Community Brag Posts

Lydia Baby Bed

A photographer friend of mine requested I build her this after she saw them selling on Etsy for $115. They make super sweet props for newborn shoots, as well as a really cute doll bed for those popular 18" dolls. I free-handed the side details, and cut them out with my new Dremel Trio. It's an awesome tool! I used scrap MDF and plywood for everything but the 2x2 legs and finials, which I snagged for about 60 cents each at Lowe's. I played around with my finishing to give it a rustic look, since the cheap MDF I had on hand is super ripply and can't be sanded smooth.

I used the Farmhouse Doll Bed as a jumping off point for the dimensions. I put it together with my Kreg Jig, but I wouldn't recommend it, since those holes are really hard to fill, and you can see the indentations on the back of the headboard and footboard. Though it's sturdy enough to hold my 55 pound boxer, so I'm pretty sure all those newborns will be safe and sound on it! I really love how it turned out, and can't wait to get my own newborn photographed in this bed come August!

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Behr Harvest Brown, Valspar weathered crackle medium, one coat flat white paint. Sanded to reveal brown on edges, and sealed with two coats of spray varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X console

Submitted by dsteinberg on Mon, 06/24/2013 - 06:55

This was my first project from ana white. Thank you for making such great and easy to follow plans! I will be making the matching coffee table next!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
- brushed on black tea
- Stained with steal wool #0000 dissolved in vinegar for 3 days.
- Sealed 3 times with Vermont Natural Coatings wipe on polywhey satin

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sypher2109

Mon, 07/08/2013 - 10:16

Was the color of the table brown like that after just the oxidation process or did it turn brown like that because of the Vermont Natural Coatings Polywhey?

The reason I ask is we're trying to decide between the wax finish, which we love, or the more protective and durable PolyWhey.

dsteinberg

Mon, 08/12/2013 - 12:43

Sorry for the late reply. I hope this advice is still useful for you. I figured I would have got an email if someone replied to my brag post. I just changed my settings so I will get emails in the future.

After the oxidation process It was a fairly dark brown. At this stage the colouring was not even everywhere so I used 220 grit sandpaper on a sanding block to lighten the colour and even it out. I sanded fairly lightly. After applying the Polywhey the colour did not change much. It is hard to describe as I am not a very artistic person, but it definitely made the colour richer and more pleasing to the eye after applying the Polywhey. As for the Polywhey, it is oderless and very quick and easy to apply. I put on 3 coats. I hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Simple Stackable Compost Bin from Pallets Collars

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 06/06/2015 - 13:48

Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Stackable-Compost-Bin-from-Palle…

How it works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgtd88kKIn0

With one single unit as opposed to two or three bins, the space needed for composting is minimized. Each tier stacks on top of the other, latching together to make the bin. This setup makes it easy to turn and rotate the compost, since moving the collars is simple. Just remove the top collar and place in a new location adjacent to the original bin location. Turn the compost into the new location and stack the collars until finished. This is a great alternative to having multiple compost bins next to each other.

Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabernet colored stain from Varathane and a polyurethane from Minwax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Faux fireplace

Submitted by nhsarah on Sat, 12/30/2017 - 12:00

I live in an apartment, so I had everything cut for me at the nearby hardware store except the trimming. I scaled it so that it fits in my living room. It was my first woodworking project since high school, but I’m happy with how it tuned out. Thank you so much for the easy to understand instructions!!

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

My first kitchen cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 14:50

We are in the beginning stages of our kitchen redo. Three sliding drawers; not sure how we are finishing the front yet though.

Comments

Doll Farmhouse Rope Bed

Submitted by XXDIYer on Tue, 04/26/2011 - 08:50

I've been wanting to make this doll farmhouse bed for a while now and Easter was a great excuse to get it done. I want to make the big-girl version for myself one day but there are too many projects in line to get through first. It was very easy to follow the plans Ana so kindly provided and the pan is very adaptable to materials you might have on hand to substitute. I made mine a rope bed, which my daughter loves.

Estimated Cost
Under $2
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White semi-gloss interior latex.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by JeremiahT on Tue, 06/25/2013 - 18:55

Table was built using refinished tops from an old table/bench set. Cedar was used for the base of the table and benches. Also created two half-size benches that can be used to add seating at the table, or moved to the living room when additional seating is needed there. Finished with mahogany stain and several coats of clear gloss polyurethane.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax in " Mahogany" and clear gloss poly also by Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Table and Chair for my Daughter "Hannah"

Submitted by toddh5902 on Wed, 06/10/2015 - 07:18

Such great and easy to follow plans. Even for a beginner like me. I did both projects in stages at my own pace and time. It probably could have been finished in a weekend, if I worked steady and straight through. Also if you are good and know exactly what you are doing, definitely in a weekend(haha). I just took my time and worked in baby steps, working through both plans. I am very pleased with the outcome. I did change a few things but that was my preference. I attempted to contour the chair seat, not bad but definitely not great. I used a handheld grinder with about 60 grit sandpaper to make the mold. If you are good and have a very very steady hand this can work. I have a router but not a jig for that type of pattern. All in all though I was very pleased with the outcome and so was my little Hannah. Thanks for this great website and keep up the great ideas.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish used yet at this time.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farm Table w/ Pocket Holes

I did a few thing different than the plan calles for. I used kiln dried douglas fir 2x8's and ripped them to remove the rounded mill edge. For the stretcher I used 4x4 rather than the 2x4. Where the bread board is attached I put a very small bevel at the joining edges of the bread board and table to create a visual distinction.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso stain and Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hall tree

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 16:07

Smaller version of yours but works really well in our foyer.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

my new farm table!!

Submitted by downtownbb on Fri, 04/29/2011 - 18:30

I have recently started working with wood and I love it!!! It started with a few little cubbies, then a small primitive cabinet and today I built my farm table and I absolutely LOVE it!!! I kind of combined plans,,used the size of the narrow farm table and did the basic frame of michaelas kitchen island

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
country white legs distressed with golden oak stain over it and golden oak stain on the top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Adirondack Table/Stool

Submitted by Geoffrey on Thu, 06/27/2013 - 12:16

I built this using scrap 2x2s and 1x4s that I ripped down to the appropriate sizes. Also instead of using pocket holes I counter sunk the screws and filled with wood filler.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painter's Choice key lime
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Natural Finish Cedar Planter

Submitted by benpryor82 on Mon, 06/15/2015 - 07:15

Great results from this plan. The additional mitered top is easy as long as you can get a good 45 degrees on your saw. If you decide to do the top piece, glue the 4 mitered pieces together and clamp for a couple of hours in order to make sure the angles set correctly. Once the glue is dry, then attach to the top of your planter with glue and nails. I built 2 planters, including the mitered top edges, in about 5 hours.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $50 for two planters.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished, but will likely seal with Thompson's
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Book shelf with reading nook

Submitted by Knathu121 on Fri, 01/05/2018 - 20:24

I made this book shelf with a reading nook for my daughters nursery. I found one you can buy online for $250 and decided I could make it for much less. I used 1 x12’s and the cushions were made by my mother and grandmother. All together it cost about $65 to make. 

Estimated Cost
$65.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White

Sat, 01/06/2018 - 11:41

This is adorable!  I love the entire room!

We've had a couple of people ask for plans.  If there aren't any available, would you be willing to let us draw some plans up from your photos?  Thanks! Ana

Knathu121

Sun, 01/07/2018 - 09:11

I don’t have my cut list anymore but rough dimensions are as follows;

height - 23.5” 

width 44.5

depth- 12”

I tried accounting for the width of the wood in order to make each square on the bottom 10x10 and the 2 middle shelves to be 12 inches high and the bottom on the middle shelves to be 10” wide. I wanted to have at least 20” for the seat while also having 2 wide enough shelves at the top to be able to put things. Sorry but I don’t have the angles of the 2 side walls for the sitting area. I know that’s a pretty rough explanation but with the things I’ve seen you make I’m sure you can make do!

 

 

Knathu121

Sun, 01/07/2018 - 15:43

I don’t have my cut list anymore but rough dimensions are as follows;

 

Height - 23.5”

width 43.75”

Depth - 12”

 

I tried making dimensions to account for each box on the lower level to be 10x10 and the boxes in the middle to be 12” high and 10 inches wide. I wanted the seat to be at least 20” but I miss calculated the angle cut length and my seat is less then 20”. I can’t remeber the angle I used for the walls (sorry!) but I wanted to make sure that the top shelf was wide enough to put stuff on it. I know this is a rough explanation but based on the incredible stuff you make I’m sure you can work it out and make some pretty awesome plans!

Work Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 20:58

Had to tweak the pony wall plans a bit because the garage floor had a 2” x 3 1:2” cement retainer. I also wanted to incorporate an end cabinet I already had, so I shortened up the base to 69” and tied it together with the top.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Sunny Yellow Bookshelf

After a rough start when my MDF beadboard flew off the roof of my car in a huge gust of wind and tore in half... and the lumber yard not selling 1x3's so I had to use a 1x4 for the header.... my boys were really excited to see their new bookshelf this morning. I omitted the bun feet for now, and elected not to do a cutout on the header.

The MDF I used is 1/4 inch beadboard because my local lumber store didn't have 1/4 inch plywood in stock. I love how it looks, and it didn't add a lot of weight. The price was comparable to 1/4 inch plywood too. But it did tear and luckily one of the pieces was long enough to use as the backing. Barely.

Except for the footer pieces and backing which were nailed on, the whole thing was built with my new Kreg jig! :-)

Estimated Cost
About $30 for all the wood, and another $15 for paint and nails/screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Do It Best semigloss in SunnyVale
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Cedar Bed

Submitted by NitePagan on Sun, 06/30/2013 - 08:27

I built cedar raised beds out of cedar decking, 3 pieces 5/4" x 6" x 8', actual dimensions were 1" x 5.5" x 8', plus 1 - 2 x 4 cedar. I made 48" x 96" boxes. I cut 1 of the cedar deck pieces into 2 - 48" long pieces. For the corners, I cut the 2 x 4 into 8 - 5.5" long pieces. I then screwed 2 of the 2 x 4 pieces together to form a 4 x 4 block. I used these as the inside corner to screw the decking to. The total cost was $60 to build 2 cedar beds. The other option would have been to make them double height, by cutting the 2 x 4's 11 inches long. This is more expensive then the boxes Ana did, but I could not find cedar fence slats, they appeared to be Northern White Pine which would have deteriorated quickly. I obtained the lumber from Lowes.

Estimated Cost
$60.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
No Finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

End Tables

I built 2 end tables to go with my park bench. I had a lot of trouble with splitting wood, because the 1x2s where so thin. I'm used to more robust lumber. I tried something new. I drilled pocket holes, sanded, primed and painted everything before I assembled. I don't like painting as much, because I love using power tools. I psyched myself out by thinking I was giving it an elegant finish. Sounds so much nicer than slapping some paint on wood.

My son made some tic-tac-toe pieces from scrap treated lumber, by painting black X's on one side and white O's on the other. Now we can play on the end table!

Ana White's site is wonderful with downloadable, step-by-step shopping list, cut list and instructions.

#AnaWhite #GetBuilding2015

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
less than $20 for 2 end tables
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White exterior latex paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barbie Dollhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/27/2021 - 10:18

My granddaughters are into Barbie’s and I was looking for a dollhouse that worked worth the 12” dolls. I constructed this in my basement and gave to the girls for Christmas. They played with it all day!

Comments

My new Almost Farmhouse table

Submitted by JES on Fri, 05/06/2011 - 20:33

I LOVE the farmhouse table! Ours is an "almost farmhouse" since we didn't do our top with individual boards. For the table top, we used hardwood plywood and select pine 1x2 for edges. To get the Farmhouse look with a stain effect, I brushed on Minwax Express color in Walnut to get the appearance of long boards, applied 5 coats of poly, and put 2 coats of primer and paint on the legs of the table we already have. We attached the tabletop with glue and screws.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Express Color (walnut) brushed on. 5 coats polycrylic in satin finish. Sanded with 320 grit between coats. Legs: 2 coats zinsser primer and 2 coats of high hiding white in semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner