Community Brag Posts

Our new pantry

We bought a vacation home that has such a small kitchen. I knew we needed more storage. So I checked out Ana's plans and made this bad boy based on the Simplest Armoire plans.

The home is in the mountain/lakes area of northern New Hampshire, so I wanted to bring the outside colors in. I used Valspar Cabin Red paint and the Valspar Antiquing glaze over the top after distressing it a bit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 +
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Cabin Red paint
Valspar Antiquing glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X Frame nightstand

Used the simple nightstand from this site, and modified to add in the "X" on the sides. Finished in a Classic gray minwax to give reclaimed wood look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Classic Grey minwax, rustoleum poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barbara Thomas

Thu, 07/11/2013 - 19:32

Can you please post how you did this. I'm going to make my first project this weekend and I would like it to be this. I know it's based off the simple nightstand but can you give the details on the alters especially how to make the x? Thank you

thefarmerswife

Sat, 02/04/2017 - 13:39

Did she ever post her plans? If so, I can't find them! I prefer this design to Ana White's original, but I don't trust myself enough to try and wing it and make it look like hers. Did you end up making something similar?

thewoodbuilder

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 08:39

Thanks guy's! :0) The only modification from the original nightstand was adding the x. I do my x's different from the the other rustic x way. I will take some pics of how I do it today.

thewoodbuilder

Fri, 07/12/2013 - 08:39

Thanks guy's! :0) The only modification from the original nightstand was adding the x. I do my x's different from the the other rustic x way. I will take some pics of how I do it today.

ShannonEmily93

Sun, 07/24/2016 - 12:38

I am very interested in building these nightstandss, could you post the plans, or where would I be able to locate the plans? Thank you!

Oohlaladesigns

Tue, 08/23/2016 - 05:30

Your nightstands are beautiful and I am working on creating my own! Did you keep with the original plans and use the 1x2 and 1x3's for the legs? Yours look thinner. Did you use 1x2's for the X sides?

Printmaker Sideboard

I purchased the Restoration Hardware Printmaker Sideboard but unfortunately we had issues with the delivered product so returned it. We then came across your plans online and my husband decided to build it for me instead. Our sideboard is all simple pine from Lowes, basic drawer slides and antique brass handles from Lee Valley. My husband adjusted Anna's plans and created 12 drawers more like the Restoration Hardware piece as we really like drawers for storage. We built it over about 5 weekends. It was a very ambitious project for our first but my husband was truly the brains and Braun of the process.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Light sanding (wanted a rough finish), 80 grit then 120 grit, only enough to smooth splinters etc.
1 coat Old Masters Provincial Gel Stain applied with sponge brush
Saman Dead Flat Clearcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dmcarwin

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 10:45

I am super impressed!! Way to go! I have always love this piece!

MWarder

Wed, 10/02/2013 - 14:43

LOVE LOVE LOVE this console! You did an amazing job! I'm going to have my husband help build us something similar. Wondering what size antique brass handles you used? Thanks:)

Storage console designed by a 5 year old

Last year I built a "Cara Storage Console" and matching bookcase for my 12 year old granddaughter. Her 5 year old sister decided she needed one too, but a little bigger so she could store all her "ponies" on it. She and her mother planned it all out over a period of a few weeks and what ended up being built was 5' wide and 7'3" tall. It is 20" deep. Anna's plan was scaled up a bit and then had to be broken down in to two sections, upper and lower, so it could be brought in to the house. The sides and shelves are all 1x12 pine boards put together with glue and Kreg screws. The back took most of 2 sheets of 1/4" plywood. 1x2's were added for support under the front and back of the shelves.

Fortunately her other grandmother is really good at painting, so it was given a couple coats of semigloss pink along with pink heart wall paper. The grandbaby and her little brother started loading it up before Granny could even finish the sides.

