Community Brag Posts

Doggy Daybed

I've been trying to decide which project I'd like to tackle first. So, I decided, since I have been looking for a puppy, a dog bed would be a good start. With the inspiration of Ana's farmhouse doll bed and moosmani's doggie daybed, I tweaked them both and came up with my own. I have to say, for my first project, I am extremely proud! I made a few mistakes, that only I noticed when it was done. But I love how it turned out. I already have a couple people who want me to build them one. I can't wait to take on even bigger projects!

Estimated Cost
$50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultimate Wood in Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Desk

Due to a little plumbing mishap I found myself having to redo my son's room. One of the things he wanted was a desk so I found these plans for the Library Card Play Table and figured with just a tiny bit of tweaking this would be the perfect desk for my son. I opted not to go the library card route and stuck to a solid drawer face on each drawer and I cut the legs a little longer so that the desk sat at 30" tall. My son loves the desk and so do I.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted one coat of Miss Mustard Seed's Shutter Grey Milk Paint and then lightly sanded it with a fine grit sanding sponge. I then sealed it with a mix of 3 parts furniture wax to 1 part antique wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Baby Crib

So we we're expecting and we started to look at cribs.  We wanted a 2-1 crib that will turn into a twin.  My brother in law gave us the side pieces (rails) to his old crib, so I needed to build a headboard and footboard that would go with what he gave us.  ​My wife started to browse online for cribs that she liked and she asked for something that would resemble the "Natart Rustico Moderno Crib".  So I tried my best... more photos and tips on my blog.

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/diy-baby-crib

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
Aprox $150 for lumber and paint. The mattress was a hand me down.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint and Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double Farmhouse Doll Bed

Submitted by Tea Granny on Sun, 03/10/2013 - 13:18

This was my first Ana White project. The bed was fairly quick to put together, but then it had to be painted with 2 coats of paint. That's why I think it's a day project, and not an afternoon project.

I also made a feather mattress and feather pillows. The plaid blanket was made from a vintage table cloth. A fitted sheet, flat sheet, and pillow cases were made from some percale sheets. The dolls have definitely been spoiled!

Thanks Ana for the great plans!

Estimated Cost
Under $5 for the wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint (white with a hint of ivory added to it)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Leaning Shelves

Submitted by marenras on Fri, 01/16/2015 - 14:48

My 5 year old son wanted a "Lego Creation Display Thing" to exhibit all his hard work with his beloved Legos. I knew this plan was perfect.

After styling it for the photo, I didn't want to give it to him, but keep it for myself instead! I think I need to build another one. Or two.

The building only took a few hours, but I spent a LOT of time on sanding and painting it perfectly for a professional finish.

I bought 1x8s instead of 1x4s and ripped them on my table saw, becasue I was able to get straighter boards that way and it was a tad cheaper.

(Bonus Brag: I refinished and reupholstered that blue chair!)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Advance in Decorator's White.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Potting Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2017 - 08:59

Made one or two changes to fit my needs. Came out nice. Thanks. -hs 

Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/20/2021 - 16:28

Our first build, all of the lumber was sourced from our land, milers on our sawmill and planed here. White pine frame, poplar seating. Great plans Ana! It was so nice to have success on our first furniture piece!!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Little Big-Girl Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Tea Granny on Tue, 03/12/2013 - 11:49

This bed was my 3rd project from Ana white. I'm just getting around to posting it now....

The headboard and footboard were made 2 inches wider than the original plans to account for my wider crib mattress. For my mattress width (28"), I required an extra 1x4 for the headboard and footboard center panels (7 instead of 6), along with 2 1x3s. This meant that I needed to add one extra 1x4 to my shopping list. I only required one 1x6, at a 10 foot length (since I didn't make the arch on the headboard).

Most of the work was done on our backyard deck, my outdoor workshop. I usually enjoyed the company of a little chipmunk as my "helper". He became very tame over the summer, allowing me to pick him up and pet him. At times, he would sit on my lap or ontop of my shoulder while I was working on a project. He was always with me, just hangin' out. I'm not really sure how long this project took, as I was usually distracted by his company!

I really enjoyed making this project! Our daughter was SO excited to sleep in her new big-girl bed!

Thanks Ana for the great plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood, $28.45. Paint, $36.97 per gallon (I already had the paint from another project)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Self Priming Paint - I had 2 separate gallons of this in different colours and finishes. One was semi-gloss white (I found this to be too shiny, and the shade too cool). The other gallon was a flat finish, in a Farrow and Ball colour "Pointing".
Since the walls of the room are already in the "Pointing" colour, I wanted to keep the bed whiter than the walls, just slightly off white. I ended up mixing some of both gallons together. The result? - a lovely eggshell finish in a warm white colour. Perfect.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

dmcarwin

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 08:01

You did a great job! I love you "little helper" in the first picture!

In reply to by dmcarwin

Tea Granny

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 13:40

Hi dmcarwin - Thanks so much for your comment!

I love my little helper as well. You, however, must be a VERY busy lady! With 6 little helpers??? How do you ever find the time for all your fabulous projects? You truly amaze me!

In reply to by Tea Granny

dmcarwin

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 15:35

You are so sweet, I don't do projects in a normal time frame, they are more like, cut the wood one day, sand the next, build another, etc....It is rare I do a build all at once, for obvious reasons! But I truly love it and so I make the time for it when I can! I just checked out the rest of your projects they are fabulous!

Tea Granny

Wed, 03/13/2013 - 18:07

Oh, yes. I certainly know about the non-normal time frames. My projects are done during nap-time or in the middle of the night. I finished a play kitchen at 4am on Christmas Day! Cutting it close - after numerous 4am nights, a couple all-nighters ...and about 40 hours later. I definitely was an elf in the workshop.

The play kitchen is pictured in the background of my second photo for my Toddler Chalkboard project. I used Ana's plans and another plan as my inspiration, heavily modified the measurements. I have not had time to post it yet, but soon....

Okay, so I've just checked out your blog! Wonderful.

LindseyMagno

Sun, 08/09/2015 - 06:51

This is gorgeous!!!!! My daughter will be two in two weeks, and while I'm not quite ready for a big girl bed, and we don't need her crib for another baby yet, I'm so excited to finally find the perfect plans when I am ready. You did a GREAT job, it's just beautiful. When I compare this to the $400 plus beds in stores I just shake my head and say THANK YOU ANA for giving us great alternative options. Thank you for the inspiration!!

corner shelf

This was very easy to make. Stained with minwax dark walnut. It's very sturdy too.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nice stool chair/table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 04/20/2017 - 12:08

this is my first project, so some screw holes is appear on the legs, but now i bought hole pocket device to hide screws in next project

thanks a lot ANA for your demonstration

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Entertainment Center Cabinet

I had a very good time building this entertainment center. I've received many compliments on the outcome.

Comments

Reclaimed Wood Counter Shelves

Made from reclaimed pine moulding.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Christmas Chalkboards

Submitted by shellyward on Thu, 01/22/2015 - 09:56

I wanted something special to give the kids in our family for Christmas so I made them all these magnetic chalkboard easels.  I gave them chalk and magnetic alphabet letters to go with it.  The kids ranged from ages 6 months to 8 years and they all loved them!

Estimated Cost
$25/ea
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
magnetic primer and chalkboard paint on the plywood and various colors for the frames
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

shellyward

Mon, 02/02/2015 - 12:21

Thanks Ana! I am having so much fun using plans from your site. My husband created a monster in me when he helped me start learning how to use the power tools last Christmas. Now I just can't stop. currently my daughter and I are working on a large storage bed for her. You have inspired me that nothing is impossible!

justagirl322

Thu, 04/30/2015 - 01:19

Great idea to make these magnetic as well. I was just wondering if you would be willing to share what you used to make them magnetic. Thanks in advance
K

shellyward

Tue, 05/12/2015 - 05:31

sorry just saw this comment - I used the magnetic primer by Rust-Oleum. Used this in place of standard primer. You have to use at least 2 coats and even then, it won't hold a very heavy magnet. i would imagine the more coats you put on, the stronger it will be. It's not cheap, but was great for this application.

Shoe Shelf

Submitted by brittanyj on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 17:16

Husband wanted a shoe shelf for the back door entry, and I needed a quickie weekend project, so this fit the bill.  Adapted from fix this build that's plan, but modified for a smaller space and less shoe storage.  Easy project, and looks great.

Estimated Cost
$7- the project panel was on clearance at HD for the top, the rest was scrap lumber- ply, 2x2's and 1x2's.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
kona stain, white paint, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn door bookcase

Submitted by EOdonnell on Fri, 04/02/2021 - 08:14

Fun project!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Blue Subway Bookshelf for my school room

Submitted by kadfamily on Sun, 03/17/2013 - 14:01

I can take no credit, except for choosing this amazing project! My man took off a couple days from work to make this as a late Christmas gift. It's beautiful and gives just the organization I needed in my homeschool room. I could not love it more!

We added a few more inches height to each shelf to make it taller than the original design. It's perfect.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

1x12 Wood Bulk Bins

Submitted by carongirls on Mon, 01/26/2015 - 05:42

I made my bins 36 incheg to fit my space.  My big box blue store has 1x12x8 utulity shelving boards for $13 compared to $27 for the 12 footers. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Entertainment center

Submitted by brittrad14 on Thu, 04/08/2021 - 06:08

1st project in the bag. I love how this turned out. Now to decide on the doors!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Comments

Mudroom Lockers

Submitted by suzanx on Tue, 03/19/2013 - 17:45

I saw a brag posted by jaimecostiglio (mudroom locker and bench unit) and really wanted to build one for my mudroom! I didn't extend the bench out as far out as her original plan but there is still plenty of room to sit and put shoes on. We are a family of 4 but I built 5 lockers. Kind of wish I had built 6 because my husband is occupying 2 (one for his regular coat/jacket and the other for his motorcycle gear - so not fair).

Anyway, we love it and everyone who visits are amazed that we built it from scratch! This was our very first building project and it took a while because we wanted to make sure it was perfect. It's actually screwed into the wall so it will most likely stay with the house if we ever move.

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

Comments

LisaMarie

Sat, 03/30/2013 - 14:29

I am looking forward to building one of these, too. Yours looks great! I would definitely unscrew it and bring it with me with a move!:)

arausch

Sun, 06/23/2013 - 17:50

can you help direct me to the plans for this locker unit? I see the username of an original poster but can't seem to find the post. A URL would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance and nice work!

Lisa0820

Thu, 12/03/2015 - 09:55

Can someone please send or direct me to the plans for this unit?

Thanks

Lisa

2x4 Little Car

Submitted by carongirls on Fri, 01/30/2015 - 06:04

Super Easy.  Warning the finished car weighs a ton so build in the room you want it in.

 

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Our Daughter's Playhouse

Submitted by jhedlund on Fri, 03/22/2013 - 06:17

We built this in early 2013. We ended up turning the house 90 degrees on the deck, because the slide worked best off the backside of the deck due to the various heights around the deck. The sloped back yard caused some challenges, but in the end it's a very sturdy deck with the cross beams attached. Thanks for posting these plans online for us, our 3 daughters are loving the playhouse and swingset! Here are some more pics of the project: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11031534@N00/sets/72157633009259873/

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

Comments

sgilly

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 15:07

Of course your girls love it - it's fantastic! Great job.

Robinwood

Fri, 03/22/2013 - 16:39

Love this - my grandson's back yard is too small to build something like this; which is why we had to settle for his loft bed airport/clubhouse.

slug

Thu, 06/27/2013 - 05:24

I'm planning on building two A-Frames and no playhouse, so my questions are focused there.

Did you do any modifications to swing portion of the plans?
Is it sturdy enough for an adult to swing on as well?
It looks like you put the posts in the ground, did you cement them in too?
How high off the ground is the bottom of the support beam for the swing?
Is there any issue side-to-side swaying?

Seasonal And Holiday