Community Brag Posts

Bay Window Drawer Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:22

This is inspired by mud room bench with drawer. Apparently I had to make quite some modifications as this is for a bay window bench with trapezoid shape instead of a rectangular. In the middle are 2 drawers, at both ends are corner cabinets. Ana's design worked beautifully as the foundation of my project.

Built from Plan(s)

A clearance shelf

Okay in all fairness to a woodworking site, I did not actually MAKE this shelf. However, I saw the plan for how to decoupage my scraps and thought hey I did something like this a few months back. I think I will take a picture and share what you can do with decoupage and some scraps.... did that make sense? Anyway, this is to give you an idea of something you can do!

So - found this shelf on the damaged section at Hobby Lobby for less than $20 in fact I think it was about $16 or so. It was missing 2 of the glass sections, one of the backs to the picture, and one hook. It also had some small places where the paint was chipped off. So I bought it with a great place to put it but no definitive plan on how to fix it.

Here's my rehab - filled in scratched spots with a black sharpie, it looks pretty good. Instead of trying to find glass/backs, I found some copyright free letters and had prints made of them (there is a whole folder out there on flickr of copyright free letter photos for personal use). Of course, I had to agonize over which ones to use and which had the correct orientation - I ended up with a metal stamped C, a concrete O, a wood carved a, a stitiched T, and a painted s. Then I took thin scrap board, cut them to size, and decoupaged the letters on to each board. For my final decoupage coatings, I used a small brush one way and then the other to give the product a canvas like texture. When that was dry, I sprayed it with a matte clear coat (if you don't do this over mod podge it has a sticky feel to it and dust/dog hair etc will stick to it). I put these little plaques in the holes of my shelf with tape. No glass needed when the decoupage is sealed like this.

Unfortunately, I could not find hooks to match the missing ones so I just bought new ones and will save the other 4 for some other project.

Hung it up and hung coats on it!

Estimated Cost
$20 - including the shelf
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Monster mash activity table

Submitted by monster on Wed, 02/26/2014 - 19:20

This was a really easy and inexpensive project. As I don't have a table saw and I'm scared to death of my circular saw, I had the laminated MDF cut to size and edged. Assembly and painting was really quick. This little man will road test it for me!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Enamel paint for the red trim
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My pallet coop and Ana White run

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/30/2016 - 09:44

My husband bulky this coop from pallets and used Ana White's chicken run plans. Took us a weekend to build the run.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern media console - walnut slab

Submitted by jvtoomey on Sat, 03/14/2020 - 14:02

Built mainly from the Modern Media Console plan, modified in a few ways.  Aside from the obvious part being the walnut slab on top, I modified the doors to be inset hinges for looks, and it’s slightly longer than the original plans.  The other main modification was using the base from the Emersen Console or Buffet plan with the addition of the adjustable height leveling legs. 

Estimated Cost
750
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stained with American walnut to bring the hue of the walnut and maple to be similar, then finished with a light coating of clear satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entryway Shelf

I built this from the Easy Kitchen Shelf Plan, but only used 3 2x6's as the top to make it 16.5" in width and shortened the length to 46" to fit the space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I finished it with Minwax Dark Walnut Stain and used some leftover off-white Beautitone paint for the legs. Finished it with 3 coats of Crystal Clear Varathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Disney inspired SeeSaw

Submitted by Anne in AL on Mon, 03/03/2014 - 11:51

Our 2 year old granddaughter loves seesaws, so my husband built this one for her. We had just been to Disney World and decided to make the seat Mickey shaped for a little extra fun. He used his bandsaw to cut the seat.

The seesaw is plenty stable enough for us to go on it with her and has been a BIG hit with the neighborhood kids.

More pictures on our blog: http://yearoflivingdisney.wordpress.com/2014/03/03/disney-ride-at-home/

Thank you, Ana, for these plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
wood was minimal cost, the paint was the expense!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
exterior semigloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Desk Success!

Submitted by mrcleland on Thu, 06/02/2016 - 06:07

Started this project out of boredom. I had some time and some extra wood laying around. Some was from pallets I took apart, some from a salvage house, and some from an old barn. I built the table in a few hours and worked through any misshaped boards as best as possible. It was a relativley easy project and fun to see the legs turn out with each step. I plan to use cables and turnbuckles for the cross braces on the back and will update the pic when I do. I just need to find a home for it now.

Estimated Cost
Free since all wood was salvaged or scrap.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Card catalog shoe cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 03/25/2020 - 15:43

I built the shoe cabinet but added card catalog handles. Also used deck railing toppers for the feet

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore advanced

Captains Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/04/2023 - 14:46

We made the captain’s bed for our two grandchildren, and they love it. We have made several things from Ana’s plans. They are so easy to follow! Thanks so much!

Dena

Built from Plan(s)

8 Foot long Book Shelves

We recently created a Dr. Seuss themed reading nook on our upper level. We have one large book shelf near it, but have also wanted a way to display children's books. These ledge shelves make the books easy to access while also creating a beautiful piece artwork at the top of our stairs. Now, instead of have a long blank wall in the hallway between doors on the little landing we have a beautiful library. I have loved how they have turned out and wanted to share with others!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
After screwing them all together we painted them white. It gives a elegant look!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Simple vanity

Submitted by jlrd13 on Sat, 06/04/2016 - 19:57

My husband and I built a house doing all the work that we could. When we started the project, I told the men in my life they were going to build the kitchen cabinets. They were pretty adamant they weren't.  I started visiting with experienced cabinet makers. One kept repeating, "It's just a box. It's not that hard to build a box."  With that encouragement, I found Ana's website and set about learning woodworking. First I built a step stool for my grandson, next I built some shelves for the shop, then I built this vanity. After I finally got it finished, I called an experienced woodworker to build my kitchen cabinets. Ha! I will say though, when the appraiser came out, he commented on what a nice vanity it was! Thank you, Ana, for opening up a new world to me!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I had to buy an additional piece of oak as I made a wrong cut. It also took me a lot longer than someone with more experience, but it is doable for a beginner.
Finish Used
Custom stain. 24 oz mission oak, 24 oz paint thinner, 12 oz English chestnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Stinctly Made Crib

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 10:15

While I found the plans a little difficult to follow as there were steps left out, missing measurements, and misinformation, it was an easy project and I'm so glad I made it. Even at 21 weeks pregnant it was totally doable alone. The only thing I needed my husband for was to hold the side rails at the correct height.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kona by Varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wardrobe

Submitted by dustimausi on Thu, 05/24/2012 - 14:57

Since I had little space in my floor I took to logs from the field.
I first polished them with sandpaper and steelwool. 1st time dry, 2nd time wet. After drying I paintetd one with white stain. The other one with nutchest stain and clear coat.

The white log was once more polished with steelwool after painting.
Therefore it has an used/bleached look.

I added warderobe hooks to each log and screwed them to the wall.

Price 30 €

About 10 € for 20 € for the hooks and screws.

Sorry, my english is not so good - I'm not a native speaker.

Estimated Cost
30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

King size platform bed and headboard

Submitted by Rgb057 on Sun, 03/09/2014 - 11:25

I converted the plans to king size and used oak for the headboard and the platform edge on the bed. The oak added to the cost as it is almost 10x the cost as construction lumber.
I made the headboard frame with pocket holes and attached it to the plywood with screws from behind. I also used pocket screws to assemble the bed frame.

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

CreativeChaos

Sun, 04/20/2014 - 06:54

I've been waiting to see if anyone would modify this for a king size. Would you mind sharing the dimensions you used for your headboard? I love your fabric and the oak gives it such a quality appearance. Nice job!

Wood Hall Tree

Submitted by advanlente on Sat, 03/28/2020 - 11:41

My family was all coming over for Christmas and we were going to have about 30 people at my house. I only had my mudroom hooks but no other place to store people's keys, coats, etc. When I saw these plans they looked quick enough to build in one night (the night before the party lol). So I did! And man did it get use. I wish I would've taken a picture with all the coats and purses and keys on it. 

Built from Plan(s)

Wood Porch Swing

Submitted by ccobb1612 on Thu, 11/16/2023 - 08:59

Made the large porch swing and changed length to fit into porch space. Used rope to hang for more rustic look.
Note - next time will possibly used 2x6 for arm rest to allow for drink holder hole and possibly on framing instead of 2x4s. DIL and new grandson love it.

Built from Plan(s)

Cottage Bench

Submitted by toosure1 on Sun, 05/27/2012 - 15:17

Saw this bench and loved it. Since its Memorial weekend I thought I would add some personal belongings to it.

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Kilz Primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table for house

Submitted by N8Heinrich on Thu, 03/13/2014 - 08:52

My wife wanted a new table for our dining room in our new house. I have been eyeing this project for a couple of years and finally convinced my wife that I could do it since we had the space. The plans on this site were easy to follow and I was able to really put it together. As far as the color of the stain, that is all my wife as she has the eye for colors and matching. Overall, this was a fun project and I can't wait to put the bench together next.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean Stain; then 3 coats of Poly all brush applied
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Salsa Console

Submitted by paineda on Mon, 06/13/2016 - 08:59

There is 1x10 on the shopping list! This was the first cut to make and I realized no where does it say to grab a 1x10 board.  Other than that, the plans were great.  Definitely made some mistakes along the way but overall I am very pleased.  Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350-400.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Painted two colors, brown then blue. Sanded to give it antique look and finished with polycrilic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate