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Simple Bar Stools

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.

Blog Link
The Quaint Cottage
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut stain and three coats of poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jsle_bel

Tue, 07/05/2011 - 08:26

I tried posting on your blog but for some reason it wouldn’t allow me.

Okay, I seriously LOVE them! I'm in the process of making my own pub table for outside entertaining and was considering altering Ana's stool plans....now no need to! Thanks for posting, I'll just need to lengthen the legs a little and for that reason reinforce it a bit to make them sturdy (I've got three boys and a daughter that can be a rough as the boys). Thanks again and I'll be back to check out future posts. Check me out at: http://laundrywillwait.blogspot.com/

~Jen

Rustic X Console

This was my first project after discovering the "Ana White" web site.  After looking through the brag photos I zeroed in the Rustic X Console.  I was specifically inspired by the photos from "Celeste808" and "aDIYguy".  It also gave me an opportunity to try out my new Kreg Pocket jig. I hope you like the pictures.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
I figure i spent about $95 in materials at the local Home depot. I already had some items at home that I used.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Gunstock #231, Miniwax fast drying Polyurethane (1/2 pint), Behr-ultra Pure white eggshell finish paint and primer in one (quart)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Farmhouse Table

Using Ana White's Rustic Table plans, I recreated her design by modifying the measurements to fit my dining space. I did not use wood glue, as the plans call for, and simply left the wood screws visible which I felt added a rustic touch. The top is stained with Minwax Special Walnut #224, and the bottom is painted Simply White by Benjamin Moore. The table measures 72"x42" and is 30" high. It can comfortably seat six chairs.

Blog Link
Farmhouse Dining Table
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut #224
Polycrylic
Benjamin Moore Simply White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

snomii

Sat, 09/07/2013 - 12:22

I love your choice of colour! It's the perfect backdrop to a nice dinner full of colour! I'm getting inspired to try this now!

Fancy X Desk

Submitted by gsligh on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 09:46

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.

Built from Plan(s)
$55 Fancy X Desk
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Miniwax oak polyshield and enamel paint "Inkwell" from Sherwin Williams. Using enamel paints makes the project take longer because of drying times in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Back to school desk

Submitted by bhoppy on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 09:09

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

Built from Plan(s)
Schoolhouse Desk Single Pedestal
Schoolhouse Desk Hutch
Estimated Cost
100$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint is Olympic satin white with the primer already in it but I also used Kilz oil based primer since the wood was bare. I really thought it made a huge difference. The tealish color is actually just oops paint from Lowes I already had. I used 3 coats of satin Polycrylic on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

I couldn't be more happy about a garbage can!

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Mon, 08/01/2011 - 12:29

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

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Tilt Out Trash or Recycling Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$30-35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2-3 coats-ColorPlace-Redwood semi-gloss exterior
1 coat-Minwax-Polyurethane-Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse table

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. 

Built from Plan(s)
Benchright Industrial Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
98.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Headboard w/ Sconces

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/16/2022 - 08:22

Love the modern look of the headboard so I adjusted the dimensions a bit to add more height. I built this for my daughters first college apartment and wanted to capitalize on space know that her room would be small - so I added the sconces for extra lighting in her room. I turned out great and was so happy to find the inspiration on Ana's site!

Blog Link
https://www.maceysells.com/
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Geo Headboard

Comments

WHAT ANA INSPIRES!!!

Submitted by redhead_61 on Fri, 08/26/2011 - 09:36

I had a friend doing a class for a church activity on refinishing furniture. I think she mentioned to our leaders that I build furniture so two weeks ago she emailed me to see if I would be willing to participate and take a little time to talk. I said of course, and then in my true fashion of loving a good get-together and having a tendency to overdo things, I said, "we could even do a little project too".

I went onto this site printed off 5 projects under $30 and let anyone that wanted sign up. I figured the easiest way to let people build a project in an hour and a half was to pre-cut and pre-drill everything (Thank you to my new Kreg jig that let me rock that part out no problem)

I ended up cutting and drilling for 26 orders!!! EEK! I was a little like a mad hatter running around helping people that had never even held a drill before (so please excuse the LACK of pictures, including none of me doing anything at all :( ) But I think it turned out awesome and everyone was so excited.

I just wanted to post this as a little tribute to Ana for all the amazingness that you are. Thank you for helping those scared to even start.

Built from Plan(s)
Martina Bath Wall Storage Shelf with Hooks
Estimated Cost
under $30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

ferbit

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 10:03

What a fun idea!!! Looks like everyone was having a fantastic time!

Ana White

Fri, 08/26/2011 - 11:26

Thank you so much for sharing this! I can remember when my little sister took woodshop in high school, and we all looked at her like "what is woodshop" and "why on earth would you ever want to take woodshop - woodworking is for retired men!". Not too many years later, I was wishing I had taken wood shop!

This is so amazing to see because you are teaching these beautiful and courageous young laddies skills they will use throughout their lifetime. Not to mention the confidence to tackle other traditionally male trades. And I'm willing to bet, their daughters will be using drills too!

I'm so honored to know you!

And might I add, those projects look GOOD!

romanweel

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 12:17

MAN! I want to do something like this! What a wonderful thing to do to bring all those ladies together! (And tell Miss Red Shirt, I want a T just like hers! "Be Kind"!) Way to rock it out, all of you!

Miter Saw Cart

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/16/2022 - 07:16

I had my mitre saw on a stand I had purchased and it was ok. Hard to move around, but it supported the saw ok. Frustrated over having to drag it around every time I was using it. This cart is smaller than the old stand and easier to move around.

Built from Plan(s)
Miter Saw Cart

Comments

Simple Farm Table

My mom and o completed this weekend project together! It was so fun to complete! The table is customized to 7ft and the benches made smaller than the original plans so they slide under the table when we’re not using it. We made it for our homeschool room. The kids are excited for this space already and we all have the room we need to get our work done! Under $200 start to finish! I used a prestain to prep the wood and then stained with watco danish oil in a natural finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table (2 Tools + $50 Lumber)
Beginner Farm Table Benches (2 Tools + $20 in Lumber)

Comments

Wine Rack with Live Edge Wood Top & Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/08/2023 - 10:23

Made this wine rack for our basement rec room using live edge wood, 1x2s, and 3/4in wood dowels. Full dimensions and write up at the link below!

Blog Link
https://motorcitywoodwork.com/2023/02/06/diy-wine-rack-with-live-edge-wood-top/

Comments

Modern Farm Table with a Twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 18:04

We wanted to build a farm table with benches to accommodate a few more people in the same space. This plan was easy to use. We modified a couple of the supports to metal piping to change the look up. We also painted the table and used a stencil to create a old world feel to it. It was a very fun project!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Farm Table
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 Qt Carribean Sea from Glidden
1 Qt Galapagos from Behr
Minwax Polycrylic Semi-Gloss Finish
Tile stencil for table top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Headboard

Submitted by beingbrook on Wed, 11/09/2011 - 08:26

Rustic headboard built in an afternoon. Total cost was only $35!

Blog Link
beingBrook-Rustic headboard w/aged finish
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Wood Headboard (All Mattress Sizes)
Estimated Cost
$40-60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix. Finished with Annie Sloan clear wax. A detailed explanation can be found at my blog: http://beingbrook.com/rustic-headboard-aged-wood/
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

scott56

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 12:46

I thought the 56 in headboard was a little excessive. So I cut it down a foot. If you decide to do this take 6 inches off the top and the bottom so it looks portionally correct. Another thing I did that was not mentioned in the what I have read so far was use kregs joints to connect the inner panel. If you build it from the back you will not see any joints except the top ones on the foot board. I patched them with that elmers patch stuff and are no longer visible. Minus all the sanding I built two beds in a half day.

Ava-Drew

Wed, 11/09/2011 - 15:52

I was thinking of doing this headboard for the farmhouse storage bed. Did you use 4x4s or build the legs the way they are in the plan? I have several 3x3s for legs that I was planing on using with the kreg. How easy was it to get the boards lined up with the kreg?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:34

how much did you sand this headboard?

thanks

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 10:39

We sanded the boards before building since we got the cheapest grade of lumber they had. I also sanded it about 10 minutes after I removed all the paint stripper.

Brook@BeingBrook (not verified)

Tue, 11/15/2011 - 11:51

No just used a power sander. Was going for a rustic wood look so didn't worry about the sanding being perfect. Just wanted it smooth enough not to snag anything.

Mario (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 12:37

Congratulations !!! and thanks for inspiring us by posting these photos of a terrific job!

I was just wondering..how did you manage to get the perfect light brown - chocolate tint shown on these photos??

I've followed the process described (oxidized the wood using tea followed by steel wool/vinegar mix) to the point. However, the result is grey tinted. even tried applying the process to different types of wood and applying less mix..even sanding it after the project dried and applying the clear wax..Same GREY result..

Please help!!

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 06/06/2012 - 13:26

Different woods will give a different finish. This project turned out a little browner than the other times I've used the tea/vinegar treatment. Probably because it was previously painted and then stripped. You can also buy dark wax that will help change the color. You might try finding a stain that is the color that you want and staining your project. Good luck!

Ante

Wed, 07/10/2013 - 12:53

where does the white come from in your wood. did you strip pre primed pine then tea and oxidation? thanks,ante

Hidden Puzzle Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 12:02

I wanted a table that would protect my puzzles from puzzle piece eating dogs, so I used this Ana White desk plan and built a frame on top to hold the cover panels. The drawer is perfect for holding puzzle pieces during a build.

Built from Plan(s)
Desks that Convert to Table for our Tiny House on Wheels

Comments

Farmhouse Coffee Table

This was my first project and while I prepared to build it I had to endure some real negative forces coming from people who knew my building skills. But I was heart set on doing this and proving people wrong.

As you can see from the pictures I made some adjustments to the table as I did not want a square table rather a rectangle to fit perfectly in front of my sectional, LOL.

I could not believe how well it came out and how easy it was to build. Thank you Ana for this site as I know I would never have taken on this project without finding this site. Furniture building is something I always wanted to do and have as a hobby. I will NEVER purchase another piece of furniture from a store again!

I have included a few pics to show the progress.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Square Modern Farmhouse Table
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Initially stained using Ebony minwax then painted over with Pottery Barn Blue (Van Courtland Blue). Then scuffed with sandpaper to give some distressing.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Park Bench

Submitted by Ecorn on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 21:15

This is my second project using Ana's plan. Plans were easy to follow. 

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench
Estimated Cost
$40 CDN
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
double boiled linseed oil on bench and milk cans. I lightly sanded the milk cans to keep the patina.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Submitted by kdins31 on Sun, 12/18/2011 - 09:22

Had the perfect space for a little playhouse under the stairs in the basement and it's been our plan for 4 years to do something. Finally, we did something. Wanted depth so I added the roof and portico. Also added cedar shingles that I picked up for $7 at HD. Inside I had extra laminate flooring so I put that down and added beadboard, chair rail and crown molding. There's also a small transom window above the small kitchen area. The kids love the barnhouse doors with old fashioned doorbell, mailslot and window. The bookshelf under the stairs was the final touch. I didn't use any plans from this awesome site but did, as always, get a bunch of tips and inspiration!

Pin for Later!

Kids' Playhouse (under stairs)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain on cedar shingles.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:00

Wow! That is awesome!

You really did a great job on that! So imaginative, too. WTG!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 12/18/2011 - 19:58

That is so stinkin' adorable! Fantastic job. I love everything about it. Your kids (and grandkids) will remember the playhouse under that stairs forever!

spiceylg

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 06:54

Wow, this is too cool! They are going to love love love this! Can't wait to see the kitchen reveal!

bhoppy

Mon, 12/19/2011 - 08:43

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!!! It looks amazing! Makes me want to buy a new house with stairs. LOL

birdsandsoap

Sat, 12/31/2011 - 18:26

You did an amazing job on this. I'm planning a bunkbed with a similar facade. I love how cozy it looks without having to make an actual pitched roof. The shingles are such a nice touch that I may have to copy you! And it's wired for lights; you've really outdone yourself.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 02/27/2012 - 21:14

I love this playroom you created. We are currently in the process of building a playroom under the stairs for our girls. Where did you find the door...it is exactly what I am looking for! What a wonderful job you did!!!

kdins31

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 14:26

Thanks to all of you for the nice comments! Re: the door, I just cut a plain 18x80 door slab ($21 from orange) and trimmed it out. I still need to put the window grille over the open space, and was hoping to find a cool 'speak easy' grille that fits the space.

Thanks again!

megan_m

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 09:07

this is such an amazing little space! great work!

MicheleInAlabama (not verified)

Thu, 05/03/2012 - 23:38

This has to be one of the most adorable things I've ever seen! What an awesome idea......how cool is that for the kids??! Love the lighting and the laminate (or is it hardwood) flooring inside. Even the stove is gorgeous! Such fond memories will be made there and remembered forever. Kudos!!

Amanda Rhoads (not verified)

Wed, 12/05/2012 - 15:34

Oh my goodness this is such an inspiration! However, as a beginning tool user, I don't think I could get my finishes so nice. How much experience had you had at this kind of stuff before? Was the area closed in before this project or did you do that too? I've got an open stairway into our basement and would be starting from scratch with ceiling, walls, etc. and have no experience hanging drywall or anything. I think it would take me a year. Great job, and thanks for sharing!

maggieasselin

Sat, 06/21/2014 - 12:51

Hi there!

I was just wondering how you made the door for your play house? We're basically stuck at this level in ours right now... ;) Thanks for any tips!!!

Bench

This bench is a perfect addition to our front porch.

This is one of the first projects that I tackled, and its holding up beautifully!

Built from Plan(s)
54" Bench with Cross Bracing - Made with 1x boards
Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor Paint and Primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner