Community Brag Posts

Stepping Stool

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/28/2019 - 04:49

I love the ease of your plans.

Comments

Modern Adirondack chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/08/2023 - 09:20

Finished the second chair using Kreg holes fir the arms
Cedar looks good I think

Comments

Dresser

Submitted by elainefour on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 09:33

I needed some furniture for the entryway and made this dresser. All it needs now is a few accessories! Thanks Ana.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a light cherry stain and topcoated with a matte black paint. I lightly distressed the edges to have the stain show through.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Fri, 01/06/2012 - 12:00

I love this. I would love to build this, but modify it to be more narrow. I am afraid to do both. I don't have the confidence yet to modify or tackle drawers. Yikes. Going to have to bit the bullet one of these days!

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

Scrap Wood Barstools

Submitted by BERobinson on Tue, 02/09/2016 - 07:33

Wife wanted me to throw out all the scrap wood I had lying around. Instead I made some killer barstools. Fun look.

Estimated Cost
FREE SCRAPS
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain on the chair border and legs, various paint colors from previous projects on other pieces
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Bookshelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/15/2019 - 18:35

This was my first project in about 10+ years, so it's not perfect. Thanks to my oldest son who bought me a compound miter saw for Mother's Day and a few of my hubby's tools. My son's and I completed this project over the weekend. Looking forward to our next team project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Provincial stain

Lockers for Mudroom

This was a much faster build than we anticipated, thanks to easy to work with MDF and pre-finished bead-board backing. Had all the wood pre-ordered on line from Lowe's made pick up super easy - and then they did all the cuts for us!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White high gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 15:12

Looks great! I have a goofy question -- can you specify the cuts you want made when you order online, or do you get it at the store, take it back to the saw and have them cut it then?

In reply to by Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

molliepayne

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:07

No, you have to go back to the cutting area and do those. I wouldn't want to trust them to do them just right, though. I like to watch and help measure if need be. There's nothing worse than having your cuts off by a 1/4 inch or more!

Sam - builder (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 17:08

I don't think that you can specify cuts in your online order, just the boards. But we picked it up with a sheet of paper specifying how each board should be cut.

Margaret Kubiszyn (not verified)

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 18:01

Now that you said that, I totally agree about wanting to watch the guy cut. Usually they are pretty good, but I have run into a couple of not-so-smart ones also!

Nightstand

Nightstands are expensive. I don't have money. So, I thought I would build one. I kept this one rustic looking by not filling the holes but I did sand quite a bit. Just not enough to remove the printing on the boards, I think it looks good when it's got finish on it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Aged Leather stain ± sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse bed with Kentwood night stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 10:03

I modified the queen size bed to a full and adjusted the dimensions of the bed accordingly. I used solid oak for the headboard posts and top boards. I used oak beadboard to match the Kentwood night stand I previosly made.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kid 4x4 Truss Farm Table

A friend asked for a kid sized farmhouse table and I knew immediately what plans I wanted to modify! The 4x4 truss table is my favorite go to table because it is extremely solid, easy to build and looks so nice! I know this table will hold up to the wear and tear of 4 kids for years! I also modified the 2x4 truss benches to match. They are the same style but not as chunky as the 4x4 truss bench plans. 

 

Dimensions for table are 24”h x 24”w x 48”L

benches 16”h x 13.5”w x 33”L

Estimated Cost
$82 for table and two benches
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain for the top and 2 coats of poly. Behr paint and primer for base and benches- just white off the shelf
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Club chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/22/2023 - 14:32

I needed patio furniture and happened to come across Anna White’s site. It is a great beginner’s project. I was so happy with how they turned out.

Comments

Doll Crib

I did it! Using your plans I made the doll crib. I had to improvise on the drawer as the drawer in the plans was to tall to go under the bed and I had already put it together before checking. Oh well. I also made the mattress, reversible blanket and 2 pillows for the bed. As this was my first woodworking project I am so proud of how well it turned out. Thank you Ana for this site. It is amazing and I am HOOKED.

