Community Brag Posts

Truss End Table

Submitted by DMax2010 on Wed, 08/27/2014 - 06:03

Loved this project, it gave me a chance to work on angled cuts. For the finish I used Minwax Express Color in Walnut.

Estimated Cost
Not sure, I used what I had already..
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Express in Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modular Doll House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/12/2016 - 19:56

This was a quick fun project that took less than 6 hours. I wanted a doll house that was gender neutral and this is perfect, I love that my son and daughter can plan together or separate the pieces and play separately. 1 piece of advice, spend a little extra on plywood, sanding was the most time consuming part of this project and I am still a little nervous about my kids getting splinters. 

Estimated Cost
$70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Trash Bin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/26/2020 - 08:32

This was based on the "Small Kitchen Island" Plans but needed to put 2 - 33 Gal Trash cans in. I used Select Square edged Pine. The depth remained the same as the plans but the width changed dramatically (52" wide). I also increased the height to match the other furniture (3' High). I added 4 - 1 X 2's to the top of the cabinet to secure the top.

Estimated Cost
$350-$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The bottom was paint that matched the other furniture, the top is an Classic Oak Poly/Stain - 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

king storage bed

Submitted by salpal1 on Sat, 11/10/2012 - 17:21

this project is our first ever try at furniture building. It took us two years to finish! Not because it was hard (although it is a bit fussy) but because we had a medical set back of a year, and we only work on this project on weekends.
We used a cheap table saw, and have learned our lesson, none of the cuts were really straight. We have since bought an expensive good one, and so think our next projects will go faster, more easily.

We modified the finish details on the drawers to put beadoard faces on things.

We will be designing a headboard to match, and I will be glad to share photos of that when it is complete (give us another couple of years!)

Anyway - the bed is verysturdy, and the drawer capacity is HUGE. we have had it in our room for 8 hours so far, and we love it. Can't wait to go to bed tonight - but not untilI fill those drawers. :-)

Estimated Cost
$200
Finish Used
glossy paint - Benjamin Moore, color is lily white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My very first project!

Submitted by gfranq on Fri, 08/29/2014 - 14:59

Everyone keeps asking me if this was from a kit and I am proud to say "No I did it all by myself from start to finish"!

Estimated Cost
60$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Ultra Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Didn't go by the plans but off the main idea...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/16/2016 - 14:29

Made a barn door TV stand from some donor cabinets!

Estimated Cost
$350 USD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Watco Oil, Natural and "old white" chalk paint + wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My First work - folding workbench

Submitted by saariko on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 03:54

So this is my first ever work.
I have a very limited storage place (outside shed) and the super benefit, is that folded, this workbench is just the perfect fit (you can see in the picture how well it's fitted).

I am a tall person, so I took the liberty to add some CM's to the total height, and also extend the 'Flap' to be bigger. It's both beneficial but also adds some risk, as it's less stable when folded. And needs to be taken care when moving around.

I added magnets to the legs, with a piece of metal on the bottom side of the flap, so when opening the flap, the legs are held until released. (you need a fairly strong magnet for the 2X4.

One thing I noticed, and needs to modify is that the hinges holes are paralel to each other, that mean, that you either need very flat screws, or as I did, screwed them on alternating holes. So when closed, there is no pressure from the tip of the screw. Another solution is to use a hinge where the holes are not parallel to each other. ( i saw something like that online.)

I still want to add 2 top drawers, and a shelf, but it's pretty complete and functional as it is.

Super excited !!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
70$
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Custom Knife Drawer Insert

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/26/2024 - 09:18

I made the in drawer knife block following Ana’s plan but tweaking for my needs and drawer size. I love it. It was easy to make and I’m a total beginner.

Karen

Built from Plan(s)

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by TheBramFam on Mon, 11/12/2012 - 18:30

As soon as I opened Ana's new book I fell in love with the bench on page 33. When I met her in Chicago she said she was going to draft a new set of plans, and of course she didn't let me down! I followed her plans to a T! The size was perfect for my "mudroom" and this was technically my first project since I insisted on not having my husband's help. It was also my first time going to the hardware store and purchasing the wood...I think that part will take some getting used to!

After I had it built I decided that I wanted to make everyone in my family a "cubby" inside the storage area. I just used some scrap 1x3's and glued them into place. I then stained it with Minwax Dark Walnut stain and then used oil based poly (3 coats). The entire family loves the new bench and my toddlers LOVE their "cubbies". Thank you again Ana!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut Stain & Minwax oil based Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/13/2012 - 05:34

Terrific job. I especially liked the divided interior. You should be proud.

Jackie Bramel (not verified)

Tue, 11/13/2012 - 10:22

Thank you so much!!!! It's still surreal that I made something so beautiful!

dmcarwin

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 18:42

I love that you added cubbies! You did a fantastic job all around! I have been wanting to make this bench too, and here I am AGAIN looking at the plans....Thanks for sharing!

Tardis bench

Submitted by Jaime04285 on Sun, 08/31/2014 - 22:46

I used the woven back bench plans to make this doctor who tardis inspired bench. It will be a memorial bench for a young girl who recently passed in our community. She loved doctor who as do I so I changed the back a bit to represent the Tardis windows and of course painted it tardis blue. I will also give it two coats of polycyclic.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 including paint and not including some wood I already had on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Tue, 09/02/2014 - 12:16

Thank you for sharing and for your thoughtfulness to your community and the young girl.

Modified Mimi's faux mantle

Submitted by brayroux on Tue, 12/20/2016 - 10:09

Added deeper sides to the project so I could fit an electric fireplace into it

Estimated Cost
$175 for the fireplace
$350 in wood and finish supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar furniture paint in Mark Twain Ombra Gray
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

B-Hive's Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by B-hive on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 12:34

This is our first project using one of Ana's plans. We made one modification adding stability to the top of the structure, but otherwise stayed pretty true to what was described.

Next up is the matching end table!

For the full story of our piece, please visit our website.

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Structure is painted in an eggshell black interior paint.

Top is in a clear Danish finishing oil and wipe-on polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Adirondack Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/27/2024 - 14:59

My 1st attempt at the adirondack chair. 2nd one (right) I made 2 inches wider. I also threw together a little table.

FUN BUILD
I have plenty of orders for more.

Craig Blasi

Modified console table

I'd been looking for a similar table for months but couldn't find one that I liked and that would fit at the bottom of my stairs. I found this pattern and changed the dimensions by removing just one of the top boards so that the final depth is 10.5" deep rather than 14". It's exactly what I wanted and get to brag about it!

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

Christmas Chalkboard

Submitted by Sue Hill on Sat, 12/24/2016 - 07:12

I made this craftsman frame to fit a 16" x 24" chalkboard. I followed the plan, using 1x3's and 1x2's, attached with a Kreg Jig which made it easy. Oh, and glue. I usually buy full sheets of plywood and paint them with chalkboard paint but time was short and I used a 24" x 48" prepainted panel. I cut three 16" x 24" chalkboards from this panel. 

I allowed 1/2"  all around the inside dimension in order to glue and staple the chalkboard to the back of the frame. I decided to paint them all with a barn red paint sample. Cheap enough and they're going under the tree to three family members!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 for all three
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Barn Red Sample Interior Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 18:52

Thanks for sharing this project. I made a few adaptations knowing my friends, family, and monkey grandkids would be climbing all over the table. Everyone loved the table and we have broken it in with a great party.

Changes:
I added a second bottom stretcher that also serves as a footrest and ran them between the bottom legs rather than on top.
I added on 2x6 to the table width which required changing the leg dimensions.
I also ran an extra 2x4 middle support brace.

Results:
This table is a tank! Thanks!
I used the Danish Oil and the Thompsons to seal.

Now I am ready for another project.

Thanks Ana!

The Martin's

Estimated Cost
$75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Danish Oil (Natural) and Thompsons (Natural)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Ten Dollar Ledges

Submitted by solomonson on Wed, 11/21/2012 - 21:42

After a floating shelf fail, I threw this one together with scraps. Time investment below includes waiting for paint to dry and hanging it up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Antique White, latex.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by MandaA on Sun, 09/07/2014 - 10:36

Excellent plans, fit my 15 month old nephew and 8 year old daughter! Easy to follow plans

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None as yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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