Community Brag Posts

My modified Michaela's Kitchen Island

I wanted to build my Wife a kitchen island and we settled on the Michaela's Kitchen Island design. I made it without the bottom shelf and bought a couple of spin top stools from Pier One. 

Ana, thanks for your awesome website that has inspired me to get into wood working. Thanks for sharing your knowledge, experience, and passion with the rest of us.

God bless,
Jody & Glenda Knowles

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Polyshade "Espresso" for the top. For the bottom I used Modern Master's Crackle Finish along with an ebony latex base, and antique white latex top finish (the crackle medium is used between the top & bottom coat). I also gave the top a couple of extra coats of Minwax Polyshield.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

The Long Bench

Doug Fir Long Benches for dining room table

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First thing I ever built

I took the plunge last year and started woodworking. This was my first build. I definately have learned alot since then. But I am pretty proud of this table.

Estimated Cost

50$
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
This was stained with jacobean varathane stain and sealed with clear varathane.

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by Rendouthit on Wed, 01/30/2013 - 12:33

Fantastic project! Our first ever woodworking adventure and it turned out beautifully!

Estimated Cost
175
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Faux Mantle

Submitted by nikkirumm on Sun, 11/30/2014 - 12:04

The joys of military life is constant moving and rarely  having a mantle to hang stockings on. Problem solved with Mimi's Faux Mantle and it'll come with us next time we move. This was my husband's second build that I teamed up with him on. We're both pretty excited about how it turned out. 

Estimated Cost
$100 excluding stain, nails and screws
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Mixwax Polyshades in Mission Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Sun, 11/30/2014 - 13:02

Looks Marvelous!  Love the trim, and the finish is awesome.  Great job on this build!

Seasonal And Holiday

Extended cubby bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/06/2017 - 15:53

Basically went off the design of the 3 cubby storage bench but extended to about double size. Took me a while to rework all the dimensions but luckily it worked out. I also extended the sides and back up 2 inches to accommodate a cushion (at some point) 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Whispy white sample from Lowes
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Park Bench - Son & Daughter In-law Christmas Gift

Submitted by mballway on Fri, 12/25/2020 - 14:13

A first for me in many years, over 40+. Not really since basic wood shop projects in Middle School. Anyway, my son (and daughter in-law, but she doesn't know) had asked for a backyard patio bench for Christmas this year (2020) so what could go wrong. Anyway, the plans are straight forward in this design. He saw the picture of a stained version on YouTube and said that would be perfect. The project took me three late afternoons/evenings as my day job took priority. After making all the cuts and beginning assembly I could really see this coming together nicely once the four legs were attached. Between wood fill and sanding I asked what finish they preferred and was told he would finish that part. So I sanded the exterior on it and glad for having him finish the coatings as I was just finished it that point on Christmas Eve Day. The red bow is also first for me.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
< $100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Storage bench

Saw the plans on the site and decided to make it. We had been looking for plans for a bench and my wife really liked this one.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$ 75.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted the body and lid with semi gloss paint and two coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My wagon

Submitted by motogirl on Wed, 12/03/2014 - 15:47

I burnt the wood with a torch, and then sealed it with polyurethane. I don't have the tools to cut medal lathe, so I used wood. This is a Christmas gift for my nephew.

Estimated Cost
$85
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor To Indoor Wine Caddy

Submitted by calcowoods on Tue, 12/29/2020 - 08:30

Built a number of wine caddies with/without the stake. Stake useful for an outdoor environment, yet not useful for an indoor table top setting. Provided a simple alteration by inserting a t-nut into the bottom of the caddy & a hanger bolt screwed into top of stake. Simply screw in stake as needed.

Estimated Cost
$4
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Cherry and Minwax Satin Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cottage style end table!

Submitted by ncderemer on Sun, 12/07/2014 - 16:54

This was my first time building a project that had a drawer involved. It took me three attemts to get the drawer right and I ended up building internal wood slides for the drawer to sit on and a couple of stops to keep it from falling out or going too far back. Not having to deal with finicky drawer slides made it much easier for me. I think it looks nice and it really is the perfect height for next to a bed or chair. 

The cuts are very simple but I don't know how I would have done this without a kreg jig. It made putting all the boards together so much easier and kept them tight and strong. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20-$35, Mine was around 35 since I bought a nicer pine 2x2 for the legs and a pine 1x3. If I had used the common wood it would have dropped the price at least $10.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum primer 1 coat; Coat of Glidden Connecticut Blue (eggshell
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ncderemer

Sat, 12/13/2014 - 18:15

I really appreciate your site Anna! I spend so much time on here plotting :) and looking at all the great stuff other people are coming up with to match their own style. Thank you for all the work you put into this and the amazing plans you create.

Made by Debbie

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2017 - 08:05

Made for my great neohew's birthday. 

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Herringbone Shiplap barn door

This sliding barn door was built with pre-primed shiplap 1x6s and 2x6 boards. It took a little over a day to build, sand and finish. It's definitely a sizeable piece, measuring 83x54".

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Clothes Line Picture Frame

Submitted by jzacharuk on Tue, 02/05/2013 - 21:33

This was a fun little project. Not only did we get to use Ana's new picture frame plan, but we also tried out the whitewashed stained finish.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Christmas Tree

Submitted by AndyH on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 08:31

Simple Christmas Tree made from 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch square dowels, a bit of scrap 2 by 2 and some scrap 2 by 6.

The dowels were drilled and a metal rod inserted through them all.  Two nuts at top and bottom tightened once the dowels were arranged in place.

Each dowel was cut 0.5 inches shorter than the previous one so it was 1/4 inch sorted on each end.

Each dowel was placed 45 degrees from the one below it.

 

Pin For Later! 

Christmas Tree

 

Estimated Cost
$15 for dowels. Base was from scraps left and paint was left over from another project.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Custom Kitchen Island with Butcher Block

One of a kind custom kitchen island with a butcher block top. 

Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic X Counsel table/ entertainment stand

Rustic X Entertainment Stand. 55” long x 36” tall. 3 shelves. Natural top with dark walnut bottom. Custom made game crates and LED back lights to finish the look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane dark walnut.
Minwax Natural
Minwax 3x polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

APOTHECARY COFFEE TABLE WITH TRUNDLE

Submitted by athonu on Fri, 02/08/2013 - 13:50

My version of the APOTHECARY COFFEE TABLE WITH TRUNDLE, I decided to add a back for added strength and support. It's solid as a rock. I also went back and sanded down the edges after painting and added stain as well as stained directly over the painted panels for a more weathered look. This is my first project from ana-white.com, hopefully there will be more to come.

Estimated Cost
$120 for lumber, paint, stain, and hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Semi Gloss in an off-white, MinWax water base stain in American Walnut, and MinWax Polycrylic protective finish in a satin sheen.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Crib

Submitted by dhoop31 on Tue, 03/14/2017 - 21:11

I was asked to build a crib by a family member for their first baby.  What an honor.  The first place that I sought ideas was Ana-White!  Of course!  

It turned out great!  Thanks for the ideas.

 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Acrylic Latex
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My very first furniture build

Submitted by Sjeffers on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 04:10

This is the very first time I decided to take on a furniture build project. I am happy with the outcome.

Finish Used
Gloss stain water base honey color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

84' patio sofa

Submitted by anrtist on Sun, 02/10/2013 - 08:28

Wanting nice seating for the patio, I could not afford the sofa I wanted from Restoration Hardware. Since I have more interest and willingness than money, I looked on-line for a DIY design. Fortunately, I found Ana's site and her plan. I lengthened her sofa design to fit the RH cushions and went to work. Thank you Ana for easy to follow plans, especially thanks for the cutting & shopping lists! I had your plan by my side during the entire process. Now, I'm ready to build a footrest bench to place in front of it. (I did order the RH cushions... on sale, but still expensive!) I am 71 years old.... you never have to stop becoming, it is a choice!

Estimated Cost
$105 plus cushions.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
sanding only, I want a weathered look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments