Community Brag Posts

Industrial Chandelier

Submitted by SaraLodise on Fri, 07/21/2017 - 05:22

Industrial chandelier for our dining room made from black iron pipe pieces from Lowes and some leftover black walnut scraps. It was a sometimes frustrating design-as-you go project that required loads of help from my electrical engineer husband. Love how it finally turned out!

Estimated Cost
$220
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax special walnut to match pine to other wood, then a coat of Waterlox to bring out walnut grain.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Rustic TV/Media Console Table

Submitted by tracysmith on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 17:18

This is our first build ever, not what I would suggest for a first project, but it came out wonderfully! This was a piece built specifically for a friend of mine who had just cancelled an order for a console just like this because the company she was buying it from wanted to charge her an arm and a leg for shipping.

I had been spending a lot of time on Ana's site and started to use Sketch-up to build some pieces that I needed here for us. I told her, Heck, I could build that.. and so it began. :-)

This is made of plywood and is mostly pine, with a couple of exceptions. As soon as Ana has her plan submission thing going right, I will post plans to build this console for yourselves! :-)

I listed this as intermediate because I think you would need to have at least a decent knowledge base as well as specific tools such as; Kreg Jig, circular saw or table saw, power sander and nail gun. I also listed it as 20 or more hours, because that's what it took us to build. You might not take that long, but this was our first build with NO real experience. :-)

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax water-based stain, clear tint, in Coffee
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rustic x coffee table

Submitted by Mtrhea on Tue, 05/21/2013 - 19:14

My first project. Hope to make more!

Estimated Cost
40-50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oxidized
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

Rustic picture frame

Submitted by FireWolf13 on Thu, 08/03/2017 - 19:26

Simple picture frame made from old scraps of wood I found laying around. 

Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None because I wanted the old look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wide Bookcase - TV stand

Submitted by mamasteph on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 07:18

This was my first carpentry project. I made a few mistakes of course, but I am very proud of myself for building it.

I love the fact that I painted this such a vibrant red! It adds a great pop of color to our family room. This bookcase is a great stand for our new TV, and the shelves are so nice and big, they will be great to hold toy boxes and craft supplies.

Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Guest bedroom with fancy king farmhouse bed, $10 ledges, wooden crate nightstands, and wine bottle lamps

Submitted by henryholub on Fri, 05/24/2013 - 08:03

This the recent remodel of our guest bedroom. Its a modified plan from a fancy farmhouse bed that allows room for tubs to be stored underneath, three of the ledges, and the nightstands are old wooden crates that have been sanded down, painted, and mounted to the wall. We decided to do vinyl stickers as the "headboard" and felt the birds on a wire made for a good look. The lamps we made from wine bottles with labels we liked using westinghouse lamp kits. Thank you Ana White for these plans and ideas!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
"mistint" paints. White for the bed, yellow for the nightstands and lower ledges, and an orange-red valspar paint for the 8 ft ledge.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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!  :)  

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

Bird Feeder on a pole!

Submitted by Sue Hill on Fri, 08/11/2017 - 15:34

What a great little feeder! I didn't put mine in the window yet, because the screens are on for the summer. I screwed a metal flange into the bottom of the bird feed then screwed a metal pipe into the flange. Then put it in the ground under the window.  I'll add the suction cups and put it in the window in the fall.  I love watching the birds!

Estimated Cost
It didn't cost me anything since I used scrap wood from other projects. I also had the metal flange & pole in my basement. The 1/2" pipe flange is about $5, the metal pipe can run $12-$15 or more depending on how tall you want it. I used some exterior paint that I also had from another project.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Girl's Bedroom Makeover

Submitted by Anneke on Thu, 03/10/2011 - 21:38

First of all...I need to talk to my photographer sister (kaylajphoto.com) and learn how to take better photos! Our two girl's 3 and 5 share a room and I could not finish these beds fast enough!

They are higher because we have yet to build trundle or storage for underneath. I also made the little chair (just kind of winged it and modified as I went), and shelving that is by the footboard.

With a repurposed side table, new curtains, and a chandelier, I couldn't be happier with the end result! My next task is a cute vertical chalkboard piece above the table. :-)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300+ for everything
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Shaved edges of vertical wood panels before building!

1. Sanded and primed white

2. Medium Brown spray paint as a base coat

3. 2-3 coats of Heirloom White Spray paint

4. Distress with sand paper

5. Valspar mocha glaze (dry for 3-4 days)

6. Valspar opal pearlescent glaze (cure for 1 week)

7. 3 coats of lacquer clear gloss spray paint.

Bought hardware for the rails from www.Rockler.com for $12.99 and SO worth it!

Galvanized Steel Bed Rail Fasteners
NOW $13.59 @http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11



Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

See-saw for kids

Submitted by Michael M on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 09:01

Took no time at all - 1 hour start to finish on a rainy day. Built it for the little kids but kids came out of the "woodwork" from all over the neighbourhood. Easy, fun and cheap! May add some old rubber bike tires beneath the seats to protect the wood that comes in contact with the ground. Didn't bother with a padded seat - an off-cut of plywood, with sanded edges works just fine and will be easy to replace if it starts to weather.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15 in wood, $5 for bolt and washers
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by leannb on Sun, 04/19/2015 - 20:30

Built from the King Farmhouse bed plans

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

Comments

mtz_lin

Tue, 11/08/2016 - 10:49

Did you use a metal bed frame or did you make the side rails and frame? i am curious how high my mattress will sit above the footboard because I want to make the side rails and use slats. I have a boxspring that I will be using.

Entryway lockers and bench

Submitted by DIYMomof4 on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 19:24

I love Ana's plan for lockers!  This project is so rewarding and was very straight forward to build.  I added a fourth locker and a shoe bench to accomodate my children.  I also added a toekick behind the face frame so things won't get lost underneath.   Instead of using 1 x 12's, I ripped plywood into 4 equal strips.  They came out to be slightly less than 12 inches each as you have to account for the saw blade.  Each locker has three hooks, a place for shoes, and a bin for winter gear.  I made the fabric bins and bench cushion following online tutorials.  I set the hooks according to the height of my children, so even my youngest can hang up her things.  This project took me about a week and a half to complete, including the sewing portion.  It is very sturdy and the 1x4's along the back allowed me to attach the unit to several wall studs.  I placed the 1x4's(with hooks) low enough that the heavy backpacks will also have the shelf for support.    The shoe bench measures 48" in length at the longest point.  It is the same depth as the locker unit and fits perfectly behind the locker face frame.  Thank you so much for your wonderful plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a semi-gloss alkyd paint by Behr. The color is called Flagstaff green and is a bit greener than the picture shows.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Starting Small with the Farmhouse Doll Bed

Submitted by QueenMahin on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 05:34

This was my very, very first woodworking project. My daughter and I needed beds, but decided to start small. I’d been scoping out Ana’s plans for weeks or maybe months, and finally, finally worked up the nerve to tackle a project. Everything worked out beautifully. Somehow, I’d been intimidated about the idea of learning how to countersink screws, but with Ana’s directions it was easy! I did get a measurement wrong somewhere and after cutting all the wood, the 5 1×3′s for the panel were too wide for the panel top, so instead I spaced out four of them. My daughter has never liked dolls, so I made the bed thinking that it would be a gift for someone else, but my daughter really, really liked it and wanted to keep it. Now the doll bed lives at the foot of the full-sized bed that we made as our second Ana White project! Now if I could only figure out how to sew a doll-sized pillow… Thank you Ana for making this simple.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint with primer – turquoise
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Herb planter from reclaimed pallet

Submitted by dlhunter on Tue, 05/28/2013 - 11:21

I used a pallet I found in a burn pile, cut it down, added a bottom piece from one of the other cross pieces, painted, stenciled, and covered it with a coat of poly. I then added potting soil and herbs, and screwed it into the studs of our porch. It's off the ground so my dogs can't get into it and my chickens won't sample the plants!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Breadboard Ended Fancy X Desk!

Submitted by pnytail01 on Wed, 09/06/2017 - 07:59

I felt a little bold deviating from the plans when this was my first project.  But I saw another version of this desk with the breadboard ends, and I really appreciated the added craftsmanship this gave off.  Other than the top, I followed the plans to a T.  For the top, I made this from 2x6's with the 4 lengthwise pieces cut to 61" and the ends to 22" (I think I ended up trimming the ends down to match better, but 22 was a good starting point).  As for the finish, I layered stains starting with Minwax's Classic Grey followed by Minwax's Jacobean.  I made two of these desks to put in our home office.  If I think of it once the office is complete and decorated, I'll add another pic!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
After lumber, stain, and hardware, I figure I spent about $75 for each desk.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1st Layer - Minwax Classic Grey
2nd Layer - Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kitchen Island

Submitted by williemac on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 16:43

I wanted a kitchen island that would match my farmhouse table and would fit in my small kitchen.

Comments

What Nesting Instincts Can Build

I had SO MUCH FUN building this play kitchen. I looked at all the different play kitchens on the site and took what I liked. I love bead board and I LOVED the oven light idea. I’m 7 months pregnant and was still able to put this together. My lower back was starting to complain by the end so it is good I finished it up when I did. I used a kreg jig jr. instead of a nailer. For this project I wish I had a nailer, I think it would have been easier. Maybe I’ll get one for Christmas! Up next – the cabin collection!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Just sanded, primer, and paint. I hand sanded the sink and the oven but then was able to borrow a sander for the fridge (so much nicer, I’m sure that goes without saying). I painted the pieces to the refrigerator doors before I put them together.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Memory Box

I needed a way to display some old pictures... I just love the look of old pictures and and wanted something different than an ordinary frame.This is one of the easiest and cheapest picture display project you can do.

A full tutorial can be found at www.AHouse-2-Home.com

Feel free to leave a comment on our site, we greatly appreciate them!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Distressed - Stain, dry, paint , dry , sand
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Workshop Step Stool

Submitted by jaime19861 on Mon, 04/27/2015 - 13:29

I built this Workshop Step Stool as part of the #GetBuilding2015 #BuildCave challenge. It was a very easy build. I had all the needed supplies in my scrap wood. But if you did need to buy the wood, you could do it for under $10.

I found the plan here. http://www.familyhandyman.com/workshop/ridiculously-simple-shop-stool-p… 

If you want to see the steps I took to build mine, as well as more pictures, please stop by my blog at http://jaimeofalltrades.blogspot.com/2015/04/diy-workshop-step-stool.ht…

Estimated Cost
Under $10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Since this is just going to be used in my workshop, I did not apply any stain or paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Fancy Arch King Size

My husband calculated the dimensions to extend the plans from a queen to a king size bed.  It was our first project together and we're both really excited about how it turned out!  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MINWAX - Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments