Simple Potting Bench
Sturdy Work Bench
Rustic Shelves
Doll Farmhouse Bed
The Ram called from work yesterday and the conversation went something like this:
"I can barely hear you." (Ram)
"Oh, I'm out in the garage." (Me)
"Are you building something?" (Ram)
"uh, yeah . . . me and Grace just built a Farmhouse Bed." (Me)
slight pause . . . "who is the bed for?" (Ram)
How we got to the point where building a bed is no longer a big deal, I'm not quite sure. But the Ram was quite relieved when he came home and found out who the bed was for.
Grace's doll . . . that she might get for Christmas.
And then the Ram looked over my shoulder and chuckled . . . Hey! That looks just like our bed!
But best of all, Grace (it's not a surprise when she helps build it) absolutely loves the bed. Grace has never had much interest in toys, so we were quite surprised to see her making the bed, putting her dolls to bed, even trying to sleep in the bed herself. She also helped me make all the bedding from the adorable vintage fabric that I found at a local fabric store. We just bought a little bundle of precut squares and sewed it all together - not perfect, but it was something that Grace and I could do together and appreciate.
I'm really enjoying my daughter being old enough to help and have an interest in crafts. I hope you make this bed for your daughters for the Holidays. But most of all, I hope you make the bed together - the memories and knowing what and how something is made is more valueable than the end result. She'll outgrow the bed, but she will not forget the experience.
The main motivation for building this bed was from the frequent request from moms everywhere. We all want the best for our children. But also, the pile of scrap boards sitting on my saw stand just kept nagging at me . . . make me into a doll bed!
Easiest Industrial Cart
Adirondack Stool or End Table
Folding Deck, Beach or Sling Chairs, Child Size
Blanket Ladder
5 Board Bench
Pallet Picnic Table How - To
Have you ever been at the point in your life when there is no extra money? When you need something positive, some growth in your life, but you are saving (or just barely breaking even)? Don't let that get in the way of your ability to be creative. When Janae first shared this pallet picnic table on our Facebook Fan Page, I was equally impressed with how cute the table was AND her ability to be creative without spending much money.
Here is from Janae:
I thought about taking pictures as I was going, but I was trying to work with my son's nap schedule and didn't have extra time. Okay, who else can understand where Janae is coming from? Not just a tight budget, but no time?
I found a few pallets for free on craigslist. I really recommend using ones that haven't been rebuilt several time. The more it's rebuilt and repaired the harder it is to take it apart. Luckily I had one beautiful pallet that came apart with ease. The only problem was by the time I decided to make a picnic table out of it I had already made a pallet shelf.
So anyway, I made this picnic table out of 2/3rds of a pallet, some scrap 2x4s I found, and one or two new 2x4s stud length. (At $2 a stick, that's $4 out of pocket)
The table top is 40" long x 21.25" wide. I'm sure it will vary by pallet, but I made sure the pallet notch was centered (this is where I came up with 21.25"). I left the center pallet 2x4. I didn't want to bother removing it, and I felt like it gave the 1x4s more support.
I just cut it at a 30 degree angle to keep it from digging into the kids lap. I think after I cut the 2x4s there were still 3 1x4s still attached, and I just filled the gaps with 3 more (pallet boards)
For the seats, a pallet frame would work, but I had two scrap pieces of 2x4s. I got tired of tearing apart the bad pallets with tons of nails. The 2x4s are 45.5" long. The seats are about 7" wide. For each seat I used a 2x4 and two 1x4s double up. The 1x4s were from pallets. The 2x4 was new, but I could've used 1x4s if I wanted to tear apart the pallet more.
I used the same measurements as the big kid's picnic table for the legs. Bigger Kids Picnic Table Plans are here.
I would have just sealed it, but that would have cost money. I used left over primer and house paint. It was the perfect color. Anyone could make this with one pallet and a couple extra 2x4s.
And if you would like to see a video one of our Facebook Fans L Scott shared on constructing a pallet picnic table, you can go here.
With a little sweat and a lot of determination, there are no limits to your creativity. Money need not be a deal breaker in your design dreams. Hope Janae has inspired you as much as she has inspired me!
Kid's Kit: Doll Bed
Brook Laundry Basket Dresser - 4 Tall and Lengthwise
Kids Kit Project: $2 Birdhouse
American Girl or 18" Doll Sofa or Couch Plans
Window Birdfeeder
Farmhouse X Desk
Barn Beam Ledges
You are probably pretty used to me being excited about every plan that I post. I wouldn't post a plan if I was not excited about it.
But when I actually have the time to build, photograph, and post actual photos, I'm just all that much more excited to share. Especially when I can look at the actual product, and know that you are going to be just as happy with your shelves as I am mine.
I'm pretty happy with them!
What do you think? Not too bad for a couple of boards, eh? And the best part about these shelves? They are lightweight, easy to hang, and super sturdy. You could build them as long as you want without compromising strength. And you could also build them wider - but I wouldn't go too much wider, perhaps at most a 1x8 (but I haven't tested a 1x8 just yet).
And the ends are all finished and boxed in! So are the bottoms, for a completely finished bar beam look.
Yet without the weight of an actual beam.
And what do you think of the whale art?
It's yours to print out if you want. Just go here to get the graphic, adjust the colors, and print. I'm really loving silhouettes right now, especially animals in child's rooms.