Community Brag Posts

Ten Dollar Ledges Fancied Up

Submitted by ipassat100 on Fri, 07/29/2011 - 22:55

I added crown molding to the bottom of my ten dollar ledges to add a little fancier look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ramie (not verified)

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 14:38

I have two that are ready to hang, but need to paint the wall first. Might add to them before I do.......thanks for sharing!

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 07/30/2011 - 16:00

so cute!! I want to make these!

loniwolfe

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 19:54

This looks great! What a wonderful idea! I have a question, Other than the moulding on the bottom, did you follow the plans exactly (Like used the same dimensional boards Ana said to use)? Just asking because yours came out looking so much better than mine (which very well could be the paint job and moulding fooling my eyes into thinking the other boards look smaller, lol)

Great job and thank you for sharing!

Becky Darrington (not verified)

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 10:16

I did use the same size boards that Anna said they just might be a different length.

Merbear (not verified)

Fri, 01/13/2012 - 12:15

I love the finished look! So classy!
Is there an added piece on the bottom of the moulding?

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 01/26/2012 - 20:02

wow that's amazing. I so need those. LOL everything you post is very stylish and functional. You know I work at a high school. I could see getting the art class (which makes projects like these) to do these for my classroom :)

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 02/02/2012 - 08:50

Where are the instructions posted?

mparks100 (not verified)

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 11:23

This is great as I am a photographer and love to switch up my photos often. Saves the walls from holes and is just a great idea! I also did not see all the instructions but will have my husband duplicate.

Charmaine (not verified)

Wed, 04/11/2012 - 15:07

This is great. I made the ledge and plan on adding the crown molding. How exactly did you hang them?

Gradyne (not verified)

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 13:11

I have high ceilings. I have been trying to figure out what to put at some of the windows to dress them up a bit. I think I may add them to the den area. Photos would be out of the reach of all the grandchildren, but photographs could been seen without cluttering tables.

sdaguinsin

Sat, 09/08/2012 - 09:00

Has anyone tried using a 1x3 for the back instead of a 1x4? Can anyone think of any reason it would not work?
Also thinking of making it deeper since the crown molding will provide extra support. I want to add more depth so that I can install a power strip under shelf, behind molding so that I can turn it into a charging station. Any thoughts on this? Would love to hear other opinions on this before I start building and then realize the problems that may exist in my plans.

Emmy Soren

Thu, 09/15/2016 - 18:54

I feel so stupid... I have never used any sort of molding before. How do you use it? I went to lowes tonight and I don't know where you get the edge piece. My husband (who doesn't build things except for computers) says he thinks you just use part of the long strip and cut at a 45° angle. Is that how?

then what do you use for the bottom portion to cover the gap?

sandy.p56

Sat, 08/12/2017 - 10:50

I found Ana's site a few years ago and have been dreaming about things I want to build for just as long.  I'm finally ready to get started, and I thought these ledges would be a great way to start.  I love the moulding on the bottom, but I have no idea what combination of pieces to use to get this look or what sizes of moulding to use with the 1x4 and 1x2 boards.  Can somebody help me?

Tsu Dho Nimh

Tue, 08/15/2017 - 13:21

Sandy - take the picture to any lumber molding department ad start trying combinations.

 

The original pic was using some crown molding, but a fancy baseboard or other molding would look good too.

Camp loft bed

Submitted by dmather82 on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 18:15

My first build... Not perfect but it has led me down a new path... Thank you soooo much Ana! More to come and a plan of my own in the works!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

outdoor dining table

Submitted by Hunter1971 on Fri, 10/09/2015 - 09:04

Farm house design. I used 4x4 for the base instead of 2x4.

Estimated Cost
80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tudor color with a kona stain accent then good marine varnish since it's on the pool deck. It only took 3 hrs to make it the rest was staining. My advice is to stain the top boards before screwing it together
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

CHARLOTTES AMERICAN GIRL TABLE AND CHAIRS

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/28/2018 - 12:42

Thank you Anna White for the 18 inch doll chairs idea. Me and my Dad made the table from leftover pieces from the chairs. I loved making the chairs because I love to using power tools. I have an idea for you Anna. Have you done a 18 inch doll locker before?

Estimated Cost
Maybe $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
PURPLE PAINT FOR CHAIRS WALLNUT STAIN FOR TABLE
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Potting bench extraordinaire

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/16/2022 - 18:00

After completing the greenhouse, I built the potting bench in a couple of hours. Obviously well used. Sturdy, convenient, easy build.

Comments

Bench

I built this based on the rustic x bench. While I had previously built the x bench, I really had a hard time with that darned X! So I just added bottom pieces to this and called it a day. This will be put at the foot of the bed and will most certainly help me sleep better! How? Ah yes, no more hubby sitting on the edge of the bed at 4:30a.m. to put on his boots!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free...all made from leftovers and reclaimed wood
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Industrial desk

Just finished up this industrial L-shape desk.  The desk top is solid walnut.  I added a pencil drawer and a vintage locker basket mounted to a drawer slide. :) 

Estimated Cost
$500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
dye, shellac, gel stain, arm r seal varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Candle Holder

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 11/04/2018 - 06:04

This was a super quick and fun project that I made from scrap materials. I designed it to fit tapered glass candles that are readily available from online or your local big box store.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Outdoor Couch

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/01/2022 - 11:16

Today I'm starting on my 3rd Ana White project, the outdoor lounge chairs. Most of the couch is constructed from reclaimed wood. I used some old 4/4 for the legs instead of 2/4 and they worked fine, though the couch is quite heavy. I made the cover for our fire pit so that when we aren't having fires, it can be a coffee table.

Comments

Work Area

I finally got the chance to share my first couple of projects.

For the work bench I made organizers for tools and screws. I made them with 1x3's and made simple boxes out of them. One longer one at 36" and a couple smaller ones at 6" for easier access to nails. I painted everything with granny smith green and fuchsia pink.

I had originally planned on just making a couple of storage benches to hide my husband's video games in the house, but decided one would be perfect to hold my circular saw, drill, and other power tools while adding a comfortable place to sit. I had ordered the fabric a few months ago and didn't realize that it matched the fuschia pink paint I had bought at orange for my work bench, and I am glad it did.

Though they are in my garage, being a wife to a Staff Sergeant in the Army, we entertain a lot so having something that is useful and looks great is a wonderful thing indeed.

Since I've started building, I've been browsing Ana White's project plans for anything else that could be useful in our house... I can't wait until we move so we can choose a larger house to make way for more projects!

Thank you Ana!!! You've given purpose to my usually uneventful days while the hubs is in Iraq for the third time!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Granny Smith Green and Fuchsia Pink from Orange. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MissSea

Sun, 09/18/2011 - 14:27

I have to say I love that even though this is a workbench, it's still so personal and girlie! And what a great idea for the storage unit having seating! So many times I end up sitting in the garage, sorting God-knows-what, and I really need a seat! :)

Just A Bench

Submitted by Jake on Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:38

I had a request from a friend to build her a bench, preferably one with a back on it. The plans for the Woven Back Bench were perfect. But as you can see in the picture I moved away from the plans a little bit. The woven back is beautiful but I was sure it would become frustrating to get it right so I went with the vertical posts. It worked out well.

It is not visible in the picture but I added a cross-member to the middle of the seat to give it more strength and stability.

I avoided pocket holes to hold the back together by using the Kreg drill and drilling vertically down about 3/4 the way and inserting 2" pocket hole screws and then capping them off. The caps are visible in the picture. I did the same from the bottom of the back.

