Community Brag Posts

A Shelf for the Boys

This shelf was such fun to build. My two pugs, Lesterann (3 mos.) and Calvin (13 yrs.) needed a place to hang their stockings at Nana's house. As for the naughty and nice, Lesterann is a little monster right now so he basically is responsible for the naughty. Calvin, on the other hand, is a prince of a old man.

Santa filled those stockings and hung the boys' new sock monkey sweaters on the hooks and it held up quite nicely with no chance of falling.

After the holidays, I'll move the shelf to the kitchen to put my reminders on. Thanks, Ana, for this great plan!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mudroom Area

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 11/12/2013 - 12:31

Mudroom area by my front door. Perfect for removing shoes, hanging jackets, etc. For the top I used two old cabinets that were on their way to the trash. It was easy to build shelves between them. For the back I used beadboard from Home Depot. It was 1/4" thick and 4x8. The bench pulls out easily, because there is an outlet behind it, and an air register beneath it. (That's why I left the front toe-kick open.) The rail with hooks came pre-assembled from Home Deopt, but I had to paint it black.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used black chalk paint and minwax paste finishing wax.
After one coat of finishing wax I sanded edges to get the antiqued look. Then I applied a second coat of finishing wax.

For the finishing wax: simply rub on with a rag, wait 10 minutes, then use a clean rag to rub in the direction of wood grain to get a nice polish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kentwood bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 20:11

I made this bed for my 4 year old. It was my first project. Took a lot longer than I thought it would, but I'm really pleased with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125 for wood and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Banquette Bench with Flip Up Storage

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/24/2023 - 08:35

Thank you, Ana, for the banquet bench plan! I’ve never done any form of carpentry before, but with your plans, the right tools and some perseverance, this labour-of-love is my new pride and joy and has added some much needed storage to my small kitchen.
Angela (London)

Comments

Handmade gifts for Mom

Submitted by JoanneS on Tue, 12/27/2011 - 17:39

My favorite thing this Christmas was making handmade gifts. Mom's were the most fun. :) The first is the Cube dresser, using the plan from 2x4 console cubby shelf (turned upright), with wheels. Next are 2 recliner side tables, made from the 5 board bench plan, with added shelf at the bottom for books and magazines. The last is the 'trinket box' - which isn't really from a plan, just made up with 1x4 and 1x6 boards. We finished these to match her existing furniture, which we built for her earlier this year. Mom loved her gifts! Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total $217: ($120 lumber, $45 paint/stain/poly, $52 cube drawers)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint is Benjamin Moore Aura satin in Sea Urchin, tops are Minwax Color Express in Walnut, plus 2 coats of clear satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

"reclaimed wood" bed.

Submitted by bskovlin on Sat, 11/16/2013 - 14:15

I wanted to make a sturdy bed that was rustic and old looking but still kind of modern... I looked at google images and a photo of Ana's bed popped up. I started with new fir from Home Depot but wanted a good weathered look, so I spent extra time and effort on the distressing. It turned out just like I was hoping!

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I made stain with vinegar and steel wool, hit it with that then sanded. Light paint strokes with white and maroon, sanding in between, then ebony stain, sand, then a chestnut stain and wiped off. Clear finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sat, 11/16/2013 - 22:54

The light and dark variations in your finish make your project very unique! Nice work!

Val
artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

Desk with drawers and open cabinets

Submitted by kwall5 on Thu, 07/25/2019 - 20:10

I used a modified version of the narrow drawer unit as the foundation for this desk build. I decided to make wooden drawer guides rather than using manufacturer metal guides. I liked the idea of it having a more traditional wood-on-wood feel and saving a few dollars. I love the simplicity of the base cabinet design and the contrast between the painted base and stained top. Thanks yo all who shared their projects for the inspiration!

Estimated Cost
About $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint, stain, and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Storage Coffee Table

I just was looking for something simple with a top and bottom shelf with storage. Ended up coming out amazing! Very pleased! it only takes about a day of time, but because of all the stain and glaze coating it took over 24 hours.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot wood stain Golden Oak and Minwax polycrilic satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Kitchen Island

Submitted by katie0910 on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 07:18

This was my second solo project. I built it for my mom's kitchen to replace her old kitchen table. I absolutely love how it turned out. It is big and functional. Come see how I built it on my blog.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
approx $600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Paint+Primer in Deep Twilight Blue
Valspar Antiquing Glaze
Minwax Polycrylic Spray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic lap desk

This was a fun afternoon project built almost entirely from materials I already had on hand. I finished it off with a coat of Gunstock stain by Minwax, followed by a coat of Cherry stain. I sanded a little between each coat. Next I applied a thin coat of black paint and sanded gently until the stain started to show through (and bare wood in places). Finally I applied a coat of polyurethane gloss. It took about four days to complete the finish and I made it up as I went along. Super happy with the end result. I opted not to add the side bins, but I did add an extra 2x2 on each side, mostly because the 2x2 I used for the legs was a little bowed and the exta piece ensured that they'd stay where they're supposed to.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $12. I had to buy a 1x4 and some hinges.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Gunstock and Cherry
Rustoleum Gloss Black
Minwax Polyurethane Gloss
(I already had these colors on hand)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Got my confidence in building back!!!!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 03:45

I woke up one morning and decided this space couldn’t go on without a day bed. One week later I am standing tall. This is my first intermediate build. Excited to jump into the next project!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Playhouse Loft Bed

Submitted by sraper2 on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 18:20

Built this bed for my 5 year old for Christmas. I planned on doing it alone but luckily my husband helped because it was much easier to put everything together with 2 people. I definitely recommend the Kreg Jig if you are going to be building this bed. The lumber for the bed was $190 with a 10% military discount at Blue then about another $100 for paint, primer, sand paper, screws, and hinges for the stairs. You could probably do it for less but we sprung for the expensive self tapping screws and I got a gallon of primer and a gallon of each paint color. It took me about a month to finish the bed working but between my twin 1 year olds, my husbands schedule, and making sure I wasn't to loud in the garage (we have a duplex and the garage is right by the neighbors room) I could only work about an hour a night.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Laundry Basket Dresser with picture top

This is my take on the Laundry basket dresser. I started with the idea based on many photos I found on this site, but made some updates/improvements (well they are improvements in my mind anyway). Please view the last picture that has text for explanations of the "features" of my design.

I did some quick drawings in Sketchup, and then did some work in the workshop. I don't have exacting plans on the exact measurements, but you'd probably need to tweak for the size basket you plan to use.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oak is finished with polyurethane. Everything else is painted with the color "guacamole" which is a sage-like color.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bois Rouge Saint Paul bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 08:43

fit the Bois Rouge Saint Paul Table

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
use coumpound joint to fill screw holes, sand flush, prime, paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

First Solo Project- Farm Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/30/2019 - 17:34

My 6 and 8 year old boys helped me build this bench because I couldn't stomach paying $200 for one with 3 little boys. It cost about $40 and it was so easy to do. We are all so proud of the end result.

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Premium wood stain-Kona
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Factory Cart Table

Submitted by tonihowe on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 08:47

Thank you Ana! I requested my dads name this year for Christmas. Why? He has everything! With the help of my husband & son, we took wood out of my dads old farm house that is about to fall down. The house was built over 150 years ago, and to my suprise the wood walls were beautiful tounge & grove pine. I built the base out of big box pine & stained. The old pine I sanded lightly & scrubed down with murphys oil soap. The only finish was the Austrailian oil sealer in natural. Table left my dad speachless & with a tear in his eye. You made Christmas great Ana - Thanks

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Maybe $20 for the casters - had wood for frame, repurposed wood on table top
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax old american on base, natural austrailan oil sealer on table top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jelly Cabinet / Pie Safe

Submitted by Ctarbell03 on Sat, 11/23/2013 - 16:28

My mom as always wanted a jelly cabinet and there's one for sale at a local antique barn so when I saw the plans I knew exactly what I could get her for Christmas. The plan measurement's were a little off so I ran it through Google sketch-up to get the exact cuts I'd need and to play around a little with the plans. I used chicken wire for the doors and they came out better than expected. For a finishing touch, my mom loves black bears and moose, so I decided to include them in the final design. I went with free drawing them on contact paper and cutting them out and using them as a stencil, I love how they look. Overall it was a fun project. I just need to distress it a little and seal it with poly and it should be better well done.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Just wanted to paint this piece, will be doing some sanding to distress it and then seal it with a coat or two of poly to protect the finish. The back pieces I stained first then drew the moose, bear and trees on contact paper then stuck them to the wood and painted it, let it dry, peeled off the contact paper and it came out better than I hopped.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Custom Spa-like Vanity

Submitted by BERobinson on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 07:39

chunky-leg vanity for spa-like bathroom.

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
all wood was white-washed and then painted on top of. Legs were asked to be painted black, and top was asked gray. Wax finish on the legs and plank shelves, semi-gloss poly on the top to keep it waterproof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Camp Loft Bed Modified & Modern Kids Bookcase

This build was super fun and easy.  I modified it slightly with a bottom bunk and outdoor grade slide for my two grandsons.  The room is only 10x10 so it pretty much takes up all the space, but I left a good amount of space under the bed (11”) for storage or for the dog to hide.

I attached hinges to the stairs for easy access to underneath, maybe for a hidden fort or more storage.  To gain extra support for the beds, I added angle irons to the top bunk legs and 11" 2x4s to the bottom bunks legs for the cross bars to sit on.  Both my husband and I tested, and they're not going anywhere, pretty solid.

Thanks Ana & Jared for sharing your talents with the rest of us!!  I wish I had room in my home to make every single one of your projects!

🥰,

Alexis 

 

Estimated Cost
$260 (w/slide)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Provencial
Behr Marquee in “Inked”
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/17/2023 - 07:49

Easy to make. I’m in love. Thanks for the super simple plan to follow.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Easiest Uphostered Bench - with a Skirt

We took the idea from this brag post, and changed the dimensions to fit the space in front of our window. We actually built 2 bases to ensure it would be sturdy.  We love how it turned out!  Check out our blog post for more details. 

Estimated Cost
$90 + Scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
FABRIC! We didn't do anything to finish the wood- just upholstered the bench, and put a skirt around the legs. Easiest finish EVER.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments