Community Brag Posts

Mantel Headboard - Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and DIY Tufting

Submitted by meliss987 on Tue, 07/30/2013 - 18:56

I love this headboard :)
We finally completed the tufting portion of the mantel headboard tonight and it looks great! Anna's design was easy to follow and the tufting part was easier than I thought...I followed http://www.cape27blog.com/2013/03/tufted-headboard-tutorial/ for the tufting portion.

Can't wait for the next project!

Finish Used
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint with Annie Sloan Dark Wax Finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sideboard/Buffet

Submitted by rcnicks on Tue, 03/13/2018 - 14:03

This was a piece made by my husband for our outdoor living/patio area! Love how it turned out--and the walnut top was worth the extra money. Same wood that he used to make a fireplace mantle in the same outdoor area. The plank doors were leftover pieces we used to cover a ceiling, and created a great result. Found the Annie Sloan paint (Parisian Grey, I believe) and wax on a Buy/Sell Facebook site in our neighborhood and saved a little money.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan chalk paint and wax on base; Heavy floor type wax on walnut top
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Hailey platform bed for teenager

Submitted by daveandamy on Thu, 08/01/2013 - 11:53

We needed a twin XL for our 17 year old grandson. This platform bed was perfect. It didn't take much to change the plans for the XL since it's the same length as a queen bed. We added the center support simply for added strength and changed the legs to make them longer so I can put wheeled drawers underneath the bed for added storage.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with semi gloss in charcoal gray.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laptop Table

Submitted by brittanyj on Wed, 08/19/2015 - 13:29

I saw Jen's one board challenge post and realized that some wood I got for free off CL a year ago included the right amount of walnut.  This seemed like the perfect plan to utilize this beautiful wood in a worthy way.  I did not have a 1x8, so I made a butcher block kind of top, which I think I like even better since the colors and grain vary.  

Placement of the connecting bolts is quite tricky and led to some misplaced holes : ( The stop blocks to the side of the legs aren't mentioned in her plan, but pictured, and are recommended in order to stop the legs from splaying too far.  I used pocket holes for all joinery and no stain, just poly for the finish.  The final coat I watered down some water based poly and wiped on for a smooth finish.  Love it!   

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used wood I got free off CL, so only the bolts were paid for and that was around $10
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Children's Toy box

Submitted by jjunge08 on Sun, 03/18/2018 - 14:03

My wife and I are expecting our first child so I wanted to make a toybox for his toys.  I liked the plan that i found on this website since the front piece had the cutout to reduce fingers getting pinched.  I also added some spring assisted hinges to make help the lid stay up and also close a little softer than just regular hinges.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Total cost for lumber is about $50-70
Hinges and Spring Hinges - $15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Headboard Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/23/2022 - 19:22

My first attempt at making a headboard bench.  

by Kent!

Sling Chairs

Super Cute, Super Easy & Super Affordable! Cant wait to build the adult size chairs!

Estimated Cost
$30 for both!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Wood Chaise Lounge from $35 plans

Submitted by gr_blake on Sat, 08/03/2013 - 07:22

My wonderful husband helped me with this project. This was our first project from Ana White plans. This took us longer than we anticipated but I think it was due to the finish and dry time of each layer. We plan on making a second one to give us a set. I added a decorative knob on the back piece to hang a towel from or bag. This was so much fun, a huge money saver and now a one of a kind piece. Thank Ana your site is amazing.

Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Distressed Turquoise, Gunstock Stain also from Ana White post. Embellished with a decorative knob to hang a towel, bag etc
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kitchen Island

Saw this table and wanted to put it in my kitchen, looks great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Min wax clear acrylic, latex paint from Lowes. color (moss) Rubbed some brown glazing over the green before putting on the clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farm House Table

I built the table and bench with the plans on this site and it turned out great.  My finace stained the top with a miniwax stain and spray painted the bases white and distressed them.  Also applied polyurethane to the stained tops.  Probably have $100 invested in this project.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Multipurpose Cart

Submitted by ddietz12 on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 09:05

Ok, so I built this table for my Brother. He just purchased a new BBQ and I noticed he didn't have anywhere for staging his food. I was going to just build a table, but then I saw this rolling cart w/ removable tray. I thought it was a great idea. He can bring the tray inside, load it up with food and supplies, bring it to the grill, and then bring it to the table if he so desires. I made a few changes from the original . The biggest changes were that I did not put handles on it nor did I make it a rolling cart. The main reason was.....well....i just didn't feel like it. HaHa
If he decides he wants it to roll, it's a pretty easy fix to take care of that for him. Me personally, I just liked it as a stationary table. And since I built it, I can pretty much do what I want. (insert laugh) I also added an extra handle to one side of the cart. It can be used for a towel, BBQ tools, etc.
I did add extra side supports and added some additional trim to the side to take up some gaps. This aided in added strength and prevented the top tray from falling through the top. I noticed with the original plan that the tray only sat on the end pieces and there was nothing preventing it from falling right on through. Either that or I built it wrong. Either way it was an easy fix and I like the way it looks afterwards too.
Overall I am happy with the build portion of it, but extremely bummed with the finish. I tried my hand at painting it with outdoor paint and a clear outdoor top coat. For some reason I could just not get it smooth. Oh well, we live and learn. No more painting for me, I will stick to staining from now on.
I hope you all enjoy and maybe my Brother will invite you over for a BBQ. He at least better invite me over!!

Thanks Ana for another brilliant plan. Couldn't do it it without you! (or coffee)
Checkout the blog link for more pictures!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar oil based outdoor paint.
Minwax® Helmsman® Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ddietz12

Mon, 06/27/2011 - 18:48

Stop being so hard on yourself. I think it came out awesome. Now go start building my lounge chair so I can lay out in the sun and get a tan!!!! Love, Your Wife :)

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 06/27/2011 - 19:31

That was such a funny write-up! Great job, it looks amazing and modern, and I want one!

Girl's Playhouse Loft Bed

Submitted by Lthomas on Mon, 08/05/2013 - 11:23

When I saw this bed plan, I knew it was a must have for my 4-yr old daughter. It was a fairly easy build as long as you have the right tools (ie Kreg Jig). Due to the size of the finished product, I built the 5 sides out in the garage, put one coat of paint on everything, and then carried them into the bedroom for assembly. I then put on a second coat of paint. Needless to say painting this bed was tedious, and if I had to do things over, I would consider a power sprayer and at least priming the entire thing before final assembly. I went with the toy boxes in the steps per Ana's plan and it is perfect for all of my daughter's "babies". We found some wall stickers at Target that fit our theme perfectly and added them to the bed. She loves it!! Thanks Ana for the plans!

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Printers Triple Console Sideboard

This was such a fun build!  First time working with plywood - definitely won't be the last.  Really love how it came out.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American Stain, polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

handmadewithash

Wed, 08/26/2015 - 20:56

this looks gorgeous!  Where did you purchase your drawer pulls?  I started this project in November and I hope to finish it before the summer is up! (heh I'm such a procrastinator!)

Blanket Ladder

Submitted by Liz Miller on Sat, 04/14/2018 - 08:10

I've been eyeing blanket ladders in Pottery Barn and other stores for a while. No way was I paying over $200 for one, so I turned to Ana! I had some supplies on hand so this project only took me 20 minutes to make (minus staining) and cost $12! I set the rungs higher up because it's going behind my couch so I left the bottom open. I didn't bother with wood filler for the screws because I was going for rustic and the blankets would be covering it anyways. I used 1 x3's instead of 2 x 4's since I wanted it to be a little thinner. I stained it with Minewax Dark Walnut and used a little water on the wood before I stained to bring the woodgrain out.  I'm going to make a few more as gifts now that I know how easy it is!

Estimated Cost
$12 (I already had stain and screws on hand)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minewax Dark Walnut. I did use a papertowel to brush some water on it first and let it dry (very very little water) to bring out the wood grain. I also sanded it before staining.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse bed, King

Submitted by JennyG on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 13:05

We raised the headboard about 6 inches from the plan and modified the size to king. (sidenote: did you know that California King is actually narrower and longer than a standard king? I always assumed it was the widest bed on the market.)To cover the "seam" of the 2x4s on the posts, we added crown molding. Slats are tongue and groove instead of 2x4s.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

robert (not verified)

Thu, 11/15/2012 - 22:25

did you put a groove with a router on the edges of your panels on the head and foot board? If so which one.

Shanty Console turns Wine Cabinet

Submitted by lscrandall on Tue, 08/06/2013 - 20:53

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I am going to share a project with you that I built with the help of some plans from Ana-White.com.In a weekend we carved out a custom wine cabinet we will be donating to a local children’s charity here in St Peter’s, MO. This lovely cabinet was created from the SHANTY OPEN SHELF CONSOLE, which was designed for the Shanty sisters at Shanty-2-Chic blog site. We altered the plan to make it a wine cabinet which came out spectacular! Ana, thank's again for providing your free plans. I will be happy to upload the altered plans in a couple days so you can all enjoy them! Happy wood working!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Anne Sloan Old Ocher chalk pain and wax set clear/brown
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JLDunlap

Wed, 08/07/2013 - 14:43

Thinking this would make a great Christmas Gift idea for quite a few of my friends! Can't wait for the altered plans!

Cody9691

Sun, 08/18/2013 - 08:46

Looks great! Any idea when the altered plans will be available? Itching to get this built for my SO.

Joeboxer1013

Tue, 08/27/2013 - 13:51

I'm adding this to the top of my build list as soon as the modified plans are uploaded! Thanks for taking the time to add them.

lscrandall

Wed, 08/28/2013 - 17:10

Wine Console Altered Plans

Sorry it took me so long, our blog over at Hello...I Live Here has kept us busy with all our new visitors. But as promised here are the altered plans to help you make the wine bottle holder and stemware holder.

MAKING THE WINE BOTTLE HOLDER:

Start your project with Ana White's plans. Finish the whole thing, but only make one door. Leave the other side open and alter as follows to get your wine holders:

1. First cut 3 additional shelves 17 5/8" wide. Make sure you Kreg 3/4" holes on the right and left side of the shelves, connect to the sides with 1 1/4" PH (pocket hole screws - Kreg).

2. We spaced each of our shelves 3 1/2" apart, allowing 12 bottles to be stored in the wine case.

3. Cut in half length wise a 1x2 board. This will give you a horizontal stringer about .75" wide.

4. We customized the top shelf board to fit the distance - we did not want the board to hang down interfering with the wine storage. We trimmed this board to 3/4" to match the shelf thickness. Then glued and nailed into place.

5. Once the top board is in place, measure the distance from the bottom shelf to the top shelf to just under the top shelf board from step 4. With a pencil mark the stringer and cut to size, and install with glue and nails. This step needs to be completed 3 times 3 1/2" apart from each other. You should now have 12 square boxes making your wine storage.

6. On each shelf behind the three stringers, we placed a divider to keep the bottles from hitting one another. Each divider is 1/2" square, and 11 1/4 long, to match the shelf depth.

MAKING THE WINE STEM HOLDERS:

Now that you are done building the box for the wine holder, we can move on to the stemware holder.

1. We purchased .25 x 1.5" x 36" poplar flat wood. This will make the bottom of the T's and L's stem ware holders.

2. Then we used 1/2" square pieces of poplar to make the L and T mounts. Mount the flat poplar to the 1/2" squares making 2 L shaped pieces for the Right and Left side of the unit, then make 3 T's for the centers. You will use glue, and clamp them down tight, then nail together.

3. Hang each L shape on the Left and Right Side of the unit with finish nails. The next part is kind of trick and depends on the size of the stem bottom you will be hanging not all base bottoms are the same. Once your L's are hung, take the stem wear you will be hanging and rest it into the L shape holding the glass (do not let go of the glass it will break if dropped). Then position the T shaped molding to accommodate your stemware. Move the glass in and out of the L and T until you get your desired width for your stemware. Mark the T you are holding with a pencil , carefully sit down the stemware and mount the T shaped holder. Continue until all 3 of the T's are hung ( we used glue and nails to complete this process).

We used a bead-board backer instead of plywood to give it that French country feel.

We hope these plans help you build a piece you love! This piece of furniture brought the charity we donated it to $500 extra dollars to help their children. We at Hello...I Live Here were very proud of the job we did and that we got to help some wonderful children!

Visit us at www.helloilivehere.com or stop by our Facebook page and give us a big like once you complete your project!

Happy building ;-)
- LC

Joeboxer1013

Thu, 08/29/2013 - 13:01

Thanks so much for posting the plans! My sister has been asking me to make this for her since she saw the pics a couple of weeks ago.

Side note: I'm from St. Louis, MO, so seeing you were from St. Charles caught my eye!