In a couple of places that called for 2x2s I used re-sawed 2x4s that I think added strength to the bench. I only used pocket holes where they would not be directly visible. Also I used a router to soften many of the edges and to add interest to the arms.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 not including primer or paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish will be applied by the recipient but I am recommending that she prime and paint. Once a year she should check for any rotting.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Camp Loft Bed with Stairs

Submitted by Vc1700 on Mon, 10/19/2015 - 12:02

I wanted to create a loft bed for my daughter so that she could have space underneath to play since her room is small. This was the perfect solution! I went ahead and added a stair rail so she could feel a little safer coming down the stairs (she is 4 yrs old). She loves her princess bed and what's best she wants to sleep in it instead of with mommy and daddy! This was my first wood working project. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse bed headboard- King modified

Submitted by csnezz on Tue, 11/13/2018 - 12:36

Farmhouse bed - Queen Sized plan modified for a King sized mattress and frame. I added 2 - 2 X 4's and used unfinished wainscoat for the back of the headboard.  Finishing added time to for completion to about a week.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane water based Pre-Stain, Varathane American Walnut quick drying stain, Varathane water based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage shelf and work bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 12:29

Used the plans from attached garage shelving to make a 10 ft, 24 inch wide shelf then used similar idea for workbench which I still need to put doors on. I love it! Such an easy plan!

Comments

Farmhouse Bed and One happy Boy ;)

My Hubby and I worked really hard on building this bed, your plans are wonderful ;)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss after priming
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Inspired by Julia Nightstand

Submitted by kirst1230 on Mon, 09/02/2013 - 10:03

This nightstand was inspired by the Julia Nightstand. I changed a few of the measurements and added a door. The entire piece is built out of wood I salvaged when I tore out the wall paneling in my basement. The old nail holes add nice character and the color of the wood and grain are really nice. This piece does not have any stain - this is the natural color of the wood. I finished it with water based polyurethane.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Water based polyurethane painted with synthetic hair brush. I did not use any stain. The water based polyurethane raises the grain so I sanded between the first two coats. Total of 4 coats. No odor and very easy cleanup (soap and water).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Desk insiped by Printers Triple Console Cabinet

Started off with the plans for the Printers tripe console table and the lengthed, widened and lowered it into a desk. Did a very light sand on everything except the desk top to acheive a "rugged" look. On the desk top I sanded it for what seemed like forever and then added three coats of polyurethane. Ended deciding on a dark walnut stain

Printers Triple Console Cabinet
Printers Triple Console Cabinetrted off with the plans for the
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

PatOhApostrophe

Thu, 12/31/2015 - 09:55

First, hats off.  This is beautiful.  I have a question, what are the overall dimensions of the desk?  Thanks.

 

Pat

Perfect classroom reading table!

Submitted by jendon on Sat, 08/20/2022 - 19:50

Dear Ana, I needed a reading table for my classroom and knew I enjoyed the look of Ana’s tables. I took the dining room table plans and edited the length, width, and hight for my classroom. I sanded, stained the wood before cutting. Then made the cuts as I went along double checking the measurements. I did use pocket holes and sanded the rough spots with a touchup on stain. I used 2-3 coats of 3x thick clear poly on the table with sanding in between with 300 grain sandpaper. Light enough to make it smooth with out taking the poly off. The stain was golden oak to match the coat/backpack rack I made next. Thank you so much Ana for the help in making something so beautiful!! Blessings, Jennifer

Comments

Bathroom Reading

Submitted by moemoore on Thu, 08/11/2011 - 03:01

We've had a cheapo over the toilet stand in our master bathroom for ages. Its a chrome job that was getting rusty and all it ever held were the magazines that my husband would place on it. I saw the Flat Bookholders plan, and realized that would be perfect.

Then I realized that in order to get my husband on board with my plan, I would have to paint it his team colors - UK Blue and White! (That would be University of Kentucky!)

I measured the wall next to our toilet - 18" was the max width I could do. Then I followed the directions for the small version of the Flat Bookholders, adjusting the width to 18".

Estimated Cost
< $20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed it, then used Glidden's paint to paint it. Used the white for most of it, then the blue for the trim and for the UK that I stenciled on the side (no pic of that yet). Then used poly to coat it all.

Hardest part was by far the stencil - I didn't practice using it before hand, and ended up having to do it 2 or 3 times.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Terra (not verified)

Thu, 08/11/2011 - 07:11

Love this! I also a huge Wildcat fan I am from KY as well! Great job looks awesome!