Miniatures are a cute and easy way to see your project before you start the full sized version. And if you know someone who likes minis, you have a nice gift for them later! (or you could start a new hobby)
http://www.the-art-of-dollhouse-miniatures.com/miniatures-scale-calcula…
This is the link I used to find my measurements in mini. Just in case you guys might enjoy trying a smaller scale.
Its a good idea to very lightly sand your pieces, I used a metal nail file.
After adjusting your measurements, follow Ana's instructions for the desk. For the drawer to actually work, I used mini 1x's and made old-style slides that are mounted to the underside of the desktop. these support the drawer and guide it also. Similar idea used for the extra desk space via the pull out. For the hutch doors, I made simple paper hinges. Make sure you use cardstock or layers of regular paper.
The full size hutch is screwed to the desktop, but the mini needs more support, so spare parts make good braces. I also used spare bits of wood for the handles on the doors, and half a wooden bead for the drawer handle.
After making this mini version of the Channing Desk, me and my husband were able to adjust add-ins like the pull outs (my full size will go above the drawer) and even thought about making the whole section of drawer/shelves detatched for more manuverablilty in a tight corner space.
I can't Wait to start the full size version!!
Estimated Cost
$10-$15 unless you already have craft paints
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
For the brown stain I used a Walnut gel stain from Americana craft paint, 3 coats. After letting the 3rd coat get tacky, I used a slightly wet brush and wiped it back in different places to lighten the stain's color. This gave me more variations in color since Basswood doesn't show as much grain as "full size" wood.
I used a base coat of white for the rest of the desk, then 2 coats of a pretty Turquoise from Creamcoat craft paint.
I varnished the whole desk with 1 coat of satin from Creamcoat, and gave the stained parts 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
bhoppy
Tue, 01/28/2014 - 10:34
absolutely beautiful!
absolutely beautiful!
Ana White
Tue, 01/28/2014 - 13:53
STUNNING!
Thanks for sharing your amazing build!
romanweel
Tue, 01/28/2014 - 18:42
Butcher block question
Did you use a planer to level your top and bottom surfaces here, or just lots of sanding? I've been told not to attempt butcher block construction without a planer...but I'm thinking of maybe going for it!
In reply to Butcher block question by romanweel
timberandsoul
Fri, 01/31/2014 - 23:01
I did use a planer for this
I did use a planer for this top. But because my planer is only 12 inches wide I had to glue three individual boards together leaving two seams that I could not plane but instead had to sand out. Just sanding those two seams took a long time, I cannot imagine sanding 20 seams. I would not suggest attempting without a planer.
Calmly
Mon, 04/10/2017 - 18:45
Measurements
is it possible for you to share your measurements. I need a smaller island. Thank you.
Biff Loman
Wed, 02/05/2014 - 17:25
stretcher joinery
I'm curious how you joined the stretchers to the legs. The construction appears different from the plans. Did you use pocket screws or something more advanced like mortise and tenon?
In reply to stretcher joinery by Biff Loman
timberandsoul
Fri, 02/07/2014 - 16:58
stretcher...
I am not sure exactly what you mean by stretchers. If you are referring to the shelf frame, yes it is different than the plans, I modified it. I felt the shelf design on the plans was not enough for the weigh that was going to be place on top. I used simple pocket holes to joint the frame to the legs. Hope this helps, have a great day.
voorheisb
Fri, 08/12/2016 - 10:41
Plans?
Thank you Brad. This is a really nice piece. I recently picked up an old table from a college. I discarded the base and plan to use the heavy butcher-block-style top to build something similar to this. Do you have plans you could share? Thanks again, Brian