Community Brag Posts
Rustic X Console Table
I was commissioned to build this console table along with a couple “Rustic X” bookshelves. The finish is distressed white and True Browns stain.
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Storage Daybed - Lessons Learned
Hello Builders!
I made this bed for my daughter right after finishing Ana’s Simple Bed for myself. This bed is great because it is cool-looking (the most important factor for my middle-schooler) and because it adds tons of storage space (the most important factor for me, the mom!). Ana has this bed marked as easy, and it was easy. After working on the Simple Bed with lots and lots of cutting and gluing and nailing, I was amazed at how quickly this bed started looking like itself.
As a newbie builder, I read and read and re-read Ana’s plans and the comments on the plans and any similar plans until I feel comfortable. The Storage Daybed is just three separate benches that sit side-by-side and the mattress just lies on top. Somehow, when digesting the plans, I was really confused about the divider in the middle of each bench, but eventually the light bulb went on (the divider is necessary to support and strengthen the top, but the end result is that there are three cubbies in the front of the bed and three cubbies in the back – perfect for storing off-season clothes).
So I went to the Blue home improvement store and decided on birch plywood. Special thanks to Jen for working up the plywood cutting layout that Ana included in the plan. I don’t think I could have figured out how to get the pieces cut without you. The associates at the large home improvement store were very nice, and they offered to make the cuts for me even though they said that they really weren’t supposed to make “project cuts”. The problem was that their cuts were oh, so bad! They marked out all of the cuts at once, which doesn’t account for the sliver that the blade takes out, and when measuring they didn’t even have the tape measure blade flush against the top in the first place.
On my other projects, I made plenty of mistakes. But they were my mistakes, you know what I mean? On this build, I spent so much time trying to fix bad cuts. But it’s my fault. I was concerned, but I second guessed myself and didn’t speak up while they were cutting. I ended up having to cut a thin strip of plywood to lengthen the side of one of the benches, and had to sand and sand and sand. Also ended up having to re-cut the dividers.
Oh, well. I got a little life lesson in assertiveness, and I got to add a circular saw to my toolkit! After all was said and done, this really is a great bed, and it made my heart glow to hear my daughter going around telling folks: “My mom is making my bed!
Our First Project: Console Table
This was our first project. The directions were easy to follow. We used wood screws to put this project together as I do not have a nail gun. My five year old was in charge of the electric screwdriver. I just used 1 peice of wood for the table top and diagonally screwed into it from the bottom. It took us a few days to complete as when you are working with a little one, everything takes quite a bit longer. This was the perfect project for us to work on together! My husband requested a table to put next to the hottub so he could put his drink on it, but I don't want this to move outside! Maybe I'll have to make another one. :)
The Shou Suga Ban Secretary Desk and Hutch
This secretary desk and hutch was made using the Grant Secretary and Hutch plans, modified to be 48" wide. As a finish, I wanted to try out a new method - instead of staining, I decided to char the wood using a method known as Shou Sugi Ban. There are tons of You Tube how-to videos on how to do it, and it's actually pretty easy (as long as you are comfortable using a propane torch).
The project definitely took longer than I had originally anticipated, at least 40 hours. However I thought the end result was worth it.
Full Storage (Captains) Bed
This was a pretty quick build and works perfectly in my son's room. I love all the room for the cubbies! All of his cars and tracks stay off the ground!
The only tricky part for me was attaching the first edges and keeping it straight. Since I was doing this all by myself, I used my nail gun to attach them quickly and then drilled in screws to secure them.
I kept them in three separate parts so it was easier to take upstairs and then I used my nail gun to attach the slats in the middle. Pretty easy and inexpensive for a nice wood full size bed frame!
Check out my blog post for more pictures of my build! http://www.leapoffaithcrafting.com/diy-full-bed-frame-storage/
Desk
This is my desk. It’s working out great. I’m thinking of adding a small drawer for stuff. Thanks for the design.
The other picture is the desk I’m building for my grandson. I’m painting the desk top. Still have to add the legs. I had to modify the size as his space in his bedroom is limited. I get confused putting the piano hinge on. Again thanks for your help. I love all your work.
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Closet Door with Storage
This was my first Ana White project, and I learned a lot from making it since I was also a novice woodworker. I am very happy with the end result, but it was probably a good thing that this went on the inside of a closet :) It gave me the confidence to go on and build something more difficult with the skills I built along with the storage.
The $30 estimate is only for the wood. Wood putty, sandpaper, screws, paint, etc. will make this more expensive, but you will use all of the extras on other projects since this one won't use those up.
The time involved is a guess--it has been a few months since I completed this. Someone with experience could probably do it faster and someone brand new to building might go slower. So I chose 3-6 hours, a nice in-between number.
Watch your caster size with carpet. That was my only snag with the instructions. Ana has hardwood floors that the casters roll on. I have carpet so I wanted larger wheels in order for smoother rolling. That added height to the caster also, so you want to modify the length of the sides of the storage unit to reflect the larger casters on carpet.
All in all a great plan and useful end result!
**UPDATE--January 30, 2012** We removed the casters from the bottom of this just yesterday and the door opens SO much easier. I would invest in some high quality casters and not the cheap ones I bought if you are going to use these. Without the casters I am only putting light things (stuffed animals) in this. If you are using it for heavier items, I would use the casters but make sure they readily turn. The casters I had did not want to turn as the door moved and they dragged on the carpet instead. Also, the overall height of your unit will depend on the height of your casters, so buy them first if you are going to use them. I still love this though!
Toy Box Gone Wrong
We went exactly as planned in the Build a Toybox outline, but bought 12x1 instead of 16x1. This caused a problem when we started putting it together. The two short sides were taller than the long sides. We decided to make lemons from lemonade and turn it into a toolbox/toybox, and in the end really liked the result. We added an additional cut with 1.5" holes on either side and a 1.5" diameter 36" long dowel rod for the handle. We added casters to the bottom and poof! done. Fun project! We made it for our soon to be nephew and filled with gifts for the baby shower.
Comments
Thu, 05/30/2013 - 10:29
Really cute!
Good things come from mistakes at times! Love the mustache touch!
Thu, 05/30/2013 - 10:30
Really cute!
Good things come from mistakes at times! Love the mustache touch!
Rustic storage daybed
We wanted to build a reading nook in our cabin landing that would also function as extra sleeping space. This plan was modified to raise the height. We then built the frame and one side panel, since the bed length of the plan was EXACTLY the width of the landing space... It was meant to be! We love it!
Salsa Console
This took two weekends to complete. It makes a huge difference when you take time for a good paint job.
I used the best grade pine at Lowes so I didn't have to sand everything and there is less chance for warped boards. This is why my cost was more.
I also added trim around the middle and bottom bands to really make it pop. Overall, I am very pleased with the results.
first build saushas laundry pedestal with a few adjustments.
weekend project that had been put off for about a year and finally got done. was not that challenging even for a rookie. turned out well and most of all the mrs. was pleased with it.
photo 1: materials
photo 2: lower level on left and upper level on right
photo 3:close up of each level, bottom level was stacked 2x2's plus 3/8 ply on top and 1/8 vinyl so that a 1x4 would cover the front flush and not have a lip so that tha baskets wont get caught.
photo 4: base with corner posts
photo 5: all set minus the trim boards!
final trim on the top level overlapped by 1/2" to act as a lip to hold w/d in place if they decided to "move" on me.
and the loose lay vinyl was leftover fom the flooring as you can see i think it adds to the project
A bench for a future table
This is the third project I've done from this site and the first that came out absolutely perfect. The others were GREAT but this one....it just soared.
Took me all of 1 afternoon to build and 3 days to stain and finish. I used Early American by Minwax to match the existing dining room table.
My goal is to build the table that goes with it.
But, for now, this is the perfect addition to the house.
One thing.
The plans for this bench call for 1x4s for the breadboards and that doesn't make sense. I think it's a typo.
You will need extra 2x4s to make the project really soar. But, heck, who can't use an extra 2x4 lying around?
Varathane satin
Farmhouse Media Console
Farmhouse media console built to fit in a spot for their television.
Etched Decorative Mirrors
4 Etched Decorative Mirrors and 1 Faux Waterfall Edge Mirror. Bought the cheap Wal-Mart Mirrors and customised them with etchings and frames.
Patio chair
This project was awesome. It gave me time to speak with my dad. I can’t wait to build the loveseat to match.
Vintage Step Stool
I LOVE this stool! I love the style, the function and how easy it was. I made this in just an hour while the kids were out front riding their bikes. The best part was it was a gift for my dear friend for her nursery.
I already have two more rooms in my house that are in need of this stool, so a few more are in my future.
Saw Blade Storage
This weeks project was some saw blade storage for all my blades.
Here is the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88DxZ3cuwSo
Website: http://www.lanebroswoodshop.com/2015/05/saw-blade-storage.html
My dining table
I've built various pieces from this site, but this is my first "share". I built this table a couple a month ago, taking ideas from various plans on this site. The top of the table is hard maple, the legs, benches are all wormy maple.
I bought the lumber from a mennonite mill about 45mins away from me, fantastic place. The table top was in their "clearance" section already laminated together, so I had them but it to size.
I tried my best doing mortise/tenon joints to join the table aprons/legs. They weren't perfect, but it worked.
I loved building this and I really want to make another. Thanks very much Ana for the site and all the plans you make available. It's a blessing.
Oh, apologies for the two photos on its side, I can't get them to upload properly...
Comments
Sat, 02/11/2023 - 08:03
Beautiful table. Do you have…
Beautiful table.
Do you have any plans you can share?
Thanks,
~David
Original farmhouse bed-King
This is the kingsized original farmhouse bed. The bed was pretty easy, I didn't bother with pocket holes and assembled it pretty quickly with some help. It is sturdy and beautiful and makes me smile every time I walk in my room. I LOVE it and can't thank you enough for sharing your plans! Angela
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Hanging Diaper Changing Station
A good friend of mine needed a changing table to save space. I originally planned on building her a standing changing station but then she wanted to have one that hung and she planned on buying one that you find in a store restroom. I knew I could make her one that she wanted and that looked awesome. Here are some of the photos I have of it pre-hanging on the wall. Click the URL and you can see it being used!!!!