Community Brag Posts

Storage Locker

My husband built this from your storage locker plans only complaint was the 1 1/4 screws werent long enough we had to go up to 1 1/2" but after that sucess! we decided to antique paint it, Im so in love with this peice, honest opinions accepted lol i know we each have our own style and im open to tips!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 different Valspar(lowes) paints and topped with a mocha glaze from them as well
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mrzhammond (not verified)

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 13:44

first i sanded it so it would have a nice adhesion. I did a "ruff coat" of brown paint, i mean ruff! lol i painted on where it would have certainly needed 2/3 coats to fully cover, but made it was enough to make the dark brown i wanted, after that dried i again ruff painted a green (salamander to be exact) coat ,(you could still see the brown) i took the orbital sander and 220 grit sand paper to age the locker, i literally resanded the whole thing and worked it a littler harder where i have the "damaged" places. the best part is you really cant mess up!,after i finished the sanding i cleaned it so i was able to put a glaze on it to "age" the paint i bought mocha transparent glaze by valspar it was about $16 but only used 1/2 - 2/3 of the jar......another project stash of leftovers:). I glazed in sections With the glaze i brushed it on the whole side and before i moved on to the next piece i wiped it to prevent it becoming to "finished", on the insides i brushed the glaze on two pieces (say one wall and the bench of that locker) and wiped the first on then the other part and then moved on. Overall i was looking to make a piece that you would find at grandmas old farm house we are super happy with the out come honestly the pictures arent as good as it came out! Good luck and happy building:)

Rustic X Coffee and End Tables

I used some flashings from Lee Valley to make these rustic tables really pop. The corners and the big brad nails really make them pop! These are also STURDY pieces of furniture as the Monster Husband has stood on them both without a wobble.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I mixed Minwax Ebony, Dark Walnut and a lot of a white stain together and did 2 coats of that. The legs also got two coats of white milk paint which I sanded down between coats. I put 2 coats of polyacrylic on both pieces to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

cristywisty

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 09:07

I know this post was awhile ago, but I am looking to create somthing similar.  Where were you able to find a white oil based stain?  I have called all of my local hardware stores and they all carry just water base?  Did you put the dark mix stains on then, go over with white water base stain?  Any clarification or assistance would be great!  Thanks.

Mudroom Shoe Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 17:52

Loved your shoe bench so much that I’ve made two now for friends. Each one is a bit more custom depending on the length of their hallway and size of their family! I’ve also modified the bench as well to make storage for mitts and toques. Such a great functional plan!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain with clear top coats and leftover white trim/door paint from a previous renovation project.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional with Corner Table and Umbrella

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/12/2023 - 15:06

Originally, we were going to build the 2x4 outdoor sofa and the one arm version, but we didn’t like how far away the corner seat was from the fire pit, so we switched gears and built a second two arm sofa, and using skills we learned building from some of your other plans, we custom designed the corner table to attach the sofas and hold an umbrella.

outdooroutdoor

Built from Plan(s)

Playroom Couch

took the simple outdoor couch and brought it in.

Estimated Cost
$30 plus those blasted cushions....
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
just white.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jen Joseph (not verified)

Sat, 03/10/2012 - 12:37

I'm also glad I'm not the only one. Its perfect for our kids when they drop stuff, it'll fall on the floor instead of the abyss with regular couches. Having a bit of a time finding easy bench cushion slipcover instructions to complete this though. I have 4" foam cut to fit but not sure if I should back it with ply, add batten on the top, etc. Any suggestions?

Double kitchen island with butcher block top

Submitted by bhoppy on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 11:58

I started on the project when I went home for Thanksgiving and finished up the drawers when I was home for Christmas. I live about 7 hours from my family. I took a few tools with me (kreg jig and drill) but borrowed a circular saw and miter saw for all the cuts. It was difficult working on it because it was fairly cold and my dad only has a carport. Which is why it took longer. My step-mom says she wants to paint it maybe with some milk paint. She also did not want the center shelf as she wanted a place for taller items.

The butcher block top was $299. It comes from lumber liquidators in 25" by 96". My dad had about 2 feet cut off the length. Ikea also sells butcher block tops for roughly half the price I think, but they were out of stock in both Atlanta and Charlotte.

I also made the small kitchen island before and this one went much more smoothly. Having the extra set of hands was awesome and made for a wonderful memory as I built it with my father:-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Thu, 08/15/2019 - 12:14

This is amazing Stephanie!!!!  I can't believe I didn't see this sooner.  

We are going to feature your photo with the plans - thank you so much for sharing a brag post!  Hope you are well!

Queen Farmhouse Bed With Matching Side Tables

I have Starting loveing these little projects! however i am slowing finding out i need more tools! Anyway This bed is a slight variation from the plans mentioned. Instead of Verticle Slats for the head board and foot board i chose to do them horizontally. For 1 Reason only, to save some money. IT did not same much maybe $30 but for someone who is ona really tight budget it worked out great. I also added in a full frame around the middle slats.  I started with the side tables and that turned into makin a matching bed Frame. The side table were striaght forward and i had left over pull handles from buliting my Printers Console Cabinet. Over all the project was straight forawrd simple and fun! I amlost could wait to get it in the house! it was like watchin paint dry hahaha. Anyway i had fun with this one and i think it turned out great!

Estimated Cost
Total Cost rang in at about $250 for side table and Bed frame

Paint/Stain Etc- $60
Lumber- $150
Misc- $40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark OAK
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Raised Garden Planter on Casters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/15/2023 - 09:47

I saw your raised garden box and decided to make it for my wife so she could garden on our deck due to medical problems. She absolutely loved it.

The only thing I did different was I added casters to the legs so it can be moved easily on the deck.

Thank you very much for the idea and plans. We really enjoy them.
 

John Sterzick

Clip Art Rail

I wanted something to help balance the large-scale prints on my gigantic living room wall. Ana's clip art rail was the perfect solution, and makes it so easy to switch out photos! I used binder clips instead of laundry pins, securing them with a washer and screw. Not bad for five bucks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax polyshades stain in walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Play vanity

Submitted by Theresa W on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 12:11

I wanted a little desk/vanity for my nearly 4 year old daughter so she could have easy access to her jewelry and hair ties. The dimensions of this were perfect. She has so many necklaces that I put together a $10 ledge with some hooks to hang many of them. The vanity was an easy build, the stool was much more difficult.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White latex semi-gloss enamel
Sassy Violet semi-gloss latex
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Closet Storage

Submitted by tracysmith on Mon, 03/12/2012 - 07:42

I didn't even know that I had made a closet storage system like Ana's but while perusing the projects, I came back across this plan and figured I could submit a brag post for it! Thanks Ana!!

We used melamine shelving and MDF trim. No paint needed if you get the MDF boards primed (although you really should!)

Estimated Cost
Have no idea, didn't pay attention.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Apothecary Console

Submitted by Caligator on Sat, 01/04/2014 - 05:45

Added 2x6 as the top. Fun project. Took about 35 hours and $350.

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

Espresso stained X Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/24/2016 - 11:17

We loved the dark finish from the Min-wax Espresso stain/sealant, but decided to use white in the X's so we can see the table in low light easier to save our shins.  Came out great and we will do matching end tables, dining table, and a bench outside to draw the five pieces together.

 

This took me considerably longer than the plans called for, but I have never built any furniture before so I underestimated the sanding required.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $80 with wood stain and screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso Min-wax Stain Sealant for back porch use.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Queen size bed from rough saw milled pine

This rough milled lumber had to be planed quite a bit. and the sizes  also differed. We ended up with thicker sections than on the original plan. Also used bolts to bolt the heavier headset and footrest to the base.

Screws were used instead of nails. This inland Karoo area pine is very hard and crack very easily. warps too. Well seasoned wood were used. Finish is normal sanding sealer for a mat look.

thanks for the lovely plans Ana.

this is a proven classic.

My First Project

Submitted by PS on Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:31

My husband and I got sick of buying particle board furniture and having it fall apart. I was so excited to see these desk plans and decided to build each child one of their own.

I tweaked the plans a lot. I learned a little SketchUp in the process. Each of these desk tops sits on 4 16x16" bases. Each desk has one drawer base, one fixed-shelf base, and two adjustable shelf bases. The bases can be rearranged as desired and can later be used as shelves when we don't need the desktops anymore.

All 3 desks took me just over 4 months to complete. Of course, Christmas happened during that time.

I used Fir based on some misguidance at the lumber yard. I'm still a little upset by that. I used pine edgebanding and am pleased with the finished look though. I just hope the wood is hard enough to not suffer too much damage.

I really enjoyed this project and my kids are loving the results. Their desks don't wobble and they have a lot of space.

Thanks for the jumping off point and all the instructions here. My next project is a built-in entertainment center. Should be fun!

Estimated Cost
$325 each
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MinWax Water Based Stain in Golden Harvest (or Harvest Gold, I forget the right term)
MinWax Water Based Poly - Clear Semi-gloss

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

One Piece Play Kitchen

Submitted by erlenzen on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 17:18

This was my first project and I learned a lot about drilling and sawing. I love the cute kitchens people have built with this plan, but we went for realistic with neutral colors since it is going to be in our own kitchen and not in a playroom. The biggest challenge was was that I was continually finding components I wanted to add, but then I would have to redo things I'd already done to fit them in.

For someone doing this plan, my only suggestion is to put the pocket holes inside the oven area instead of inside the sink area, as the countertop is easier to screw in that way.

For the fridge, I used 11x14 clear acrylic for the shelf and glued in a motion sensing light. For the farm sink, I used glidden super glossy white paint, which is supposed to not show brush strokes but it did for me. I also made the shelf under the sink a half shelf. For the oven, I used cookie racks from the dollar store and a push-on light inside. The counter top is a realistic looking laminate I found in the shelving dept of Menards for $2. I found the wire disks for the stove top at a surplus supply shop for 75c each. My husband tiled the backsplash and we added that board after the grout had dried so the rest of the kitchen wouldn't get grout on it.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 17:59

Great job on this play kitchen! It looks awesome, love all the details you used. That counter top looks very real, and I love how you put the white inside the fridge with the light! Clever and super creative! Fantastic job on your first project!

Linda7

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 10:05

This is one of the most realistic-looking play kitchens I've seen. I love the look of the farmhouse sink, the white interior of the fridge, and the tile backsplash. This will be wonderful to pass down to a future generation!

Back