Community Brag Posts

Truss coffee table

Submitted by mwoods on Thu, 09/18/2014 - 20:37

The first larger project I've done on my own. I distressed it some before staining it but no other changes were made to the plan. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$23 for wood
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

West Elm Knockoff Chevron Queen Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/13/2017 - 21:07

This was my first build and I am so happy with how it turned out! The plans from Jen Woodhouse were extremely easy to follow and I would definitely recommend this project to others!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple bunk bed

Submitted by Rebma11 on Mon, 01/07/2013 - 09:01

I'm really happy with how this project turned out.
To attach the beds together I deviated from the original instructions and instead attached the headboard header to the headboard itself instead of to the feet of the upper bunk as directed. I used 3/4" dowels to attach the two beds, drilling 3" into the bottom bunk (through the header and into the posts), and 2" into the legs of the top bunk. This way the beds will easily come apart. They are incredibly secure, and incredibly heavy!

Estimated Cost
$200-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Console X Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/12/2017 - 14:44

My husband bought me a Kreg jig for Christmas since I've been wanted to make some Ana White projects. Love how the first one turned out. Team project with hubby for our entry way. 

Estimated Cost
$300. We spent extra for high quality oak with saw marks and that had been skip planed.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain with briwax dark brown wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack Minnie Mouse

Submitted by vangy04 on Fri, 11/14/2014 - 08:29

My daughter is into everything Minnie Mouse right now so I figured, why not!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used stickers for the white details, but my daughter promptly peeled them all off. I suggest paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

pr22joyce

Thu, 09/08/2016 - 12:08

I have looked, clicked all over this site to download the plans for the Minnie Mouse Adirondack chair.  Can someone please help?

KelHad

Sun, 02/19/2017 - 13:28

Has anyone been able to locate the plans for the Minnie Mouse chair yet?

I still can't find them.

Laundry Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/27/2017 - 10:03
We followed these plans, but instead of building two cabinets, we combined them with one side in the middle. We also used pine planks on top. The sides are painted with chalk paint, and the top is finished in dark wax. 
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom Bedroom Wall Storage with Bench and Bookshelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:52

"This project has been so rewarding for me. I took a leap and wadded into new areas of construction that I’ve never ventured into before and unlocked some skills that have increased my confidence in this craft." - sassafrashome

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Fence Picket Console Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/17/2025 - 14:32

Made my 2nd TV console. Both customers wanted cedar pickets. Wasn't able to use them for "structure" so it is "cedar clad".

Made by Ana White's 6' Barndoor plans! Just modified for cedar. - Craig Blasi Facebook Community

Built from Plan(s)

My first toddler bed!

Rather than buy a cheap toddler bed from a chain retailer I decided to build my own. Ana's plans were amazing! I changed just few things to fit our needs. My son loves it and so do I.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut w/ Semi gloss Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

White and ceder nest boxes

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/01/2017 - 21:35

I mostly followed Ana's plans but used 1 5/8 screws and had a problem with wood splitting so for the ceder I used a finish nailer instread which worked great. I also painted before nailing the ceder pieces so they would really stand out and I also cut a few inches off the front ceder piece as I think 5.5in is too high and covers too much of the entrance. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
30 dollars
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Just an exterior white paint on the pine.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

outdoor club chairs and couch set

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/17/2017 - 14:16

We found an outdoor set online that we LOVED - until we saw the price tag haha! So DIY to the rescue, as always. This was our first project that we have ever done based on our own plans, but I did refer to Ana's adirondack post when deciding on the back-tilt of the chairs' support. The simplicity of the set definitely helped with the fact that we blazed our own trail - just straight cuts with a miter saw and screws! Easy peasy. We LOVE it, especially because they're so solid with these 4x4's so our kids can run all over these things like monkeys. DIY forever!

Estimated Cost
500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
weathered grey from Rustoleum
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by rosiejane on Sat, 03/28/2015 - 06:11

Finally our 3 year old is out of her cot. Her long awaited bed finally got made! It took about 3 days to build (working around naptimes and school runs) and another week to paint it. I modified the plans slightly, using 70mm posts (instead of 90mm). I used 19x140mm for the rails so that more of the mattress was exposed (so we don't hit the rails when we sit on the edge of the bed) and also took quite a bit off the height of the headboard. I used bed brackets which made joining the rails very easy. Very impressed with how it turned out. The plans were really easy to follow and easily modified to suit our needs. A matching doll bed is in the works and her older siblings are also putting their orders in...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
AUD$250 (timber and bed brackets) I already had the paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I rounded off all sharp edges. This gave a nice definition to the head and footboard panels. I used gap filler in all the cracks and this made everything nice and smooth for painting. 1 coat primer and 4 coats acrylic semi-gloss - vivid white. I used a 100mm foam roller.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

britt.barth

Mon, 08/03/2015 - 17:16

we made a toddler size bed a few years ago recreating this farmhouse plan,  and are wanting to make the regular twin size now. I LOVE your changes. Any chance you could post a picture 1) a close up of the bracket (I'm wanting to do the same), and 2) how it looked from the inside, but pointing to the footboard? I want to copy YOUR bed! :D

Cheers!

Jewelry Box Retirement Gift

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 04/20/2015 - 17:19

This jewelry box is a gift for a friend at work who is retiring.   It is a variation of the Easy Jewelry Box, with the following modifications:

Hinged lift-up top with mirror

Overlay drawer fronts from ¼” craft wood (Gold stencil on top false drawer front, and drawer boxes are 1/8” shorter than the shelf from front to back, to ensure the fronts sit flat against the box front and drawer back doesn't touch the box back at all)

The bottom is 2 pieces thick, to allow space for the drawer overhang and attaching the bottom moulding.

Solid wood back (instead of plywood)

Top and bottom edged with mini stop moulding to make the overhangs, and added feet made from lattice

Removable drawer divider tray and 2 heights of removable dividers for the top, made from dentil, lattice and screen bead mouldings

I really took my time on this build to get everything just right with the build and the finish.   Probably spent about 6 hours spread out over the last few weekends. 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Cost: 1x8 and 1x2 Lumber and finishes were already on hand (left over from other projects) and I spent about $25 for the mirror, hardware, felt, mouldings, and craft board.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats Clark & Kensington semi-gloss paint + primer in Crushed Peanut, sanded between coats. Stencil: 1 coat Americana Gloss enamel metallic in glorious gold. Soft wax on the shelf and drawer bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 04/21/2015 - 18:57

This is your best one yet, Joanne. Love it! :-)

JoanneS

Wed, 04/22/2015 - 18:29

Hi Linda, thank you for the nice comment! This was a fun build, and I'm very glad to say the gift was a big hit! :)

Tryed Coffee Table and End Table

Submitted by mike5287 on Wed, 10/27/2021 - 12:00

Oldest is moving out into their own apartment so thought I would help them save some money and built a Tryed/Tryde Coffee & End Table, although both are slightly modified:

- Coffee table I added the lower section
- End Table I did with pocket holes vs how the plans had it laid out.

For the end table , which I started after the coffee table, I "jointed" the table top pieces on the table saw - very slightly as I wanted to keep the more rustic looking individual boards. This worked really well and I wish I had done it on the coffee table too.

For the finish, which to me always starts with lots and lots of sanding (started at 60 grit down to 400 grit), I used a mix of Varithane Red Mahogany (4 parts) and Dark Walnut (1 Part), then several coats of Clear Satin Polyurethane. For some reason the end table was VERY glossy so had to use some 0000 steel wool to reduce the gloss.

So hooked on the pocket holes now going to upgrade my Kreg jig to the 720 :)

Comments

Shoe dresser

Submitted by RoseOfShaz on Thu, 07/04/2013 - 15:26

I didn't build this shoe dresser because I particularly needed one, but it looked so lovely that I couldn't resist.

- I modified the plans by building 3 bins instead of 2 so it could hold more shoes.
- I decided against the dowel stick and opted for hinges instead, which were surprisingly not too difficult to assemble. I found that I didn't even need the magnets after installing the hinges as the doors stay closed.
- I used 7" chains on both sides of each bin instead of a belt to make it extra sturdy.
- I added two back legs.

Et voila! This is the end result. I'm very pleased.

PS. Those flopping bins are a pain when you're trying to build!! An extra pair of hands is definitely recommended.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 (with extra bin)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut (can't remember the exact name of the stain, but it's the one Shanty 2 Chic always uses!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

SoCaliforniaMel

Fri, 07/05/2013 - 22:49

Pretty :) Good Job. Now if I only had the space for one thats 10 rows high :P I like the stain color too. Shanty 2 Chic always uses Rust-o-leum. I think its called dark walnut. Dont quote me though. I love the stain and spray paint combo colors they use.
~Melody

Farmhouse Bench

Submitted by Ktosaka on Thu, 07/02/2015 - 20:36

This bench is a shorter version of the farmhouse bench to go with our existing table. It measures 45" long, 14" wide, and 18" high. I used the leftover wood from building our Farmhouse bed so it cost next to nothing. I used leftover 1x4's for the seat and leftover 1x6 for the breadboard ends. I didn't have enough 2x4's to make the 4x4 legs, but decided that the bench was sturdy enough as is. I used my Kreg jig, so I did not notch out the legs as the plan resulting in 9" stretchers and aprons. I did add an extra 2x4 to the inside of the leg piece to add stability and a surface to screw the top to.

Estimated Cost
I only had to buy screws for this bench as it was all left over from our farmhouse bed and the finish was from the county recycle center so I only paid about $8 for the whole project.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I started out with Minwax poly shade in antique oak, but this wasn't dark enough. I used one coat Minwax Jacobean and one coat Minwax express mahogany to get the desired color to match existing chairs. I finished it off with two coats of Minwax Wipe-on poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Recycle/garbage center

Submitted by YeenYus on Wed, 07/24/2013 - 08:50

We just moved in to a newly built house, so it was important for everything to have a place. I don't like the garbage can to be under the sink, and my wife doesn't like the can just out on the floor...too many missed hook shots with the coffee filters I guess! This cabinet solves many kitchen problems all at once. An attractive cabinet that hides garbage and recycle, yet is easy to get in and out of. The railroad spike handles are something we sell on Etsy, as well as knobs and shelves. The shop name is YeenYus.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain, paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ecspronk

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 20:44

I was wondering if you had a price estimate on how much the supplies cost you along with some measurements. I am looking to build a double one like this. More details would be awesome. Thank you

In reply to by Ecspronk

YeenYus

Wed, 07/24/2013 - 21:15

Yeah, I kind of built this on the run with nothing but the space it had to fit into. But it is 34" wide 32" deep and 24" high. I needed it to fit under the window and used the Home Depot garbage bins as the starting point.

I build a lot of stuff...and this was a tough one. The frame is 2x4's with pine facing and bead board. 4 hinges, stain and paint...less than $100.

I'd love to work with you on this if you want. The hard part was engineering the bins falling forward equally and not binding up. The back of the bin actually hits the counter top perfectly now. But you can see that I had to put an extra 1" under the top for it to hit something.

It' gonna take some work but this thing looks and works so smoothly. You can do it...I can help!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

momaimp

Thu, 05/08/2014 - 06:07

Would you be able to post a sketch of this project? I assume there are three boxes - the main cabinet and the two tilt-out boxes, but I would appreciate seeing a breakdown of the parts. Thanks!

Jsanderson

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 06:32

Is there a way I can get plans for this? I tried to sign up on site but can't locate

Accent photo gallery wall

When I first saw Ana's $10 ledges - I knew I wanted to do them, with a twist. I have this random nook in my house - and I knew they would be perfect. I wanted a feature wall there. And a feature it is.

I posted more pictures and how I framed everything out on my blog.

Thank you Ana for your continued inspiration! I wouldn't have been able to do any of it without you!

Estimated Cost
Ledges $20, full wall $160
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Prime and white gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/06/2012 - 11:55

I love this! I love the area of wallpaper framed out. Can you tell me how you did that? Did you attach the wallpaper to the wall? Or did you attach to plywood or something and then attach to the wall? I have a perfect spot in my hallway to do something cute like this! LOVE!

