Community Brag Posts

dress up bin

Submitted by clantate on Tue, 09/03/2013 - 06:23

My husband made this for my daughter's 4th birthday. she loves it! We did decided not to add the wheels and it seems to be fine without them. We chose to do her name in letters as well. I did the lines and dots with a sharpe marker.

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

The Media Hutch Entertainment Center

Submitted by MikeP112 on Mon, 10/26/2015 - 09:28

I built this for my oldest brother.  I only used 2x2's for the legs.  I built the carcuses out of plywood and used 1x2 select pine for the face frames.  I built the top shelfs to be 5 feet tall.  So the whole thing is 7 feet high by 8 feet wide.  

Estimated Cost
$600-$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Primed with Killz, and painted with Sherwin Williams Analytical Grey. After it was painted I used a finishing wax for a topcoat
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Fire Place and TV Surround

We needed a surround for the TV and really wanted to have a fireplace underneath. I took the Shanty Hutch/Sideboard plans and made some modifications. Took about 2 weeks to complete.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
We bought the fireplace for the project, so with all included about $600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Varathane American Walnut on the interior surfaces. I used a paint/stain blend for the exterior. It is a color match tint for my house.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My bag dispenser, made from scrap pieces of maple and pine

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/26/2022 - 13:13

I went looking at plans for a bag dispenser, and I found Ana White's. Nice, simple design! The top, front, and bottom are made from a recycled maple table top. The sides are made from 1 x 3 boards that I glued up. Works exactly as I hoped!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Indoor Dog Kennel

I love my dogs, but their wire kennels were an eyesore. Removing them completely was not an option, but I was tired of looking at them. I went back to my first-ever rehab project, and took it one step further to create a one-of-a-kind castle for my pups.
The original piece of furniture was an old console-style TV cabinet. Sliding doors on the front revealed the TV, and two lids on top contained the tuner and a turn-table.

Armed with screwdrivers, hammers and a dremmel, all components were removed form the cabinet, leaving just the shell. (PLEASE be sure you remove all sharp, potentially dangerous, screws, staples and what-not’s from the inside of the cabinets, to avoid injuring your pet! The dremmel allowed me to cut off and grind down stubborn screws.)

To cover the holes in the top cabinets, I used old checker boards. The cubbies are now a great place to store dog treats and leashes.

OPTIONAL: The back panel of the cabinet I used had holes from the TV components. I elected to replace the back board with a new sheet of peg board. (The peg board allows for much-needed ventilation.) In order to get the size perfect, I traced the old back onto the new and marked the original screw holes.

I vacuumed the inside to remove all construction debris and polished the exterior with Pledge. Then, I inserted an old comforter into the kennel, and stood back as my two pups launched themselves into their new abode.

The doors can stay open during the day for them to enter at their own will, and close for bedtime. And my eyes no longer hurt.

Estimated Cost
Cost of Cabinet (will vary)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I did not elect to change the finish, but it could be painted to match any decor if you want.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Barbara Cash

Thu, 08/11/2011 - 18:41

This was such a great idea. I love the old console. I love to build but I love it so much more when I can use old wood or repurpose parts of old furniture and industrial pieces. I feel creative. The checker boards are great. Do you have a blog?

Beffus (not verified)

Wed, 08/24/2011 - 09:33

I wish I thought of this or saw it long ago! I have 2 huge ugly crates in my living room...I am now on the hunt for 2 much better looking living spaces for my "other babies"! Love love this idea so much looks beautiful!

Chevron Cassidy Queen bed

Submitted by blpetrie on Wed, 09/04/2013 - 20:42

We took the general plan of the Cassidy wood shim bed but added some features of our own. Since my husband is in the military we knew we would be moving more than the average builder so we made the bed to be more durable for frequent disassemblies. Instead of screwing the frame to the head and foot board we used carriage bolts to secure the pieces.

We also wanted to add a reclaimed aspect to our bedroom. We bought some reclaim cedar siding from a local estate investor and decided to do a chevron pattern. After staining the whole frame, we applied the siding to both the head and the foot board since we bought basic plywood and wanted to cover both ends. Plus, we liked the look with both ends done better. We cut the siding at 45 degree angles and then custom cut each piece to fit. This was a time consuming area since, with reclaimed wood especially, each piece is unique. We then just used liquid nails to secure the pieces.

To finish we assembled the bed and applied a paste wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 (with cost of reclaimed wood)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We applied one coat of Rust-Oleum Kona with foam brushes then let it set for about one minute before wiping excess with a rag. We really wanted the wood grain to pop and this did the trick. We applied a coat of paste wax after stain was dry.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Matthew Martin

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 21:12

This bed sure looks amazing. I made a bed from the same design just a little more like the main shim bed with a tad bit of modifying. like you guys i was military and made the bed for easy take apart with 7in lag bolts vs nailing. Good luck with future builds.

jmorken

Tue, 05/13/2014 - 08:44

You guys did a fantastic job! My wife and i were looking to create a bed with a chevron or herring bone pattern, and this provides the perfect visual. Question about the foot board: It looks like there are varying thicknesses or some type of beading on the boards. Is there?
Thank you!
j

jmorken

Tue, 05/13/2014 - 08:44

You guys did a fantastic job! My wife and i were looking to create a bed with a chevron or herring bone pattern, and this provides the perfect visual. Question about the foot board: It looks like there are varying thicknesses or some type of beading on the boards. Is there?
Thank you!
j

simmersjm

Sun, 11/06/2016 - 15:53

How did you place and secure the carraige bolts to the frame? I move around a bit too and would love to know how to do this. If there is anyway to upload a picture of what it looks like, that'd be great.

Toy storage bin

Submitted by JimDel on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 12:46

This was my first Ana White project and the first time using my new Kreg jig that my wife bought for me as a birthday gift.  I modified the plans to build this as one complete unit and not as separate bins to be stacked.  I used my Kreg jig on the dividers and ends to attach each section to the next.  This saved on material and made it a bit lighter since I was building it 4 units high.  I added small 2x3 feet to the bottom to clear an outlet behind the toy bin.  Two L brackets were used to anchor the unit to the wall. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cost was about $80 for materials. The stain was a mix from what I already had.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades. This was a mix of a couple stains I had left over.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

His & hers studio closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 12/26/2018 - 22:55

Instead of using galvanized pipes, to save money we opted for ready made closer rod & hardware from Lowe’s and added additional 2x4 pieces perpendicular to the shelf supports and screwed the closet rods into those. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
>$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered oak stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Potting bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/03/2022 - 16:15

Potting bench made of merbau hardwood. Found the design on Pinterest.

Comments

My $6 Doll Crib

Submitted by Lady Goats on Sat, 08/13/2011 - 21:17

Well, this crib is STILL unfinished, and the date-stamp says I built it December 5th.... So... Uhh.. I should really get on that!

I had initially built this crib for a friend's daughter's birthday gift, but the baby (8 months old at the time) got REALLY sick, so I wasn't able to finish it in time (don't worry, we got her a Pillow Pet - she got a gift still!). It was just before Christmas, so instead of going out and spending more money that we were tight on, I just bought 3 1x2s and used scraps for the rest of it.

The crib's basically been sitting in the baby's room looking cute until about a month ago. That's when she decided that her stuffed owl (from Build-A-Bear) needed to be put to bed every night before I put HER to bed. It's become such a routine that I have no idea how she'd react if we couldn't put her owl to bed! So I'm scared to try to start filling all the holes and painting in fear that we'd have a mental breakdown if I didn't finish in time for bed! EEK!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$6
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
OOPS bin paints on the parts that WERE finished.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Craft Table

Maui Costco had a craft table but I waited too long to go back (1 week!) and they were sold out & discontinued. I stumbled across Ana White's website and found the "modern craft table." After a couple of modifications I am extremely happy with the results, as is my Golden Retriever "Buddy" who likes hanging out underneath while I am working. And yes, he has a mohawk!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
latex & primer in one
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tracysmith

Sat, 09/14/2013 - 23:39

Buddy looks very comfortable under "his" craft table ;-). Great job and isn't it fun to get something you want anyway - even after the big stores have sold out or discontinued, or both!? Love that part of building!

Boys Garage Bookshelf

Submitted by Chriss45 on Sun, 12/30/2018 - 09:55

I built this bookcase for a friends son for Christmas. She sent me a sketch of what she wanted and I drew up the plans in sketch up. I built it out of plywood and capped plywood with poplar strips. I made the Cedar shingles out of Cedar shims that I cut down to 2 inches, I used corrugated metal for door panels to give garage look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr satin paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

X based pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2022 - 19:30

The entire table was made from 200mm x 50mm x 2400mm pine landscaping sleepers. Finished with Cabots benchtop clear

Comments

Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Marisol on Tue, 08/16/2011 - 14:09

I made this chair for my 3 year old son's Birthday, he loves it. Really easy build.

Estimated Cost
$10-$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and used Navy Blue spray paint- letters were done with my Cricut machine on vinyl and then placed on chair, spray painted, then peeled off.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

In reply to by Francoise

Marisol

Wed, 08/17/2011 - 15:03

I love the navy blue and white combination, I am trying to use it more around the house...just waiting for my son to be tired of his toy story theme room to re-do it. :)

Barn Wood Buffet

Submitted by nickdevos on Mon, 09/09/2013 - 13:20

Finished this project using scrap pine for the frame and shelves and old barn wood for the doors/siding/table top. Turned out great, can't wait for other projects to finish.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

nickdevos

Tue, 09/10/2013 - 13:23

hello, I really don't have plans for the project but I could send some pictures to you that would show how it was contructed. For the legs, lower shelf box, and table top box I used precut standard board (scrap board from Menards, $1 a piece. and then I glued the doors together and the side skirts, the back I just screwed on from the inside and these parts were all the barn wood.

Small Bathroom Shelf

Submitted by vendo on Mon, 09/26/2022 - 10:05

We had an existing cabinet in our small bathroom, so I build this small "bookshelf" to fit perfectly under it for more storage. Always inspired by Ana, this is just a bookshelf made with 1x8 boards with a 1x2 face frame. Quick, easy and functional, that's how I like it.

Built from Plan(s)

Benchright Farmhouse Table

We really liked the plans for this table, but it was too narrow for our taste. My husband altered the plans so that the table is 36" wide. The solid oak boards on the table top are reclaimed from the old barn out back.

Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
He raised the wood grain, and applied three coats of Minwax provincial, sanded in between coats, and five coats of polycrylic clear coat to protect it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 08/25/2011 - 20:20

Thank you Ana for making the plans available and easy to follow. My honey-do list gets longer. You do such great work.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 08/25/2011 - 20:19

The top is oak from an old barn we have on our property. The stain is named Provincial from Minwax. The rest of the boards are whiteboards from Lowes.

kareylynn

Sun, 12/04/2011 - 07:14

Gorgeous table!!! I love the finish, and I know you must be so proud of your work. I love the pic that shows the bones of your table in progress. It shows the craftsmanship that you put into this piece. Great job!

cassiopeia_816

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 04:55

You have the correct stain on the website, I used 3 coats on the table top to get it darker and let the stain soak in longer before wipping off the extra. On the chairs only 2 coats were applied. What I did was sand in between all the coats, even though the stain directions say its not needed, I just wanted to try and the results I liked. As always try on a spare piece of wood first. I hope this info. helps, thanks for looking and asking.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 10:30

Great! Thank you for the reply. I am going to start on this project in a few weeks and your input is very valuable. I'll give it a go and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 19:39

I love the table, but I'm suprised that no one said anything about the chairs. Do you have the plans for the chairs you made? I built the table but would love to have chairs that matched! Thank You

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:21

I'm in LOVE with your table!!! Did your husband follow Ana's directions for the legs? They look like they are at a slight angle. Does your husband have the plans for this? Thank you so much!!

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 14:26

Hi, I LOVE your table - it came out so beautiful! Just wondering, did you change the plans other than the with of the top? The legs look like they are at a slight angle and I love that!

cassiopeia_816

Sat, 03/31/2012 - 15:47

I followed Ana's plan to build the legs, they are at a slight angle. The chairs are based on the Modern Angle Chair. They are posted as another project. I did add the three cross supports on the bottom. When I saw my wife sit down and lean back a little bit I could see the back legs moving to much in the wrong direction. I basically used a 1x2, and I tried to measure about the middle or what looked good and screwed them in. It added more strength to the legs and made the chair much sturdier. I hope this info., helps. Sorry it took awhile to reply back.

jsh2001

Thu, 01/31/2013 - 04:40

This table is stunning, great work. Everytime we think we know which type of table we want to build we go and see another that looks even better.

cabin in the woods

This was something I had always wanted to build for my nieces and nephew! it was a blast to build and see it come together. Two people working on this job is best. I loved the look of being able to open the doors top and bottom! I added the awnings above all the windows and doors to prevent as much water going into the playhouse as possible. The roofing was a little overwhelming at first but as we got going it turned out just fine! I wanted to lantern in the front to actually light up but I didn't want to run electricity so I got the lantern and put a motion sensor battery light on the inside and it works great! I also put one on the inside for more lighting there too, along with 3 battery "candle" lanterns. For the inside decoration I went with a wood land theme, put a growth chart on the inside wall to measure their height each year, and even made face masks! This is always and ongoing project for me seeing as how i'm always adding something new. The little ones love coming over and getting mail in the mailbox. Thanks Anna for the playhouse plans! I'm excited to see my nieces and nephews imaginations grow with all the possibilities the playhouse brings!

Estimated Cost
$250-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
exterior paint from menards in "clam chowder" and the brown is exterior paint we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

amelierainfall

Tue, 07/29/2014 - 14:04

So I had a hard time figuring out which house to build for my daughter and your house gave me such inspiration! I cannot wait to make this for my little girls 2nd birthday. She loves play pretend. Thank you for your inspiration!

Porch Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/05/2019 - 06:23

Love the easy to follow plans!!! Make sure you have room when building....this a Big bench.

Rob V.  

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with Early American, then Chalk paint over. Sanded lightly to have stain show through. I also did the wood transfer for the lettering.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

trundle Bed

Submitted by TrayScates on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 19:06

Revised plans to fit smaller mattress, removed side, and simplified head board and footboard.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments