Community Brag Posts

I started this build after coming across the plans on this site. My son has a small bedroom and had received a tv for his birthday. It has a small screen and so it needed to be pretty close. So, I adjusted the measurements to be compatible the width of the end of his bed. The only other change to the plans was the addition of the 1x2 trim on the center shelves. I didn't use the greatest quality plywood and it just looked a little unfinished without it.
He wanted black and I wanted white. I primed, then painted flat white. I then sanded out some places and on the 1x10 and trim to stain for an antique look. However, when I rubbed on the ebony stain, I really liked how it looked over the white paint. So, I rubbed the whole thing. Then sealed it. The result is sort of an antiqued gunmetal gray that we both love. Thanks again for the plans!! Next?!

For my brother's 35th birthday, I helped him build a fence and side deck on his house. Using the leftover lumber scraps and screws, I adapted the DIH Adirondack chair plans to build this for him. He wanted a big, sturdy chair with a wide arm rest that looks "rustic". I used 4x4 and 2x4 post scraps, deck boards, and fence pickets. I also widened the seat just a bit for comfort. This is definitely the perfect chair for him!

Built this armoire for the master bedroom  and constructed it to match the existing furnishings.  This thing is huge and weighs a ton.  7 1/2 feet by 4 feet.  I had to make sections in the shop and then assemble and paint it in the second story bedroom.  If we ever need to move it out of the house we are fortunate to have a balcony off the bedroom.  With help from a whole bunch of guys we should be able to lower it down ... if it ever comes to that!

We used Ana's plans for simple bookcases and a larger but equally simple armoire to build a HUGE media center that could somehow manage to take some of the focus off of the television. We added doors everywhere that we could and lots of glass display shelving. The hubby is thrilled because his beloved flat-screen and infinite related electronic gadgets are within easy reach. And I smile every time I walk into our family room and don't have to see everything that is hiding behind closed doors!

Since moving into our house almost 3 years ago, I have wanted a large piece to house the tv. The husband did not want glass, I wanted shelving on both ends and it had to hold a 60 inch tv (not pictured). To avoid paying thousands of dollars to a furniture store, I decided to build my own.

I used 1x2's, 1x3's, 4x8-3/4" plywood (sanded on one side) edge banding (super easy to use), nail gun and wood glue. I spent roughly a week building and staining, interrupted by 2 kids. The staining being the most tedious part. Cost was around $450 for all the pieces. I did attach the bridge piece by drilling holes through the bridge to the side hutches. I then installed nuts and bolts through the hole to attach it all together. Makes it easy to take apart when moved and I am not constantly drilling screws into the unit.

My husband is deployed so this was built solely by myself. My experience level is novice, this is only my 3rd piece of furniture, but I am hooked. The plans are easy to follow and use.

I modified the plans in several ways.  First I made the desk smaller to fit the space.  In doing so I decided it would work better to have only one part of the desk flip up for storage.  I also made the box that makes up the base larger to fit a printer.  That left a smaller space for a chair.  Turns out the chair I had fit perfectly.  I decided not to finish with paint, stain or varnish.  I may do that later.  Over all I am very happy with this project.

I started off following the plan, then decided I didn't want to put a full back on it. Then I decided it was a good time to learn how to use my new router, and the next thing you know, it had turned into this! I didn't know what I was doing, so I just made it up as I went along.

My kids (11 & 12) made these in about 3 days. We have to work during my 2 yr olds nap time so I would say 6-8 hrs total. We always have a lot of scrap wood lying around so this was a great way to use it up. Unfortunately, sometimes when using scrap wood, it is not always the exact measurements that you need but some plan reworking and measuring as you go can fix that. On this particular plan, the only thing we changed was the thickness of the top and a little fudging on the drawer box. We also used our router to round over some or the edges and we made our own drawer tracks along the bottom w/ scrap furring strips. Honestly, those studs you see in the picture, did most of the work and since their skill set usually involves a reference to the newest video game out, I would say this was defiantly a simple project! ;-)

Here is a desk I recently built.  It is a Pottery Barn piece.  It features full extension drawers slides and simulated maple melamine drawer interiors. 

A friend of mine loves the tables by Harp Design Co. but she wanted changes made to it such as the apron being inset, removable legs, oak wood, specific finish, etc.

She hired me to make her one and it's been an exciting build!  I built it from a pile of raw wood, turned the legs, etc.

My favorite thing to do is to inpsire others to reach beyond what they're comfortable doing - that's why I post about my projects through my website so other people will feel like they can do it too!  https://theprojectlady.com/how-to-build-a-harp-design-table/

I'd rate the level of build as intermediate, but really anyone can make it easier or harder.  The most challenging part is the legs - do something more simple, hire someone to make you some, order them online, etc.  The posts I created for this table are in-depth but don't let that intimidate you!

Happy Building Friends!

SImple and easy to make. I had leftover wood so all I had to buy was 1x2"s. I'd say the total cost was $15. It's sturdy and holds a lot of books.

Loved building this :) think it came out great. Only thing is i wish i had the screws ana talks abt bc the boards split over and over :( what kind of screws do u use ana? Also couldnt find 2 3/4 deck screws, only 2 1/4"

This is my youtube video of me building the loft bed.

https://youtu.be/b5LpGZ87DG4

Instagram:  @gardners_garage

Thanks Ana for your plans.  I used them but made just minor adjustments to the height to suit my daughter.

Having your website defenitly made things easier, from picking up the wood to the cuts!

Thanks!