Erica c (not verified)

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 10:28

This is absolutely gorgeous!! I would love to something just like this...so creative! By any chance, can you tell me what wallpaper you used??

mycreativeescapes

Sat, 04/21/2012 - 05:44

I'll look to see if I can find the name and brand of wallpaper. We actually wallpapered the wall. It was super easy the whole thing. We lined out where it would be centered. Then put up I think 4 sections. When it was done it was super easy We put a decorative block in one corner - cut the next molding piece to line up with the next corner, and continued all 4 sides. No mitering cuts - super easy!

Erica c (not verified)

Sun, 04/22/2012 - 19:24

Wow! Thank you so much! I cannot wait to start! I really appreciate you trying to find the wallpaper pattern. It just so happens i have the same color carpeting, banister and paint already in my upstairs hall, so as soon as i saw your picture i knew it could work. Hopefully you will be able to find it..if not, i can't thank you enough for your detailed instructions. That will really help being i am not that handy! Hope to hear back from you.
Thanks again,
Erica

Erica c (not verified)

Thu, 06/07/2012 - 16:17

I am so sorry if I'm being a pain. Just wanted to see if you were able to find the wallpaper pattern/color? I have not had much luck looking for a wallpaper i like as much as yours.
Thank you again!
Erica

Recycled Pallet Factory Cart Coffee Table

My first build! I tore apart two old pallets to get the surface boards for the table. The skirting is 1 x 6's from the hardware store. I need larger casters but am saving up for the real vintage ones.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Mahogany with 3 coats of Minwax fast-dry poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jloftus18

Sun, 06/26/2011 - 19:36

I just picked up a pallet off the side of the road and was wondering what to do with it...Now I know! Thanks =)

Amazonqt20 (not verified)

Tue, 06/28/2011 - 02:26

You need to post what you come up with. Plus how did you get you photo on my comment posts?

Tony (not verified)

Tue, 08/07/2012 - 00:05

My daughter cleaned her room so instead of renting a dumpster I hauled it to the dump i mean"land fill". Anyway instead of coming back the normal route they detoured us around the dump and I found the mother load of pallets. You could ask and they will be free if your "land fill" is like mine...

Amazonqt20 (not verified)

Tue, 06/28/2011 - 01:32

I worked at a candy factory that received several pallets all day long and I loved the ones that had writing on them, like Ghirardelli (a chocolate company), Blommer (chocolate manufacturer) and a few others! I've picked up a few and have made picture frames and shelving from some.

Vendelcrow

Sun, 10/30/2011 - 04:25

Very nice & the right look. Planned to make something similar, so thanks for the inspiration.

KristenE (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 10:24

I took some pallets from the pumpkin patch last week, with the dream of making something similar!! I want mine a little taller so I am going to attempt a shelf or something, I have had my casters for weeks and was psyched to find the free pallets! Great Job!

KristenE (not verified)

Tue, 11/01/2011 - 10:24

I took some pallets from the pumpkin patch last week, with the dream of making something similar!! I want mine a little taller so I am going to attempt a shelf or something, I have had my casters for weeks and was psyched to find the free pallets! Great Job!

Queenie (not verified)

Thu, 04/05/2012 - 06:49

Love your site and the fact that you share so much info for Diy's. Where is the best place to get the caster wheels? Vintage are sooo expensive so I got to believe that they are out there new with the idea in mind to antique them..
Thanks for all that you posted and shared..

In reply to by Queenie (not verified)

claydowling

Sun, 04/15/2012 - 12:03

The two best sources I've found for cart wheels are Menards and Harbor Freight. I think you can order them from Rockler or Lee Valley too, but I know that the two physical stores have a good selection and the prices are reasonable.

angelina (not verified)

Mon, 04/23/2012 - 13:38

I love it! I've been searching for one to buy but might try to make my own now I've seen yours....and definitely more satisfying when you've build something yourself from scratch. Fab job.

Reseller Hosti… (not verified)

Fri, 05/25/2012 - 23:21

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jyn (not verified)

Fri, 08/31/2012 - 12:15

I want something like this only I might make it taller. Also you can search Goodwill for antiquish castor wheels! Good job!