Community Brag Posts

Play Kitchen Set

Submitted by joshlimo on Fri, 01/04/2013 - 08:36

After looking at the price of kitchen sets I decided to make this one for my daughter last Christmas.

The Sink:
I made the sink and the stove identical. I then stole one of my wife's dish towels and stapled it in front of the shelves. I took an aluminum bowl for the sink and cut it out with a jigsaw, I then put clear caulk around the bowl. The faucet was from a hardware store, i found some pipes and put them together until they looked like a faucet. The knobs were from Michael's, I painted them black and put a nut/bolt so they could be turned.

The Stove:
In order to make the burners, i put painters tape on the top of it after it was painted. Then I used a bowl to trace and cut circles in the tape, i then peeled that tape and used black spraypaint on the circles. The burner knobs were also from Michael's.

This project took a while, maybe 2 weeks of working a couple hours every few days, but i was surprised and impressed with my work after I was done.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
light blue paint, black paint for the knobs
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tree house without a tree

Submitted by TamarasJoy on Thu, 02/02/2017 - 18:52

Full Tutorial with a LOT more photos on the Blog HERE

We had measured the garden space so we could build this frame to fit the space. The deck frame was made to be the correct height for the slide that we would attach later.

Once all the boards were put onto the frame I added some rails for safety of course. Then stained everything....

 

PS This IS a beginner project! I promise!!!! I am a beginner and I built it, it's still standing so you can do it too! I promise!

Estimated Cost
$300

IF you can't scrounge around for old wood and someones old slide!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used blue & white outdoor paint & simple stain (left over from our fence)
Roof was a a green house product.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tall Secretary Cabinet with Mail Slots - Tilt out Trash/Recycling

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/28/2020 - 08:55

First "real" wood-working project in the books. I combined two of your plans so that we would have space in our kitchen for recycling and trash, as well as shelving for pots/pans and all the mail that piles up. We had a narrow section, so made this out of 10" boards, instead of 12". I will possibly add the secretary door at some point, if for no other reason than to hide all the snacks! Thanks for having so many amazing plans available, they keep me dreaming of endless possibilities.

Estimated Cost
$160
Finish Used
Dark blue paint to match kitchen base cabinets.

Comments

Doll Bunk Bed plan with a bit of the Loft Bed plan

Submitted by afcove on Sun, 01/06/2013 - 07:17

My daughter wanted McKenna and her loft bed for Christmas. I didn't want to spend $225 for the bed. I loved the bunk bed plan but revised a bit to make it like a loft bed. I added the shelves and desk and used the height from the Loft Bed plan so it was tall enough. I also made the mattress using the tutorial link with the bunk bed plans. I loved making it and the plans are soo easy to follow. My next project is the Horse Stable.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Homemade chalk paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Light Wash Balustrade Coffee Table

Inspired by the RH Balustrade Salvaged Wood Coffee Table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finish Milk Paint (color: Linen) custom wash. Finished with glaze in Van Dyke Brown.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Harriet Chairs

Submitted by Liz325 on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 22:08

Harriet chair with modified back. Back made with 1x2 and 1x3's. Plenty sturdy but if I was making them for someone else, would probably use a wider stock for the backs but I love the simple but unique design. Chairs were easy to build, but I liked them better before I badly upholstered them :)

Estimated Cost
$10 for wood, cushions and fabric around $40
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax Jacobean and 2 coats poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Banquette in man cave

Submitted by Lanelle on Sat, 11/01/2014 - 22:21

When designing the layout for my husband's home brewery/man cave I needed seating that would fit in the narrow space. I looked at several plans and used pieces from a few. The final support design was suggested by my brother-in-law. I am in the process of making cushions to fit as it is definitely not something to sit on for long with any comfort!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr hi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Basket Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/09/2017 - 11:20

I wanted the dresser to look a little more like a piece of furniture since it was going to be in our walk-in closet, so my husband made cubicles to hold the baskets rather than rails.  He used .75" sandpaper-grade plywood, painted it to match our bedroom walls, and added matching baseboard to dress it up.  The towel bars on each side were added so that towels and washcloths could hang to dry prior to putting them into a basket.  An awesome side benefit is that the top of the dresser is a convenient place to rest the stacks of folded laundry as I'm hanging them up.

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Interior Flat Paint, "Stepping Stones" color
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Farmhouse Bed with Trim

Submitted by efmolly on Wed, 01/09/2013 - 09:45

I followed Ana's plans for the King Farmhouse bed to begin with. I then added some small crown and cove molding to make it look a little fancier. To make the bed match existing furniture, I used a hole hog drill bit to cut out semi-circular holes from the feet of the footboard. I feature a few other projects like this on my blog http://pneumaticaddict.blogspot.com .

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I created this finish in attempts to match existing nightstands and dresser. I built the bed with a different species of wood to save costs, so some creative, faux finishing was required.

The top plates are stained with 'Golden Oak' oil-based stain from Minwax and sealed with 2 coats of Polyurethane in semi-gloss. The rest of the piece was painted with Antique White, latex paint. I then glazed the entire painted area with a warm, light brown glaze. Following that, I selectively added areas of different colors of glaze. First mustard yellow, then olive green, then dark brown. I hand painted faux knot holes to mimic the ones in the existing furniture and then sealed everything with 2 coats of Polyacrylic in Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dog Kennel

Submitted by swari on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 12:03

What an awsome introduction to using a Kregg Drill. The plans were so easy to follow, making this a really fun build. I did increase the dimensions of the kennel to accomadate Ezzy's full grown size, but the plans were otherwize followed. The tin signs arranged for the top of the kennel makes it a great conversation piece.

Estimated Cost
Lumber and hardware cost $100.00. We used Chilli Pepper Red in Benjamin Moore Satin, $80.00 for a gallon and we had plenty left over for touch ups if the puppy chewed, and a walnut stain to add a distressed look. For durability, a polyurethane coating was added. The vintage tin signs were a ridiculously costly addition at $20.00/sign, but we wanted something a bit different. The kennel will be moved into the home office so the signs on top will be a nice "pop".
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chili Pepper Red, by Benjamin Moore in a satin finish. Distressed the wood and applied a walnut stain followed by a coat of polyurethane. Tin signs cut to fit the top and glued/screwed down.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Succulent Planter From Pallets

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 02/11/2017 - 13:47

This is a very easy project to make for the beginning woodworker. It is low cost since it is made from scrap pallets and should only take a couple of hours to make. The same plans can be used to make a nicer version from 1x4 cedar boards. The planter holds succulent plants which are almost care free and extremely easy to grow.

More Info: https://www.instructables.com/id/Succulent-Planter-From-Pallets/

Estimated Cost
$1
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dog Kennel

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/08/2020 - 11:33

Large dog kennel/ end table. Love it!!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Glidden latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cubby Bookshelf large

Submitted by bhoneycutt on Thu, 01/10/2013 - 20:57

Had a blast building this. I am still learning as I am just starting out building and woodworking. Took a afternoon to build it and a few days with coats of primer and paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
85$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by ssshindler on Fri, 11/07/2014 - 05:39

This is my first project and I am thrilled with how it turned out. Thank you Ana, you have empowered this stay at home mom! 

Finish Used
minwax dark walnut stain, polyvore wax varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:41

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:42

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

Farm House Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 13:42

I am not a carpenter, I do not even have a tape measure. I got tasked by my leadership dothan class to build a farmhouse table for the academic dream room which is part of the Bright Key Program. Which is being renovated at Honeysuckle Middle School. Found your plans and got inspired. One glitch they wanted this table to be able to sit fourteen chairs. So I had to make a few adjustments like increasing the main boards to twelve foot. Because of your plans, many urban middle schoolers will have a place to get tutored considering cafeteria tables are so expensive. I am a believer of your plans. The positive feedback I received was well worth my time and would not of been a sucess without your plans. I did mine with pocket holes as well. 

Estimated Cost
146.37
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
American 230 and the middle a bluish grey.

Spent an hour picking out lumber. All boards are not the same length. Ran through a planer and I found it eliminates the need to sand. But remember not to plane them to different heights. Pocket holes are great but I found some really nice table joints at Lowes that looked classy with the kreg screws.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lovely loveseat!

Submitted by dtmak on Wed, 11/11/2020 - 19:13

I made the "Outdoor Loveseat" from the "Modern Comfort Collection". The plans were very helpful! As a true novice, one issue I ran into was that the seat back bottom slats was about 3/8" longer than would fit. In any case, I was able to trim the boards down and the seat looks great. I ordered the cushions from Amazon.

The seat is now at my father's house where he can sit in the sun - when it's warm enough (in the spring/fall/winter) or cool enough in the summer. The build time was longer because I cut the wood and pre-assembled major pieces at home and then drove the pieces to my father who lives out of state.

Thank you for sharing the plans!

Estimated Cost
$56
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)

Simple Workbench

Submitted by coolove on Sun, 11/09/2014 - 15:27

A few months ago, I made a simple workbench to store my miter saw and other power tools when I'm not using them. I love it. It was a very easy project. I opted to do a full bottom shelf and added more 2x4s instead of the standard three.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish but I applied three coats of wood hardener for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Castle Loft Bed "Frozen" Themed

I present the "Castle Loft Bed" with minor modifications. Finished in a "Frozen" theme.

It was time to upgrade my youngest to a "big kid bed" and she was insistent on a frozen bed. After searching for various options we settled on the "Castle Loft Bed" from the Ana White catalog of plans.

We left the slide off, due to available space. Also we changed the steps to be more of a usable toy box/storage and hamper area. I also modified the internal bookcase to have a small "secret" cubby for her "valuables". We also added color changing LEDs to fit the little princess's mood.

 

I hope you like my rendition and keeps in spirit the DIYers quality.

Estimated Cost
$425.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Various paint colors
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate