Community Brag Posts

Window bird feeder

Submitted by CSaintD on Mon, 04/18/2016 - 08:22

Made the birdfeeder by Ana for my Daughter in-law's birthday. She loves it and so does her cat. My bandsaw stopped working, so had to cut the center out with an oscilatting saw. Surprisingly it worked really well.
The hardest part was figuring out where to get suction cups without the hooks on them. Ended up at Michaels where I found some rated for 7 pounds of weight. They seem to be holding up well. I ended up screwing them into the back of the birdhouse. Tried construction adhesive and it just did not hold.

Estimated Cost
Used all scrap, but had to purchase suction cups which were about $6 total.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
painted with indoor/outdoor paint, then decorated with craft paints and spar varnish to protect finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CSaintD

Mon, 04/18/2016 - 08:34

I always have such trouble posting brags to this site. It takes about 7 tries to do it. You have to have the exact URL of the plan you are basing your brag off of, and then it loses the links to the pictures. Finally got this one posted and now it doesn't show up on the front page in the brag area. I have tried viewing it with both Chrome and Internet Explorer. Really frustrating.

Home Gym Yoga Nook

Submitted by kellystern on Thu, 09/07/2023 - 11:06

Exercise/Yoga nook. Built using the base plans from Ana's Shoe Bench Front with Hidden Storage and Easy to Build Floating Shelves.

 

Comments

Big Ur Counter height bench

Submitted by dmcarwin on Wed, 04/11/2012 - 11:27

I have been wanting a bench for my counter for sooooo long! I loved the Big Ur bench and finally got up the nerve to adjust the plan to be a counter height bench.

Since I am so cheap, I like to collect wood from the free section on craigslist. And that is how this bench came about! I had these 4x4's (well actually they were a little small and had to adjust for that as well) And these great top boards, which were a little warped, I think it just adds a little character to the bench to not be totally perfect, like me! :) (that was a joke, I am FAR from perfect!)

I made it like the plan, and as you can see from the unfinished picture my little ones needed a stool to climb up on the bench. So I added some 1x2's to give them a ladder for climbing. I love how it turned out and the best part is that it fits at my table as well!

Now my husband thinks I should build a smaller one for the short side of the island. We have six kids and this bench only fits four....we'll see.....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Free! Scrap wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used one coat of Rustoleum dark walnut. I gave a few coats of water based poly and and at least three or four on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bunnie1978

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 08:56

The bench looks great. But I think you must be crazy!! SIX kids??!?!? I can barely handle ONE!

In reply to by Bunnie1978

dmcarwin

Thu, 04/12/2012 - 13:12

Yeah, you could say I am crazy, in a good way! I do feel like a chicken with it's head cut off sometimes, but I am not sure I have a handle on things, does anyone? It's fun though! Thanks for the comment on the bench, and I am WAY impressed with your son's playhouse loft bed, I am still trying to find courage to tackle a project that impressive, great job!

Leslie Is Ready

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 09:44

You did an excellent job on this! I'd love to build something similar, but with upholstery on top.

 

BTW, I adore large families, and know that your six little ones must be a great blessing!

Family dining

Submitted by tnkrise2 on Sun, 01/26/2014 - 17:00

Largest project yet. Loved the variety of legs at Osborne.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

6'x6' Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/20/2016 - 19:22

I found these plans online and was just waiting for the kids' grandpa to come out and build it. Could be built in one afternoon (depending on how many trips to your local Home Depot, and availability of the correct tools)
Modifications from original plan:
6x6 instead of 4x4
Brackets to hold patio umbrella for shade
Added seat gussets for additional support
Added "wooden flange" around bottom of box to run lawnmower on
One additional center back support on each bench
One centered handle (instead of a handle on each end)
Stapled landscape weed barrier fabric onto the bottom
Sanded all exposed edges

Materials:
4@2x10x8'
12@1x6x6'
2@2x6x12'
8 hinges
2 handles
3 1/2" decking screws (for attaching 2"x boards)
1 5/8" decking screws (for attaching 1"x boards)
2+ 1 1/4" 2-hole straps for metal conduit (for attaching patio umbrella*)
*Our patio umbrella pole was 1 1/2" diameter, but 1 1/2" straps had too much play, so we used 1 1/4" straps and misc flat washers to adjust the snugness to the pole
Cut lengths:
2@2x10 cut to 72" (long sides of the box)
2@2x10 cut to 69" (short sides of the box)
Cut one each of the following out of a 12 footer:
2@2x6 cut to 75" (long side "flange")
2@2x6 cut to 64" (short side "flange")
No cuts were made to the 12 1x6's
Used one leftover 2' from the 2x8x10's ripped in half cut to 11.5" for arm rests
Used two leftover 2' sections from the 2x8x10's ripped in half cut to 21" for back supports
Used the last 2' cutoff to make two seat gussets (cut about 9 1/2" off and then ripped it at 45 degrees)
Used the remaining piece (ripped in half length-ways) to attach to the center of the backrest for additional support and as the attachment point for our handles
We decided to do one handle in the center of the backrest so one reasonably strong adult could open the lid
The bottom "flange" was assembled with the box upside down. Basically a 2x6 screwed to the bottom edge of the box allowing 1 1/2" overhang all the way around
After making cuts, but before assembly, we recommend using a quarter-sheet pad sander (or similar) with 60 grit paper to break all of the edges and round over any ends or corners that will be in contact with sandbox users
Followed other general assembly instructions

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300 with umbrella and sand
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
We live in a very arid climate (Utah) so we chose not to varnish or paint this project
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Stove Top Cover to Increase Counter Space

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 12:35

A honey do project to increase our countertop space in our kitchen, for family gatherings. The cherry wood stove cover was created with wood I had milled from our property.

Mark Gilles

3 Cube Book shelf with back

I followed the plans for the '6 cube bookshelf' but wanted an open shelf on top as well as a back board. For the back I purchased a few feet of 1x5 pine and cut it to fit snug between the lower and upper 1x2s that were used as trim. I left out the middle 1x2 board on the back (from the original plans) so that everything fit flush. I secured the back boards with finishing nails across the middle shelf and some wood glue.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood conditioner prior to using a Dark Walnut stain- one coat. We roughed up the boards with a rock so the pine would look a little beat up.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jim_and_Rachelle

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 17:20

I just followed the plans for the 6 Cube bookshelf already listed. The only modification was leaving out the backside middle horizontal 1x2 so that I could lay in the back boards vertically. The original plans don't have a back included in the cut list. I finished the project and stained it before adding the back just to make the finishing easier.

Apothecary-Style Media Console

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 01/28/2014 - 20:52

This was more work than I thought! It was also much bigger than I thought and I couldn't move it on my own. My husband and I had to wrestle it onto a skate board to move it across the house. :)
I love it!! It is full of imperfections, but I think it adds character.

I built it out of old garage-shelves. The hardware was from ebay and was super cheap. I already had paint and stain lying around. That's why it didn't cost much!

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Minwax stain on top, and white paint I had lying around the house on the bottom.
I sanded all edges and used the stain to darken them. I also painted coffee onto the white painted parts, waited 20 minutes, then wiped it off with a damp cloth to antique the color a bit.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Window Bench for Our New Study

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/17/2020 - 13:20

Ana White, you inspired me! My husband bought me a miter saw for Christmas but I was too afraid to use it for all of my woodworking dreams...and then I found your blog!

I am a mother of six young kids but I watched your videos over and over and I reworked your plans to fit our little build-out and voila! We are beyond thrilled with the results! We have a new bed for overnight guests and a great reading nook for 2-3 people at a time!

Thank you for empowering women in the BEST way. My husband was there to help me with the heavy lifting and to cheer me on when I needed it. But if I hadn’t found you, I’m not sure I would have tackled it in the first place. Thank you and God bless your family!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I ordered drawer slides and the unique drawer pulls from Amazon. The finish is Behr Swiss Coffee to match the window trim. I followed Ana’s instructions to the “T” when installing the drawer slides.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

marti2629

Sat, 03/14/2020 - 14:11

We are building a bed for my son with drawers. Would you mind giving the dimensions of the drawers you mad? Thank you

Extra Large Chalkboard Sign

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/15/2023 - 08:30

Extra large chalk board for church coffee shop. Made from plywood 90 x 40 (cut by Home Depot), chalk board paint, pine boards for frame. Used stencils for most lettering. The board on right is attached with Velcro strips so it’s removable so that I can change out every season. Super easy to build.

Sheri Robertson

Benchright Coffee Table

Submitted by Felicka on Tue, 04/17/2012 - 20:35

Great fun Easy Project! I am in absolute love with this table and give it the rustic feel and look that we were going for. We tried to get the knottiest pine that we could find with also the different colors. We love that look of pine!

Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min-wax Dark Walnut, Min-wax wood conditioner, Min-wax Semi Gloss Polyurethane. We also wet/dry sandpapered the top of the table to give it the extra smooth feel without letting go of the rustic look.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 13:26

It's good to know I'm not the only one who likes the knots and swirls and different shades in the pine boards! The last time I was at the lumberyard, when I told the lumberyard-guy that I was building furniture he tried to direct me to the clear pine. I had to explain to him that I like the character that the knots and such give to a piece. He thought I was nuts, but he still helped me find the straightest boards in the rack.

PPEKOSZ

Tue, 07/30/2013 - 08:17

Hi I love your piece and think it came out great. I noticed on the original plans that 2 x6 pieces were listed. Did you use them in your project?

Thanks

Birthday iTable

Submitted by goose on Fri, 01/31/2014 - 06:07

This was my first project and I wanted to surprise my fiance for her birthday. The hardest part was keeping her out of the garage! I used the plans for the iTable and it was really easy to follow even for a rookie like me. I adjusted the dimesions a bit because 40' would've been awkward for our living room. It ended up being about 34 1/2 or so and I also used 1x10's instead and made the legs 18' so it matched our couch's height. Fun fact: don't forget to factor in the width of your saw blade when cutting..I botched the first cut by about 1/8 BUT did that for the rest so it still ended up being square lol. Anyways, hope you like it and I'm looking for a new project already! Cheers!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain and Poly Mix in Kona Semi-Gloss. This was my first time staining anything so I wanted something easy to use. I applied two coats all together, sanding a lot before and in between.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

American Girl and other 18" Doll Living Room Set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/29/2016 - 10:05

I made this American Girl living room set with pine wood.  It is painted white and 2 coats of polyurethane are applied.  The cushions and pillows were sewn by myself using high density foam and fibre fill.  I have made 5 sets and am really enjoying making them that I have opened up my own etsy shop!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi gloss paint and 2 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall tree build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/23/2020 - 16:34

These plans were awesome! Thank you so much for sharing!! I added a few hooks on top for my keys and found this top board at Lowe's for $10, no I have a place to lay my wallet and phone. I tweaked mine to fit my needs but again, this plan was amazing, that KS for sharing! I look forward to making more of your projects.

Note: I chose this project as a weekend long project because I applied paint and it did take much longer for the paint to dry in this cold weather. The build was approximately 1 day.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Custom Wood Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:11

Modified two building plans into one farmhouse style table. Two of Ana’s benches as well.

Grace LeBlanc

Comments

Apothecary Cabinet Console

Loved this plan, also! In fact, a male co-worker helped me pick out the color! I made the open shelves taller and left the back off so my media components could get lots of air flow!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Kilz Colors in Amethyst Gem.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Supersized Parson's Tower Desk

I needed a desk that served not only as a space to work, but something that had good storage and didn't take up way to much floor space.I looked and looked and couldn't find anything I loved until I ran across the Parson's Tower Desk plans on Ana-white.com. The depth of the desk was perfect, but I needed more storage, so I decided to play in with sketchup and see if I couldn't make it more of what I needed.

I ended up with a supersized Parson's Tower Desk!

It has four smaller cubbies to the left side and 2 wider shelves to the right side.

You can see a front view and all the pictures at the blog post!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed with Bullzeye primer and painted with valspar antique white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Secretary's Desk Turned Shoe Cabinet

Submitted by sraper2 on Mon, 05/02/2016 - 11:36

I need some shoe storage near my front door that would hide all of our shoes.  I used the plans from the book for the secretary's desk and added an extra shelf.  Check out my blog post for step by step pictures.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farm House jewelry Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/28/2020 - 12:23

The plans were simple to follow. Made some small changes, used some pine wood wall paneling from Lowes. The pine paneling was used on the back and door. Both were inset with a routed step the same thickness as the panels.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax stain espresso
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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