Community Brag Posts

After 3 years of absolutely no closet organization, my boyfriend and I decided it was time. This was our first build together and my boyfriend was amazed that it was so easy to actually build something from wood. We already had 6 baskets that lived all around the room so they needed a home and that's when we found Ana's Laundry Basket Dresser. Knowing that we wanted to hide our dirty laundry in the closet, we found that the plywood box design in the closet made for some very dark corners and little arm room so we needed to modify the plans some. Instead of the plywood we used 1"x4" furring strips to make an open framework for our baskets. It's plenty strong enough and allows light to reach the back corners with the added bonus of looking like custom closet organization.

This is a half-width version of the Rustic X Console table on Ana-White.com. The oxidized finish came out purple and needed some sanding. If I build another like it, I would highly suggest sanding the X pieces before assembly. It went together very well and was my first Kreg Jig experience. 

So the GF at the time was not happy I was still living out of landry hampers. I promised here I would do something about it. This is what I did. The top hamper is used for soiled clothes, once it's full you simply remove it and bring it to the landry room. The rest just store clean clothes. Simple and effective. 

The hinges and latches are just outdoor gate hardware found at any of the big home improvement stores. The wood is just construction lumber. 4X4 for the frame, 1X6 strapping for the panels, and I think there are some 2X4s and 2X2s for the rails. Overall it took me a weekend and then some. I had to build it in two pieces to get it out of the basement, it is really heavy. I used higher quality hampers that had the regidity needed to be able to slide partially out and not buckle. 

Hardest part was figuring out the dimensions. How many 1X6s would be used vs how wide the hampers are. 

It's still being used over a year later. 

My very favourite thing to build, so cheap and simple.

The IKEA Lack Inspired Bookcase plans became my inspiration for the entire entertainment center.  I made a few changes to the bookcase plans.  I increased the height of the bookcases to 84 inches and added adjustable shelves.  I also included some major extras including a console for the TV, a bridge to connect the bookcases, and doors inspired by www.shanty-2-chic.com.

Island dimensions Bar 36" deep x 50" wide, counter top height and base has 24 inch depth. I was lucky enough to have the walnut donated for the project which I cut into 1" stips and glued together butcher block style. Also put a 1 1/4" band of walnut around countertop for appearances and to help strengthen the top. The base was made with pine and painted turqoise. The double waste basket was another touch I added. Thanks for looking.

This project was much easier than I originally anticipated. Even cutting the legs at angles and sanding them down to appear curved was easier than I expected.  I also used early american stain by Minwax. I used only one coat though and in hindsight might have done two to make it a bit darker. I used Minwax clear paste wax (two coats) to achieve a low sheen and protective layer. I was able to find a toilet paper holder similar to the one Ana used at one of my local big box stores. I wasn't able to find anything else I liked better. 

It's turned out way more beautiful then I had thought. It was all the mini details that took the longest but made the look worth it 

I got some oak barrels from a local vineyard and decided to try making some adirondack chairs. It was harder than I thought it would be, but well worth it!! The stain was a little darker than I thought it be, but it's rubbing off on me!

predrill, predrill, predrill, and learned a valuable lesson in predrilling, as solid wood under strain cracks easy when using 2 1/2" deck screws!

I need to whip out the nice camera and stop using my cell phone for finished products!

This is my favorite build so far! I love the look of this bed! 

One thing I wish I had known was how long it was going to be. The bed is a good foot and a half longer than my mattress, which is a standard queen. I would recommend measuring and cutting your side rails according to your mattress - I think I am going to go back and shorten mine. 

Also - I used my bed rails, instead of the slats this called for. I also used bed rail hooks (I ordered them from Amazon for $20) so that I can take this bed apart. 

This bed was a mixture of farmhouse and storage. Ana White u rule 

Using Ana's plan as a guide, I built two of these sofas to fit an outdoor cushion I already had. I used wood from our old deck -- a great way to re-use and save money, too!