Community Brag Posts

Bedside Tables

Submitted by takahler on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:03

This is our very first building project from plans. We loved them. Our first night stand twisted because our 2x2s weren't as straight as we thought they were. With a few times of repositioning them, it turned out fine. The 2nd night stand went together much quicker and easier.

We are hooked! Thank you Ana for great plans!

Estimated Cost
$52 each
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain and polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

3 drawer rolling dresser

Submitted by Kamabrewer on Fri, 09/20/2013 - 17:07

Super fun and easy! This was my first kreg jig build! Not sure how I got by before I got one!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut wiped off after 5 min.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jewelry Boxes

Submitted by yhaas on Sat, 11/28/2015 - 06:55

I made these boxes for my daughters for Christmas. I used maple, and I rabbeted the drawers and backs so that the plywood would sit flush. On the first box, I attempted to join with dowels, but as a novice, that didn't work well, and I converted to a few countersunk screws. On the second box, I used glue and nails as the plan suggested, which was much better. Installing the box hinges and lock was the most finicky part of the project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The dark wood is stained with Goudey stain - San Miguel Oak. Goudey is a family-run Toronto business, and they make beautiful stains. For the finish, I used Tried and True varnish oil. Hardware was from Lee Valley Tools.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 12/02/2015 - 14:28

Gorgeous jewelry boxes!  You did a beautiful job, and I'm sure your daughers will love them!  Love the finishes too!

Aged turquoise

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/19/2019 - 09:09

Aged rustic turquoise 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
To be auctioned
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabin Bed

Submitted by coskam14 on Fri, 11/18/2022 - 17:29

Cabin Bed for toddler. Alternate take on the Jen Woodhouse bed. Built to fit the space

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

step stool #2

kids step stool made using scraps, personalized with name and flowers

Estimated Cost
$0
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1. prime
2. two coats Behr watermelon
3. satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

West Elm Outdoor Sectional

My husband surprised me by making this sectional after I found the plans on your site. THANK YOU! We love it! It's been the centre of many cocktails and conversations over the years!
Note: cost includes the cost of the outdoor cushions which were purchased at Lowes Canada and slightly modified.

Estimated Cost
$800.00, including cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Left as is. This sectional sits outside all year long (we store the cushions indoors over the winter).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table

My husband built this table, making slight alterations to the plan to make it smaller. He also picked out beautiful walnut planks from a local exotic wood shop. This made the top have slightly different dimensions, too. The top is finished with teak oil and wax. The bottom part of the table was painted a solid gray. We're thrilled with the results. It's so sturdy!

Estimated Cost
About $300. The walnut cost more than typical lumber. It's worth it.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak oil in Medium, Howards wax and feed on top. HGTV Sherwin Williams paint in flannel gray
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Weatherly Sofa Sectional and Mom's Lego Table

Two weatherly sofas butted up against each other make a great sectional! The "Lego" table has a checkerboard on the bottom of one of the removeable table top sides, and the other acts as a water table for the little one to splash around in. Thanks so much for the plans! These were all fun projects!

Estimated Cost
$360 for wood, stain and cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Console Table

This was one of my favorite projects!!!  I never could of completed this project without the guidance of Ana's blog and Hilary From the Friendly House. Thank you!!!

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

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

Oh Christmas Tree

Submitted by Rentzm on Sat, 12/17/2022 - 04:13

What a merry addition to my Christmas decor. I was drawn to this project because I wanted to use my new miter saw and to practice cutting angles & piecing together with great precision. It’s a bonus that I needed a place to hang stockings.

The directions were clear and helpful. It is forgiving if you don’t get boards aligned perfectly. That provided a great confidence boost for this newbie.

The stain is Minwax Austin Field solid. It was my first stain experience and it took me a while to get a smooth and consistent finish. But I love the tone.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Modern Comfort Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by LinzFritz on Fri, 09/09/2011 - 18:45

I built this sofa in one day, and painted it the next! I procrastinated all summer, and now that it's almost fall I decided to finally build it so that I could relax on the sofa in the back yard for the last month of nice weather here in Winnipeg. The plans were fantastic, the only problem I had was finding 24x24 cushions. The closest I could find were 22x22, so I adjusted the plans accordingly. It turned out well but I prefer it without the back cushions because that way there's more lounging room. Thank you so much for the plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum glossy white outdoor paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

SingleMomThriving

Mon, 09/12/2011 - 08:56

Good idea to look for the cushions first and adjust accordingly. I love the color you chose to... works very well with the white sofa and warm wood deck. I agree that it is more inviting without the back pillows... That way you can see the wonderful detail of the back

karisaija

Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:30

Beautiful!
I am so confused. Multiple people who have built this mention Ana's being 24 x 24. I can not find any plans for 2 x 4 sofa or couch with 24 x 24" cushions. I have spent days searching the interwebs.....

Seasonal And Holiday

My Very First Project

I modified one of the cubby book shelves for storing my sewing machine, altered the plan to have only 1 drawer since it will be against the wall and added dowel pegs to the drawer to hold thread spools.
This was very challenging but well worth it. I am excited because I was able to make this. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
$320
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood stain and enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

deskchairnow

Tue, 10/08/2013 - 02:53

My first project was really very tough. When we work on raw furniture or old home furniture, then we should take care about the damage of our important or valuable furniture items. It is really very exciting and good feeling time for all beginners.

Pendant Light

This project didn't require much when it came to woodworking other than the wood mounted base. I have seen a few variations of pulley pendant lights on the web and thought it would be neat to build my own. I came across an old pulley and hanger at an antique mall. I bought the light hardware from a local big box store. I put some scrap lumber to use and applied some paint and stain I had around. I was hoping to make this my first custom made item to sell but once the Christmas season is over and the decorations are packed away, the Mrs. says she wants this hung in the house.Thanks for looking.

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

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

Pet Kennel

Submitted by ecsorah on Sat, 09/17/2011 - 13:13

My dog is very scared of thunderstorms and was always trying to find the a place that she could hide, which was usually under my desk. I decided to build her the pet kennel so that she could have her own hiding spot.

This was my first project and I definitely learned a lot in the process. I learned how to use my kreg jig and that I much prefer using a hand saw over a power saw. I also learned about accent bases. This project probably took longer than it should have but it was my first! The husband and I are very pleased with it (and he can't believe that I enjoyed the hand saw so much!)

Sorry for the poor picture qualities, we have not finished unpacking yet...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $60 ( I had a few things)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outside - Oops paint - Glidden Accent base red delicious;
Inside - Oops paint - Sherwin Williams - light beige color don't remember name;
Oil Rubbed bronze Rustoleum spray paint on the hardware
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

loniwolfe

Mon, 09/19/2011 - 16:57

Great job! And I love how you painted it, it really pops! I've been wanting to build this for our dog, and let it double as a bedside table. Any suggestions or things to watch out for in the process?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 11:27

Thank you for the compliments!

What I learned in making this was when suing the kreg jig, not too much pressure or it will split the wood. I also learned about the importance of predrilling. Make sure you check for square and remember (because i didn't) that the plans don't include a bottom! I had previously made my dog a bed that I had stuffed with two old standard sized pillows and it fit perfectly in the bottom!

AmusingMJ's Fancy X-Leg Farmhouse Table

Submitted by amusingmj on Mon, 09/30/2013 - 05:58

We built a dining room table for some of my best friends. It was our first table build and a year later it is still beautiful! If you want to see a few 'in progress' pictures check out my blogpost on it at www.amusingmj.com/dining-room-table

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jewelry Box 2

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 12/17/2015 - 20:58

I built this as a Christmas gift for my office partner/best friend.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 (bit of a guess, more if I add finishes which I already had, less if using scrap wood)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used wood conditioner, then stained with Goudey stain in Rosewood. Next was a shellac washcoat, followed by glaze in Van Dyke brown, another washcoat, and finished with 2 coats of Tried and True varnish oil, then another 2 of Tried and True original wood finish. Knobs and felt were from Lee Valley.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments