Community Brag Posts

Twin Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by fanofana on Thu, 03/08/2012 - 18:50

My daughter learned to climb out of her crib so we rushed to the furniture stores to find her a bed. I was very disappointed in the quality we found. I had this project in the back of my mind but didn't know how quickly I could get it done. It was really quite easy and we got her in her new bed in no time! She loves it and I think it was better than anything we saw in a store and way less expensive!! I even made the quilt for her.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used ProClassic Interior acrylic latex paint in gloss from Sherman Williams (as noted in another brag post). Using a mini roller saved a lot of time with the finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

King Sized Hailey Bed - Customized

Submitted by dsgdesigns on Fri, 01/03/2014 - 07:26

I took these plans (http://ana-white.com/2012/01/plans/hailey-platform-bed) and adjusted the size for a king size bed. I beefed up the sides with 2x10's instead of 2x6's and extended the trim to 1x4's instead of 1x3's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
two coats of MinWax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Big Kid Picnic Table

Submitted by HOWsMom on Tue, 03/13/2012 - 06:35

After I saw the bigger kid picnic table, I knew I HAD to make this ! I did change the measurements slightly, but I don't recall how now (I made this a year ago).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 CDN
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Texas Adirondack Chair

Submitted by bclexsam on Sun, 01/05/2014 - 07:02

With a little project oversight, my son built and painted this chair which went on to win 1st place in his division at the local 4-H show!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior latex paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Triple Pedestal Table 12ft long

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 12:01

First DIY, my twin brother and I decided to build a table for my parents; as they are currently remodeling their house. Thank you so much for these easy-to-follow yet very thorough set of plans! We made some adjustments to the length and width: 144inches (12ft) long by about 45inches wide!! It's a monster of a table! We made the legs wider as well to compensate for the adjustments of the table top. We are all extremely happy with the results- thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Barn Door Pantry

Submitted by @dbenn on Wed, 11/13/2019 - 09:25

I am so happy with this repurposed media center.  I finally have a pantry!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Apothecary Console With Storage Doors

This console features the style of the Apothecary Console and the functionality of the Console with DVD Storage Doors. I drew my own my plans by combining Ana's plans for the Apothecary Console and the Console with DVD Storage Doors. You can view my plans by visiting my blog at www.2crafty4myskirt.blogspot.com or by clicking the plan link below.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint - Antique White
Stain - Minwax Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

stacynabby

Fri, 03/16/2012 - 19:27

Totally came out fantastic! I love the swing out DVD doors. Nicely played.

claydowling

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 19:50

That's a really awesome cabinet. I love the look of the apothecary, and wouldn't have thought to design the doors like that for the added storage.

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 03/18/2012 - 02:30

Really like this build. Just wanted to let you know there are a couple of mixed up letters in your blog address at the very beginning of the post...so it sends you to a different site.

Adore the cabinet! Thanks for sharing.

Superhero Tower

Submitted by ellie_pete on Tue, 01/07/2014 - 13:07

When my 4 year old son perused the toy catalogs that came in the mail prior to X-mas, one thing was certain - he loved all the towers and buildings being advertised for action figures. However, I refused to buy one more plastic piece of junk that inevitably breaks after a couple of uses. When I found these plans, I knew they were perfect! My husband and I worked on this together, he's much steadier with our jig saw. I fitted my drill press with a hole cutter for the tops of the arched doorways. We added a rope swing and green paint to the original design. I had trouble knotting the twine for the ladder at even intervals so I used some cylindrical wooden beads I found from an old necklace to use as spacers. It doesn't close up as tightly as we'd like, but we can still get the clasp closed. I decoupaged some of the inner walls with scrapbook paper for fun scenes: maps, brick walls, pebbles, bark, and forest. It was a fun project for us and it's been fun watching him! He has played with this tower nearly every day since he opened it up X-mas morning!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum spray paint and primer, paper was decoupaged with Mod Podge, everything was then covered with a Rustoleum clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Coffee table and matching side table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/29/2016 - 07:20

Great plans. I got a lot of attention for these tables. I think they're easy to build and a few bad cuts/mismatches can make it look more rustic so no need to worry about perfection with these. I use them in my apartment and they're both really nice. I stained with miniwax jacobean and used a satin clear poly on it after. I only needed one layer of stain.I think a dining room table version of this plan would be really awesome too!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
stain/poly/lumber/screws all were around 50$

Can be alot cheaper if you already have these things. I had a bunch of the lumber in scraps already.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Darker Stain (jacobean) with clear polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect Guest Room Bench

Submitted by LampAtFeet on Fri, 11/22/2019 - 13:49

We needed a bench in our guest room for the upcoming holidays. After searching Ana's site I decided on the Flip Top Storage Bench. (We didn't need the flip top, so I just built a flat top and added a couple boards under the top for extra support) The plans were very easy to follow and the bench works perfectly in our room for extra seating as well as suitcases. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut stain then a coat of satin wipe on polyurethane to seal it
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Reclaimed Wood Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:23

I wanted to use a long cut off of 3/4 “ plywood and a bed frame my neighbor gave me. This is what I came up with.

King size Storage Bed - Highly Modified

Submitted by BJ D on Mon, 03/19/2012 - 12:59

In an effort to gain some space in our home, I decided to build up. The Bed is tall (not a problem for us) but not too tall. The added heigh allowed for an extra 2 LARGE drawers on each side and an additional storage space we refer to as the "cubby." This last space has a pop open latch insted of a drawer due to the side table above them. The cabinets at the foot of the bed have the same pop open latch system and house 4 large laundry bins.

The bed feels incredibly solid and I've already had several compliments from friends. One of the best came from a rather neat and organized contractor friend of ours who's home decor is wonderful. He asked where I bought it. My response: Lowes , in a pile of lumber :)

The time it took to build this was months, due to only working a night or two a week after my toddler went to bed. It could easily be week project.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
less than 700
Finish Used
Chocolate Brown paint with Polyacryllic over.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BJ D

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 10:38

Thanks for the compliment!

I just realized that one of the drawers wasn't pushed all the way in for the pictures. Oh well.

spiceylg

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:36

This is stunning. What a beautiful build. Anyway you kept track of measurements and such so that you could post your modifications?

BJ D

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 14:35

I did...

But today is my first chance to start playing with sketchup. I'll see if I can put those together for you. In the meantime. Here's some numbers to look at. Remember, the bed is TALL, but my wife and I are both around 6 feet.
Each side cabinet is 60 inches wide by 20.5 deep by 22.5 tall (to the platform itself). The entire bed is 77.25 wide at the base, with trim.

Sewallmom

Mon, 09/07/2015 - 10:30

First of all......

 

Amazing work!!!  This is exactly what I am looking for to make for my daughters BDay.  She has a small bedroom.   I have never been afraid to take on a new project.  Saying that I will be having the lumber company cut all the pieces for me.   It will house all her clothes/shoes and hamper.

 

Please tell me that you have the dimensions for this platfrom bed.

HK (not verified)

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 14:20

LOVE IT!!!
Do you think its possible to create what you did on the end with the laundry hampers on all three sides, instead of having the drawers?? Do you have measurements or sketch-up of just that section. YOU ARE A GENIUS!!!!

BJ D

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 10:36

Thanks HK

Having the laundry hampers on all sides is quite doable. Email me if you want [email protected] and let me know what types of hampers you are thinking...how many... do you need doors... how tall...what materials you want to use and what size bed. I can help you with the design/modification.

kparrish21

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 14:05

I love the modifications you have made! I want my husband to make me this same bed that you have done. With our 3rd baby arriving in 2 months I really need the space that our clothes are currently occupying. Have you been able to make up plans for this bed? If not, do you have a list of measurements and supplies needed to make this?

BJ Epstein (not verified)

Mon, 07/16/2012 - 21:12

Hey BJ,

This is the other BJ (or as Greta would term it, "chick BJ")! I was looking at this site, and saw a picture of the bed you made, with the caption "BJ D made this." So I clicked on it, and it showed a picture of you, and I was like, "Hey, I know that guy! That's the guy that married my best friend! And that's their daughter! Wow, small world!"

Anyway, I was thoroughly amused, and also, I really like the modifications you made on the bed. I'm totally stealing some of your ideas when we make our new bed frame!

-BJ

BJ D

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 11:56

yes small world hun. I'd be happy to give tips/tricks I've come across through a few different projects, some from here and some I did solo.

If you don't have a Kreg Jig, get one :)

Nice to hear from you. :)

mvmauga

Fri, 04/18/2014 - 15:18

Hi, I emailed you, but just in case you don't still have that email or it doesn't go through to you. Did you ever make plans for your modifications? If so, I would love to see them. My email is [email protected]

Thank you!

Rustic Bookshelf with Door

Our second project after successfully creating the X coffee table. I used 1 x 4's both for the back and the door that I added.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar and wire wool oxidisation achieved by applying 24 hrs after the application of strong tea.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 11/26/2019 - 08:30

I made a few changes to the queen size farmhouse bed plans. Going to add drawers underneath so we can maximize space in our room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Cherry
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Shoe dresser

Submitted by KelleighW on Sat, 01/11/2014 - 07:13

I loved the idea of the shoe dresser and decided to fancy it up a bit. I changed the dimensions a little to suit the space in my home where I wanted it to go. I decided to use the dowel pins for the doors because I didn't want to be able to see the hinges - which I found to be the hardest part - you need to make sure you get them as low in the corner as you can otherwise your doors won't open. I also found that I didn't cut enough off the top of the dividers which prevented the doors from opening - they needed to be more slanted than round at the top - I ended up having to use a planer to take the excess off. Very happy with the way it turned out - just have to train the kids to put their shoes away now instead of all over the floor :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100 (Australian)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I mixed some paint together that I had leftover from other projects to get the colour I was after and made up some chalk paint. I had never used chalk paint before and was very pleased with the outcome. I lightly sanded and paid more attention to some areas more than others to give a slightly distressed look then applied a coat of wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

suschen

Mon, 01/13/2014 - 07:46

This looks amazing! Do you have photos of what it looks like open? Which plan is this based off of?

Modified Rustic XX Console Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/02/2016 - 16:07

I wanted a smaller table than the plans called for, so I built this one at 51 inches. The side design is slatted rather than built with an X. I love the more modern look with this mission-style modification. This was my first build and I'm pretty happy with it and how easy these plans were to follow.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
DIY chalk paint and vinegar stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Parsons Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/06/2019 - 04:07

Built two bookcases, and connected with three extra shelves (minus side pieces on extra shelves). Whitewashed pine. Based on parson plans but adjusted dimensions to height and width of railing in my living room area.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr white paint color to match walls, diluted 1:1 for whitewash.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Bedside Tables

We followed the plans, but did run into a couple snags. Because we were making two tables, we thought it might be easier to do all the cuts first, and then assemble both together. We agreed it was easiest in the end (so we weren't going back and forth to the saw), but the cut list called for one extra trim piece that the plans never used... lucky for us, we realized this before doing the cuts so just skipped it. The cut list left out one piece that the plans asked for at the end (for the life of me, I can't remember what it was), but we had quite a bit of extra lumber thanks to carefully thought out cuts so it wasn't a big deal.

We found that the plans really forced us to think out our approach along the way. We are true beginners, and we even ended up having to think about where we were sinking the screws and making sure to sand the pieces prior to assembling.

As far as our materials went, we purchased most of it at Home Depot. For the tops, we decided to use some scrap MDF that we had leftover from another project. Otherwise, we just used the cheapest lumber we could find, and pine for the 1x6 and 1x12's. Our Home Depot bill was $104, but we have a few pieces of lumber and pine that we didn't use, so plan to take them back. We already had the paint, and we bought the hardware at Lee Valley in Vancouver (BC), which was $24. We figure that the end price for each table is about $60.

For more details, check out my blog post on the project: http://www.andreakrisourchaos.blogspot.ca/2012/03/pinterest-challenge-b…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60 per table
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum White Primer Spray Paint - 2 coats
Rustoleum White Gloss Spray Paint - 3 coats
Rustoleum Clear Lacquer Spray Paint - 2 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner