Community Brag Posts

Big Red Buffet

I was on a mission to find just the right buffet to house Grandma's china and infrequently used serving dishes.  Countless searches in second hand stores, hours scouring Offer-up and Craigslist, and even some regretable purchases all led to the building of this magnificent buffet. I found a build plan for the planked wood sidboard, printed it and started in. I had always planned on painting it and wanted a rustic look so decided on budget friendly lumber. The frame and top of the unit is made from fir and the drawers and doors from pine. The door insets and the back of the unit is pine beadboard. The top and interior of the buffet is finished in GF Antique Walnut Gel Stain. I used a wipe-on polyurathane on the interior of the buffet and the inside of the drawers.  I choose an amazing shade of red for the exterior of the buffet:  GF Milk Paint in Holiday Red. It was my first experience with milk paint and it was a pleasure. It went on so smooth and brush-stroke free. After two coats of Holiday Red milk paint I applied a single coat of GF High Performance Top Coat in satin finish. This really enhanced the color of the Holiday Red and served as a base for a glaze application.  I mixed the GF Antique Walnut Gel Stain with ten percent mineral spirits and glazed the entire buffet. I got into all the nooks, crannies and knots and left a thin coating on the face of the unit. I loved the buffet before the glaze, but now I was head over heals. The buffet was finally finished off with two coats of High Performance Top coat. Mission accomplished!

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
I used all General Finishes products. Holiday Red Milk Paint - 2 coats, High Performance top coat - 1 coat, Antique Walnut gel stain mixed with ten percent mineral spirits for glaze, and finally two more coarts of high performance top coat, the top is Antique Walnut gel stain with 3 coats of high perforamance top coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My version of "Outhouse Plan for Cabin"

Submitted by johnseigle on Mon, 06/06/2022 - 15:00

Hi Ana and Family,

I mostly followed your plans for my remote Alaska property outhouse build, with slight modifications. Our property is 7 miles from any road (and 2.5 hr drive from Anchorage) and I typically go there in the winter via snowmobile (December-April). I built this on my back deck in Anchorage and then took it apart and transported it in sections (back wall, 2x sidewalls, floor parts, door, roof parts, seat parts). It took me 5 trips to get it all up to my property from the truck at the trailhead via snowmobile!

The hardest part was digging the hole under 5 ft of snow! I cut several dead spruce trees in the area I planned to situate the outhouse and started a big fire (really big). We kept that going until we had melted out about a 15ft wide area down to bare soil. The next morning, while the ground was still warm from the previous evening's fire, we dug the hole (only about 3.5x3.5ft). Then I cribbed in the hole with old cedar fence slats to help prevent the inevitable ground cave-in that we often see with soil melt and rains in Alaska. Then, I pieced the outhouse together, with the frame sitting on small pavers.

I used a combo of T&G pine and cedar for the walls. I used metal for the roof. As I built this in January and February over several weekends (in Alaska), it was very cold and I would take the pieces inside and paint/stain them. As such, this basically took me all winter from start to finish. It doesn't take that long if you build it on site in warm weather. Once transported to the cabin site, it took parts of 3 weekends to get it in place and useable, including site prep. I've still got a little touch-up work to do (e.g., window for light in winter and bird block to keep the spring and summer nesters out). I put some anti-slip tape on the frame so that I don't slip on the frame base.

There is some waste wood if you follow the plans directly (especially 2x6), but I am using that to build a small firewood cover at home. This was not an inexpensive outhouse even without pandemic prices (I could have chosen a less expensive siding), but I wanted a nice outhouse and I'm very pleased with the outcome, so it was money well spent. Great plans! Thanks.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Organizing My Little Boys!

Submitted by MamaPepper on Sun, 07/17/2011 - 15:05

I really needed an entry way system that was easy to corral all of my 3 boys shoes/coats/crap, etc. . . and I LOVED this plan! I messed up on the frame, so just left it off, and decided that I didn't need the back either. I painted little chalkboards on the side of each boys cubby.

I'm fairly certain that this isn't made perfectly, but it's perfect for us! This was my 2nd project and I'm really super psyched about it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60ish or so?
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Leaner mirror

Submitted by krochelle on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 08:18

This was made as a present my mom's birthday. I found a good sized mirror at the thrift shop which was perfect for the project. I adhered it to some plywood, added trim around it, bulked up the top and bottom with multiple layers and types of trim and added some crown molding to the top. The finish is "A Day at the Jewellers" by Valspar with a Red Mahogany stain/glaze over top.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
A Day at the Jeweller by Valspar with stain overtop
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Ridge Media Console

Project was a bit difficult but extremely rewarding when completed!! I followed Ana White's advice......"take a break and always finish your project!!!"

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse style queen headboard

Here's a queen headboard we just completed for our guest bedroom.  

It only took an afternoon to build this simple yet stunning headboard, and then a little more time to paint, distress, and wax it.  

More information is available on our site at FamousArtisan.com

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Coop Update

Submitted by vendo on Mon, 06/20/2022 - 15:37

I had to move our original coop to another property, so decided to do a little upgrade. We used Ana's Chicken Run plan for both of the large sections and just added a roof. We attached the run to a small red coop that we purchased. Ana's plans are great for modifying for any size, as you can see the main tall portion is from her run plan just built taller and we added a door to the front.

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Adirondack side table ~ using recycled pallet wood

Submitted by Sharon L. on Sun, 07/24/2011 - 06:37

This was a very fun and one of the easiest projects I have made from Ana's plans! This makes me want to see if I can make matching chairs as well!

If you have seen my other projects, you know that I try to keep the lumber cost of my projects as close to free as possible. Living on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, pallets are not free, so I did have to pay $2 for each pallet, being VERY choosy about the slats being all the same size and straight. The hardest part of the project was taking the pallets apart! Check the blog link for more details.

I used 1 1/2 pallets for this project, and the following tools:

Jigsaw (to cut the ends off the pallet)

Pry-bar (to loosen the slats from the center of the pallet)

Miter saw

Drill

Table Saw (ripping the 2x4 sections of the pallet, to make the legs and spacers of the table)

Palm sander

Estimated Cost
less that $20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Gripper Grey primer by Glidden (leftover from other projects)

Brilliant Red Acrylic by Benjamin Moore (also leftover)

I use the Gripper Grey primer/sealer on most outdoor projects because it is a nice one-coat sealer and great for underneath darker colors.

The Brilliant Red is an off-the-shelf color.

I would recommend removing and priming/painting the tabletop pieces separately(after assembly)so that you can assure great coverage between the slats, being careful to remember where each piece belongs.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Library Coffee Table with Reclaimed Barn Wood Top

Submitted by wendywmp on Wed, 08/21/2013 - 19:42

Modified the plans to be only 3 drawers which saved on weight and hardware. Used reclaimed 100+ year old barn wood for the top, adding lots of character.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabinet: Minwax gel stain in Red Elm, and Winwax wipe-on satin poly. Top: West System epoxy to stabilize and fill 'defects', sanding sealer and wipe-on satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Rustic X

Submitted by Burrel on Sat, 10/03/2015 - 08:22

I built this for my daughters house warming gift.

Estimated Cost
125.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY farm house table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/15/2018 - 21:41

Followed the farmhouse the design but with my ite dimensions and 4x4 legs. Also painted base and blue/gray to pop through when sanding eyese.

Estimated Cost
175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Beginner Farm Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 12:09

Altered the Beginner Farm Table plans to use 2x8s for the top and 4x4s for the legs. I used pocket holes for the table. I followed the bench plans almost exactly, adjusting slightly for the 2x8 tops. I am a beginner and I did it myself! The table and bench are beautiful and sturdy! Thanks Ana!

Comments

Bedroom Dresser Cubbies / Media Stand

Submitted by Debi G on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 14:08

This is inspired by pieces I've seen here, though I sketched it out on paper myself to make sure it would suit the limited space in our room. I built the simple piece to match our bed (made from Ana and her reader's plans, see my photos below).

Originally, I planned to include cabinet doors, but with the limited space we have, this is better for us.

For nightstands, I stained plain wooden crates I had in the basement. Still working on how to hide the cords.

The baskets under my bed are from Bed Bath Beyond. The baskets in the "dresser" are from Target.

Sorry about the poor photo quality.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Built from leftover materials (Baskets $5.99 each)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial (one coat) and one Minwax water-based poly coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Debi G

Wed, 07/27/2011 - 14:09

I was trying to show that these pieces are a set, but instead the photos look pretty random.

Debi G

Sat, 12/10/2011 - 07:41

Sorry I haven't logged in in so long--the bed follows plans for the king Stratton, combined with the reclaimed wood headboard. The headboard is attached to the wall. We can slide the foot bench part out to hide presents behind, which is really handy (though heavy) to do.

Daun Family Coffee Table

Submitted by stevendaun on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 08:10

This was an excellent set of plans and the finished product looks great in our home.

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

Garage Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/24/2018 - 08:43

This was a pretty easy project, but I had to adjust the vertical legs to accommodate the sloping garage floor. I drew a  horizontal line for the top edge then measured to the floor at the spacing I wanted the vertical legs. I used these measurements to cut the three vertical legs. It’s level and straight, even though my garage is sloped. 

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Garage shelving
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My Ikea Lack Inspired Bookshelf

This was my third project, but it is my favorite to date!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Benjamin Moore Natura paint in Banana Yellow
2 Coats of poly acrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

joyreneeb (not verified)

Tue, 09/20/2011 - 12:16

Can you give a price estimate on your project? Looks great, btw!

In reply to by joyreneeb (not verified)

CapriciousElle

Fri, 09/30/2011 - 21:21

The lumber was about $25 and the paint I ordered online with a few other colors, but it is listed at $21.99. I only ordered a quart. Everything else I already had around the house. I hope that helps!

simple stool

Submitted by vic b on Mon, 08/26/2013 - 19:27

I shortened the legs to 20 inches and left the lower rung off.
It lives in the playroom and is just the right height for our sons desk.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Media and Storage unit

Submitted by jpurp on Sun, 10/11/2015 - 18:47

I followed the basic plans but adapted it to fit in my cabin.  The whole unit is 82" high by 126" wide.  I also put in more drawers and made the fronts in a shaker style. I used 2x4's that I ripped down to 2x2's and 3/4 inch birch plywood.  I trimmed out the birch with 1" pine boards. I sanded the whole unit, primed with an oil primer and painted 2 coats of latex from General Paint in Grayling.   I don't know how many hours I put into it.  A lot.  Probably around 80.  Mostly by myself.  My husband helped with getting the 4x8 sheets of plywood through the table saw and occaisonally when I needed a 3rd hand to pursuade some wood to do my bidding.  I love how it turned out.  Tons of much needed storage in my cabin.

Estimated Cost
Wood, screws, sandpaper, primer and paint. Approximately $600. I'm in BC Canada. Most things cost more.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Oil primer and latex paint from General Paint. Colour Grayling.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by bcarter_1 on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 04:32

We modified these plans to make this, liked the sides.

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

Comments

Finally Built a Platform Bed!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2022 - 10:39

I've been wanting to build this bed for awhile and finally got around to it. I made a few small changes to the plans:

-I used 2x8's instead of 2x6s, so it wouldn't be so low to the ground.
-I ripped 3/8" off of the 2x8 supports in the middle so the mattress would nest inside the frame and not slide around
-I didn't add the headboard because it seemed a bit chunky/rustic for my taste. I will come back and do something else for the headboard. Maybe a cool paneled wall with built in sconces? We'll see!

Love these plans though, appreciate it!

Comments