Community Brag Posts

Shoe Storage Flip Top Bench - First Attempt at "Woodworking"

Submitted by rskeels on Thu, 12/26/2013 - 07:48

This is my first attempt at building and your website made it possible. There were a couple of mistakes, I admit. This was especially true with the finish. I did my best, but I'm a little impatient with letting things dry.

I am also having a difficult time estimating how long it took to build as I am the sometimes proud father of 3 boys...aged 2, 4, and 5....resulting in frequent stopping, starting, and intermittent chasing down the street. I need an exterior lock on the garage.

Thanks so much for your website Ana.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English Chestnut - Two Coats
Minwax Jacobean - One coat
Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Sewing Table

Submitted by cjlaw on Mon, 03/07/2016 - 06:30

Sewing tables are quite expensive, the cheapest I've seen was about $160. I decided to make one myself. I spent about $30 for all the wood, bolts, and nuts that I used to make it.

Estimated Cost
About 30 dollars for all supplies.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

West elm knock off coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/19/2019 - 00:36

This is the first piece of furniture I have built that I want to put in our house. I used a lot of our tools for the first time. It was really fun and definitely took me a long time but learned a lot in the process. I used all scrap wood from old fencing & old projects. And I had to make an opening for storage on one side! What do you think? :)

Estimated Cost
$50-60
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Wood stain with a mix of royal blue unicorn spit and polyurethane top coat. I had to use a wood hardener as well because the old wood I used had some dry rot. It worked well but it changed how the stain took to it a bit
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Storage Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/07/2023 - 11:19

I used these plans as inspiration and made some changes per my son's request. I made the base out of maple and changed the board dimensions to 1x2" I also used half lap joints instead of pocket hole screws (personal preference). The top is MDF and I edged plywood and MDF in Maple. Fun Project

Zen

Argie Bedside Table (Nightstand)

Submitted by mstarnes on Fri, 02/24/2012 - 09:40

Used the Argie Bedside Table plans, but instead of using plywood for the top I used 1x4's joined together. Painted it a semi-gloss black and put the stainless pull on the drawer front

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-Gloss Black Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Two Drawer/Shelf Modern Nightstand

Submitted by asalex1217 on Sat, 12/28/2013 - 19:58

Great design, easy to follow!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
black glossy paint
(*be sure to sand well!)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Child's Picnic Table

A lot of detail and time spent in painting this, but I am very happy with how it turned out. I used wider boards for the top to accommodate the hand drawn and painted flag. So glad that it is finally done!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bunk bed shelf

Submitted by dkkachik on Tue, 10/22/2019 - 09:31

My daughter asked me for a shelf near her bunk bed to put books, glasses, pen, etc. on.  I found this plan and made it that day.  Self cost less than $15!!  She loves it.  It was super simple to do!  

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Outdoor TV Lift with Electric Fireplace

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/08/2023 - 10:27

I built a TV lift with an electric fireplace cabinet. It’s 5x2 with casters for easy mobility. It goes perfect out in my bar area. I used siding all around in and the top is pinewood with a lacquer coating for long lasting.

King-sized platform bed

DIY king-sized platform bed. A quick afternoon project to get yourself off the ground. Specifically built for Ikea memory foam mattress (which doesn't honor their warranty if bed is kept on slatted wood platform bed). Detailed plans here. http://www.thehomespunjournal.com/2012/02/27/king-sized-platform-bed/

Estimated Cost
$87
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

babysteps

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:52

I am thinking that if you wanted your mattress to breathe on this platform, you could drill a bunch of small holes in the platform to let some air circulate from underneath.

Tryde Media Console

Submitted by mashhawkes on Mon, 12/30/2013 - 13:26

I built this for my little brothers living room because he desperatly needed something for his tv to sit on beside his safe (he has a true bachelor pad) i used the plans for the tryde media console and the finish on it was done with a torch. I put 2 coats of clear satin poly. The project too about 6 hours to complete. i love how it turned out !

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Torch with 2 coats of satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barn Door Media Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/14/2016 - 11:28

As always, we were super inspired by Ana White designs and wanted to tackle the media console project but add a little bit of our own farmhouse flare.  This project was stained with apple cider & white cider vinegar and topped with ivory spray paint.  Details are up on my blog, Sincerely the Smiths!   Thanks for all your inspiring projects Ana White, we love getting to see all the awesome things you do!   

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ana White

Mon, 03/14/2016 - 21:29

This is so beautiful!!!  Thank you so much for everything, I'm so honored that you use my plans and follow our projects.  With much appreciation, Ana

A Toy Chest for my Daughter!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/28/2019 - 13:02

I used these plans to build a toy chest for my daughter: https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/simple-modern-toy-box-lid

I skipped the lid and a few of the extra details, but I think it turned out alright! It was probably my second project ever, and my first at this size. Being so new to woodwork, I was unsure of a lot of my cuts, or even if I could find the proper pieces of wood at the store, but your plans helped me through a lot of it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Basic ebony stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Flip-top bench

This was my first project and I followed the plan closely, with the exception of adding a center brace under the top. I used a pocket hole jig to attach some of the of the boards, and finishing nails to secure other spots. I had to adjust the side trim pieces because my lumber was a different length than the stuff on the original plan.

I learned a lot doing this. It was wobbly when I first started but got better the more I added to it. The most important thing I learned is to be choosy when selecting boards. My top board is warped a bit so that it doesn't quite rest on the ledge on one side -- I will know what to look for next time I select boards.

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The stain is mini wax walnut, applied with a dry rag with a light hand, then wiped off.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pallet Wood Hinged Farmhouse Storage Queen

I used pallet wood for the head and foot boards and followed Jenny's Hinged Footboard plans at http://www.birdsandsoap.blogspot.com/ with a few modifications for stability so this can withstand my dogs' constant wrestling matches! The balance of the lumber was all house construction leftovers so all I bought were hinges and barrel bolts. I adore ALL the storage! I am in love with this site because it gets you "going" and then your imagination can take over and let you customize. Thank you Anna and Jenny! See my blog for a step by step.

Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Boiled linseed oil/spar varnish/mineral spirits for the pallet wood and behr's super premium plus semi-gloss with an antiquing glaze for everything else.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

romanweel

Tue, 01/07/2014 - 16:55

Great use of "cast-offs." And the creative use of what you had on hand makes for a really striking, beautiful look. Great job!

Clubhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/17/2016 - 15:47

This is my version of the clubhouse bed that i made for my 4yr old son.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
400$
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Adirondack chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/29/2019 - 12:43

Finally built my daughter a chair and she loves it

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
40.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Patio sitting area
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Big Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 07/14/2023 - 12:54

Thank you Ana for your work and making your plans available for free!
My table is based on your Big Kids Table, modified to use available free scrap wood.

tcphillips

Built from Plan(s)

Pantry Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 03/05/2012 - 16:57

Pantry cabinet, with lots of room, Ana-inspired. We combined ideas from the Momplex kitchen, simple armoire, and benchmark storage, and we are super pleased with how this turned out. We built it in 2 pieces, attached together and then secured to the base and wall studs so it’s a ‘built-in’. Then we added lots of trim and painted to match the dining room. The opening at the left is large enough to fit pretty much any size microwave, and there’s a dedicated outlet behind it in the opening. The shelves are spaced wide enough apart for tall cereal boxes, tall bottles, and chip bags to stand upright. Overall finished cabinet size is 48" wide and 95 3/4" tall. This took us several days to complete. Since the doors are tall and kind of heavy, we added the Blum cabinet door dampeners from Rockler (these things really work!). Ana, thank you so much for the inspiration. I don’t think we would have tried this if it wasn’t for you. We love our new pantry!

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ace Royal semi-gloss in Wishbone (front and bottom side), and in Crushed Peanut (upper side). We did 3 coats, sanding in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 00:05

Fantastic!

yogashell

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 07:44

It looks amazing! What a great idea to add it as a built-in. Nice modification for the microwave.

Stool

Submitted by K Kelly on Wed, 01/01/2014 - 19:18

My first project! it took me longer than it should have but I had never used a jig saw or hinges before. The kids were 2&3 (now 3&4) and they LOVE them!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted and/or stained to match kids bedrooms
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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