interested in the process.

I modified the plans slightly, reducing the overall seating depth by 1.5" so I could use 8' lumber with minimal waste, and make 2 cushions out of one 54" width of fabric. I also tweaked the design to make a chaise lounge on one side. I used bargain priced sunbrella fabric (has a few imperfections) and recycled soda bottle fill for the cushions to keep cost lower. Building the wooden part was quick and easy (took an afternoon including two trips to the store), but this was my first sewing project so the total project time reflects my learning curve making and stuffing cushions.

Sorry the the photos were taken from my phone so the lighting is making it look darker than it really is.
Basically I followed the plans to a T other than the poplar trim and crown molding.
For the head board I Used 3/4" red birch ply and made some stiles with excess from the sheet and then just trimmed it with poplar molding. instead of stacking 2 2x4 for the sides i just used a solid 4x4 and cut the spot out to old the rails on. I was afraid how the stain would react or how it would look since 2x4 have rounded edges. Thats pretty much it. The finish was a tricky process. since I used red birch and white poplar I had to find a way to get everything to stain evenly. So basically I
Dyed all the wood then sealed then stained then toner then glaze then a little more toner then when i got the color i wanted i put 2 layers of top coat.

I wanted something special for my Daughter’s room. I made her bed and bedside table and then I experimented with your book case plan. I was pleasantly surprised with the finished product.

I decided to build a dining table after finding Ana's site and being encouraged from the straight forward plans and great brag posts.  Thank you for the encouragement, Ana!

This project took much longer than anticipated since we changed around the plans, used mahogany which is unforgiving, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist so we spent a lot of time on each step to make sure things were correct.  In terms of modifications, we used 1x12, 1x10 and 1x8s on the table top.  We only made two pedestal legs so we could fit chairs on the end.  The overall dimensions are 96.5" x 46.5" x 29".  We kind of fell into those dimensions after having to change things to make sure the breadboards fit properly.

I'm happy to share any additional plans/information with folks who want to build a similar table.  We didn't use a stain but rather just 3 coats of MinWax Wipe-On Poly.  It really brought out the beauty of the grain and color of the wood!

Thank you again, Ana!  I hope future generations will keep this table and think it's cool that their family made it.  I'm planning to have a plaque engraved with our names and the date to attach to the table as well.  

I decided to try and use the plans on Ana's site but with a twist. I wanted to limit myself to using only pallets. I think it turned out great! I can't upload all the photos because they exceed the maximum size limit. If I was able to you could see how each chair is slightly different and has a lot of character. I finished them with a waterproofing oil which I highly recommend over other finishes. 

Made this out of a ton of scrap wood I had laying around. On the downside it made the project more difficult, but on the upside all I had to buy was hinges and handles...

I made this rustic vanity and mirror out of pine and stained it with a variety of different stains.

I have built some other stuff before, but not with paint and sanding and such. It was definitely a great learning project. There are imperfections, but it's a toy, so kids will be having fun and that is all that matters.

My very first woodworking project was Ana-White's farm house bed! I've made so many projects now, I decided to start fancy'ing up my backyard!. We took all pressure treated wood to make the wall foundation, painted it, sealed it, then used Screw on Holds to make the climbing portion.

I have a full tutorial listed here http://www.impatientlycrafty.com/2013/05/07/diy-backyard-climbing-wall/

Thanks Ana for helping inspire me to create more wood stuff!!!

Submitted by Abigail Marolt on Facebook -

I made a your crib mattress sectional with an extra armless couch to make one large U-shaped design! It was my first project with a kreg jig and a circular saw, but it certainly won't be my last. We love using this couch every day!

We bought a vacation home that has such a small kitchen. I knew we needed more storage. So I checked out Ana's plans and made this bad boy based on the Simplest Armoire plans.

The home is in the mountain/lakes area of northern New Hampshire, so I wanted to bring the outside colors in. I used Valspar Cabin Red paint and the Valspar Antiquing glaze over the top after distressing it a bit.

My husband and my boys built it, painted it, and stained it in a weekend. Great father and sons project. I used the same black paint and stain that Shanty-2-chic used. I LOVE it.. now on to the benches.

This was basically my first ever wood working project. It didn't turn out perfect but I had fun doing it and my daughter likes it too! It isn't done yet, still need to figure out the color of paint I'm going to use.

I adjusted the height of the armoire to 72 inches. It was a little tricky getting the doors to hang straight. I blame the new driveway; we just moved into a new house with a sloped driveway (our old one was super flat). I got the hardware at Lowe's. I also added a block of wood at the top, on the inside, to mount the door catches. I mounted them on the top and bottom on both doors, so four catches total. That really helped with the way the doors looked when closed.