Last Thursday we had our Third Birthday!

I've been so exhausted from the flu and catching up on emails and the blog, I didn't even know!

We have a lot to celebrate over the last year!  As far as blogging years go, this one has got to be my most favorite. This past year, we embraced many of you as contributors to the blog, bringing different styles and personalities to our DIY furniture.  I've made so many new friends and learned so much as a result, and love the stories you bring to our DIY furniture.

This past year, we transformed the Momplex from an empty shell into what is sure looking like a cozy home for Mom!  It's been a big task, and your support has helped us push through hard times.  Thank you so much for being there for us!

And of course our first book came out!  Thank you for your support and encouragement!  

What a great year it was indeed.

So what's next?

Here's what we are hoping to focus on this coming year:

1. More DIY plans.  I want to add a ton more plans in the coming year providing more selection and options for you.

2. Better support.  If there is anything that keeps me up at night and makes me sad, it's my inbox.  I am so sorry if I could not answer your email.  It's my goal in this coming year to bring on an assistant to help me and provide better support to you.

3. More Video.  Some of you are visual learners.  I will work very hard to get a comprehensive How-To video library up this year.

4. Finishing the Momplex.  We are reaching the most exciting part of the Mompex, the inside!  I heard the D-Word (drywall!) and we can't wait to furnish the Momplex with DIY furniture!

5. Sharing More.  Did you know the week before we went on book tour, we were out harvesting moose in hurricane force winds for our winter food supply?  That I cook a grain-free diet to keep my family healthy and happy?  DIY encompasses so much more than furniture in our home, and we see tremendous value from our DIY lifestyle. 

And the Ram keeps pestering me about how quiet the house seems now that Gracie is in school ... we'll see ....

And in between all these goals for the coming year, I'd like to go back and update a few of the most favorite plans on the blog.  Over the years, I've learned so much and it's only fair that some of our best plans be improved as well.

One of the all time favorite plans is the Tryde Coffee Table.

This one was built by Jeff from A Touch of Arkansas.

I designed the original plan before I used a Pocket Hole Jig.  The plans as they are are totally fine.  But if you use a Pocket Hole Jig, you can buy less lumber, use less screws, build faster and easier, and hide every single screw hole.  

Cheaper, faster and easier?  Uh, yes!  

So here's the first of a few plans I want to update - the Tryde Coffee Table built with Pocket Holes.

Enjoy!

PS - Been thinking of you folks on the East Coast.  Stay warm and safe!

Wood crates are so versatile, beautiful and useful!  You may have the scrap wood lying around already to build your own in minutes for free. And let's not forget if you build your own wood crates, you can make them any size you wish!  

So I thought I'd put together my Ultimate Guide to Wood Crate Building for you.

The Ultimate Guide to Wood Crate Building

Wood Crate Parts

Most wood crates are made up of two parts, the Ends and the Slats.

The ends are structural, and are made of a 3/4" thick piece of wood.  This provides enough width to attach slats to the edges of the end pieces.

End Boards Determine Height of Wood Crate

Economical pine or whitewood is readily availabe off the shelf in standard sizes.  Choosing a wider width board will result in a taller crate.  

• 1x12 will result in about a 12" tall crate
• 1x10 will result in about a 10" tall crate
• 1x8 will result in about a 8" tall crate
• 1x6 will result in about a 6" tall crate
• 1x4 will result in about a 4" tall crate

*Crate finished height will be determined by the material used on the bottom, so may vary up to 3/4" from above.

Other material like 3/4" plywood can be used for ends, but will require more cutting and an exposed plywood edge will be visible.

Cut End Boards to Desired Width of Wood Crate

Once you have selected the board to use for the ends, simply cut to how wide you want the wood crate to be.  

Cuts can be made using a jigsaw, circular saw, or any mitersaw or chop saw. 

Slats

The slats for the wood crate can be a variety of different materials.  The width of the slats can vary, from 1-1/2" wide slats to a complete covered bottom and sides.

• Basswood or Balsa Wood, sometimes referred to as "hobby wood" is available in most hobby stores.  It is in standard widths perfect for slats, and is lightweight and strong enough for a crate bottom.  You may even find hobby wood in precut lengths perfect for wood crates.
• Plywood scrap pieces can be ripped on a tablesaw down to the desired slat width and used as slats.  1/4" up to 1/2" is most desireable.
• For heavy duty wood crates, simply use 1x3 wood boards as the slats.  The crates will be bulkier and heavier, but also stronger and more durable.

Cut the slats to the desired length of the crate.

Begin on the bottom of the wood crate, and attach slats to bottoms of end pieces with glue and nails at least 1/2" longer than your slat thickness.  For example, 1/4" plywood would require a 3/4" nail or staple, but a longer nail or staple would be fine too.  NOTE: Avoid exessively long nails as they are more expensive and may overshoot on the sides.

After the bottom is attached, repeat steps to attach side slats to sides.  I like to attach the top and bottom first, and then fill in the center slats, eyeballing the gaps in between.

Handles

Optional handles can be added to the ends.  The most economical and easiest way to do this is by drilling two 1" holes on the ends, about 1-1/2" down from top of ends.

Simply mark the center of the end vertically, and draw a second line down 1-1/2" from the top.  Measure off the center 1-1/2" and drill holes with a 1" drill bit.

Dividers

Dividers can add funtion to a wood crate and structure and strength.

For especially long slat runs, consider dividers.  It will help organize the contents of the wood crate, and benefit the structure of the wood crate.

Take a second to pin this tutorial if you aren't ready to build right now.

If you do build, please brag and share - it's a big deal seeing your projects.

#BuildShareRepeat

XO Ana

Did you all see this beautiful console table built by Reasmom?

It's based off these very very old plans (can we be kind and call them vintage?) that use very simple building techniques and just a nailer (or screw gun if that's what you've got).

I remember when I first started building and was like pocket hole what???? and just had a nailer and a drill.  And honestly, as much as I love how my furniture looks now, sometimes I miss the simplicity of just nailing a few boards together and being crazy excited that somehow a console table just happened.  You know what I mean?

So I wanted to share updated plans for this console table (sized like Reasmom's) that are suitable for a beginner project and inexpensive to build.

You can read more details about the finished used by Reasmom here, and of course the plans follow.

Enjoy!

XO Ana

Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

We've been on the beach this week, and my daughter has been enjoying her very own beach chair, also called a deck chair, sling chair, and if you were to ask me, the most simple chair ever.

I started working on this chair a few weeks ago. For a child's chair, I wanted to build something as simple and easy to use as possible, but sturdy and cute at the same time.

As it turns out, it takes a lot of time to make something this simple. In fact, I spent three days thinking about this chair, building prototype after prototype, sitting in it, having Grandma sew sling after sling . . . and finally, I believe that we have created the best child's sling chair or deck chair possible. And this is why:

Cheap to build. A couple dollars in lumber, a yard of fabric, two bolts, six washers. A three foot long dowel. Each chair in totally should run you under $10. Build four, and you've saved $200 from Pottery Barn Kid's Sling chairs.. 

These simple to build rustic shelves are sturdy and beautiful.  Build them in just an hour with no special tools or materials.  Just cut, screw, stain and hang!

We built these rustic shelves for our kitchen (see the whole tour here), but I could see them used in any room of the home.

They add such a nice break from the wall cabinets.

Other Shelving Options

We did consider quite a few different options for our kitchen shelving, but non quite worked out.

Floating Shelves

I had originally wanted floating shelves (plans here) - but the space tightwad in me can't stand all the wasted space inside the floating shelves... ridiculous, I know. 

Shelves with Support Brackets

So then I thought long and hard about shelves with brackets underneath (plans for these shelves here).  But the brackets would have to be mounted over our tile backsplash, meaning we'd have to drill through the tile to hang.  And we'd be dependant on where studs are located as to where the brackets would have to be placed.  

$10 Ledges

Next, I thought about the $10 ledge shelves (plans here).  Those would be perfect.  But the weight limit isn't suitable for glass jars full of flours and rice ....  and the depth isn't there .... 

So we came up with these rustic shelves - basically just a $10 ledge with more depth, more strength, and a pretty front.

Each 41" long shelf is just one 8 foot 1x8 board - between $8-$12 a board (depending on where you live).

The front is a piece of flat metal stock (available at pretty much any hardware store).

The stain I used is Varathane Weathered Gray. 

Isn't she beautiful on these shelves!

Ok, your turn!  Where would you use these shelves?  Let me know in the comments.

The free plans follow.  Enjoy and please do share if you build, we love seeing your projects - it's a big deal to us!

Have a great one!

Ana

Last Thursday we had our Third Birthday!

I've been so exhausted from the flu and catching up on emails and the blog, I didn't even know!

We have a lot to celebrate over the last year!  As far as blogging years go, this one has got to be my most favorite. This past year, we embraced many of you as contributors to the blog, bringing different styles and personalities to our DIY furniture.  I've made so many new friends and learned so much as a result, and love the stories you bring to our DIY furniture.

This past year, we transformed the Momplex from an empty shell into what is sure looking like a cozy home for Mom!  It's been a big task, and your support has helped us push through hard times.  Thank you so much for being there for us!

And of course our first book came out!  Thank you for your support and encouragement!  

What a great year it was indeed.

So what's next?

Here's what we are hoping to focus on this coming year:

1. More DIY plans.  I want to add a ton more plans in the coming year providing more selection and options for you.

2. Better support.  If there is anything that keeps me up at night and makes me sad, it's my inbox.  I am so sorry if I could not answer your email.  It's my goal in this coming year to bring on an assistant to help me and provide better support to you.

3. More Video.  Some of you are visual learners.  I will work very hard to get a comprehensive How-To video library up this year.

4. Finishing the Momplex.  We are reaching the most exciting part of the Mompex, the inside!  I heard the D-Word (drywall!) and we can't wait to furnish the Momplex with DIY furniture!

5. Sharing More.  Did you know the week before we went on book tour, we were out harvesting moose in hurricane force winds for our winter food supply?  That I cook a grain-free diet to keep my family healthy and happy?  DIY encompasses so much more than furniture in our home, and we see tremendous value from our DIY lifestyle. 

And the Ram keeps pestering me about how quiet the house seems now that Gracie is in school ... we'll see ....

And in between all these goals for the coming year, I'd like to go back and update a few of the most favorite plans on the blog.  Over the years, I've learned so much and it's only fair that some of our best plans be improved as well.

One of the all time favorite plans is the Tryde Coffee Table.

This one was built by Jeff from A Touch of Arkansas.

I designed the original plan before I used a Pocket Hole Jig.  The plans as they are are totally fine.  But if you use a Pocket Hole Jig, you can buy less lumber, use less screws, build faster and easier, and hide every single screw hole.  

Cheaper, faster and easier?  Uh, yes!  

So here's the first of a few plans I want to update - the Tryde Coffee Table built with Pocket Holes.

Enjoy!

PS - Been thinking of you folks on the East Coast.  Stay warm and safe!

Hello there!  It's winter season, so more blankets, more quilts, more throws, more scraves, more coats.  So that means blanket ladder time!

If you aren't familiar with the blanket ladder, let's go there.

Blanket Ladder Shopping Options

This one from Urban Outfitters $129

Crate and Barrel Blanket Ladder for $199

And from Pottery Barn $229-$429 for Blanket Ladders between 5 and 8 feet long.

Of course, many bloggers have found ways to make blanket ladders for much, much less.  Here's a few of my favorite tutorials for DIY blanket ladders -

DIY Blanket Ladder Tutorials

Reclaimed from pallets by Farmhouse Made - Blanket Ladder Tutorial here

All dowled up by Refreshed Restyle - Blanket Ladder tutorial here

Cross lapped rungs by Cherished Bliss - DIY blanket ladder tutorial here

Four dollars by Paddington Way - Blanket ladder tutorial here

This one by Naptime Decorator mixes the dainty 1x2 frame with the dowels - Blanket Ladder tutorial here

Gluesticks Blog made this one with flat rugs, perfect for quilts and stockings too.  Gluesticks Blog Blanket Ladder tutorial here.

And here's my favorite by AKA Designs - a simple 2x4 authentic ladder - the kind I might make if I actually needed a real working ladder, but used as a decor/storage item.  AKA Designs Blanket Ladder Tutorial here.

So I had to get in on the party and make one too!  Here's my blanket ladder tutorial in a very quick video - 

I ended up loving it as an entryway drop zone.  The log holder basket (Target clearance find) is a perfect fit for shoes underneath.  I'd like to source another basket and hang on the rungs too.

My go to finish for projects like this is Danish Oil by Watco.  I used Light Walnut, it is the perfect blend of light color with lots of wood grain.

Danish oil is very easy to apply one step color and sealant that goes on evenly and dries fast - here's a my tutorial on applying Danish Oil and when to use it (and when not to).

Your turn to buld a blanket ladder! Plans for mine follow (if this is the homepage, click READ MORE below).  Do share if you build - love to see how yours turns out too!

XO Ana

Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

Life is too short to spend hours each day on laundry.

Different Size

Easy to Build

More Photos and Details

Hello DIY Friends!  Happy Monday!

I hope you had a wonderful Father's Day Weekend.  We certainly did!

In all the years we've lived in Alaska, I can't remember being up in the mountains, wishing I'd brought a swimsuit!  

Considering jumping in this Alaska mountain lake!

It has been crazy hot up here in Alaska (ok, anything over 80 in Alaska is considered crazy hot for us).  Maybe the weather in Seattle will give us a break!

Yes, I'm headed to Seattle later this week to host the Home Depot Do-It-Herself Workshop to build my newest (and favoritest) Adiorndack chair!

All Home Depot stores across the country will be hosting the free DIH Workshop demonstrating building my Adirondack Chair on Thursday at 6PM.  I hope you can make it!!!  Friends, husbands, kids are all welcome!

Registration is NOT required but it is appreciated!  Click on Do-It-Herself Workshops and let us know to expect you!

And for those of you in Seattle, I will be at the Bitter Lake store, just north of Seattle - I'd love to meet you and have a chance to build with you!

We really wanted to make an entire collection of simple, easy to build, inexpensive Adirondack furniture, so I also put together plans for a footstool to match the Adirondack chair.

And yes, there's more!  

Today, I'm sharing plans with you for a matching coffee table that is SO simple to build!  

Check out just how simple in this video:

And the step by step plans follow!

Looking forward to building with you on Thursday!!!  

XO Ana

Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

Spring is finally here for us, and we've been anxious to work on an outdoor project. Grace has been wanting a birdfeeder, and I've been wanting birds chirping outdoors, so we set out to make good use of our scrap pile.

I've been seeing those window birdfeeders, and thought we'd give it a try. Then we can enjoy the birds indoors too!

We had some scrap 1x8 boards in pretty terrible condition, and of course, quite a few 1x2 and 1x3 scraps.  So we were able to build this little birdfeeder for free!

I also repurposed some suction cups that I had found on an old car accessory for adhering the birdfeeder to the window.

Then we just filled up the little tray, and the hard part begins.  Waiting for the birds to find the feeder.

You can make this birdfeeder too!  I bet you have the scraps lying around.

PS - We have never had an issue with birds flying into our windows and keep our windows nice and dirty to prevent bird injuries.

Hi everyone, Jen here today!

This is a fun simple project with big impact! I love the mix of wood and metal.

Oh did I mention it only took 2 hours from start to finish, one board, one stick of “angle aluminum” and some screws!

Well, it actually goes finish first on this one!  The first step was to cut down my 2 x 12 into 3 pieces at 31 1/2” (so I could get three shelves out of one 8 foot long board). I gave them a good sanding and stained them.

I used Carrington by RustOleum - it's got a slight reddish tint, very pretty!

Now for the aluminum angle.  You can find it at most any hardware store, and it's pretty inexpensive -

Aluminum angle comes in precut sizes, but mine were 48" in length, so I decided to cut them in half.  

The best way I've found to cut aluminum angle is with a jigsaw with a metal blade.

Just clamp the aluminum angle down,

And it cuts like butter!

Even easier than cutting wood!

Then it was time add the aluminum angle to the boards.

 I set my 3 boards on their side on a couple sawhorses, set the first aluminum piece flush with the top and bottom board. 

Then I predrilled through just the aluminum where I wanted to place my self tapping screws, 

One on each side of the angle piece. 

I did the top board first and then the bottom.  I measured and marked the middle of the angle piece and set the center of the middle 2 x 12 board and did the same, predrilled and sunk my self tapping screws.

I did the same for all four sides. Almost done.

Then I just needed to add these sweet casters! I used 1 1/4” self tapping screws here.

I flipped it up and stood back to admire. 

AMAZING! It's really is amazing what 2 hours and few materials can make! 

Would look amazing in the kitchen as a baking cart,

Or if your kiddos are heading back to school, a great place to store art and school supplies that will easily wheel into a closet or bedroom.

Now it's your turn, just do it!

Want to share your love of DIY this week with your kiddos? Yesterday, up went plans for a tradditional style birdhouse that you can make from a single cedar fence picket - or you can cut out and make a kit for your kids to assemble. Today, I'm adding a simpler, more modern style birdhouse, that only takes HALF of a cedar fence picket!

First I started with a cedar fence picket.  Can't beat these guys - under $2 bucks and solid cedar!

This plan is designed for a 5 1/2" wide x 1/2" thick fence picket.  Other materials like a 1x6 could be used, but because the wood is thicker, it may alter your outcome slightly.  Adjust accordingly if you use different materials.

Then I just chopped it up into the pieces I need.  Notice I trimmed the rough end off and there's also enough leftover for a second birdhouse.  Yep, all you need is half - so about $1 in materials!

Then I just nailed the front to the sides.  If you are having kiddos do the assembly, consider predrilling holes and having them attach with nails or screws.  Also recommended is wood glue designed for oily wood and exterior applications.

Next, it's time to add the top and bottom - the back side is still open.  Notice the back is a little bigger - this is just to add that "mod" feel to it.

Now we'll put the back on ....

Just line up the bottom and outside edges with the floor and roof ...

Drill a hole to hang the house on a tree

And then add a front door with a larger bit

Promise me next time you'll tell me that my front door is not perfectly centered.

Not like the new neighbors are going to care!

I thought this would make a fun gift to give as well!

Just tie up with an old ribbon and print out this pattern and place on top

And print these instructions out and tuck inside ... the perfect $1 gift!

Of course the full plans follow!