Community Brag Posts

Letter H Shelf

Submitted by Huthbert on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 15:07

We're expecting a baby in November and we picked this as our first Nursery Decor project!

We were originally inspired by the Letter Z project we found on here on Ana's site. So we went ahead and made our own design on google sketch-up. It was a good first project for us to learn how to use Google sketch-up (although we still aren't very good at it).

We wrote about building the project on our blog here: http://thehuth.blogspot.com/2012/10/brought-to-you-by-letter-h.html

This was a fun project and we love the way it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
25-30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
-Behr Paint- Irish Mist
-Polycrylic (We used Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

X- Coffee table

Submitted by jandmhough on Sat, 08/02/2014 - 10:48

I've been meaning to build a coffee table for a few months now. About a month ago we received a hutch from some family friends. The back of it was made of 3/4" tongue and groove boards. So, I used those boards to make the top of the table and a couple of 2x4's to make the base. It's got a cool rustic feel that goes really well with the beach chic design that we have in our living room. For the design i really liked the look of the x picnic table, so I modified it for a coffee table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I just put a polyurethane on the top. The base is Rustoleum Heirloom White with a clear coat top finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table Build

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/15/2016 - 05:48

I modified this plan slightly in how I attached the legs to the table top. I put screw inserts into the bottom of the table so I could screw the legs in and not worry about the wood stripping. We move often and I can't move the whole table assembled. Also, I haven't secured the cross beam, so this table will completely flatten and be easy to pack.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Special Walnut stain and clear brushing lacquer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Water Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/03/2020 - 09:39

Water/ Sand Table inspired by your build

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
>$100
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Not so Farm House Table

Submitted by rscolesII on Tue, 08/05/2014 - 09:22

This table was made using the original farmhouse table plans with pocket holes.I tapered the two inside sides of the 4x4s (25%) and subtracted the bottom support structure. All pieces were glued and screwed using the kreg system. Even without the lower support this table is rock solid. I choose to make this table look a little more traditional then the farmhouse table to match our design plans.

All parts of the table were sanded down smooth to 180 grit and treated with minwax prestain wood conditioner. The table was then stained with cabot premium wood stain and sealer in one(espresso -satin). Warning large surfaces are hard to stain evenly with out brush marks using this product. I used 3 coats in all with a light sanding using 600 grit after the first coat since it is a water based stain. It covered just a little more of the natural wood grain then I would have liked but I did prefer it to the polyshades product I used on the custom bench behind it.

When using pine it maybe best to just go for the distressed look. I am worried that my smooth table top will get destroyed by my son but he knows he isn't allowed to play cars on the table now so I am crossing my fingers. So far the table top is holding up very nicely to any abuse but it is still early on in its life.

I think in the future I will bite the bullet and use hard woods. As long as it takes to build furniture its nice if it lasts a little longer.

Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax prestain conditioner
cabot premium stain + sealer (Espresso-Satin)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Fancy X farmhouse table with modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/18/2016 - 06:32

We made the table with modifications to extend it from 72 inches to 96 inches. We created breadboard table ends. 

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

DIY sofa couch / slide in coffee table

Ana has great instructions, definitely have been using her alot. During the pandemic picked up a couple new hobbies and tools. I did the sofa couch from her plans. The coffee table I created off the whim but used her basic instructions on how to make table tops / benches. These came out super nice, surprised me and my wife :)

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded several times varying 120 / 180 / 220. Stained with Valspar semi-transparent natural redwood naturaltone.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lots of Boxes

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 10/20/2012 - 10:23

Over the last several weeks I’ve built a few different variations on the Easy Jewelry Box plan:

A narrow tower style one for my Hubby to use in the office at home, using 1x6 and 1x3 for the drawer sides, and 1x10 for the dresser box sides (no overhangs on this one) measures 10 ¾”wide x 24 ¾” tall. The drawers are not lined. The bottoms on these drawers don’t have felt – I used wax on the bottoms of the drawers, and also on the shelves, and they slide just fine.

The wide tower – this one is wide enough to hold paper and office supplies, and was made to the same height as the original narrow tower. The drawer sides are 1x3 and 1x6, with 1x12 as the dresser box sides (measures 16 ¼” wide x 24 ¾” tall). These are unlined, and also got wax on the bottom of the drawers and on the shelves.

I’m going to make a top to go across both of them so it’s the same height as the keyboard/mouse, and paint it to match the desk surface (BTW – the desks are a variation on the Rustic Table).

Distressed storage – the drawers for these are some strips of ½” plywood that were left over from another project. The dresser boxes are from 1x8. Also for these I left off the overhangs, and used the Minwax stain pen on the edges for a painted distressed finish. I liked the first one, and ended up building another to match. Each one measures 8 ¾” W x 10 ¼” T x 7 ¼”D.

Also, one of the easy jewelry boxes made exactly to the plan, with a weathered gray finish and the optional drawer divider. I’ve built more of those in different finishes, but they will be gifts, so I won’t brag those just now.

I used up a lot of my scrap wood, and the paint was what I already had on hand. Most of the knobs are from Target (the multi-packs were cheaper than buying the single knobs).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15 for distressed blue (felt & knobs, wood was scraps), narrow tower $50 for wood & knobs, wide tower $60 for wood & knobs; Distressed gray: $30 for wood, felt, & knobs
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Office towers: Oil Rubbed Bronze and Black Semi Gloss paint; Distressed storage: Benjamin Moore Blue Echo, distressed, with Minwax stain pen in Early American on the edges and a few streaks rubbed into the blue, with a coat of Minwax water based wipe-on poly; Distressed gray: 1 coat white, 1 coat gray (Ace Greek Column), distressed with sandpaper then added a coat of Minwax water based wipe-on poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Taylors Console Table for the Patio

Submitted by CBCin843 on Thu, 08/07/2014 - 07:21

I fell in love with this table and decided to tackle it as my first ever furniture build. We spent more money that we'd planned investing in some new tools (i.e. Kreg Jig Mini and Clamps). We also had a lot of anxiety about initially getting started and trying the Kreg Jig for the first time, but I watched Ana's Kreg Jig Tutorial on Youtube, and it was actually very easy.

I'm going to say that it took us 10-20 hours to complete, because of the way we finished the table. We only worked on it 1-2 hours each week though, so it took us a couple months. :-)

This table is now on our patio where we can use it for toy storage or as a serving buffet for BBQ's. I'd call it a success! Thanks Ana for the inspiration!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Shanty to Chic's idea to spray paint the dark walnut and then use vaseline to make distressing easier. I wish I'd used more Vaseline, but I was scared to have the table look too distressed. Now I can see that I could have used a lot more. Then we painted over it with Lowe's recipe for DIY Chalk Paint with existing leftover paint and Plaster of Paris. We sealed it with Johnson's Furniture Paste Wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mickey Mouse 4-person Seesaw

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/09/2020 - 22:04

The kids need more things to do at home with shelter in place so I decided to build them a seesaw inspired by Ana White's seesaw plan.

I modified it a bit..
- added Mickey Mouse-shaped backrests (cut out the shape with a scroll saw)
- built it with four seats instead of two
- upholstered seating with thick 2" foam padding
- installed tennis racquet overgrip tape over the handle bars
- rounded many of the corners

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tall Hutch

Even though this project is not made from a specific plan, I'm posting it because it is made with the knowledge I gained from reading hundreds of plans from this site. I actually saw this at a shop and loved it, but they wanted almost $400.00 for it! Using all the skills Ana and the rest of you on this blog taught me, I went home and wrote up my own plans. Note the weird giant drawer....custom build for my purse.
The door is wonky, can't seem to get the hang of doors, but I'm proud of it and for my house, this is good enough!!
BTW, the farm bench next to it is from Ana's farm bench plans, just used 2xs instead of 1xs and added a shelf.
Thanks Ana for teaching me the skills I needed to build this fun tall hutch!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Home made chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BrennaLiz

Tue, 10/23/2012 - 05:10

I am so impressed that you designed and built this all on your own! I love how you used the sheets of metal, I see those in the store and love them but have never had a place to use them. Great work!

Shanty Sideboard and Hutch Built-in

Submitted by tpeacock on Sat, 08/09/2014 - 20:47

I made this a built-in cabinet instead of freestanding. I am so in love with how it turned out. My 15 year old daughter helped me build it, and we couldn't be happier. The total cost for this was around $300. The wood itself was only $200, but my drill died on me, so I had to get a new one. (Poor me, right?)

This new built-in has changed the whole look of my dining room. I just wish I had done this a year ago!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Behr Pure Ultra White for the paint which I then glazed with Valspar Asphaltum glaze from Lowe's. I glazed more heavily in the areas I wanted to stand out, like between the tongue and groove planks on the back of the upper cabinet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

vegetable produce bin

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/25/2016 - 00:54

The plans seemed ok for me. I used all scrap lumber I had laying around. I bought a kreg jig in the middle of this project, after watching one of Ana's vidoes's about pocket holes. That is one reason why I built the 3 doors all twice, but also swapped out the top piece of the bin 3x's before I finally settled. In other words, I really struggled with this, but I was so excited to perservere and have this completed!  

I haven't wanted to make one of these for a long time. Thank you so much for the site and all the plans! I love all your work and your style. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
used all scrap wood, bought hinged so maybe $10
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
chalk paint-seafoam and chocolate
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Reclaimed Stenciled Rustic X Console

I've been dying to build this Rustic X Console since Ana posted the plans. I raided my dad's stash of lumber in his barn (does that make it "barn wood"?) and built it out of 2x4's and 2x6's. I subbed the 1x12 for two 2x6's and love the planked look on the shelves. I also ripped the 2x2's from 2x4's on my table saw. After sanding and staining, I decided it needed a little something extra. So I stenciled it! I used a grey sample Valspar from Lowes and used a small roller over the stencil. It was so easy! Afterwards I coated the piece in furniture wax, though I plan to coat the top with polyurethane. Latex paint over oil-based stain doesn't stick very well, so an oil topcoat will help seal it on. I love this table and can't wait to fill it up with goodies!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
free, from scraps
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
one coat Minwax golden oak, grey latex paint for stencil, topcoat of wax on base and polyurethane on top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

dananryan

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 18:52

What a great idea! I would have never thought to stencil a rustic piece of furniture. I totally have to steal that idea if you don't mind...

dananryan

Wed, 10/24/2012 - 18:52

What a great idea! I would have never thought to stencil a rustic piece of furniture. I totally have to steal that idea if you don't mind...

Walnut Dining Table

This table was a lot of fun to make it wasn't too hard. The hardest part was cutting the dados. If you have a table saw, it's not as hard. I hope you watch the video of how it was made.
http://youtu.be/ymz3Zim79Lo?list=PLRGcaQeW9svX5lRtTc9w2LrOzEFoez3j0

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Shellac and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Castle bed! :)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 11/28/2016 - 18:44

Great plans!!  We modified just a little. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll Crib and High Chair, Modified

Submitted by Linda7 on Mon, 10/29/2012 - 13:17

This is actually the third doll crib and high chair set that I've built for a grandniece. It is inspired by the one Gina from Lady Goats built. She just used 1 x 2's for all of the rails. And since I am trying to make each bed a little different, this was a great option. Again, I used the vintage lamb theme on the crib and high chair from my first two sets.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $20 in lumber for the set for two. I already had the paint and pocket hole screws.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Kilz primer, then Olympia brand bright white semi-gloss interior wall paint. I spray painted them with my Graco sprayer, two coats. To protect the decals, I used several thin coats of Modge Podge.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Solar Birdhouse

Submitted by mtairymd on Sun, 08/17/2014 - 13:40

Simple/Fun project

Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Solar-Birdhouse/

Video of the build:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SU5ffvweSjQ

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Entry Way Console Turned Bar/Buffet

Submitted by 3rdpigkid on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 15:23

As the news of COVID was getting scarier and scarier in early March, I knew that I would need something to do to keep myself busy since I live alone and wasn't going to be able to get out and do anything. I had been wanting something different in my dining area so I headed to the local Home Depot and picked up the supplies. I learned a lot on this build as it was filled with many firsts but mainly just building something like this by myself! My husband built things for us on occasion over the years and I learned a few things from watching him but I had never done it myself. He passed away 5 years ago (too young, just before he would have turned 50) and I needed a confidences booster. As I built it, I shared my accomplishments on Facebook (also building my confidence) and now it's pretty much done - just a couple things left: put a sealer on it to protect it, find the right baskets and attach the back. I have had trouble finding the right baskets and made do with painted, plastic baskets from the local DollarTree. I wanted to wait until I was done sealing it before I attached the back. Anyway, I could not be more proud of myself - although my sister-in-law said I'd make a great husband some day LOL! Thank you Ana for sharing all your know-how and helping boost my confidence! I can't wait to try the next project!

Comments

jdmartin

Thu, 02/11/2021 - 14:38

Is there a plan that you used? Or that you based it off of? What are the measurements? I want to build something that looks pretty much the same for my house!

King size Farmhouse bed

We love our farmhouse bed! Thanks Ana! We made a few modifications. We wanted the legs to look a tiny bit more substantial, so we used 1x6 boards for the headboard and footboard. We made our 4x4 legs longer and placed them on the outside to make it a poster bed. I also wanted the end caps on my legs. I glued and nailed 1x6 scraps to 2x6 scraps and then cut a square to size at a 15 degree angle with my miter saw.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American stain and satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Janell Gardner (not verified)

Fri, 11/02/2012 - 18:59

This bed is ABSOLUTELY beautiful! I am going to make it, why not, right?! Anyway, the ridiculously expensive mattress we purchased (per Dr's. orders) is a queen & reasonably new. I am wondering if you have a plan for this bed in that size? That would be perfect. I will be anxiously waiting for your reply. Thanks so much & keep up the BEAUTIFUL WORK, You have found your gift & have put it to good use thus far! WTG. Make your weekend a fabulous one!

Take care,

JG

In reply to by Janell Gardner (not verified)

little stuf

Mon, 11/05/2012 - 08:32

I don't have the plans for the queen size version. I would suggest using Ana's plans for the queen size farmhouse bed. Then, instead of your 4x4s being part of the headboard and footboard, attach them on the outside. In other words, the top panels will be cut to fit the headboard and footboard minus the legs. My 4x4 legs are 34" on the footboard and 60" on the headboard. I also opted out for the top 2x6. I hope I didn't confuse you too much. Please don't hesitate if you have more questions.
btw...thank you so much for your compliments!

Courtlh

Mon, 03/18/2013 - 21:25

I noticed your side table is the same color/style as the bed did you use this site for plans on that also? I LOVE your modifications for this bed!!

CaraRene13

Wed, 03/27/2013 - 22:56

I love the modifications you made.This bed is absolutely beautiful. It was my inspiration to build my own...hopefully I'll get some pix posted soon...