Community Brag Posts

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

Alexia Bench modified

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2016 - 08:21

This was a very quick and easy build that was completely finished in an afternoon. My Kreg jig was loaned out, so I have exposed fasteners, but I prefer to let them show instead of filling the holes. I built this with 20" legs to make it a little taller and more comfortable for my height. I also prefer straight lines and angles, so I changed the trim pieces a bit to suit my style. The hardest part was getting the drawer slides lined up. The finish is Rustoleum Heirloom White with a coffee colored glaze. The picture makes one drawer look darker, but it's really just a shadow. I'm in love with this project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65 for standard boards and a small can of paint
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Heirloom White with a coffee colored glaze
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

From Portugal, with minor modifications

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/05/2016 - 10:48

Followed the plans, with minor modifications to adapt the size to the available wood. Bigger modifications are the use of bolts and nuts instead of screws (to allow easier disassembling for storing), and the underneath reinforcements to avoid the table to bend over time.

Thanks for the plans, the kids loved it!

Gonzalo, from Portugal

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Water-based pore filler, priming, exterior paint (mate)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Our First Wood Working Gift!

Submitted by JD_2030 on Thu, 03/26/2020 - 16:41

This cup tree was so easy to put together and made a wonderful birthday gift for my dad! For the bottom and top, we used scrap plywood that we had lying around. We used one light coat of stain to give it a warm hue. What an enjoyable project!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$6
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

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

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

Built in closet

Submitted by AndyH on Mon, 06/13/2016 - 19:14

Built in closet to replace builder grade wire wracking.  Closet is approximately 11 feet by 5 feet.  consists of two shoe racks with 7 shelves each.  6 large drawers and 4 small drawers.  Two hanger sections with storage  above them.  End wall has hanger for longer items and storage above and a cabinet with shelves.

Yet to finish the floor.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Extra White satin paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Custom Electric Fireplace Built-in

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 11/18/2023 - 12:49

Came across your shiplap fireplace and tweaked it a little, not bad for a 64 year old female right? Didn't take a weekend though more like a month but worth it. Thanks for the inspiration.

Comments

Back Deck Furniture

Submitted by Utopia_mom on Wed, 05/30/2012 - 20:21

I started with the simple white outdoor sofa, then the factory cart table, adirondack stool, and 2 simple outdoor lounge chairs. Wow! This was my first adventure making furniture. All in all it took me about a month to make everything in my spare time. I made a few mistakes along the way, all part of the learning curve. But definitely learned so much from this site. I am forever grateful to you, Ana.

Estimated Cost
Total cost for all about $150 for all 5 pieces of furniture
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I primed and painted with exterior latex (3 coats). All the furniture is on a covered back deck. I did not use cedar or any other better suited outdoor wood due to cost and the fact that all the furniture is well protected from the elements. I made the cushions for the sofa, but bought the chair cushions from Home Decorators.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Utopia_mom

Mon, 06/04/2012 - 07:10

Yes, for the factory cart I painted angle brackets black. I also painted the caster wheels that I got from Tractor Supply.

jlsillito

Sat, 05/25/2013 - 10:22

What width foam did you use for your cushions? I've been wanting to make some outdoor furniture, but the price of foam is holding me back. I've found 3" for a reasonable price, I just don't know if that will be thick enough.

Utopia_mom

Sat, 05/25/2013 - 12:17

I used a 4" foam, but I think you could easily use 3". I know foam is not cheap. I shopped online for foam suppliers and found a pretty good deal... much cheaper than local fabric stores.

VC

Sat, 07/13/2013 - 16:19

This is beautiful! I'm planning to make the chairs and I'm wondering if you changed the plans at all, especially any dimensions? Maybe it is just the angle, but the arms look a little lower, which I love. If you can let us know what you did, I would really appreciate it!

Thanks!

Play Kitchen

My Dad and I built this for my daughter's third birthday. It's been a big hit! I'm really happy with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIY Junk Drawer Organizer

My kitchen drawer wasn't as deep as the one in the tutorial, so I had to use 1x2 hobby poplar instead of 1x3's.  I can't wait to do more drawers!  It's been more than 6 months, and the drawer is still neat and organized.

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pallet Bookshelf

Submitted by stucush on Sat, 06/02/2012 - 04:35

Pallet Bookshelf.
A great project turning old pallets into a funky bookcase.
My bookcase is slightly different than the plans that dan-k put up but that is mainly because of the type of pallet i used - there may be a difference between US and european pallets?
I recommend getting 3 pallets, all of the same size, and all in pretty good condition - which is trickier than I expected.
The wood from the 3rd pallet is used as the shelves and the supports underneath the shelves.
I really enjoyed making this, and love how it turned out.
Hopefully the photos inspire others to give it a go!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
€0
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
wood primer and matt emulsion. I used a "Farrow & Ball" paint called 'Stoney Ground'.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Distressed Paint Kitchen Island

Submitted by JD Corey on Thu, 03/20/2014 - 12:52

This is the Kitchen Island I built for my wife. I painted it in my wife's favorite color and gave it a distressed look that matched the stained wood counter top. This was also my very first Ana White project... The plans were easy to follow and I had a lot of fun building it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
American Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

michigulla

Fri, 11/21/2014 - 23:38

Hi there! This kitchen island is beautiful!! Can you tell me what paint and color you used, as well as what finish and how you distressed it?? I love it!!

Providence Table and Benches for my Patio

Submitted by LHeath on Tue, 06/21/2016 - 20:39

I built one bench originally, but quickly decided that I had to build the complete set. I painted the base of the table and the benches with Valspar Duramax Barnwood and the table top Valspar Duramax custom matched to my garage shutters. The only part of the project that I really needed help was carrying the table to the patio. 

Thanks again Ana (and Brook) for a wonderful plan!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Duramax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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