The good part is that all her toys will fit on these shelves. The bad part is she won't pick up all her toys and put them on these shelves.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semigloss paint, pink. Pink heart wall paper.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X Farmhouse Table and Benches

I LOVE my new patio table and benches. They came out great, and I hope they hold up for several years with the waterproofing stain I used.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Waterproofing Stain in semitransparent Navajo White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cedar Boxes

Submitted by drowland on Sat, 07/09/2011 - 07:18

We built these before we saw these plans, but they are pretty much the same... We added the chicken wire to keep the rabbits (and our dog) out of the garden. We added the owl to keep the birds out. We've gotten a ton of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers so far. Next year, we'll add a few more beds. We also added the verticle garden to take up less space, but its not deep enough. We'll make the next one deeper.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

KatieO (not verified)

Sat, 07/09/2011 - 20:11

Wow! LOVE IT! I love the taller posts so you can incorporate the chicken wire! I SOOOO needed to do something like that this year. Also, the vertical garden boxes are BRILLIANT! LOVE IT!

drowland

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 07:59

We ended up getting a ton of tomoatoes and green peppers from the garden boxes. We've actually built a couple more. We'll probably double again before next spring. We're looking at adding more veggies.

We now have ton of stuff planted for the fall...

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:46

How did you build the upright planter boxes? Do you mind explaining the building process/design? I really want to plant this in my yard!

colton's mom (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 06:19

i love the vertical boxes. I am just trying my hand at the world with a green thumb and could use as much advice as possible about how to make as well as to line the boxes or not to line them. All advice appreciated!

berman (not verified)

Fri, 11/23/2012 - 21:53

Hi, my name is berman. I found you pin from my pinterest and your box garden is so great. I am a newbie in this field and so interested to build garden in my house. If i can ask you some question, could you please to answer that?

cheers,
berman

Seasonal And Holiday

Double Inset Bookshelf Doors

Submitted by dholubar on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 07:08

You made this project look so simple that I just had to try it. However, to suit my needs I had to make a few alterations to the plans. I had a set of bi-fold doors that were in need of replacement and I thought inset bookshelf doors would be the perfect way to replace them. This project was easy enough for me to do it myself and I am really new to the DIY game but I did have some help. I really love the way they turned out. You can read all about my my adventure at http://heresalittletmi.blogspot.com/2013/08/bookshelf-doors.html

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120.00
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Adirondack chair

Submitted by takahler on Wed, 08/31/2011 - 10:53

My fiance and I built 2 of these chairs. He took one to his house and one is at my house...for now. Picked up 2 cushions at Walmart on Clearance. I sit in it quite often. Great plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut and polyurethane (2-3 coats)

We stained the boards before putting the chair together. It takes a lot longer to build this way, but maybe it is easier in the long run.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

entry cubbies

custom size entry cubbies x 2, open top locker section with small basket, bench base portion with two baskets

Estimated Cost
$220 ($110 each)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1. one coat primer
2. two coats semi gloss white
on bench
1. one coat Minwax dark walnut stain
2. three coats satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SingleMomThriving

Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:20

I read your blog and all your modifications and love the changes that you made. I have a very small area with a bench and a coat tree that could benefit from this solution. Thanks for posting.

jaimecostiglio

Mon, 09/12/2011 - 12:37

Just stopped by your profile - guess you already got out your tools! Love that RED ladder shelf and creative use of steel sheets for the sides on that planter. PS - Can I borrow your miter saw, I'm dying, dying to get one. Someday.

JES

Mon, 09/12/2011 - 17:03

LOVE this. White with a rich deep wood top is my absolute favorite! Love that you flanked the door on each side with matching ones. Looks like it's right out of a design magazine. Also liked that your blog shows details on how you attached the tops to the bottoms. I want to swipe these for my house! ;) J

Stephan (not verified)

Sat, 11/05/2011 - 12:57

That looks great. It's inspired me, and I'm going to attempt to build it as well. Was on the Pottery Barn website and placed an order, but they are on back order until December 15th. Just hope it does not take that long for me to build it!!

Above Toilet Cabinet

Submitted by Smokeydog on Thu, 12/24/2015 - 12:58

I built this above toilet cabinet for my son and his wife for Christmas. They moved into a new house and wanted this additional storage space.  Turned out pretty good!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR Satin Paint with primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage shelving unit

We made this peace 12 feet long, the hardest part was to find straight boards at home depot and adjust the feet because of an uneven garage floor. It was my first big project and hubby helped so I can't take all the credits :)

Estimated Cost
$126
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Farm Bench

Submitted by jackkatie on Mon, 11/28/2011 - 11:52

I was looking to make my foyer a bit more kid friendly while still being coze and practical. I came across the modern farm bench plans, and I knew it was the perfect fit!

I have done a few other plans, but all with help. This project I started around 9 pm (after bedtime) one night, and by 11:30, it was completely built and stained. My son was climbing all over it by the next morning :)

I love it - I think it adds the perfect bit of rustic charm to my foyer, while still giving my little guy a sturdy spot to get his shoes/coat on. I have since added baskets underneath for winter storage.

This will definitely not be my last build! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained using a mixture of both Kona and Dark Walnut stain from Rustoleum. It definitely wasn't a science - just slopped a little of each on, waited about 3 minutes, and wiped off.

I love the finish - rustic, but not too "country". The dark Kona stain definitely highlights the knots and grooves of the wood!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Miter saw cart modified

I have enjoyed my miter saw cart for years. My sweet hubby gifted me with a table saw but I was nervous to use it without support for large pieces of wood and needed better storage. So... I modified my cart by adding a back leaf and making the shelf adjustable with two sets of cleats for the height of both saws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Discounted paint from the oops cart at Home depot.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunk bed

Built this bunk bed for my two boys. Used the sweet pea storage stairs plan as a starting point and altered things from there to suit. The wall is just 3/8 plywood cut into planks and painted various colours. 

Finish Used
White semigloss. Monamel from General paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Narrow Console Table

This past weekend I build Ana's Narrow Console table. I went Saturday evening to pick up the boards and cut them. I completed the whole project late Sunday afternoon. I don't have a nailer so in-between the project I switched to self-tapping screws and it became even quicker because using the ol' fashioned hammer and nails was difficult and time consuming.  Cutting the angles was a first for me, and it is not bad at all! I was very intimidated first but so glad I took that first step! Also, I just watched her video countless times to ensure I was doing it correctly, and that helped the most ;).  It is very lightweight and I did not need any assistance in carrying the table. I truly, truly believe anyone can do this!

Estimated Cost
$40 with the paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
After sanding I used one coat of Glidden Flat + Primer "Crushed Silk"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 07:47

Hi Ana. Been a fan of yours. My name is Ed. Wood working is my hobby. And its always nice to look at your plans, and put my own spin on it. My wife wanted a planter for our deck. So I tweaked your plans and made them a little bigger. I Also built her a herb garden too. With these new planters; it should put a stop to the rabbits eating everything.

Thanks for your inspiration.

Comments

Modified Recycling Console - First Build!

We needed to make sure this was strong enough to hold a 20 gallon fish tank.So, we decided to use poplar wood and stained it with golden mahogany. The height was adjusted to 37 inches.

Estimated Cost
$80 for the wood
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Fish Tank Stand. Used Minwax Golden Mahogany Stain, and 3 coats of Minwax Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Barn Door Garage Storage

Submitted by MommaBlue on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 07:13

I adapted this build from the Barn Door Entertainment Center plan.  Like most families, our storage space needed some major help!  We had minimal space to work with and all sorts of awkward things to store (rollerblades, helmets, etc).  I measured how deep I needed the shelves to be to fit our helmets and pretty much built around that!

The open shelves are great as they allow easy storage spots for the kids to reach - the doors are great because they allow me to hide the stuff that just never seems to get organized!  And the best part?  The sliding barn doors!  I park next to this thing so not having a swing out door was a major win for me!

I left the center of this piece open so I could fit a stand I already had in our garage, which allowed for a “charging station” for the cars!  Our garage is rustic theme so on this piece I went with standard common board for the walls and shelves and built the trim and doors from cedar.  The entire piece is stained with Minwax Provincial.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments