Community Brag Posts

I was inspired to build a set of book boxes for my classroom after seeing Ana's plans for her Wood Magazine File. I'm currently using those cheap cardboard book boxes teachers can buy from those big teacher stores, but they're starting to fall apart after only 2 months! I'm trying to use only scrap wood, but I'll probably be forced to go out and buy another sheet of plywood soon.

I covered them in scrapbook paper I found on clearance at Michaels and used Mod Podge and nails I already had. For the bottoms I used left over wood from making the Modern Outdoor Table which I have yet to post. So, these babies have only cost me a little over a dollar to make. I'm not sure how long the decoupaged paper is going to last with 5 year olds. My roommate suggested using fabric instead and I think I may do that with the remainder wood I have.

*Tip: Make sure your cuts are straight because only the bottom piece of lumber can be nailed. You have to glue the other joints which can be tricky with funky cuts.

I am a hobby woodworker having a PhD in computer science; quite the combination I wonder. To my advantage, before start working I usually build the project in software like Google Sketchup etc. This gives me the precise picture and dimensions of the different components of project.

I usually work in my backyard of house which is used for variety of purposes. I so happens that whenever I was working, I used to go inside the house each time to fetch the tool I forgot. Big trouble!

To rid myself of this problem, I built me a toolcart to my liking. It has cabinets, drawers and of course shelves. It also serves me a second table to put my tools on during working. Alas, I do not have the amazing kreg jig so it took me more time than usual to build this. Anyhow feel free to comment.

This was my husbands first real piece. He changed the dimensions to fit our area better. It turned out fantastic and I am in love!! 

I built the loft platform wider than necessary so I could fit a narrow shelf beside it. - Meg

Decided to make a pair of nightstands! Made them a few inches less wide than the original plans and adjusted the height to match my bed. For the first one, I went with the drawer as-is from Ana's plans, but for the second I got brave and used actual drawer runners from the hardware store. It wasn't as hard as I was afraid of; I just reduced the width of the drawer to account for the runners and used a false front so I could attach the drawer front in the right place.

I had so much fun with this! I followed the plans exactly and made up the nightstand as I went along.

I have used 1/2 inch thick plywood, 2x3 instead of 2x2, and 1x3. I don't have any miter saw or table saw. I used hand saw (comes with miter box) and circular saw to cut all the materials. It isn't perfect but I like it.

I built this Family Picnic Table for my brother and sister in law for their river house for Christmas.

I started this the first week of October this year. Cutting lumber, priming, painting and assembling at my home two hours away. 

I disassembled it, loaded it on a trailer with my tools and drove it to their home. This is where I needed two people to help get everything up on the second floor deck.

The plans were great! I am placing a link to 2 photos of the finished product.

I told their kids to buy an umbrella for them for Christmas - Carlton Lowry

This was my first wood project, and I LOVED doing it!!! Now I'm addicted :). Thanks so much, Ana, for the amazing plans and inspiriation!

This is my second project.  I sanded, primed, painted, sanded to distress the paint, then stained the whole thing just long enough for the stain to soak in to the sanded spots (5 minutes or less), then wiped it off. 

Pottery barn inspired tv media center and matching dresser.

We needed an accent table for our hallway and this simple table was perfect. I cut all the pieces in about an hour the night before and spent approximately four hours building the table the following day.

B-day present for my niece 

Full Instructions HERE

What you will need to build this DIY Welcome Post:

1. 4 x4 Fence Post Cut: 30 inches long 1×6 down to make 2 5 1/2″x5 1/2″ squares and 2 4 1/2″x 4 1/2″ square.
2. Different Widths of wood cut into squares. For the three tear welcome post I have 3 different sized squares. They measure: SMALL: 5 1/2 by 5 1/2 inches MEDIUM: 7 1/2 by 7 1/2 inches LARGE: 9 1/2 by 9 1/2 inches.
3. Single Hook
4. Long wood screws & Drill
5. Stain
6. Rust-Oleum Varathane Outdoor Classic Clear Water Based Spray, Gloss Finish
7. Wood Glue
8. Orbital Sander or some muscle & some sand paper
9. Wood filler (not required)

Full instructions on how I put this together on my blog.

This was SUPER easy and I love it. My daughter wants one now so digging through my scraps is what I will be doing tomorrow. Thanks Ana!

Built this table 11 feet long with live edge sinker cypress. Hand rubbed 12 coats of tung oil, then finished with Waterlox satin.

Found the old Home Depot plans, and decided to add my hand burned touch to it.
Have seen some that were using vinal or painted letters, but i like the burned effect, and its easier to seal right over the top with the outdoor stain/seal treatment..