Community Brag Posts

Play Kitchen

My husband and I worked on this and a dollhouse project simultaneously as our first builds. We did alter the dimensions to be taller and slightly wider than the plans. Being our first attempt, a lot of mistakes were made, especially given our limited tool resource. We learned a lot, though, and the end result is a hit with our little girl despite all the wonky bits.

We opted for the farmhouse sink style, which was quite a bit of work for our newbie skills, but I think it was well worth it. I want a farmhouse sink my kitchen, so I'll just live vicariously! Plus, her toy pots and pans are stainless steel, so it's nice to not have a metal sink that would clang when her dishes are in there. We also opted for now to do an extra unit of "counter space" in lieu of a refrigerator. We do plan on making a fridge further down the road and even hope to alter these plans to make a washer and dryer set.

Regretfully, I can't recall the name of this color. I'm really pleased with it, though, and plan on using the remainder on a sewing table build. I already had all the supplies I used for the curtains (mostly remnant sales and an old curtain I recycled for the backing fabric). I do want to find a wood shape that I can attach to the burners to give it a gas stove look. That and varnish on the counter tops are still lacking here. We also added a tap light inside the oven and painted it a stony grey.

The construction went by pretty quickly, but I'd say the painting and decorating take it from a day project to a weekend project.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint (around 3 coats for the units and closer to 10 for the sink), Stain (oil based, Golden oak; I taped off 1" strips and applied stain, letting it sit for 5 minutes, then I removed the tape and applied another layer all over, removing it immediately), Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/17/2016 - 01:21

For this project we followed the plans pretty well. We added trim to the side rails to be more like the original bed which the plans were modeled after. We also extended the two by fours on the headboard and footboard to give s little more design to the headboard. Plans were easy to follow. We love our new bed with the natural wood combined with a light white wash on the panels.

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Whitewash
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Barnhouse Door Cabinet

I began woodworking over the last year, having had no real previous experience, and fell in love. I work full time as a branch manager for the local Secretary of State, and have to fit my new hobby in where I can. Although I stumbled my way through the first few projects with my husband's help, I have grown both in knowledge, and confidence with each new creation. When I first started out I was nervous using cutting tools, relying solely on his assistance and focused on the nuts and bolts portion of the plans. However, I am now able to complete even more complicated plans with no assistance at all. Ana White plans are easy to follow and always end in a beautiful piece. The cabinet that I am submitting for this contest is by far my favorite of the pieces I have made so far. I think it turned out gorgeous, and I'm very proud of the work that I was able to do.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I did a gray chalk paint with a chalk corresponding finish. The door was a satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Pantry Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 03/05/2012 - 16:57

Pantry cabinet, with lots of room, Ana-inspired. We combined ideas from the Momplex kitchen, simple armoire, and benchmark storage, and we are super pleased with how this turned out. We built it in 2 pieces, attached together and then secured to the base and wall studs so it’s a ‘built-in’. Then we added lots of trim and painted to match the dining room. The opening at the left is large enough to fit pretty much any size microwave, and there’s a dedicated outlet behind it in the opening. The shelves are spaced wide enough apart for tall cereal boxes, tall bottles, and chip bags to stand upright. Overall finished cabinet size is 48" wide and 95 3/4" tall. This took us several days to complete. Since the doors are tall and kind of heavy, we added the Blum cabinet door dampeners from Rockler (these things really work!). Ana, thank you so much for the inspiration. I don’t think we would have tried this if it wasn’t for you. We love our new pantry!

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ace Royal semi-gloss in Wishbone (front and bottom side), and in Crushed Peanut (upper side). We did 3 coats, sanding in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 00:05

Fantastic!

yogashell

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 07:44

It looks amazing! What a great idea to add it as a built-in. Nice modification for the microwave.

Herb Garden Planter { $2 }

This was my first project, and Im pleased with the outcome. I made two different styles, and its hard to pick which one I like best. These are so versatile, thinking of making a silverware caddy and also one for the bathroom with handtowels, soap, etc. Candles would also be pretty.

Estimated Cost
$10 for both, the most expensive thing was handles for each
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut for the darker one, for the white one I painted dark gray, used vaseline for distressed look around edges, painted two coats over that in white..just a cheapy acrylic paint, and then sanded.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Dimensional Lumber Platform Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/20/2016 - 09:19

Modified to be able to be taken apart and easily reassembled into 4 frame pieces (each side plus the middle support beam) for transport at will, and made to fit a Queen bed instead of a double.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
we added some cedar essential oil into linseed oil and gave it two coats with that!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cabin Bed Bunk Beds

Submitted by cpedraza on Wed, 10/30/2019 - 20:26

Fell in love with Cabin Bed by Jen Woodhouse but really needed bunk beds for my grand kids. So I modified the plans just a little. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Varathane Weathered Gray Premium Fast Dry Interior Wood Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Twin Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by fanofana on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:50

My daughter learned to climb out of her crib so we rushed to the furniture stores to find her a bed. I was very disappointed in the quality we found. I had this project in the back of my mind but didn't know how quickly I could get it done. It was really quite easy and we got her in her new bed in no time! She loves it and I think it was better than anything we saw in a store and way less expensive!! I even made the quilt for her.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used ProClassic Interior acrylic latex paint in gloss from Sherman Williams (as noted in another brag post). Using a mini roller saved a lot of time with the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

My new TV X Console!

Submitted by chlag on Thu, 01/02/2014 - 21:53

I Modified the plans to add enough shelves for my audio video equipment and leave place for the woofer. I also shorten it to fit in the space I had available. Notice the 2x4 legs became 2x3 to keep a decent aspect ratio.

Love the oxidizing finish!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80$
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Tea - Vinegar/steel whole - Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Grandy Sliding Door Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/22/2016 - 08:29

this is modified slightly from the original plan to accomodate some basic electronics for the TV

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

deannaw08

Mon, 03/28/2016 - 06:58

i like the modifications that you made.  I plan on making this in a couple weeks (too many projects going on right now), how many inches did you add to the top for the electronics/pictures?  what you have seems like it'd be a good height for what i'm trying to do.  Thank you!

jstewart

Mon, 02/26/2018 - 08:15

I would like to build this and i am trying to find the plans for this console. please

Libbytiny

Tue, 02/27/2018 - 11:36

HELLO ANYBODY?  Love love love this.  I want to list my house and buy, build and live in this instead!!!  I want to know where everybody is going to be putting their new tiny house what kind of property and environment also does anybody know if you can park a tiny home in an RV resort that have the big dog class a types any information about how to build this and to purchase the plans. thank you!!!!

RoninsDad

Fri, 03/16/2018 - 18:30

I was wondering if you had the plans to the changes you made to this. I would love to you build this one.

Big Kid Picnic Table

Submitted by HOWsMom on Tue, 03/13/2012 - 06:35

After I saw the bigger kid picnic table, I knew I HAD to make this ! I did change the measurements slightly, but I don't recall how now (I made this a year ago).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 CDN
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse table

Farmhouse style table, 4 2x10 with 2X6 border. All Doweled and glued. Seems most plans are with square "breadboard" ends, i thought this style was a bit cleaner with no raw ends. 4X4 legs with 4X4 cross stretchers. Table ended up 4'X8' matching bench to follow.

You really need a dowel-jig, Kreg-jig, and bar clamps to do this project. You can also use a biscuit cutter instead of dowel jig, but I think it lines up better with dowels.

Close up shot shows swirl marks from 80 grit sandpaper used on an orbital sander... Even using 180 grit final sand it left them there, actually a nice distress look.

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Min-wax dark walnut, min wax wood conditioner, 5 coats satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 07:33

Plans were perfect. This was my first build.

Estimated Cost
Under 400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Plans were the perfect size. Thanks Ana
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood shelving and hanging space for guest wardrobe

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 01:01

Ana's wood shelving plans are easily adaptable for whatever requirements you may have.
Apart from some of the cutting done on a table saw I was able to do this project on my own and assemble.
I'm a beginner and managed it OK. It's not perfect but my husband was over the moon to finally have hanging space and shelving in our new house.
Would look great painted or stained.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Apothecary Console With Storage Doors

This console features the style of the Apothecary Console and the functionality of the Console with DVD Storage Doors. I drew my own my plans by combining Ana's plans for the Apothecary Console and the Console with DVD Storage Doors. You can view my plans by visiting my blog at www.2crafty4myskirt.blogspot.com or by clicking the plan link below.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint - Antique White
Stain - Minwax Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

stacynabby

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 19:27

Totally came out fantastic! I love the swing out DVD doors. Nicely played.

claydowling

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 19:50

That's a really awesome cabinet. I love the look of the apothecary, and wouldn't have thought to design the doors like that for the added storage.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 02:30

Really like this build. Just wanted to let you know there are a couple of mixed up letters in your blog address at the very beginning of the post...so it sends you to a different site.

Adore the cabinet! Thanks for sharing.

Olivia's Doll Crib

Submitted by ellie_pete on Tue, 01/07/2014 - 12:51

The moment I saw these plans I knew it would be the perfect Christmas gift for my daughter. We followed the plans fairly exactly, only using knobs instead of a notch in the drawer and adding some small furniture slides on the bottom. I had some left over fabric from the linens I sewed for my daughter's room and used these to create a mattress cover, pillow, and small quilt. She loves it. The drawer underneath is great for extra doll clothes, bottles, diapers, etc.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum satin paint and primer in white and pink. Victorian faux-crystal cabinet knobs for the drawer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Queen Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/29/2016 - 07:18

This bed was my biggest project so far and it was very time consuming. I love it though, and it looks great in my son's room!

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Back