1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Adorable Rustic Bench

Submitted by beingbrook on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 12:34

Love the rustic bench! This project took my husband about an hour or two to build and then a little primer and paint and it was ready to use. It was a pretty easy build and we didn’t modify the plans at all. We liked the bench so much that we made another one! My biggest tip is to always read the comments on the plans because people leave great feedback about their experience as well as any tips that they used. It cost us less than $30 to build two benches. Sanded really well and then filled screw holes with wood fill. Primed and painted with Behr’s powdered blush.

 

Pin For Later!

Adorable Rustic Bench

Blog Link
BeingBrook
Built from Plan(s)
Splayed Leg X Bench
Estimated Cost
$15-20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
A coat of primer followed by a coat of Behr's Powdered Blush.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Upholstered Bench w/ Slatted Shelf

Submitted by scokenour on Tue, 05/14/2013 - 21:17

I had a client who requested a bench like the Caden Leather Bench by Pottery Barn, except she wanted it longer. I didn't bevel the legs because I used 2x3's instead of 2x2's and wanted to make it as sturdy as possible to accommodate the additional length. Needless to say, she was VERY happy with the bench and I am getting ready to work on one for our home now!

Built from Plan(s)
No Sew Cayden Nailhead Stool
Estimated Cost
Client provided the fabric and most wood was re-purposed, so biggest expense was foam and batting.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
special walnut stain, then finished with a clear paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

scokenour

Thu, 02/06/2014 - 17:35

Sorry - didn't have plans for this one and I really stink at using the software Ana uses to make plans. I did loosely follow the Cayden Nailhead Stool plans, but, of course, modified in my attempt to duplicate the Pottery Barn bench the client wanted to match. I would be happy to help in any way I can, but you definitely need to be comfortable to work without plans. I used my Kreg jig quite a bit for this project and the little piece of wood that protrudes from the legs is faux - just cut a 1/2" piece and glued and nailed with my brad nailer.

Entertainment Center

Submitted by skinny80 on Sun, 04/05/2015 - 11:46

Thanks for the great plans!! Finally got this monster put together.

Built from Plan(s)
Smith Media Wall: Center Console
Smith Media Wall: Center Media Hutch
Smith Media Wall: Side Base Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

slenert1

Sun, 11/15/2015 - 12:37

Do you have the dimentions or specific plan for this as it is much biger than the plan you used? Material list? We want to build one like this! Its so pretty!

Pool equipment fence refresh

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2017 - 00:15

The fence the previous owners had in place was weather-worn and just overall non-aesthetically pleasing. We completed this project in 3 days and now we just love it!!!

Blog Link
Pool equipment fence refresh - so needed!
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Chairs and End Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 15:15

Hubby’s first Ana White project! Love these! Just need to stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair

Comments

Farmhouse doll bed

Submitted by heidikuz on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 14:07

I am in the process of making my own queen size farmhouse bed but this one came along a lot quicker and my daughter loves it. :) She recently got zebra and hot pink bedding so we made a blanket to match.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls
Estimated Cost
Less than $10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Lounger

Submitted by Celeste808 on Sun, 05/19/2013 - 07:47

Super easy project! Love it and made it in a weekend (taking breaks of course). Did paint all the pieces before assembly to make it easier, and added little pieces to the sides to make it resemble the West Elm Double lounger. Total cost for the wood and hinges was $50! Compared to buying it at $549... Im in love with what I made! Thanks again Ana for an amazing plan. Now to work on the cushion <3

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Double Outdoor Chaise Lounger
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Outdoor White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 04:41

Want to build one of these for sure. Question, especially since it's double width.........will those 1" width legs hold all of that weight? They look so thin.

Celeste808

Tue, 05/21/2013 - 16:19

I thought so too! But its really solid. Looking at the West Elm version it has the same size legs. I might beef them up though just to give me more piece of mind! But so far so good.

spiceylg

Wed, 05/22/2013 - 03:17

Cool, but then I thought the West Elm version's looked so thin, too, lol! When we built the outdoor sectional, we used 2x4s because several people we know, well let's just say extra support was needed! Be sure to post the pics of it with the cushion. Will you be making it?

Celeste808

Wed, 05/22/2013 - 17:49

Ill be making the cushion here soon, I found its really not hard at all and then you can get exactly what you want. I plan on using the same fabric will all of my DIY outdoor furniture. Will post once its done ;)

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Bunny trug

Submitted by KTKing on Tue, 04/07/2015 - 08:47

This was my first wood working project. I made this bunny Easter basket for my son's first Easter. Everyone loved it. I can't wait to try other projects!

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Easter Basket Bunny Shaped Trug
Finish Used
Varathane in bleached blue
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Custom grandy

Custom 75" grandy

Estimated Cost
$275
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rust0r

Sun, 07/23/2017 - 08:18

That is beautiful!! What color is the base? (Brand and color)

 

What wood/stain did you use on the top? I love how it contrasts itself, would be great for other furnature choices as well.

 

Thank you

rust0r

Sun, 07/23/2017 - 08:24

That is beautiful!! What color is the base? (Brand and color)

 

What wood/stain did you use on the top? I love how it contrasts itself, would be great for other furnature choices as well.

 

Thank you

Flip Down Wall Art Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 16:45

Followed the plans, made a few mistakes but my son and I like the overall result. Thanks Ana :)

Built from Plan(s)
Flip Down Wall Art Desk

Comments

Our Thanksgiving Family Project

Submitted by loniwolfe on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 16:50

My husband, step father and I built these Thanksgiving weekend (2010) and my mom got us a half bushel of oysters to snack on and made awesome steamed mussels with bread for dinner. This was a very fun family weekend.

I modifyed the plans a little to make the arms angle in a bit instead of being straight boards and also created the curved front. Then after building the first chair, Pat decided to make the second chair's back rest taller and cut angles to match the arms.

I picked intermediate because of needing a miter saw for all the different angles needed for getting the front right.
Also, It took one day for each chair

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Adirondack Chair
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
To my knowledge, Pat has not yet stained them, but once he does I will take more pics and find out what he used!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

entryway bench and shelf

This was a little more difficult than we anticipated but totally worth it. We shortened the width to fit our space, and kept the sides straight instead of angled, just for simplicity's sake. The Kreg jig really came in handy here. We anchored the shelf with cabinet screws and will be adding small L brackets at the top into the studs. With a tall toddler at home we are being extra careful.

Estimated Cost
~$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Kona Brown (not spray) in semigloss, rolled with foam roller. Used a white primer underneath-not sure if really necessary.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll baby beds

My Grandaughter wanted a Baby Bed for her dolls. I made one for her. and one for a little friend of hers. I just used 2x2's and plywood, then used rattle can spray paint to finish.

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
white Krylon spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Pixel Mario Wall Art

I love it when I can combine woodworking and geeky things. The classic Super Mario Bros was my introduction to video games, and thus 8-bit Mario will always have a special place in heart. <3

I have a tutorial on my blog on how to make the pixel Mario. I also made a video tutorial. WATCH IT HERE.

 

View in YouTube.

Blog Link
DIY Giant Mario Pixel Wall Art
Estimated Cost
$10. I purchased two 2x4s and purchased CA glue. The rest of the supplies I had on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish Oil - Medium Walnut
ECOS Paints Woodshield - Special Walnut
Homemade Red Dye
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Storage shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 18:45

We made smaller versions of your 8 foot shelf. The plans were perfect. Thank you very much

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Slat Low Shelving Unit

Comments

Nightstands for Christmas

Submitted by ambermae on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 06:21

I made this pair of nightstands as Christmas gifts for my husband in 2010. They were my first project and I'm pleased with how they turned out!

Blog Link
50 First Crafts
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Bookshelves, Tall/Thin
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain plus Tung Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kids Adirondack Chair!

Submitted by briane0398 on Fri, 05/24/2013 - 07:31

Over the last couple of summers I was attending a lot of my friend’s kid’s birthday parties. As a way to make something more personal I started making these chairs that I found on Ana’s website. They were a huge hit and pretty soon people were asking me to make more.

Built from Plan(s)
Kid's Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tryde end table

Submitted by mdbennes on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 10:37

I built this table in about 3 hours with 5 2x4s yellow pine for the total cost of around $17 total...thats not including the kreg jig screws or stain.  I deviated from the original plans for the top to try something different with the 45 degree mitre cuts.  It came out great but I had to review a youtube video on making the kreg pilot holes at the 45 degree angles to attach the corners together.  I then cut the (4) 2x4s to fill out the top and used kreg jig screws to attach.  Very nice instructions by Ana and after posting to my FACEBOOK page, I'm getting orders!  :)  

Built from Plan(s)
Tryde End Table with Shelf - Updated Pocket Hole Plans
Estimated Cost
18-20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American stain...then Minwax Polyurethane 3 coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Landry Hamper Dresser

Submitted by old_man on Sat, 08/12/2017 - 15:46

So the GF at the time was not happy I was still living out of landry hampers. I promised here I would do something about it. This is what I did. The top hamper is used for soiled clothes, once it's full you simply remove it and bring it to the landry room. The rest just store clean clothes. Simple and effective. 

 

The hinges and latches are just outdoor gate hardware found at any of the big home improvement stores. The wood is just construction lumber. 4X4 for the frame, 1X6 strapping for the panels, and I think there are some 2X4s and 2X2s for the rails. Overall it took me a weekend and then some. I had to build it in two pieces to get it out of the basement, it is really heavy. I used higher quality hampers that had the regidity needed to be able to slide partially out and not buckle. 

Hardest part was figuring out the dimensions. How many 1X6s would be used vs how wide the hampers are. 

It's still being used over a year later. 

Estimated Cost
~75 due to high lumber costs in my area + cost of hampers
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and water based poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Plant, shoe and bag stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 02:39

This is a stand I made for my sister who wanted something at the front door to put her shoes and shopping bags

Who's Afraid of the Simple Bed?

Submitted by QueenMahin on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 21:11

Building Ana’s farmhouse doll bed went so well that I felt ready to take on a full-sized bed.

Each project seems to come with its own set of lessons. I learned the hard way about the “Measure twice, cut once” rule with a couple of “oops” cuts that sent me back on another trip to the Blue store.

Sourcing untreated 4×4′s was also an issue. I ended up gluing and screwing 2×4′s together to use as the headboard and footboard legs.

The biggest issue, though, was my own fear. Sure I hit some stumbling blocks during the build, but resolved them and got the headboard and footboard all put together… and then choked. Who the heck makes her own bed? Is this really going to work? I delayed and delayed the final steps of screwing the siderails to the legs and attaching slats until I finally had to give myself a stern talking-to and a self-imposed deadline! Has anyone else ever been scared to push through to the final steps?

OK, here goes! I wasn’t sure that I understood the step about toenailing lagbolts through the end of the cleats into the legs until I got out the drill and tried it. Yup, it worked just fine! Next came the slats, and then when I hoisted the mattress on and saw that I had built a bed…. Well, I don’t even know how to describe that feeling of success and empowerment. Wow!

Ana, I wish I could thank you for all that you do.

Blog Link
Now I have to lie in it
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Bed [Full Size Bed Frame]
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint or Stain Color/Type:Minwax American Chestnut
Finishing Technique: Was stuck in indecisive mode for a while and sanded and stained and sanded and stained, which resulted in a kind of weathered looking finish. Not what I thought I was going for, but now I count this as a success story and I love it!

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate