Community Brag Posts

Hallway Shoe Dresser

Submitted by tjbr100 on Wed, 07/15/2020 - 22:19

This was the first project we built from Ana White's website and one of our most successful projects to date. Between Ana's great plans and description, along with tips from other people on the site, it was so easy to modify and build this into exactly what we were looking for. Jennifer and I are both novice wood workers, but this site made building a wonderful project really easy. Thank you. Now Jennifer wants a bigger one for the bedroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 (CDN)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint on the base, stain and varathane on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

my new coffee table

Submitted by danolenar on Mon, 09/17/2012 - 23:39

i used the a modified rustic x coffee table plan. i did not use the x and used kiln dried 2x4s for most everything except the bottom shelf i used 2 1x12x4 because they are $6.50 each compared to $20-25 each for 8ft and i cut the 2x2 out of the kiln dried 2x4s there was a fair amount of waste but the kiln dried 2x4s are much nicer to work with then green 2x6s.i stained in a red mahogany stain and gloss brushing lacquer. The top took 8 2x4s cut to just shy of 48" do i could get two from each piece. i shorted the table frame to match. if you are using green wood like i did on my first table the rustic x console table you will notice cracks forming in knots especially. using kiln dried lumber is recommended to ensure your project will last.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$38
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
red mahogany and gloss lacquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Sewing Desk: From Plain Pine to Antiqued Blue

This desk was originally my great aunt's sewing desk. After 47 years it's been passed down to me. I decided to paint it blue with a chalkboard paint top. I antiqued it using my little sander and some Minwax Red Mahogany stain. I spray painted the drawer pulls to update them and finished everything with Minwax Furniture Wax on the blue and chalk on the chalkboard finish. Now I just need to get up and sew.

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Zinsser Bull's Eye Primer, Valspar paint, Minwax Stain and Furniture Wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Media Center!

Made this tv stand for a friend. Took the idea from the x console but changed it a little. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75-$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Steel whool and vinegar
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Daybed- Our First Project

Submitted by chowie on Wed, 09/19/2012 - 13:52

This was my and my husband's first project and it was easier than expected. There were slight imperfections with the drawers, but they were hidden by the faces and trim. It was our first time using a Kreg jig and we LOVED it!! We will be building furniture for Christmas presents this year, we are hooked!! The project took one weekend to build, and we spent around 4-5 hours a day.... remember we are newbies so we had to refer to the plan ... a lot! We went with the plywood top and it is sturdy and we can't wait to paint it and get it looking like a finished product. My husband was testing the daybed sans mattress.

Estimated Cost
$150 including hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss Valspar paint in white, with minwax poly acrylic in semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bhoppy

Mon, 09/24/2012 - 07:15

This looks great! I can't believe it was your first project!

Rustic X Coffee Table

Submitted by chulmer on Fri, 07/18/2014 - 11:33

Easy and fun plan for a great looking coffee table. I changed the top a bit by adding two 2x2's and a 1x3 in the center, the five 2x6's looked a little plain to me. I also added an X in the front, I don't know why but really I really like it, almost gives it an open storage feel. The strain is "weathered gray" by rust oleum.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Vinyl Record Cabinet

I built another record cabinet for a client.  I actually made two since because the person wanted 12 drawers!

More details and photos on my blog if interested:

 

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/blog/vinyl-record-cabinet

 

Cheers,

Ian

Estimated Cost
$750
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Matte Black paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Buffet Cabinet

This is my third DIY project and it was a difficult one...I would recommended a beginner (like me) to do this alone. It took two weeks to get it done but I am impressed with how it turned out!

I needed storage for my office and decided to make this on a smaller scale. The doors did not work for me (and it may be because of the type of wood I used) so I decided to leave them off.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr ice sculpture paint, PPG Chinese porcelain blue paint (I had some left over) and champagne bronze square pulls
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cyndi Console Table

Submitted by handydaddy on Sun, 09/23/2012 - 18:41

Here is my version of the Cyndi Console Table. Made from poplar with oak backing. Took me about a week working on it in the evenings.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stained with a custom Sherwin Williams stain and a minwax poly on top.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Rustic X Kitchen Island -modified

Submitted by MaryMurray on Sun, 07/20/2014 - 10:24

I made this rolling kitchen island out of pine using plans found on Ana White's website. For the top I wanted to do something different. I found a tub of wooden blocks in the storeroom; they belonged to my husband's grandfather.

The blocks were made out of all different kinds of wood. I used a plywood base and simply glued them on then added a pine edge. I love the way it looks!

The back is open halfway so that when it is pulled out it can be used as a desk or small table.

The stool is from Ana White as well.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified scrap lap desk and chair

Submitted by Sb1212 on Fri, 10/28/2016 - 10:21

I wanted to build a desk for my son that had a compartment for storing his things. I also wanted it to have a place for him to pin his drawings up so I added a corkboard. I modified Ana's scrap lap desk plans and this is what I came up with. I also built him a matching chair. I think it turned out great!! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

8' Chaise Lounge

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/15/2024 - 13:19

The 8’ chaise lounge… my first furniture build. Such a great plan to follow Ana! And since I need space for yoga I made a triangle brace to hang it on.

Laurie H

Danielle's Tab-top Curtains

Submitted by zigmommy on Tue, 09/25/2012 - 22:24

I just swooned when Ana posted her Tab-top curtain tutorial! I decided right then and there I'd be tackling all of the window treatment-less windows in my new home using her instructions. I'm no whiz on the sewing machine but I couldn't be happier with the way my curtains turned out!! No joke, if I can do this, so can you!!

I made the green shelf in my living room all by myself a couple years ago from Ana's Painter's Ladder Shelf plans. :-) It used to be red but I refinished it to match the decorating scheme in my new house. I love how everywhere you look in my home you see some piece of furniture or project that came about as a direct result of finding and embracing Ana's DIY spirit!! My curtains are no exception. :-)

I've made the curtains for my living room and my bedroom, and I just started the set for my boys' bedroom tonight. I've gotten better with each set, and this third time around I'm pretty confident in what I'm doing. Lucky for my kids, they're going to get the best set, lol!

I'd already been agonizing over what to do for curtains in my bedroom and I fell instantly in love with the fabric Ana used for hers. I already had bedroom linens that would match perfectly so I went ahead and snagged a few yards. All three of the fabrics I've used have been in the Waverly Home Decor line. The patterns are fun and modern, the price is right, the quality is great and I've always been able to find the perfect design. I usually buy from Fabric.com as it tends to be cheaper once you search for readily available online coupons.

I've really enjoyed making my window treatments! I get to have exactly what I want, in a better quality for a better price than I would ever be able to find in a store. It takes me about a day to finish a set (or at least the first two did) and I have relished the excuse to watch girly movies or listen to music while I get these babies sewn. I've had my first two sets done for 4 & 6 months respectively and they still bring me such joy every day.....give it a try, you wont regret it!!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

marypoynter

Thu, 10/17/2013 - 01:14

Its better to have a window blinds than curtains when your window is made of glass but anyway its a nice bedroom of Danielle.

rustic x desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/23/2020 - 12:28

I liked this project and the desk turned out very well. I am substituting 5/4 lumber for 2/6 as they make a really nice top.

DIY Upholstered Bed

This is my first big build. I did make a small twin sized headboard a few years ago. But this time we built the entire bed frame along with the headboard. It took a loooong time but was totally worth it!

Estimated Cost
$350 - $400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
fabric + batting + foam:)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Sofa Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 11/03/2016 - 23:07

Slightly Modified from the Console table plan, but 2 toned Rustic X Console or Sofa Table with colored distressed finish

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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