Estimated Cost
under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint, and "homemade" Pink. (Red and white mixed)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Faux Fireplace

Submitted by tammterry on Sat, 11/30/2013 - 09:53

After looking online for something to make a fireplace to hang my kids stockings, I came across Anna's! WOW her instructions and plans seemed very simple to follow and so I did. I made minor adjustments based on what I had on hand but I followed her plans to the t. Thank you Anna, you inspired me!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Some cream paint and glaze, then poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fire Pit Bench

Submitted by docfin02 on Mon, 02/15/2016 - 09:18

Modified the plans slightly to make a bigger bench, especially on one end. Added rope lights underneath for a cool effect.

Estimated Cost
$225, including rope lighting underneath and having to buy screws and glue
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tryde coffee table tweaked

Submitted by ccobb1612 on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 08:58

Tweaked the Tryde Coffee table plans to fit daughters desired look with added magazine shelf and appropriate dimensions. Weekend project turned longer due to top color changes and re-sanding off stain a couple times. Settled on Ebony stain and ivory paint bottom. Love the plans from Ana White.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Kitchen helper

Submitted by Chef Sowa on Tue, 01/17/2012 - 17:51

My first project build from Ana-white.com. My wife had been looking at these towers online for a while until we saw they were upwards of $200 online... So I was like, "I'm sure I could make one.". So I found Ana's website, and here it is... My 19 month old daughter loves it, she climbs in and out of it with no problems, she calls it "uppy". This is my first of many projects to come from this very helpful site. The plans are all so helpful and very detailed. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

cfgenie

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 01:28

you did such a great job on this helper tower! I love the way you finished it with her name, the fun colors, the dots, the kitchen lingo... soo much fun!

Ninja Turtle Bed

This project was a blast to build!!!! I modified the fire truck loft bed by changing a few of the exterior accent pieces. I also built it to fit a full mattress in stead of the planned twin. I did this by adding additional slates for support. I just recently was able to finish it completely when i found someone who could make the decals. Hope you all enjoy and feel free to ask any questions. Also I used cabnet grade plywood so mine cost was a lot more expensive.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I think total it was around $ 600 -700.
I used all cabinet grade pine and that was the reason for the cost.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bayer paint and primer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cottage Playhouse loft bed

Submitted by bhoppy on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 05:50

I built this bed a while ago but I am finally getting around to submitting a brag post.

It is the largest thing I have ever built and it was a huge labor of love. I made it by myself in the evenings after work and weekends over the course of a few weeks.  I modified the plans only slightly.  I added an extra 1x6 board which makes the overall height 76 inches tall. 

I also changed how the windows were framed and added flower boxes. I got a bit OCD and filled all the pocket holes because I didn’t like the way they looked even though it was quite tedious, I am happy with the way it turned out.

At first, I put the play kitchen I built from Ana’s plans underneath, but that was later replaced with a little tv stand that I made to fit perfectly under the playhouse.  I didn’t use any plans for that but it was just a simple bookshelf.  I measured the space, cut the wood as I went and used beadboard on the back of the shelf with cutouts for cords.  I used leftover paint from the playhouse for the tv stand.    

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
kilz primer sprayed on followed by valspar paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Simple Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 13:03

I made this play kitchen as a Christmas present for my kids, and it’s been a big hit! It’s built mostly from leftover hardwood plywood, and a couple of 1x12 pine boards. The oven knobs and faucet were cut from redwood scraps and attached with 1/2” dowels to freely rotate. The vertical surfaces were painted with leftover house paint and sealed with water-based polycrylic. It was a fun build, and I learned some new skills (like installing hinges)! Thanks for the plans!

Comments

Under the Stairs Playhouse

Submitted by bjhoove on Sat, 01/21/2012 - 20:01

A Playhouse Under the Stairs for the Grand babies! A really fun space :) A fun project for me to build ... It lets the creative thoughts take shape. I had the perfect space for a playhouse under the stairs in the basement and thought that since we live in a cold climate it might be good to have an indoor play space. Inside I put down carpet to keep that area warmer since it is on the cement floor. I also installed bead board, chair rail and plywood with wall paper on it. I didn't use any plans from this amazing site but did see other plans that inspired me! I will be using some plans on this site soon. Look for a Murphy Bed soon from me :)

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primer, Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 10:39

That is an amazing play space for your grand babies! Makes me wish I had stairs so I could build one for me! LOL

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 14:16

That is an incredible play space. We have a one story house, but now I want to install some stairs!

niecey

Mon, 01/23/2012 - 16:42

This is magical. Must have been a lot of work! It looks incredible.