Community Brag Posts

Upholstered Toddler (Not) Daybed

Submitted by Alyssa on Thu, 03/17/2011 - 16:32

My first "real" project! 


Of course I can't just follow directions though... I converted the upholstered toddler daybed into a non-daybed. In the process I messed up the measurements (not sure where) which made it tough to attach the headboard securely and also made it a couple of inches too long for the crib mattress. Oh well! It's solid now and we filled the gap with a rolled towel for the time being. I might make her a little box to fit in that spot and hold treasures.

Lesson learned is that building is fun, but I should let someone else worry about the math! ;)
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Can't remember exactly, but it felt like a lot in the end. Fabric, batting, and extra bits for structural support (because I didn't follow directions) added up. The wood was cheap.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint on the legs, distressed a little for practice (even though you can't really tell unless you're up close), polyacrylic over top (not sure what the topcoat should be, but I had it on hand!).

Note about the "Estimated Time Investment" - I'm sure this would not have taken as long for someone that had done more woodworking than I have. I've made a kitchen set and a bike ramp previously (not Ana's plans) but that's about it... Also it's a TODDLER bed, which means I have toddlers and that always makes things take twice as long!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

We did it! Our first every project!

Submitted by parwald on Sun, 05/03/2015 - 10:58

We are in desperate need of toy storage in our playroom. We are planning to build several more of these bulk bins.

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

Comments

kcasabella

Sat, 04/09/2016 - 21:03

They turned out beautiful! What type of wood did you use, if you remember, and did you paint before assembling?

parwald

Sun, 11/20/2016 - 10:39

It was just standard pine. We painted afterwards with grey paint leftover from a kitchen project.

Cedar planters

Submitted by mmarsha9 on Sun, 10/10/2021 - 14:08

My wife wanted some planters for the front porch. Thanks to Ana whites page for these plans. Also loved the top modification that I think is a must.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X end table

Submitted by damonawsgt on Tue, 06/04/2013 - 18:58

My first attempt at making something this caliber!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Apple Cider vinegar and steel wool. Lots of thin clear coats of poly sanding in between to get the high gloss on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Extended and Customized Sausha's Laundry Pedestal

Submitted by jtshaver on Tue, 05/05/2015 - 07:44

This was my first ever project. I would have done a good amount differently if I had to reconstruct it now, but it came out pretty good and definitely serves its purpose.

These are the changes I made compared to the original design:

  • Increased the length to 69" to fit our room
  • Added center posts to support the extended length
  • Doubled the top thickness
  • Routed an ogee on the underside of the top
  • Extended the top and bottom deck by 1' all around
  • Increased the post height to 12"
  • Chamfered the corners of the vertical posts
  • Enclosed the sides with inset panels
  • Painted to match our baseboard trim
  • Added furniture slider feet to make it easy to move on the tile

It definitely took longer than I would have liked, but I could do it much faster if I had to do it again.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based primer with semi-gloss Behr "Swiss Coffee" enamel on top. 2 coats of each, and an extra coat of paint on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Kitchen Island Poplar Top

Submitted by sc.kennedy on Wed, 09/20/2017 - 09:41

First project in a quite a while for me so wanted to go with something simple.  Was able to complete on a Saturday.  Only thing I wanted to do different was 2" thickness on the top.

 

 

 

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Krylon and Mineral Oil Food Grade
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Farmhouse Bed Single

Submitted by lindslar on Fri, 10/15/2021 - 05:40

This was my first project and I’m beyond proud. Thank you for the instructions!!!

Comments

Changing table for my Baby. First project

Submitted by Jason on Tue, 03/22/2011 - 20:33

This was my first wood working project ever. I followed Ana's plan exactly except for the trim and partitions. I learned a lot from this project such as the correct pre-drilling hole size and the need for countersinks (I had quite a few split boards). I used Pine for the boards and MDF for the shelves but if I had to do it again I think I would go for plywood. All in all it was a rewarding project. The hardest part was the wood putty.

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used KILZ primer and High Gloss white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

One of my first projects!

This was one of my first projects. I had some challenges with the cuts... I rushed through (since I had my 1 & 3 year old assisting) and didn't make exact cuts... as a result, there was a lot of trimming to do on the legs. Also, the pressure treated wood that we purchased was very weak and even with drilling pilot holes, I experienced quite a few splits when putting together the legs of the benches. (This is why I only have one bench, actually... I still need to buy more wood...) Otherwise, I love the table!!! I think I attached the legs of the table differently than instructed, though I can't recall what I did.. and we ended up cutting a 2x2 to tie in the legs (from mid-X to mid-X) for extra support. (My 3 year old son was leaping from the table and we wanted to make sure it could meet his demands.) We LOVE it overall!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sliding Door Media Console

Submitted by BobC on Sun, 10/08/2017 - 11:26

Built this to replace a shorter, store-bought media table that was just a dust collector.  I really enjoyed building this, especially making the hardware by hand. Thanks to one of the other builders for the plans to build the iron door hangers.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My first build I Love this closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/21/2021 - 11:32

When I wanted to unpack I found this amazing design by Ana White. I transformed my living room into my workshop. And voila my first build was accomplished
Thanks for all your amazing designs

Comments

Blue Farmhouse Table

Submitted by ktrodger on Fri, 03/25/2011 - 20:16

I wanted a kitchen table that was bigger than the one we had from Ikea, but the Farmhouse Table was too long. So we modified the length, left off the stretcher, and painted it a bright blue! The major lesson learned in this project was to be sure to store boards carefully. We bought the lumber, cut the boards, and then didn't work on the project for a couple of months. Even though the wood was in our garage, some of the boards warped a bit, leaving us with bends and curves to deal with once we started to build. Luckily, things came together, but there are many more imperfections in this table than would have been there if we'd built it sooner. But we still love it! 

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Blue semi-gloss paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Submitted by blmalloy on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 08:27

This table was actually our very first project! It took us longer because of that, but really, this table isn't very complicated at all! Cutting the arches were probably the most difficult part of the whole thing (hence why we left them off of the matching bench).
We modified this table down to 7.5 feet, but still kept the three arches because we loved the look of it. This table can still easily seat 8 people.
We modified the bench by not framing the top and leaving the arches off, but kept the same look of the legs so it would still match and keep the time/difficulty low.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used Rustoleum Ultimate Wood Stain in Dark Walnut and Rustoleum Ultimate Poly in Gloss. For some reason, the bench stained a bit lighter than the table even though the same wood and stain was used. The tabletop actually has four coats of poly because we initially went with Satin (using three coats) but really wanted the shine, so added a fourth coat of gloss. Next time we will just use gloss. :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Sun, 06/09/2013 - 12:12

Hard to believe this was your first project! You did an amazing job. Love the white tufted chairs to bring a rustic elegance to the set!

3 hook coat rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 11/03/2021 - 12:40

Thank you for this - I just made it slightly longer.

Comments

Printer's Console

There were a few misprints in the supply/cut list but if you read through the comments section it helps. I ended up making a list of the supplies and adding a column next to it with the cuts, that helped. Oh, and the store I bought the knobs from didn't have enough but the last one is coming! Pretty happy with the end result. Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The estimated time was a bit longer than actual build time due to stain & poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

tara2

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 16:17

looks really nice! could you tell me the type and color of stain that you used? thanks!

Focal point of the room

Submitted by Diesel911 on Wed, 05/13/2015 - 11:19

Beautiful and functional. Nobody believes I built this :)

Built from Plan(s)
Finish Used
Paint with stain applied over it. This was a very bright red with kona stain wiped over and then immediately wiped off. I did apply a clear coat to protect it. The kona stain really subdues the color of the paint.. This was a VERY bright red.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 05/13/2015 - 14:19

What a gorgeous build! Absolutely love the color too! I was just trying to picture a red like that today, and now I know it looks wonderful!

Wood Toy Fishing Game

This was a very easy project from scrap wood I had leftover from previous projects. I modified the box a little. I cut slits in the box so the top slides on nicely. I also stained the box and sealed because I love the look of stained wood. I used early American wood stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
early american
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mod wine cabinet

This was a really fun project. Thank you to Ana White for the awesome plans to make this wine cabinet possible. It's much loved, and is a beautiful new additions to a new home. I enjoyed making it, the plans were very easy to follow.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments