Community Brag Posts

Kristi's Craft Desk

This was my FIRST Ana White project ever! I really wanted the PB version of this desk, but didn't want to spend $1,200 (cough, cough, gag)!! I started out with Closet Maid cubbies (since I had never used a power tool - ever) just to be safe. Then, I went to Home Depot and got the MDF for the table top, and had the hubby help me figure out how much moulding to get (because it HAD to be fancy, darnit). I raised the height with 3 support boards across the top and the hubby made some feet for the cubbies. Then I attached the moulding. On the sides and back of the cubbies I used spray adhesive and paintable beadboard wallpaper! That stuff rocks! And it's really cheap at Lowe's.
I didn't get very detailed photos as this was my first project and I was so excited I didn't want to stop. Now all I have to do is fill in the nail holes and throw a coat of paint on it! The best part: The whole thing cost under $300!! AND the Ikea chair that I almost gave away fits and matches perfectly! Someday I will build matching chairs (1 for each side so I can craft with a gal-pal), but for now my craft room looks pretty awesome. Thanks Ana!!

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

Extra wide shoe bench and cubby area

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/30/2015 - 03:17

Modified the cubby plans to just be 5 cubby's wide. My wife wanted white so I dressed it up a bit with the bead board, trim and crown moulding.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Early American Stain/Lacquer/ Sherman Williams Extra White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Handcrafted table set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 10:18

I was tired of browsing the market place and seeing the same traditional farmhouse design coming from just about everyone in the woodworking industry. It seems as though the market place is inundated in the same 4 leg, and cross support design. I designed these to go against the grain. They were my first project ever and were sold within days. They had nearly 3k views within the first 2 weeks on facebook. I am particularly proud of them. 

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Briarsmoke varathane stain
Lacquer finish
Swan white legs support w/ poloycrylic finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Open Top Toy Box Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/01/2023 - 12:05

Cute open top toy box

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Ana White Admin

Wed, 02/01/2023 - 13:42

This is so stinkin' cute, love all the custom touches and finishes! Thank you so much for sharing.

My First Ever Project

Submitted by Kathryn1 on Sun, 10/16/2011 - 00:30

I've never built anything before. Not a single thing. When I couldn't find a bookshelf I liked in any stores I decided to build one and modified the 25 Cubbies On A Wall design to make it something a little different.

I'm stoked with the result.

Thank you for such a great site with wonderful plans.

My partner has now asked me to "whip up" a kitchen island, entertainment unit, more bookshelves and the list goes on.

I might need to look at some more of your plans.

Finish Used
Gloss stain and vanish - water based
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:19

I don't really know how to describe the wood because I'm truly a novice, but here goes:

It's 29cm deep and approximately 2cm thick.

The bottom shelf is 2m long and each cube is 40cm x 40cm. So to build this I got 2x 200cm sheets, 1x 160cm, 1x 120cm, 1x 80cm and 21x 40cm.

I measured and marked then glued and screwed the verticals to the shelves, then used dowel and glue to attach each row to the row below.

I decided to put feet on the bottom so I could lift it above the skirting boards on the floor and have it sit more flush against the wall.

I hope this explains it OK.

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:27

Thank you for your comment. I knew I didn't want a standard everyday bookshelf design and when I saw the "25 Cubbies" design my little head started ticking over and this is what I came up with.

I've seen a few similar things around, but nothing fit exactly what I wanted and there was certainly nothing of this size for a reasonable price.

You can imagine my joy when I found this website and the plans that I could modify to build exactly what I wanted.

I'm really very happy with how it worked out!

Kathryn1

Wed, 10/19/2011 - 16:36

Thank you for taking the time to post your comment.

I'm really happy with the end result.

I never thought I'd be able to put together something like this. I always knew I could hammer a nail or put in a screw, but to build something that's actually functional and looks kinda good too, I never thought I'd be able to pull it off.

Needless to say, my confidence is now soaring and I'm looking forward to my next few days off work so I can do some more projects for around the house.

My father has asked me where I get my building skills, to which I reply with a grin that I don't know but I always thought I looked a little like the milk man :)

Sweet Pea Garden Bed

Submitted by Aspenos on Sat, 10/12/2013 - 18:30

This project was a lot of work, but was so worth it. It took my husband and myself a month of working weekends and some evenings. We have 2 little girls that adore it. I think the little touches make it perfect. We have not completed the storage boxes, but they are in the beginning stages. We did alter the plans slightly as we liked the bottom doors to open so that I didn't have a tiny hole to crawl into to make the bed. We also made the space under the tallest step a closet area to hang up all their dress up clothes. I think this is one of those great projects you can make your own.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

birdsandsoap

Sun, 10/13/2013 - 12:10

I love the modifications you did on the lower bunk for easier access. And the little touches on the bed slats are fantastic. My girls say they want a bed exactly like this, nevermind that they already have it, haha!

Aspenos

Thu, 10/17/2013 - 08:24

We love this bed! Your plans were fantastic! Although it was a lot of work, it was so worth it. We have 2 friends now that are looking into making this bed for their girls. This bed is a dream come true. What little girl wouldn't want to have this in their room?

Garden bench

Submitted by law0103 on Sat, 01/02/2016 - 07:29

The plan had excellent bones, though I modified the top to hold a sink for rinsing and cleaning.  It is now painted "San Antonio Rose", and resides happily in the backyard.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore San Antonio Rose, enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

law0103

Sat, 01/02/2016 - 07:34

Don't cheap out on tools!  This piece did not come out square, and I accept that as it is an outdoor work bench.  Good tools never go out of style!

Queen Size Day Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/15/2019 - 05:45

This is such an easy plan to make. It was my first time making ANYTHING but I was motivated by saving money. The original bed like this from a store was 1700 dollars. I did make a few beginner mistakes but figured it out.  I changed some of the measurments to fit my queen size mattress and of course its for my actual bedroom and not patio... I get so many compliments!! Hope you like it.

Estimated Cost
400.00 it was only so expensive because I had to by all the tools... worth every penny
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mahogany stain with a satin finish

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Nursery Changing Table Dresser

Submitted by dianajune on Tue, 02/07/2023 - 10:39

Had fun watching husband figure this out. Drawers were tough and trying to antique something for the first time was too. But I am so thankful for it!

Comments

Firefighter Locker

IKEA dresser drawers bit the dust....SURPRISE! So I needed a dresser and quick. Then after a trip to our fire fighter museum I decided to make lockers instead.

I used the basis from the beach cottage dresser, omitted drawers and used shelves and doors instead.

Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
dark grey primer
satin black spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X Console Table

We built this console table after the rustic X coffee table and end table. We have learned from previous experience to cut the "X" last, marking them against the frame instead of measuring to cut. This time, my husband made a suggestion to leave the X's out and it was great! The console table still goes very well with the rustic X coffee table and end table, but without the X, it also fits well into other rooms we can use it for. In the end, we are very happy with the result!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Conditioned, stained in Kona, and matte finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/03/2016 - 09:35

Tripled the dimensions, filled with mums for the fall. Now pine boughs and fairy lights! Love!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor stain, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Grandy barn door console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 20:38

I had a different idea for the barn door hardware. I used 1/2" black pipe and fittings for the rail . I found rollers on eBay that were perfect for this application. It went together great and I love the industrial look .

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Mikey's Clubhouse Bed

Submitted by Jenga on Mon, 01/04/2016 - 17:41

Finished project for Mikey's bed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Maple after burning for a antiqued weathered looked
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Desk X Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/26/2019 - 07:07

Full timelapse and thoughts are in the imgur album.

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Moonquake grey, Luck of Irish green. Polyurethane on top and drawer.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Harriet Chair

Submitted by MarkThomas on Fri, 10/28/2011 - 12:26

After our Wal-Mart dining room chairs started falling apart (after 8 years of use) I decided it was time to replace those ugly old things with something a bit more unique. The Harriet Chair really caught my eye, so I set out to build it! My wife, Judi, chose the mustard yellow color and we thought it would be cool to add contrast with some red and white polkadot seat pads from IKEA ($9.99 ea.).

These are the first two I've built, with a goal to eventually build a total of 6-8 to fit around a table I also plan on building.

I made the addition of the front support as Judi likes to rest her feet on it. And, as you can see in the second photo, I added a small brace, cut at 15 deg., on the bottom side screwed to each backrest 2x2, and screwed to the underside of the seat (chair is upside down in photo). This gives additional rigidity and support for the backrest and also provides a nice guide to ensure the backrest has an exact 15 deg. angle on every chair. This was at no additional cost as I used scrap 2x2 pieces for it. And best of all this addition stays hidden and in no way changes the original aesthetic of the chair.

The chairs are extremely sturdy, comfortable and look great in our dining room! The only change I will make on the next set is using higher quality plywood as I had to putty this plywood a bit more than I had hoped. Otherwise, what an easy and inexpensive upgrade to our space!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
custom mustard yellow color, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 11:37

Looks great! How did you assembly the different parts? Simply glue and screws, kreg jig or mortise and tenon?

Mark Thomas (not verified)

Fri, 11/04/2011 - 14:59

Haven't been able to add the Kreg to my tool chest yet so I used glue and screws. Pre-drilled all the holes of course. Came out extremely sturdy. This was one of my first projects of this nature so I've learned a ton from each chair I make. These two were the first and the next ones have been a lot more precise and sharp looking.

Benjamin Uyttebroeck (not verified)

Sat, 11/05/2011 - 00:59

Thanks for your answer! I'll try it that way too then...

Bedside Table

Submitted by thurm12 on Mon, 10/21/2013 - 09:55

Had to adjust the size of the drawer to fit inside the gap. Chose to lay the shelf on the bottom and attached a 1x2 to the front of the shelf perpendicular to the ground to keep the shelf in place.

I chose not to add the plywood backing because it's not visible, but I may in the future.

Overall a great and simple project, and I'm very pleased with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax PolyShade Dark Espresso (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Providence Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 01/06/2016 - 13:07

I LOVE this bench. It's simple and rustic, yet absolutely beautiful. I modified the plans slightly to exclude the long support board along the bottom of the bench and found that the bench is still very sturdy and stable. I love that this bench is a relatively easy and quick to complete project, with such a gorgeous end product!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax brand stain in Provincial for the color and finished it with Varathane brand varnish in a matte finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Baby Valet for a baby on the go

Submitted by blasiansky on Sat, 04/20/2019 - 09:34

Made it for a friend who will be on the go with her new baby.  I included screw hooks to either hang bags or separate. Tray & box are removable also. Bottoms are chalkboard paint. She wanted to paint it so i will stop here.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner