Community Brag Posts

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!!

This was the first project my husband and I built from scratch. We experimented with our brand new Kregg Jig for a little while until we felt comfortable with it, and then nervously got started. Surprisingly, the only mishap we had was that we (ok, I) accidentally bought 1X10's instead of the 1X12's. Nothing a quick trip to Home Depot won't fix! We followed Ana's directions exactly, and definitely recommend the Kreg Jig! Our neighbor is a contract worker, and he was pretty impressed at how sturdy the bookcase was. The only part that gave us a little trouble was that our planking on the back (from Lowes), was a little too wide, so we had to trim it down a bit. This was also my first time staining, but thankfully I was going for the rustic look, so I just sanded off the corners and any weird spots.

Perfect little playhouse my husband built for our girls.   It took about a week to build by himself, but worth every minute.   He did a wonderful job.   Such a good daddy!

I made two of these side tables for my niece and her new husband as a house warming gift. I dropped the top down 1.25 inch and added a glass top so she could display items. They are going to be a surprise, so I left them bare. She can stain or paint them whatever color she wishes.

Donna Cox

Our version of the Apothecary Media Console features 4 cabinet doors, oak front faux drawers, finished in satin espresso brown and dark mahogany stain with oil rubbed bronze knobs.

I pretty much followed the plans for the Alexia Bench except I didn't put sides on the top. I made this bench to donate to a silent auction for a fundraiser. I even used the same cute hardware that the ladies at Shanty 2 Chic used (I had to go to a few different Targets to find it).

I was very happy with the finished product & hope to raise some funds for a good cause! http://www.sendbrandon.com/about-brandon.html

This was my brother-in-law's first build and he killed it. I love this sturdy piece. Best thing in my house right now.

Needed something to hold an antique scale. The sides have pop out drawers to house bags and tags.

I made the doll farmhouse bed and altered it into a dog bed. First one done for my German Shepherd. The second, finished one was for a friend's smaller dog.

Simple end table made from 2x4's

My variation of the hall closet. Dark stained bench and top shelf, it is taller (5'6") and skinnier (30") and doesn't include the venerated X's.

Our family loves Doctor Who, and I had given my son 2 posters as gifts. Apparantly keeping them rolled up in the tube would not do, so I tackled a frame.

One of things that I did to make the frame more difficult to build was to use the table saw to cut the angles. I did use the angle guide on the wood pusher, but the pieces were too long to lean against the fence. So, I was aiming the sawblade at my mark. The angle was good, but it was difficult to get the 2 pieces exactly the same length. Next time I will cut the 2 pieces at the same time so they match. I think a miter saw would be the saw of choice here.

Also, I wanted to use glass. To inset the glass on the back I had to learn to use the router. That added a bit of time to the project. But me and my router are friends now, so the next one should go quicker. I cut a 1/4 groove on the inside edge on the back where I could add the glass. I used glazing points, sold by the glass at the depot, to hold the glass in the frame.

Our second project for our son's room makeover. I love that I can build this for $15 compared to a certain website where they want $89 for MDF. This was also the second project where I used Rustoleum Wood Stain, loving how easy it is and how quickly it gives a great color to pine.

This is a build of the Raised Planter Box design by Tracy. While it is a fairly simple plan, I would still call it intermediate. One thing to note is that the bottom Cross Supports are listed in her plan as 46" when they need to be 47 1/2 to match the side panels. You can see in the picture above, I laid the incorrectly cut piece on top of the correct one that is screwed in.

Rustic X Console....... I have made this table four times and love it!!!

Hello Ana, this is my second project that I have done according to your plans and surely not my last. I had bought the wood I needed a few months ago and it wasn't until the day before Mother's day that I realized I didn't have anything for the Mother of my three children. I could have made an excuse and told her I was broke from our trip to Key largo and the Grand Cayman islands in April but then I remembered your plans for a neat potting bench. I went to my home office and printed off your plans. Next I cleaned out enough room in my garage to access my tools and benches, four hours later...Boom! Potting bench with a surprised wife. We are going to allow all of the Grandkids (13) to sign it after she decides what color she wants me to paint it. Thank you so much for posting these great projects. After all it is true "Happy wife, happy life"