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All by myself!

Submitted by jessige on Fri, 05/27/2011 - 07:01

These tables are the first thing I've ever built all by myself, and I couldn't be more excited. I think I'm addicted...

Blog Link
The rapture really IS upon us...
Built from Plan(s)
Rolling C End Table or Sofa Table
Estimated Cost
$15 + paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
The paint is Cavalry by Pittsburgh in high gloss. The weathering technique is basic: I primed the pieces, then used a 3" foam brush to put a light, inconsistent coat of blue on all surfaces. The trick is to make complete strokes, from one edge to the other; it's also helpful to start your stroke away from the edge and move back and forth in complete strokes to avoid dark edges.

Once the paint had dried, I sanded the edges to complete the weathered look. I put 2 coats of spray polyurethane on the top surface only, because I'm sure we will use them a lot!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Herb Garden

Submitted by frog428 on Wed, 07/17/2013 - 12:24

Herb Garden Planter Project - Such a simple project that costs less than $5.00

I added L brackets to the corners for a different look. I spray painted the brackets with a copper finish. I did not need to use wood filler because I covered the nails with the L Brackets.

Built from Plan(s)
Herb Garden Planter from Cedar Fence Pickets
Estimated Cost
$5.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Wood Finish and Minwax Quart Helmsman Semi-Gloss Spar Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Halltree

Submitted by worrow on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 11:45

My wife was dying to have me build her a halltree for the entryway in out house. She drew up some "blueprints" and we started building together. I know the finished project is dark but from the before pic you can visualize it.

 

I'm sorry for not having the plans up. I will get her "blueprint" scanned for everyone to use as this was our design.

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

Comments

worrow

Mon, 07/20/2015 - 15:37

We used provincial by Minwax. My picture really doesn't do it the justice it deserves.

worrow

Mon, 07/20/2015 - 15:39

Finish is Provincial by Minwax, oh and satin polyurethane also made by minwax.

Extended piano bench

Submitted by Lukilla on Thu, 02/15/2018 - 12:13

Got a piano for free that has no bench with it. When I started looking up dimensions, I realized traditional benches are a little short if you want to sit and play with someone else. The size of this plan works perfectly and can store music. Best part is that if we ever get rid of the piano, we will have a nice entryway bench.

Built from Plan(s)
Pine Board Flip Top Storage Bench
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Added a wall for mounting the tv

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/16/2022 - 10:28

I've gotten tons of comments from friends and family already on this build. I liked the original white but it wouldn't have matched my other furniture in the room already built/stained this color.

Built from Plan(s)
Simplified 8' Barn Door Console Plans
Grandy Barn Door Console

Comments

HBWineWoman

Fri, 03/18/2022 - 09:28

Oh my gosh, this looks fantastic! I love that you did the simple framing on the "headboard" portion. Might have to give this a try!

Kid's Beach chair

As soon as I saw the beach chair I knew I had to make one for my daughter. My wife is an expert seamstress, so I enlisted her help on the fabric portion. She already had the fabric, and I had left over wood. We love the beach and this will be perfect for the summer. See how to make the beach ball pillows in the bottom picture at my blog http://www.makeitlovely.com

Blog Link
Makeitlovely.com
Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Our Fancy Farmhouse Headboard

Submitted by REEPJP on Fri, 07/19/2013 - 07:01

This was fairly easy for my first project and has already received a ton of compliments from friends and family that can't believe I made it.

Finally turned our bedroom from college dorm looking to elegant family looking with just this one piece.

The Kreg Jig is an amazing tool. Now that I have it, I'll be looking for more projects to get to use it.

Estimated Cost
<$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Ultra White (Satin)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft Playhouse Bed

Submitted by kyounghome on Tue, 02/20/2018 - 06:16

I saw this and new I had to make it for my eight year old daughter.  Followed Ana's plans as directed.  The total cost to include wood, screws and paint brought this to about $315.00.  I am going to make stairs next for this but my other daughter wants a new bed now too, so, the stairs will have to wait.  

Built from Plan(s)
Little Cottage Loft Bed
Estimated Cost
$315.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe organizer

Submitted by Liz H. on Wed, 06/01/2011 - 21:26

I took the 25 cubbies plan and changed the dimensions to fit shoes. I made a simpler version for my husband too. This project went together quickly and was so fun to build.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

My first doll bed

This is my first ever building project! I used a jigsaw and realized (the hard way) that I can't get square angles with that type of saw. I am thankful that it isn't too evident in picture. I will try again, but I had to share my first attempt. I ended up using a 1X8 for the headboard because I liked the thought of a full headboard. I know it's not perfect, but for me to show something that's not perfect is progress for me. :)

Estimated Cost
$4 including the yarn for the blanket
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondak Trio

Submitted by ricwit on Mon, 07/27/2015 - 10:09

New to building, but it went together fairly easily. I think next time I'll decrease the width of the foot stool, so I can just step over it and sit in the chair. Give it a try!

Built from Plan(s)
Heavy Duty Adirondack Chair Plans with Back Leg and Footstool
Angled Footstool for Adirondack Chair
Simple Adirondack Side Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Octagon Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/09/2022 - 10:23

I just finished this octagon picnic table as per your plans
the 2x6 are all clear Western Red Cedar and the skeleton is
Douglas Fir. I think it turned out astonishingly excellent.

Thanks for the inspiration Ana.

Built from Plan(s)
Octagon Picnic Table with Open Seats
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

toy box #2 & #3

open toy boxes with personalization

Blog Link
"T" is for Toy Box #2 & #3
Built from Plan(s)
Open Top Toy Box
Estimated Cost
$35.00 each
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1. one coat primer
2. two coats semi-gloss white

1. three coats Behr paint + primer Signature blue
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

karab

Sun, 06/05/2011 - 18:43

These are beautiful! What do you use for the lettering? I recently made the stackable toy boxes for my nieces and wanted to put their initials on them. I practice on a piece of plywood, but I didn't like the results.

jaimecostiglio

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 02:47

Karab,
I printed out the names (Engravers font), taped the paper to the box, traced with a pen to get an indent into the wood, painted inside the indent. Good luck.

brookifer86

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:54

Your work is always so beautiful! Love these toy boxes, they're pure perfection

jaimecostiglio

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 14:10

I actually recognize your wedding guestbook bench from all the linky parties but I had no idea you were also a builder over here at Ana's place. Nice to have fellow buildy gals.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 08/30/2011 - 18:30

I agree with the others, your builds are always so beautiful. Question on cost: I noticed Lily's toy box cost you $50 and these cost you $35. Was it because these weren't cabinet grade. My co-worker wants me to make one for her daughter for Christmas and I'd like to keep the cost down while still having a nice product, of course!

Jaime (not verified)

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 03:36

because I was able to use some scraps for the sides and short molding pieces. They are still cabinet grade, I wouldn't recommend using regular 3/4" plywood - it's too rough even with sanding it would be very rustic. One sheet of cabinet grade 3/4" plywood costs $29 at my HD, you can definitely get all your pieces from one sheet. Plus to keep costs down make the base molding out of plywood scraps rather than buying new especially if you are painting. I guess if you have to buy everything: 3/4 ply, 1 x 2s and cove molding it would be closer to $40 plus paint and primer. Good luck, such a nice sizable, sturdy, functional gift.

Jaime (not verified)

Wed, 08/31/2011 - 03:35

because I was able to use some scraps for the sides and short molding pieces. They are still cabinet grade, I wouldn't recommend using regular 3/4" plywood - it's too rough even with sanding it would be very rustic. One sheet of cabinet grade 3/4" plywood costs $29 at my HD, you can definitely get all your pieces from one sheet. Plus to keep costs down make the base molding out of plywood scraps rather than buying new especially if you are painting. I guess if you have to buy everything: 3/4 ply, 1 x 2s and cove molding it would be closer to $40 plus paint and primer. Good luck, such a nice sizable, sturdy, functional gift.

Brad chunn (not verified)

Sun, 01/01/2012 - 17:41

I really like the look of this toy box! Would it be hard to add a lid with hinges ? Thanks

jaimecostiglio

Sat, 01/07/2012 - 12:27

Brad I don't think a lid with hinges would be hard. Watch out for pinched fingers on those little ones - it inevitably always happens! Go for the slow closing hinge.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 06:53

Hi, is the footer attached with nails or screws? Anna's directions aren't clear because step 2 which outlines the footer is a duplicate of step one which is about fastening the sides and front.

jaimecostiglio

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:14

with 1 1/4" wood screws. Considering this is the support for the box unit I definitely recommend screws, 3 per long sides.
Good luck.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 20:35

Thanks a bunch! One more question, I have the same base moulding you chose, how did you get the top corners to line up so seamlessly? When I put mine together as a sample they don't fit well at the top

jaimecostiglio

Wed, 03/14/2012 - 04:35

I used 3/4" plywood and cut out the arch with a jig saw. The corners should line up fine if your box is square. Once you attach the footer piece then miter cut the cove moulding and it should sit perfectly on the ledge of that footer. You can see more process picks in my posts here:

http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2011/11/t-is-for-toy-box-4.html

http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2011/05/t-is-for-toy-box.html

GMBC

Wed, 02/28/2018 - 05:25

hi Ana, love your plans. Made the toddler helper in a folding style now have to make another by request. I have a question on the cutting measurements for the open toy box. The side says cut 15 1/2 inche wide yet the bottom is 16 inch wide.Is that correcgt as would have the bottom stgicking out past the ends?? Could just adjust the base size just not sure if there is reaason for the difference am i missing something.

GMBC

Wed, 02/28/2018 - 05:25

hi Ana, love your plans. Made the toddler helper in a folding style now have to make another by request. I have a question on the cutting measurements for the open toy box. The side says cut 15 1/2 inche wide yet the bottom is 16 inch wide.Is that correcgt as would have the bottom stgicking out past the ends?? Could just adjust the base size just not sure if there is reaason for the difference am i missing something.

Kids Trestle Table

Submitted by gcolegrove on Tue, 07/23/2013 - 02:57

Table made for friends grand-kids using left over oak plywood. Storage cube seats from Shanty2chic plans. http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/07/rolling-storage-cube-stools.html

Built from Plan(s)
Kids Trestle Style Play Table
Estimated Cost
< $70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum paints - gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

YankeeBelle

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 19:01

I built this as one of my first projects...it was a great confidence builder!! I love the way yours turned out and your colors are so cheerful and fun! Great job!!

Camp loft bed with stairs

Submitted by Kaymich13 on Wed, 02/28/2018 - 19:06

Super easy build, had to make a few adjusments because of the size of the room.  My daughter absolutely loves it. Thanks Ana White for these awesome plans!!

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Wooden bench

Submitted by Julisib on Tue, 04/19/2022 - 10:13

Thanks Ana for the plans. A new bench / bookshelves for our daughter's bedroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Essential Entryway Bench

Comments

Farmhouse Table Brag!!

I just bought a new house and this table was my first project for it. I'm so happy with how it turned out!!!! Thank you for the plans!

Blog Link
Farmhouse Table
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
106
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Minwax polyshades "stain and polyurethane in 1 step" Bombay Mahogany Satin stain (#380)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Wed, 06/08/2011 - 14:00

Thank you for the smile! I see we have share some web browsing habits! Congrats on the house and love the table finish! Great first project, really appreciate you sharing! Ana

Fancy Hall Tree

Submitted by Savorder on Thu, 07/25/2013 - 07:06

Fun building, turned out great, thx for the great plans!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Suite

Submitted by klB1953 on Wed, 08/05/2015 - 05:27

Outdoor Suite based on $40 backyard chair.

Finish Used
None yet but to be oiled after weathering in
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden bench - Adirondack style

Hi Ana!  Thank you so much for creating all these wonderful woodworking plans.  My wife and I wanted a garden bench, and I thought it would be so much more fun to make one than to buy one, so voila!   Couldn't have done it without your plans.  I made a couple modifications to make it more "Adirondack" style, with the paisley-shaped armrests and curved backpiece.  Great plans, thrilled with how easy they were to follow and how well the bench came out! 

Thanks - 
Bruce 

Built from Plan(s)
Garden Bench
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments