Community Brag Posts

I used the x-back bench plans to build this bench, but trimmed the length down to 4 feet to fit the space.  It's constructed with cedar and is so beefy and sturdy. It has stood it's own against several storms already and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out. Thanks Ana for all the free plans and tutorials! 

Followed the new home depot plans, only change I made was using 2x4 instead of 2x2. Getting ready to build another one, but this time will also change the arms to be wider on the ends to accommodate wine holder on one arm and cup holder on other arm. :0)

This took me longer to build than I expected -- maybe because I was working from scraps and had to figure out what would fit where along the way. Also, I initially cut all the side pieces with parallel cuts. Oops. So I had to re-do them all.

For more info, check out my blog post!

With the condition of our inherited 6-sided picnic table in my mind, the idea of these picnic benches was too appealing to ignore!
I gave away our old picnic table, and bought some cedar 2x6 from the lumber mill down the road. (He had a pretty good price so I used 2x6 for everything)
I decided to make them 6feet long instead of 4, and with an overhang of 8 inches rather than two I was able to avoid making a third leg set.
I got everything cut and gave it all a coat of stain before I assembled anything and then screwed the boards together with cedar deck screws.
I discovered when I had the tabletop bolted on that the 2x6 caused some issue with the tilting, so I had to go back with a handsaw and trim the front top corners of the back legs so that the table could tilt to the bench mode.
I'm still puzzling out why I have a bit of play in the top when it's bolted in either configuration...
Now if only this chilly rainy weather would quit so we could put them outside and start enjoying them!

This was a super easy and quick project. I actually lengthened it to 36 inches. I can't decide whether I need two ledges or not, but it won't take long if I need another one! My only suggestion- VERY straight boards are a must!

I used Ana's idea for the plan, but modified it slightly to stand up to my wrecking crew (aks the kiddos). I posted a step by step plan with photos on my blog if you want to use the information for yourself.

I modified the plan by using a hardwood plywood 4X8 sheet cut down to a 72" by 28" size. I put hardwood trim around the edges for a smooth appearance. I stained the top with a Minwax poly shield oak finish and painted the base using a glossy enamel paint "Inkwell" from Sherwin Williams. The seamless top makes for a better writing surface.

I made this for my 6 year old who just started the first grade. The only modification I made to the plans was to make a couple cutouts in the hutch for cords. I also added cork which comes in a 24 by 48 inch roll.. I ordered all the hardware from the same place that Jaime from That's my Letter suggested in her build post. This was my first drawer and it was intimidating but it was fairly easy and cute as it can be:-) The plans were very easy to follow! I got the idea for the peg board organizer from the Shanty 2 Chic website. It's just 1x4 frame around the pegboard. The chair was a craigslist find I painted and made a cushion for with some foam and cute fabric. I'm really happy with how it turned out and look forward to the day when my daughter will actually use it. LOL

I started this project thinking that I would put in a rental home we were working on. But after I completed it I couldn't part with it.

I found the plans to be easy to follow! I watched the videos and tackled the raised panel doors. I wanted to add some height so added a few inches just in-case. I couldn’t bear the thought of completing this project and my garbage can not fitting. So I did use 1x6 for the rails and found it didn't look too bad.

I put a lot of thought about what color and finish I wanted. I thought about distressing it but couldn’t decide on the color or technique. So I decided on Color Place paint that I had left over from another project. I am going to find a spray paint that matches and do the inside.

I choose an oil rubbed bronze knob that I had left over from a kitchen remodel, added a magnetic closure as well as a door safety chain. I have lots of little hands and toes that I don’t want getting smashed. I like the idea that if I want to open it all the way for cleaning all I have to do is unhook the safety chain.

Over all I am so pleased with how it turned out. It keeps the garbage and smell in and curious fingers out! My kids love to put stuff in the garbage now!

I spent a weekend with a visiting friend and made one as well as completed two more for Christmas gifts.

Thanks Ana

My daughter in law and I built this table,  together in Austin,  during my visit there!   We had such an awesome time,  together.   This was made from Ana's book, A Handmade Home.