Community Brag Posts

Fancy Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Thu, 06/04/2015 - 14:35

One of my friends at work is going to a new job, and this build is her going away gift. It is a variation of the Fancy Jewelry Box, with the following modifications:

Made from select pine, no plywood is visible on the outside on this build.
Slightly smaller, the box is made from 1x6, the back is a ½” x 5 ½” craft board, and the door outsides are 3/8” x 5 ½” craft boards.
The drawer boxes are ¼” thick craft board and the doors and overlay drawer faces are 3/8” thick craft board.
Overall dimensions are 13” wide, 5 ½” deep, and 14 ¼” tall.
The select pine worked very well for the luxe stained finish I was trying to achieve.
Used fancy knobs instead of wood knobs (also swapped out the included screws for shorter ones).

I really took my time on this to get everything just so. The project took about 15 hours in total, including the build, finishing, and decorations - - a bit at a time, spread out over the last couple of weeks.

I'm very happy to say the gift was a big hit!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Finish: 2 coats of Varathane Stain + Poly in Early American, with a top coat of Minwax Polycrylic in Gloss. The drawers and doors are lined with embossed felt, and the box bottom and drawer bottoms are covered with sticky-back felt. The ring holder is a scrap of high density foam covered with sticky-back felt. The knobs are acrylic crystal and the back has flat hinges in antique brass (swapped out the included screws for shorter ones on the hinges and knobs). The hooks are ¾” brass shoulder hooks.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic X desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 12/26/2021 - 15:19

When my son graduated from the paramedic course in college I asked him what I could make for him. He said that he needed a desk. So I made one using your plan out of 2X4’s. I used my propane torch to lightly burn the wood, then I made a void and inserted, my Cap badge from when I was in the service and coated the top in epoxy . The rest of the desk has several coats of polyurethane

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farm table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/31/2021 - 07:03

I used some of the measurements that I found on your site and downsized them to fit my needs. The table was a wedding gift for my granddaughter. She and her new husband were very pleased. Thanks for your help.

Built from Plan(s)

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Picture Frame

Submitted by karahart on Wed, 05/11/2011 - 09:22

This was my first try at making a picture frame. I've used this same principle to make single framed picture frames numerous times since then. Thanks Ana! Such an easy build!

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
I used minwax's water based stain in red.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Tiny house MIL unit

Ever since I saw the "wild rose" I knew it was the one I would build for my mom. I wanted a tiny house she would not have to climb a loft for her bedroom and still fit everything she would need. This is a brilliant layout! Many family, friends, and strangers donated money, time, appliances, and windows to get this house built. My husband and I have been finishing it up ourselves with some professional help in between since September and just put the appliances in today. Tomorrow the sink and counter-it's really happening, pinch me I'm dreaming! Thank you Ana & family, I can't imagine what kind of house my mom would have ended up with without your help. This was a really easy and fun build. Thank you so much!

Estimated Cost
20K
5 months
Finish Used
outside will be painted with stian. Inside we mixed a stain of red mahogany and early american to match the windows
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by Lukilla on Wed, 01/19/2022 - 11:54

Had fun with this build. Love how large this table is. Gives me a place to put my feet up and there is still room for the kids to play with Legos. Lots of storage space underneath.

Finished with Varathane Golden Oak with Minwax Ebony lowlights.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Rolling Side Table

Submitted by Bradnag on Sat, 02/03/2018 - 13:04

I had a bunch of scrap 3/4" MDF, so I used that instead of wood. The result is still as sturdy but a bit heavier than if I'd have used pine, which has added to the table's stability. I added a cup holder, but otherwise kept to the base instructions with no extra mods. I put an extra thick layer of polycrylic on the top surface, to protect the MDF from absorbing any spills. This was just a test run, so I didn't bother filling any of the visable pocket holes. Given how cheap and easy this was to build, I imagine I'll end up making 2-3 more.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Dutch Boy primer+paint, Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sewing Table for small spaces

I loaded this project months ago, but somehow it was removed I believe during one of the websit updates. So far in my wife's crafting life she generally cuts things out on the floor. It's not so good. Our dining room table is usually covered in food or playdough so she generally just spreads things out on the floor. I realized how much she needed a table, and armed with new power tools from Christmas and my birthday, I set out to make me a crafting table. This was my first project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax blue rub on stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Toy Storage Bin Box

Tried to find a toy box for my Granddaughters 1st birthday. Ana White has the best plans so far. My Grandaughter’s room is wildlife themed, so I customized it for her room. Used semi-transparent white Minwax and added stenciling with acrylic paint before I added 2 topcoats of clear coat. In less than 10 minutes they filled it up, and so far, she seems to love it.

Comments

Makeup table

Submitted by kgclark31 on Thu, 04/21/2022 - 18:02

Made this table for my sons girlfriend for her makeup and to use as a table for her laptop.

Comments

Bottlecap Buffet Coffee Liquor Party Super Bar!

Built the project from the original plans. Modified by creating a shadow box style countertop. Also decided to make the shelves movable rather than just being static. Purchased the mini barn door hardware kit from Amazon.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500 total with barn door hardware kit from Amazon and 3/8 inch tempered glass for the top.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax stain and wipe on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Queen Bed & Kentwood Night Stand

I built this Farmhouse Queen Bed & Kentwood Night Stand for my Granddaughter. She loves it !

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax water based stain in "Coffee", and then used Minwax white washed pickling to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Bed Mod

Submitted by adck9d on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 14:01

Took the Farmhouse bed model and incorporated a geometric headboard. This thing is heavy!

Comments

Garage shelves

Submitted by Joy on Sat, 09/08/2018 - 18:12

Designed to store 56 qt clear sterilite totes. Spaced 17” apart and used 5 2x4s so 23” deep. We have a lip of our foundation that sticks out so we had to adjust for the difference in leg heights. 

Estimated Cost
Lumber was $8.25 per board (2x4x16) and we used 32. 3 boxes of screws. 2 1/2 for the frame, 2” for screwing down the shelves and 3 1/2 to screw into the wall studs.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4 Bright Little Adirondack chairs

These 4 little chairs did not take very long to put together. But they did take me a while to sand, prime and paint. I hate that part of building-haha-so it always seems like it takes forever to get through with that and on to the fun part. They are very easy to make and inexpensive. My grandkids and others who have driven by and seen them out front have loved them!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
About 22.00 per chair(the spray paint was the majority of the cost). I think the chairs without finishing would be only about 10.00 apiece.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Valspar indoor/outdoor gloss spray paint. Definitely use a primer and paint or stain before putting together.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tonjacoy101

Fri, 07/22/2011 - 05:52

What a cute little guy and cute chairs too! I bet the grandkids love them :)

Outdoor chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/17/2022 - 13:23

built straight from ana's plan. Used cedar 2x4s. super easy to make really happy how they came out. Cushions were like $52 per set at home depot.

Comments

Cedar Shed

Submitted by jean on Sat, 08/31/2013 - 10:09

Thanks for the shed plans, I've been looking all over for something like this. I used 3/8" ply wood for the back wall to save money but spent what was saved and more on the shingles and stain/seal. I made the shed exactly 6' wide and 4' deep to fit the 6 2'x2's patio slabs.
The entire project took about 2 weeks to complete and cost about $700. We pay more in Canada but at least I finally got the shed I wanted.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Honey Gold Toner Exterior Stain for the walls and Olympic Clear Waterproofing Sealant for the roof.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Two Sizes from One Set of Plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 19:45

We followed Ana's plans for the large project bench. We altered the plans to make a bench for our compound miter saw with the saw platform level with the project bench.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Georgia's Jewelry Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Sat, 09/07/2013 - 18:04

This build is a little jewelry box for a family friend who just had a baby girl named Georgia. Although I've built this box several times for myself and others to use for storage, I hadn't done a plan for it until now. This is from Georgia's Jewelry Box plan.

The wood is 1x4 and 1x6 whitewood scraps. The hinges are flat "H" style hinges from Lowes. I had them for another project and ended up not using them. The hinge color works very well with the light yellow, which I thought would be pretty for a little girl.

Originally I was going to paint or stencil her name on the front, but ended up printing it on pretty scrapbook paper and attaching with Mod Podge. Also added this paper to the bottom inside the box. Everything is top coated with Mod Podge.

On the inside of the top, I glued a 3" craft mirror (these are available in a 5-pack from Michael's for $1.99).

This was a very easy build. It look less than an hour to cut, build, and sand. The finishing I completed a few minutes at a time throughout the day, but the actual work between drying times wasn't more than an hour.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood & Hardware: Free (scrap/already on hand), and I have loads left over from the Finishing materials: $2.98 for paint sample, $1.99 for mirrors, $6.49 for mod podge
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats Valspar Hazy Dawn (sanded between coats), name and box bottom are scrapbook paper attached with mod podge, and the top coat is Mod Podge (satin finish)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 09/09/2013 - 18:28

Georgia's mommy loved the little jewelry box, and was tickled that I named this plan after her little girl. The best part of the visit was getting to hold adorable 3-week-old Georgia. :0)

Modified shoe bench

Submitted by mdj1281 on Mon, 11/16/2015 - 05:06

In our new home there was a 46" wide coat closet at the entrance. My wife wanted a place to sit down, take off shoes and put our coats and backpacks when we were home. I found Ana White's plans for this shoe bench and modified it to fit our space. The project took 3 days to complete due to the painting, staining and polyurethane, construction of the bench itself was quick. Previously I added a light switch and two 3" LED recessed lights in the ceiling. The project came out wonderful and I am very pleased. Thank you for the inspiration!

 

-Mike

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White semigloss paint (2 coats), Minwax Red Mahogany 225, Varathane Polyurethane semi-gloss (3 coats)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments