Community Brag Posts

I just want to thank Anna for inspiring me! I would've never thought that I could actually build my daughter a loft bed from scratch if it hadn't been for this website! This loft bed took about 3 weeks to build but the reason why it took me that long is because I did it in my spare time which was a couple of hours each alsmost everyday excluding the weekends, also this was my first time using my husbands table saw and drilling pilot holes but once I got the hang of it everything went smoothly. I wanted to save money so I purchased the Mini Kreg Jig which is about $20 from HD and let me tell you it is a must when your drilling pilot holes. I purchased my lumber from HD as well. It took me about an hour to pick out the wood. I decided to paint the loft bed with DecoArt Enamel craft paint because it's non-toxic, the paint cures into a hard finish, no primer, I didn't have to sand in between coats,  or put a protective finish. It also dries fast. I put 3 coats. This paint can get pricey if you pay full price but I just used a coupon everytime I went to Hobby Lobby. I used a tea, vinegar and steel wool mixture for the stairs, again because it's non toxic. I also raised the height of the 2x4 posts 6 inches so my 7 yr old daughter could walk under there without hitting her head. I'm so glad I decided go for it! Thanks again ANNA!

I wanted to build my kids a sand/ water table, but wanted something that would could also serve as other purposes. My father helped me since I used his tools. We shortened the whole project by 16% so my kids would be able to reach it better. We also changed up what wood was used. My father came through and had a pile of wood that he had no use for. So we used 1x6's that we cut down for the shelves and 2x4's for everything else. We also added a brace on the back to add a little more stability to the bench since my kids were going to use it. To finish it up I bought a plastic storage tub with a lid and some sand. The bottom shelf is used for toy storage.

I used the Rebecca Side Hutch and Side Base plans to create a slightly wider version to fit the TV in our master bedroom.  The building took one whole weekend and then it took another week to finish it up like filling holes, sanding, painting and then reassembling.  My final cabinet is 36.75" wide at the top and I changed the doors to overlay instead of inset.  I love the finished cabinet!

Used the $10 ledge plans, to build 2 10' long and 2 5' long 6" deep shelves. Cost $39 each 10' 1x6 red oak; used 6 boards. Stained mission oak satin.

I made these chairs and table for my father as a Christmas gift to sit next to his pool. The chairs were fairly easy to make. To stay within budget I did use inexpensive white wood so the quality of the grain was not quite what I had hoped but I believe they still came out very nice. I used BEHR weather proofing wood stain in RedWood which turned out very nicely. The only thing that is currently lacking are the cushions. Due to the price of the foam that will have to wait.
For the table I started with the original plans on the site but when I realized just how long it would be I cut it down and added the two thin strips to break up the pattern.

If I were to do anything differently I would shrink the overall size of the chair to the size of standard cushions that can be purchased at local department stores or outdoor furniture stores to minimize the cost.

Used a 2x2 cut at 45 degrees on both ends to hold up the flaps.

My wife wanted an 8 foot long table, but wanted it to be a little narrower that as standard table. This one ended up being 97.5" x 29" I used a torch to scorch the wood then apply poly finish.

We have quite a fixer upper and while re-doing the bathroom, I came across Ana's Island plan in her book, The Handbuilt Home. This isn't the finished picture as we have installed the sink fixture and pipes, where I wrapped the exposed pipes with twine to give it a more rustic look. The table was modified in size and the mirror was a salvaged piece where I made a backer and framed it. Though still in need of some finishing touches, the look so far is spectacular... I wish I had a before and after photo. Much of what you can see, such as the tile in the shower and mirror has been made from found materials around the house or were items that were going to be sent to the dump. I love recycling!

New to building,

Stephanie Broker

Went a slightly different route, since I'm not a fan of furniture built using 2x4's. I opted to use 1x3"s for the supports. Still more than sturdy, and I think it adds a little to the look.

Shrank it down to 28" x 28" to match the size my wife wanted. At that point a single drawer on each end made more sense for them to be practical. This was my first furniture project, so lots of mistakes were made, but I learned a lot. I look forward to many more projects from this site.

This was my first wood working project from Ana White. I am in love with how it turned out.

I ended up making the console narrow and long to fit in the living room area. 

Did this build in about 8 hours.  Very nice plan getting alot of compliments.  Will surely be building some more. Made from white pine. Left the front doors off this one. The color is American Dream from Amy Howard. The top is a base white with a blue tincture stain then distressed to get my desired effect. And finally a matte clear catalyst laquer to finish it off

Standing/Walking desk with side bookshelves built in. Desktop folds up and out so keyboard is at correct level for my height while walking on treadmill. When folded down, keyboard is at acceptible level for standing on ground. Desk designed so that the small walking treadmill can slide under and be out of the way when not in use.

Lifting Hinges used are Woodtek Coffee Table Lift Mechanism:  https://woodworker.com/coffee-table-top-lift-mechanism-lr-mssu-164-228…