Community Brag Posts

They loved them!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/01/2017 - 15:08

I'm a newbie and loved your doll bunkbed pattern.  I made 6 of them for my granddaughters for christmas. They loved them! Thank you so much for sharing your talents!!

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Bunk Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 09/11/2020 - 16:23

This was my largest project to date. Took me a LOT longer than I thought it would (big chunks of 4 weekends, plus sneaking in some time during the week), but enjoyed the process. The devil is in the details as always. The raw dog 2x6's took me hours upon hours to sand down to an acceptable state of smoothness. For the ladder, I kinda winged it and made it straight. My kids' room is really small, so every extra bit of square footage matters. My oldest is 5 and is fine going up and down. My youngest is 3 and hasn't quite figured it out yet, but that's probably for the best anyway. I also winged it a bit on the guardrails. I used pocket screws wherever possible in the joinery. I was planning on painting this since I knew staining/sealing would be a pain. But in the end, I'm glad I took the time (even though I was hating life during the staining). The kids are thrilled with the results. And I am VERY grateful for the plans you provided Ana! Thank you!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner (Oil based), Dark Walnut Stain (Oil based), Semi-Gloss Lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Flip Top Storage Bench

Submitted by jagrjones on Sat, 12/01/2012 - 17:00

This bench works great as a piano bench with storage inside for all of the sheet music. I added one little 4x4x.75 piece of wood inside in the middle because I found that the 1x12 seat would flex in the center but after adding that piece of wood it was solid. I also added eye hooks and chain for the top so that it does not flip all the way backwards.

Finish Used
Started with two applications of Minwax wood sealer, then a coat of Minwax English Chestnut and then some spray on polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

How to Build a Laundry Pedestal

I was tired of stooping to do laundry with my front-loading washer. I used the plans for Sausha's washer/dryer pedestals and tweaked them a bit.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Platform: semi-gloss latex paint + primer; legs and side: chalky finish paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

First Woodworking Project Ever

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/03/2017 - 09:18

This was my first woodworking project ever. No woodworking experience at all and very little experience with power tools. I am super inspired now and have tons of other ideas lined up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American stain, Minwax Satin Polyurethane, and Rustoleum Painter's Touch Ultracover Flat White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Love this table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/14/2020 - 11:09

This was my first big project. I made one of Ana's planters to get my feet wet. I changed the dimensions a bit. I made it counter height and shorter in length. I accidentally bought larger wood for the top, so it's a bit heavy. I built the top on the deck after I put the base together to save time and my back. I went with a Behr solid color stain. I had some frustrating moments but I am thrilled with the results. You can't buy a solid wood table for $150!

I absolutely love it. I can't wait to make more furniture.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr solid color stain - pewter
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

TURNED LEG FARMHOUSE TABLE

Submitted by kwildman on Tue, 12/04/2012 - 07:27

I love how this table turned out! This table was built for a friend of mine who wanted a rustic farmhouse table with "fancy" legs. The legs and apron are painted white and distressed. The table top is stained 2 x 6 pine. We love it! Thank you so much for the plans Ana! The legs are 5" turned maple legs. First, I painted the legs and apron "java brown" and then using Minwax furniture paste wax, I applied wax to the areas that I wanted to distress. After two coats of satin white paint, I distressed the legs using 220 grit sandpaper. Two coats of wax and the legs were silky smooth! The top is 2 x 6 yellow pine. I used two coats of Rustoleum dark walnut, one coat of sanding sealer, a final sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and two coats of wax. Love it!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
First, I painted the legs and apron "java brown" and then using Minwax furniture paste wax, I applied wax to the areas that I wanted to distress. After two coats of satin white paint, I distressed the legs using 220 grit sandpaper. Two coats of wax and the legs were silky smooth!

The top is 2 x 6 yellow pine. I used two coats of Rustoleum dark walnut, one coat of sanding sealer, a final sanding with 220 grit sandpaper and two coats of wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Extra Long Bench

Submitted by lrsummers on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 10:37

This was a custom build for a friend. It's nearly 8 feet long and I used the plans from the classic chair made simple for the back legs and support for the seat. Everything else was customized to fit her needs. =) Lots and lots and lots of pocket holes but this piece turned out better than what was pictured in my head! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum black in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Amazing Storage Shelf

Submitted by walthoca on Fri, 01/06/2017 - 11:03

Love this shelf. We found we had to pre-drill holes since the wood we used was very dense, but in the end it was still a 1-day project (including buying wood and running other errands). It was perfect for our storage room since we really wanted a shelf to store totes, but didn't want to spend a lot on a room we never go in. In the end we spent $80 on wood, which is far less than comparable metal shelves for $160-$180 elsewhere. In addition this thing is STURDY. Thank you Ana!!

Estimated Cost
$80 (CAD)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Modified Willy Bookcases

Submitted by AhmaNaz on Thu, 09/17/2020 - 09:57

2 bookcases for my family, storage and organization. Left raw for them to customize. Current vision is purple and pink or maybe an ombre stain like we saw on Good Bones. Hopefully I can add update of final decision.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Raw
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mimi's Faux Mantle

Submitted by adriannew on Fri, 12/07/2012 - 22:06

Our home (like many) does not have a fireplace or mantle. So, I decided to build one. Thank goodness for Lowes. They pre-cut all wood for me. I was afraid to use a drill (I'm a rookie), so I nailed all pieces of wood with 1 1/2 inch nails. Wood glue was fabulous prior to using the hammer. I omitted decorative molding too. I think I used too much antique paint, but I can always re-paint it next year. I don't think I'll have the mantle up all year long, but it's great for a Christmas decoration. I hope this gives hope to anyone out there considering this project. If I can do it, YOU can totally do it! Thank you SO much for helping a novice builder like me add something to our home.

Estimated Cost
$80.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
antique paint and clear finishing spray
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Gaby Buffet Table

Submitted by zjlawlor on Sat, 09/20/2014 - 10:39

I built this buffet table for our dining room using the Gaby Kitchen Island plans. I used some reclaimed boards I salvaged from a trash pile at work for the top and side aprons. I also used old pallet wood for the bottom shelf boards. This gave it the cool, rustic look I was going for and really helped set it apart. Really fun project. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than 50$ (wood, screws, stain, etc) - I was able to use salvaged wood for much of it and had the tools.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Started with light coat of primer, immediately wiping away excess. Dark stain is kona (2 coats) and the top and sides are stained weathered gray (1 coat). We wanted more of the white to show through the grey, and the nature of the reclaimed boards helped with this.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Christmas Present

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 12:56

Thank you for the plans. It was a fun build and my girls love it!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used min-wax stain for the floors and major league sports colors for paints from Home Depot. We used flagstaff green for outside paint and textured spray paint for roof. I also added 6 LED lights in the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Charlie's Scooter

Submitted by fanofana on Wed, 12/12/2012 - 18:20

I saw this adorable scooter on Ana's website and thought it would be perfect for my godchild's 1st birthday! (my kids are a little too big for it otherwise I would have made it for them as well). I didn't read the entire post before I started so I didn't read that you should use harder wood to avoid chipping and all that but it still worked out okay, certainly not perfect but a fun gift that I was proud to give.

The multiple paint colors added time as I was always retouching one color up and then going back to another color but that was more me being sloppy than anything.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Entertainment jelly jar cabinet

Submitted by rmckenna12 on Tue, 09/23/2014 - 12:39

This was a weekend project , lots of fun !

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
red spray paint and black stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

4x4 truss beam table - working breadboard ends and matching bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/09/2017 - 16:17

mortise and tenon joints with dado for breadboards

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Custom stain mix
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Barn Door Console - 2 Door

Submitted by REDCANVAS on Tue, 09/22/2020 - 16:55

Use the plans from Grandby Barn Door Console to create this two-door cabinet for my sister. Modified plans to fit specific space. Rough Cost including mini barn door hardware, and finishing paint/clear coat is $150 Canadian dollars.

Estimated Cost
$150 CAD
Finish Used
Paint is Beautitone Worn Cedar (Home Hardware type of paint in Canada)
Stain is Minwax Dark Walnut.

Triptych Jewelry Stand

Submitted by lbrown on Tue, 12/18/2012 - 14:52

For my boyfriend's oldest niece, who is 13, I decided to make a jewelry stand for Christmas this year. I thought it would be fun to make a triptych with a place for earrings in the middle and necklaces on the sides, sketched out a basic design and got started building.

For the details on how to build it, check out my blog: http://homeandawaywithlisa.com/blog/2012/12/18/triptych-jewelry-stand.h…

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White Spray Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

RH Balustrade Coffee Table

Submitted by jhavinga on Sat, 09/27/2014 - 15:31

Loved this coffee table ever since I saw it at Restoration Hardware. Thank you Ana & Jen.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Legs are $30 each. Shipping is $60 (To Sumas, Washington).
Wood was from an old Church.. But my guess would be $100 for HD Wood.
Total of $300 including screws, glue, stain, etc.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
A variety. Because it was all reclaimed, some wood I didnt even stain. just sanded and it came out the exact color I wanted. To blend it all together however, I used Minwax Weathered Oak & Special Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mrsfinefettle

Tue, 10/07/2014 - 20:59

I love how your table turned out! Fabulous job! Did you use the knotty pine legs? I also love your couch! Do you mind sharing where you purchased it?

Thanks!

In reply to by Mrsfinefettle

jhavinga

Tue, 10/14/2014 - 10:08

Sorry for the delayed reply.

For the legs I did use the Knotty Pine. Cheapest and still look great.

As for our couch set, we had them custom made from a local Furniture store called Canadian Furniture Manufacturing. If your ever in the lower mainland of BC, Canada, be sure to stop by there!

Cheers,

Justin

Singhs

Sat, 01/10/2015 - 15:08

Since this was reclaimed/barn wood how did you prep the wood for the table ? Plane or Sand etc, and when prepped what finish did you use ?

In reply to by Singhs

jhavinga

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 13:10

A BUTT load of sanding.. no planeing necessary. I used a mix of weathered oak and special walnut stains to balance out all the mixmatched wood as 1 colour. For example the cedar planks for the bottom shelf i didnt stain at all, while the legs are pine and had to make them gray/brown to match the cedar planks.

Cheers,
Justin