Community Brag Posts

kid clara table modified

Submitted by ajcajj on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 18:35

I made this table for a baby shower gift for my newest niece. I used the clara plan as a starting point and went from there. I ended up using (2) 2x12x36 for the top kreg jigged together and sanded them completely smooth. I used existing legs from an end table and added the aprons.

I also just shortened the cubbie length to make it short enough to fit on top of the table.

Estimated Cost
$12- for the 2x12 and a few 2x2, I already had the table legs and the top for the bench
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the table top with some oops stain I had picked up for 50 cents and then put 3 coats of poly on top. I painted the legs/aprons with a bubblegum pink and distressed and lightly wiped with stain. Same colors for the bench.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Georgia's Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 18:04

This build is a little jewelry box for a family friend who just had a baby girl named Georgia. Although I've built this box several times for myself and others to use for storage, I hadn't done a plan for it until now. This is from Georgia's Jewelry Box plan.

The wood is 1x4 and 1x6 whitewood scraps. The hinges are flat "H" style hinges from Lowes. I had them for another project and ended up not using them. The hinge color works very well with the light yellow, which I thought would be pretty for a little girl.

Originally I was going to paint or stencil her name on the front, but ended up printing it on pretty scrapbook paper and attaching with Mod Podge. Also added this paper to the bottom inside the box. Everything is top coated with Mod Podge.

On the inside of the top, I glued a 3" craft mirror (these are available in a 5-pack from Michael's for $1.99).

This was a very easy build. It look less than an hour to cut, build, and sand. The finishing I completed a few minutes at a time throughout the day, but the actual work between drying times wasn't more than an hour.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & Hardware: Free (scrap/already on hand), and I have loads left over from the Finishing materials: $2.98 for paint sample, $1.99 for mirrors, $6.49 for mod podge
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Hazy Dawn (sanded between coats), name and box bottom are scrapbook paper attached with mod podge, and the top coat is Mod Podge (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:28

Georgia's mommy loved the little jewelry box, and was tickled that I named this plan after her little girl. The best part of the visit was getting to hold adorable 3-week-old Georgia. :0)

California King Farmhouse bed

Submitted by PhilCo on Wed, 11/11/2015 - 07:24

I had to make some adjustments to the size, because our new mattress is 180 x 190cm, and I had a couple of problems with the plan, it was probably me rather than the plan, but nothing that I couldn't overcome. The bed is pino (pine) purely because I couldn't get any other dry timber in Colombia, unless I won the lottery. 

The boards on the headboard panel, I pocket holed (using ordinary wood screws) as well as glued, to ensure they will not part in the future, and I used lag bolts to attach the base to the footboard.

The bed is a few inches taller than the plan, purely because my Wife wanted one of our dogs to be able to continue sleeping under the bed!

Unfortunately due to the small size of the room, the photos do not show the bed that well. The full build is on my Blog.

 

Now to make the night stands! 

Estimated Cost
1256956 COP / $430 US / £282
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Matt Oak Varnish, I only used one coat, because we didn't want the colour to go any darker, I used sponge 'brushes' to apply the varnish on all the visible timber, the base and MDF was just roughly brushed on.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Plank Sideboard / Wine Cabinet

Submitted by denthy68 on Tue, 01/01/2019 - 06:40

Modified Anna White planked sideboard plan.  Made the unit smaller and changed the center cabinet to a wine rack.  This is my very first piece of furniture. It's not perfect, but I love how it turned out.  Routed the edge of the top to add detail and used a tablesaw to square edges of 2x4's for a sharper look.  Fits nicely under my husband's antique mirror.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams satin latex. The first finish I tried was a flat black, but it looked lifeless so I added two coats of satin and am very happy with the finish for look and durability.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2022 - 13:05

Based on Ana's 2x4 patio furniture blog and plan wirh some modifications.

Built all in cedar.

Seats are 1x6.
Seat back height is at 36"
Backs are 1x6 .

Cushions are from Home Depot:
Bozanto Sunbrella Deep Seating Cushions
24" x 24" seats with 6" thickness
Back cushions are at least 6" thick.
2200 UV hour fade life.
Aceent cushion are from Lowes.

Stain is Cabot Gold Sunlit Walnut put on with 2 coats.

Covers are custom ordered from Covers and all. Www.coversandall.ca

Estimated all in cost lumber, supplies, stain, covers - $2,500.

Much cheaper less than half than the retail cost for similar quality patio furniture.

Comments

Kids Play Table and Stackable Chairs

I used Ana's plan for the Clara table and the $4 stackable chairs for this project. I spent a total of $30. I used furring strips to save money. My kiddos love it! You can see more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/08/table-and-chairs-for-the-playroom… !!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Colonial Red Spray Paint and Minwax Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

playhouse loft bed with storage steps

built this a few months ago, but just now getting around to posting it. I could'nt have ever even came close to building something like this without ana. So thank you.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
pink paint, and white trim paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified shoe bench

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 05:06

In our new home there was a 46" wide coat closet at the entrance. My wife wanted a place to sit down, take off shoes and put our coats and backpacks when we were home. I found Ana White's plans for this shoe bench and modified it to fit our space. The project took 3 days to complete due to the painting, staining and polyurethane, construction of the bench itself was quick. Previously I added a light switch and two 3" LED recessed lights in the ceiling. The project came out wonderful and I am very pleased. Thank you for the inspiration!

 

-Mike

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss paint (2 coats), Minwax Red Mahogany 225, Varathane Polyurethane semi-gloss (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Christmas present from my husband!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/03/2019 - 18:03

My husband made this for me for Christmas. He changed the size a bit but overall stuck to the plans. He used Jacobean stain by Varathane and 3 coats of matte poly by Varathane as well. He used an HVLP sprayer to apply the poly and I think that made a huge difference in the smoothness. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Jacobean by varathane 2 coats on top with paint brush and used rag to wipe away.
Matte finish by varathane for poly. 3 coats with HVLP sprayer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse table on casters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 17:17

I bought Ana’s book and combined the kitchen island and the farmhouse table to create the farmhouse on casters. This project was built for a small apartment so that you can use it as a workspace or dining table and then roll it out of the way. The table is counter height so 24” stools fit neatly underneath.

Comments

Best Lounger Ever

Submitted by teeninyg on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 13:37

This was my second project from the site. I wanted somewhere to read my book on the back deck. This chair is perfect. When I get tired of reading I can lay it down and take a nap. It is very sturdy and easy to put together. I do recommend using pocket holes to assemble it. I found it much easier.

Estimated Cost
$70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded the seat and sides of the chair. Then stained it with oak and finished it with polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Planter Boxes

Just in time for Fall Mums, I wanted a set of sturdy planters that I knew would hold up in the winter. I wanted to try something that felt more 'simple' to me than the pattern I was inspired by.

I used some 2" wide pine so they ended up quite heavy, but I know they'll hold the test of time.

It was quite an easy project, and I encourage anyone to make their own. It took me only a Saturday once I got going. Painted them the next day... then done!

Enjoy the details here --> http://projectjumanji.blogspot.ca/2013/08/homemade-decorative-planter-b…

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

Hose Post

Submitted by KG1000 on Thu, 11/19/2015 - 13:42

We built this from a 4 x 4 left over from another project and 2 - 4 x 4s 36" long from a pallet I rescued from work.  The middle post is 78" long with 3 feet buried in the ground.  The "Fancy Iron Hose Holder" was purchased from Amazon for about $20.  The post cap was a used one rescued from my husband's woodshop.  We layed out the 4x4s on the garage floor and screwed them together, added the hose holder and end cap, and spray painted the project black.  I am going to remove the hose holder and paint it a different color so it will stand out better.

Estimated Cost
Less than $30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint rated for outdoors, less than one can.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified Trestle

My vintage table collapsed, so I built it new legs using the farmhouse plans. I didn’t want to lose the expandable leaves however, so I decided to reuse the top and add a second trestle so the table can still expand. I sanded and restained/polyed the top and leaves and cut a space in the center support to hold the spare leaves. I’ve never seen a table like it and I’m very proud.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Dressor project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/14/2022 - 16:57

First Dresser project using the plans on this site.
My wife is very happy with the result and so am I!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Sarah's Easy Build Headboard in King

Probably one of the most popular plans, and possibly my favorite...maybe I am biased because it was my first Ana build. Being my first Ana build, and my first carpentry project in several years it took a little longer than I hoped. Mostly nerves I think, and the fact that I am a perfectionist...what others may call picky =0) I really enjoyed building this piece, frustration at times included. It was great to be back in the shop after so many years of apartment living and no space or tools to speak of. A word of caution - once all my hard work was done it almost didn't make it out of the basement, not enough clearance. I was ready to shorten the legs but thankfully after some careful pivoting and ingenuity (my father in laws, not mine) it found its home in our bedroom...and I couldn't be happier! Having been 1 of 4 girls in a high school house carpentry program full of boys it is so inspiring to see so many women building, creating, and loving every minute! Thank you Ana for all you do!

Estimated Cost
$125.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut & Gloss Poly

Some of the wood already had some flaws which helped to add to the reclaimed look, and I took liberty and added some gouges with a variety of tools, hitting the wood with the claw and nose of the hammer, screws for scrapes, etc...a great place to take out the aggression I built up when I ran into snags while building.

I sanded and sanded, added several coats of Minwax Dark Walnut stain, and then coated it with two coats of poly gloss. Then I hit the piece with steel wool to cut back the finish slightly and even out some inconsistencies.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor sectional couch with reclined back

I designed and built this sectional for some friends, and then wrote a how-to about the process! There are free plans for it, and a time-lapse video of it being built at http://www.iliketomakestuff.com/outdoor-sectional/

Estimated Cost
$150 in Lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Will be painted once the wood has time to dry out
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Great idea, though I added to your design

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/11/2019 - 19:39

Well for starters, we wanted a bed with a slide. There are few options that a 19mo would not fall off/out of. (Yes are getting a tad ahead of ourselves). My wife liked the design, but was hesitant about the open part so we included a removable top cover with a look-out window. I also changed how the hinges mount so as to allow the flap to lower all the way down. Now we can simply slide the mattress out to make the bed, and put back as well as insert our son through the slot when he is asleep. I also added a platform in the corner for the stairs and slide to attach, and made the entry point to the bed at the foot of the bed and not the back side. This made the opening more stable. The room does not allow for much access to the other end of the barn so for appearance sake, we added a partial cover for the play area to make it still look like a barn from the side. I was able to make everything in sections, paint outside, then bring in and assemble. I made a "prop" of sorts, to assist in positioning the bed frame while I brought in and attached the head-end of the barn. We did it in 5 days, but it was legitimately a 7 day job that we just overworked ourselves on. The cost estimate is primarily wood, screws, and paint because I already had the stainless sheet. Thank you for the basic idea, but as pics show, we modified it in many ways. 

Estimated Cost
$600.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Chunky Leg Bed Frame slightly taller

Submitted by nagariz on Sat, 08/27/2011 - 01:06

First time really building anything out of wood. Getting a kreg jig was probably the best decision I made on this project. I made the legs slightly taller (7") for a bit of underbed storage and used a 2x4 brace instead of 2x6, so I could sit the slats down a bit lower but still keep a gap above the legs. The mattress sits 3" below the edge of the bed. I put a few legs under the center support, but they probably weren't necessary for the queen size bed. I spent about $150 for the lumber ($50 just for the bigger slats for my memory foam mattress), and about $50 for the kreg jig jr. and screws. I did not use any glue so I can take it apart later, and so far it seems pretty sturdy with no creaks. Thanks so much for the plan Ana!!! On to a headboard and bedside tables...

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony Minwax stain one coat for 15 minutes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

VelvetSky

Sun, 08/28/2011 - 20:16

I love this! I am looking to build something like this, so I can get rid of my box spring.

Larissa (not verified)

Sat, 10/08/2011 - 13:11

This looks awesome for a first timer! Good job and I agree about the Kreg...it is a wonderful investment for any future projects. I have memory foam too so will probably do the same with having wider slats.