Community Brag Posts

Custom Built-In Medicine Cabinet

Submitted by boxermum on Sun, 07/29/2012 - 18:29

We love the medicine cabinets that are found in 5 star hotels and had come across a blog (Batchelor's Way) that had built one very similar. We decided during our renovation that we wanted one, too. In the photo you can see that we still have to install the light fixture, which fits perfectly within the high top molding, and the vessel sink and wall-mount faucet below.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer - Kilz
Paint - Behr's Silk Pillow in Satin finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

birdsandsoap

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 18:42

This is beautiful. It turned out so great, I think I may have to copy you! We have such a tiny bathroom, and need all the storage space we can get. We have similar taste, I have beadboard in my bathroom too.

Did you get the latches some place special?

In reply to by boxermum

birdsandsoap

Wed, 08/29/2012 - 10:02

Thank You. I looked over her bathroom post (several times actually) and it is amazing. Did you see their kid's room? The pirate room? another amazing DIYer. I'm really thinking about making this, just have to finish my other million projects first.

boxermum

Wed, 08/29/2012 - 15:40

I can totally relate to having a million projects in the mind bank - I want to build the Lydia daybed, farmhouse night stands, the apothecary console for the living room, leaning shelves for the breakfast room, installing board and batten in the dining room, plank wall in the guest room, and the list goes on and on and on. We installed the light fixture on the medicine cabinet yesterday, and what a difference it made. We still haven't installed the wall faucet or vessel sink, though. Just so much to do and life gets in the way!

I did see Ronda's other rooms (her pirate room was featured in This Old House magazine) and it really is creative. She was really helpful when I asked her questions about the medicine cabinet, too. Totally classy lady.

What projects do you have in the works?

birdsandsoap

Wed, 08/29/2012 - 22:09

I just finished remodeling my kitchen for the 2nd time in 3 years due to a leaky water heater. I am currently finishing up a bunkbed that I built my girls over the summer (it has taken for-e-ver!), I have to tile my bathtub surround since we added a new tub when we did the kitchen. I've got to paint both rooms, and also paint a desk that I built earlier in the summer. I'm homeschooling, and we've got a bunch of furniture that goes in our "schoolroom" that needs refinished, ugh! I think I've done more painting in the last 4 months than my entire lifetime and I've got a lot more ahead. I'm going to build a divided shelf for the schoolroom (the plans are somewhere on here, it's a PB knock-off) and I've also got two dressers planned in my head for my bedroom. We want a built-in look and since our bedroom is tiny (old house, tiny bedrooms) I have to build two separate dressers so that we can move them into the room. I also wanted to do wall-to-wall shelving in our schoolroom up around the ceiling, but I don't know if I will get to that or not. I keep piling on the projects and I'm running out of time! As soon as winter hits, I'm done building; so if feels like a mad rush to "get 'er done!"

TV console

Submitted by Kmtgolden on Fri, 05/23/2014 - 08:20

This was my first attempt at building something with doors- the one on the right got knocked off square at some point and required some finagling to get it to fit. As a result, there's a gap above it, but it opens and closes smoothly. I'm okay with it. It's not perfect, but at least it's MY not perfect.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My modified version

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/23/2016 - 19:05

I modified this bed plan. Decided to go flush with outside of bed post and wanted footboard same height as mattress

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Red chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garden Enclosure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/04/2020 - 17:29

My chickens took over my garden area and being the voracious raptors they are, I needed to build a garden enclosure to keep my veggies safe. I modified a little, making my beds deeper. I also had to stretch chicken wire over the top to keep the great flyers out. I also used it as a way to organize my garden tools (which is possible because I live in Southern California with moderate temperatures and little rain. Thanks for the plans! Yvonne

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Deck on the outside. Clear coat on the inside. I also added chalkboard paint on the inside so I could fill in what I’m growing and erase it after.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Enclosure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/04/2024 - 09:33

This is our riff on your plans. Two seasons in and not a single animal has breached our fortress.

 

Jan Perrone Greco on Facebook

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Easy stool

Inspired by a photo on a DIY site i made this simple stool from pallet wood. No plan, just an idea, and i know that the hight should be around 20".

Estimated Cost
<5$
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing, just a little sandpaper #120, and a spray-text on top
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Double X Bench

Build this bench for our dining room. Had some left over stuff and got a 11 feet plank for free at the lumber yard.
66 inches long, 14 inches wide and I made it a little higher, 19,5 inches.
Have a weakness for red benches :-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted it twice and put one layer of polyethylene on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bathroom shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/27/2016 - 13:26

Very easy build! This took just a few hours to complete and gave us some much needed flare for out tiny guest bathroom! 

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Adirondack Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/07/2020 - 18:45

Loved these plans. Made a table as well. Great set!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Scooter

I am going to be a first time Grandma and this project has been on my mind to make for him as soon as I saw it!!!
Assembly was a little tricky as I felt I needed to be sure it was very sturdy and safe. I also felt a bit out of practice as I haven't been making stuff as much as I was in the past, it may be more of a beginner level project, but I definitely needed my dad's guidance and assistance. (Thanks dad!)
I felt it needed a thicker wood for the body of the scooter so I used 1.5" wood instead of 3/4".
I am unsure on the time to make as I worked on it in the evenings after work. It did take more time than I expected, but I am super picky and wanted to add some extra touches to it.
I found the perfect monkey and bodysuit with scooters on it and that made it the perfect baby shower gift!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Acrylic paint, triple thick satin poly finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

brookifer86

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 06:26

Oh my goodness, I LOVE this! The modifications you made are brilliant too! I've been trying my hand at building more, and it seems like I'm plagued with splitting and such. Now I know to try 2x instead of 1x wood! I also love that you sandwiched the supports between the rockers instead of on top. Great ideas to make this build better!

MichelleC

Sun, 02/02/2014 - 17:35

I love how yours turned out!!! I want to build this for my daughter for her 2 year old birthday but was afraid the 1x wood wouldn't be strong enough so I was considering the 2x, and I'm definitely going to do it now after looking at yours, thanks! Her birthday is in one week so I have to stay focused this week!

cutepickles

Fri, 12/04/2015 - 16:35

You did an amazing job.  So adorable!  May I ask what you used to cut the thicker stock? I don't have a bandsaw and I'm wondering if it's a "must have" tool for this project. ;)

 

Thanks! :)

Mario Bunk bed Castle

Submitted by tdee on Wed, 05/28/2014 - 16:31

My son is a big Mario nut. And when it came down thinking about a new bed for him we sat down online and started searching for ideas. When we found this bed we both loved it right away. And when i found it was made from plans on Ana- white i was so excited as i have made a few projects already. My son was so happy the whole time this was being made. He was going to have his own castle. Once we finished the build he decided that he had to have a door so i made some curtains and embroidered Mario characters on each one. I let him decorate the inside with Mario stickers and he loves being able to have a Mario level right where he sleeps.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint in various colours to replicate a Mario castle.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Liquor sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/29/2016 - 20:00

This was my first prject of this scale. First time making doors and drawers. Took about 3 months of working after work and weekends to finish. I'm pretty happy for how it trurned out as new wood worker. Time for a drink.

Estimated Cost
About $400.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Behr Marquee paint. I used minwax water based poly for the interior.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Practice

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 10:25

I had been wanting to get into woodworking for awhile and after searching the web I came across Ana’s site. The plans for this table were right near the top of the page and seemed like a realistic goal for me to practice with. I followed her plans and video and everything came together nicely. My wife loves the table so we decided to keep it even though we didn’t need it.

Estimated Cost
$40-$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English chestnut and polycrylic for the table top.

Standard interior white paint for the legs and shelf.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Factory carts to coffee tables

Submitted by solohikr on Tue, 08/07/2012 - 00:25

My daughter found some of these online for $400+ refinished. I was able to locate some locally and did all the refinishing myself and saved a bundle. I have finished 6 of these carts to date. They are old railroad luggage, cotton bale, and whatever movers. They were manufactured around the early 1900's. The ones I have done were made by the Lineberry, Nutting and Globe companies. One piece of hardware is actually cast with a date of Feb, 26 1907. These were a lot of fun and hard work. I carefully disassembled each one including the original nails to be resused, I did not repair any of the wood, just presevered it in its original found state. As you can see from the pictures there are a lot of splits, cracks, and checks in the wood. I wanted to keep those as they added to the caracter of the table. As you can see in the before and after pics there is quite a amazing difference.

Estimated Cost
$200 for materials to do 5-6 carts
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax, stain and poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jennifer Branton (not verified)

Tue, 08/21/2012 - 20:01

Where did you get the hardware ie... the wheels? I've been looking everywhere for the steel wheels

In reply to by Jennifer Branton (not verified)

solohikr

Wed, 08/22/2012 - 06:46

I have one of these carts unfinished with wheels and all hardware, for 100.00 these carts are heavy so shipping may be an issue. my email is [email protected] i can send pictures if interested.

Modern Sectional Sofa

Submitted by reinkense on Fri, 05/30/2014 - 17:22

I looked all around my town for a sofa that meet my needs. I wanted something with tall legs, modern lines and fit my living room. I did not have $3,000 to buy one online so I said to myself why not???

 

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

reinkense

Sat, 05/31/2014 - 15:58

Thank you! I am really proud of it. I was thinking of putting together some plans.

Samigdal

Fri, 12/25/2015 - 17:48

Are there step-by-step instructions for building this posted anywhere?

walthoca

Fri, 01/06/2017 - 11:06

I am so impressed. We recently spent a small fortune on a sectional, but yours looks equally beautiful. You are incredibly talented! 

Truss Shelves Homeschool Room

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/01/2016 - 12:27

I have not built a project in a while but we needed shelves for our homeschool room.  I decided to pick something and build it so we started with this one!  I love working with my hubby doing these things and he still loves me after we're done ;) so I guess we did alright!

It looks great in our room holding our games and will add some books soon.  Thanks Ana for empowering me to go again in building!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany Stain and Minwax Poly Wipe On Clear Satin finish
I would stain the boards before attaching next time. If you want a very smooth finish, use a regular polyurethane. I like the rustic feel of this finish on this wood. It looks great in our homeschool room!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Tool Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/13/2020 - 13:36

Great project and super easy! Made such a difference in organizing our tool shed. I modified one of the handles because several of my tools would not fit over the 2x4. I also had a challenge hanging it in my shed due to the metal sheeting for walls, but the build itself was very easy. No more messy tool shed! :) As an organization freak, like Ana, this makes me so happy!!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
None - had all the materials on hand
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Open Bench Hall Tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:45

My husband built this coat rack and it is amazing and beautiful.i love it. I know the hooks look crooked in this picture but they are definitely straight.

Tracey and Wilbur Fawbush

Built from Plan(s)

Doll bed and trundle

Submitted by lucywilson on Fri, 08/10/2012 - 08:41

This was made from Anna's Farmhouse bed for dolls plan and the trundle plan. I bumped out the dimensions since my DD has a "My Twinn" doll as well as American Girl Dolls and the My Twinn is a few inches bigger.

It was hard to find bearings for the bottom of the trundle so I used drawer runners instead. I also made the trundle first then sized the bed to fit around it. I added a facia to the trundle for decoration with mitered side edges to give a "lip" to pull the trundle out.

This was my second project, made on my first project... the workbench!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
painted with satin paint, and martha stewart silver accents. the "jewels" were drawer handles.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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