Double Desk
This was our first project! We built it exactly like the plans. We finished it with a clear satin poly and we are thrilled with the results. Next we plan to paint the room.
This was our first project! We built it exactly like the plans. We finished it with a clear satin poly and we are thrilled with the results. Next we plan to paint the room.
I love building my own wood furniture so that I can have beautiful pieces of furniture in my home while saving money! And while this project definitely cost more than the others I have done, I am so glad I splurged on the table legs. They ran me about $260 after tax and shipping costs, but I really think they give the table that extra OOMF! So a total of about $300 is nothing compared to a price tag at Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware!
I chose this stain because I really wanted something to contrast with our dark leather couch and white dining chairs and this stain was even more perfect than what I expected it to be.
I made the sectional from pallet wood
Needed extra wood for legs to be stable. I made these under the house, and unfortunately had to take apart to get out! luckily i used screws.
I made to measure after getting the outdoor cushions first.
Taught me heaps
I made one of these chairs the the back hit me to low and was uncomfortable so this one I the legs 5 1/2” longer. This is my second project and took half a day but I am very happy with the outcome and started a second chair to match.
Still needs a finish but I couldnt wait to share.
Danny
This was my first project off of Ana's site. I followed her simple sawhorse table plans verbatim. The only thing different I did was use a self-made chalkboard paint for the top (instructions under the finish section) and added screws to the left side to mount my power strip with (easy on and off for everything on the bench). I made the top a chalkboard top so that I could write notes on the table and mark measurements for various projects. Costs were $30 for wood (some leftover), $8 for paint, $2 for screws, and $5 for surge protected power strip. If you have any other questions please let me know.
So we had our grandchild Emily needing a play table and chairs, a limited budget, an old play table but no chairs! Ana White to the rescue! We made 4 chairs and painted them and the table to match. As you can see Emily has made lots of new friends over tea!
Hi Ana
Just wanted to say thanks for the plans. Here's how ours came out!
Ben.
Done the 2x4 chair and table, I think it turned out well. Bought the cushions at Lowes.
Ray and Sandy
My 11 year old son made this library cart for our homeschool books. He followed Ana's plans with a few changes on dimensions. I love how it turned out, and it is a perfect addition to our school room. We kept the cost low by using some wood and paint that we already had.
We have 3 (almost) teenage boys and needed the storage of the Brookstone bed for their sport gear, etc. I built 2 of them and my 15 year old built his. I can't get over how easy they were to build! This was the first building project I ever made and they turned out beautifully! The headboard took about 2 hours to build and the bed about 5 hours. I was pretty slow though, checking and double checking measurements, glueing and clamping like crazy, being careful not to rush. Still, 7 hours to make the bed and a couple hours to paint, not a bad days work! The lumber cost $144/each so we were happy with the cost of the beds. I would highly recommend furniture movers underneath them. I used 4 huge ones under the ends of the 2x2 supports and small squares under the legs/headboard. They move so easily with them! Thanks, Ana, for a great plan!! We are so thankful and love our new beds!!
This design turned out to be perfect! It was super simple and easy to build! Easy to follow plans! Great beginner project!
I have a friend who makes beautiful quilts. She's been doing this by sitting on the floor to cut her fabric and plopping her sewing machine on a wobbly folding table. When she decided to turn her guest room into a dual purpose sewing/guest room she asked me to build her something that would fit into a niche under her dormer window.
The built in table has two large drawers for sewing notions and is supported at the back by a shelving unit with adjustable shelves. She plans to store items that she seldom uses here. They will be accessible, but out of the way and barely visible when she has guests using her room.
I suggested that I also build Anna's sewing table for small spaces so that she use that as a night stand when not in use as a cutting table.
I usually don't finish projects I build for others - I'm just not good at it! But, my friend asked me to put a finish on it. She picked out the Minwax polyshades product, and I have to tell you that it was a nightmare! (You can read about that here: http://thewidowsworkshop.blogspot.com/2012/06/lessons-learned-again.html)
I ended up using a stripping product to remove that finish. The final finish, just a stain and rub on poly, turned out beautifully!
Installation was also a challenge, but using brute force - and a hammer! - I was able to fit it between those very out-of-square walls!
She's happy, I'm happy to be done!
I found Ana's website in my search for the desk plans, and in the process found many other wonderful plans I want to try. My goal is to make a sawhorse desk for my new home office. I need to learn all proper woodworking skills, however.
Therefore, I decided to start with this birdhouse project, which was a joy for me since I have a fascination with photographing birdhouses wherever I go. I also have fond memories of making birdhouses with my mother when I was a little girl. She did all the cutting and nailing, and I sanded and painted.
This project brought back happy memories, and my mom got a kick out of seeing photos of the finished results.
In addition, today I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph my own birdhouses!
We decided to follow the Club House bed plans, but we added another bunk below. We did this by adding a foot to the height and duplicating the slats and ends etc. My boys absolutely love this bed! We actually enjoyed building it. I can't wait to try more Ana White plans - they were so easy to follow and it's so satisfying having made something cool from scratch.
I reduced the size of the 2x4 coffee table to make 2 end tables. They can be used as additional seating when needed.
This was my second project ever, so I know it is far from perfect, but I am so happy with it. It is super useful since I have 3 little kids that are so far the only grandchildren from both sides of the family and I have the impression that toys come to our house to reproduce.
I made a mistake on choosing the stain for the top, and had to adapt to what I wanted, but I kinda like the end result, although it is more formal than what I had wanted at first.
It is a gloss mission oak, from miniwax.
I built this without the Kreg, but I have bought one since, so my next project should be better!
The paint is Antique White from Glidden (DUO), distressed until my shoulders could not handle it anymore.
Building is so empowering, I am so happy I found this site! Thanks Ana for all the great work!
This build was done with all pocket holes. I used some pre-made project boards for the top and joined them with pocket holes and glue. Also I used all pine for this project. The chairs are just old chairs from my previous table. Stained with special walnut and finished with semi-gloss poly and finishing wax. I rubbed and buffed the finish to get the nice shine. This project took a while because I decided to let the poly cure for about a week before finishing and placing in my dining area.
This weekend I finished building the Alexia Bench. :D This is my entry for this month's Fab Furniture Flippin' Contest sponsored by D. Lawless Hardware :)
Easy great design... Fit our space where old spa used to be.
Here are some of the outdoor projects that I do to make extra money, Adirondack chairs...adult and kids sizes....patio tables....garden benches, used old pipes for the slats!!!
Thu, 08/09/2012 - 04:56
Wow, really nice and I love the idea for the back slats! Great job!
Tue, 08/14/2012 - 14:52
would you consider posting your plans?? they look really great & comfy!