[carousel-horizontal-posts-content-slider]
Showcase
Here it is – after many weekends of the finished wood sitting on my work bench, it's been assembled and enjoyed.
Estimated Cost
Raw materials, including new belt sander and a jig saw, were about $300 for 4 stools, including foam.
Length of Time
From start to finish, 8 weeks, but true build time is about 7 days.
Modifications
We opted for a ladder back to keep light and unobstructed views.
Lumber Used
Hearthy Pine, we couldn't find 2″ x 4″, so we used 2″ x 12″ and cut it into thirds to make the rear legs.
Finishing Technique
Putty, 80 grit, 120 grit, 200 grit, belt and palm sander, one coat of Sherwin Williams stain, one coat of polyurethane, sand again with 200 grit palm sander and one final coat of polyurethane.
Plans
Free DIY Furniture Plans: How to Build an Up Against the Wall Paper Holder . Will work with the rolls of paper from Land of Nod, Ikea and any other standard sized rolls. Another fabulous and budget friendly project in our Handmade Holiday Decor and Gifts series and one that should get a lot of use regardless of age and is versatile enough to attach to the wall or can be secured to a desk top for hours of artistic play! Xx… Rayan
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
- Drill
- Countersink Bit for Drill
- Square
- Sander
- Kreg Jig
- Brad Nailer
Lumber
- 1 – 1×6 at 4’
- 1 – ¾” dowel at 3’
Materials
- 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
- 2” screws
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
- 1 – 1×6 (ripped to 5” wide) at 20” – Back
- 2 – 1×6 (ripped to 3-1/2” wide) at 3-1/2” – Sides
- 1 – 1×6 (ripped to 4-1/4” wide) at 20” – Shelf
- 1 – ¾” dowel at 24”
Instructions
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Step 1
Cut the piece for the back. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in the top edge of the piece.
Step 2
Cut the pieces for the ends. Use a 1” paddle bit or hole saw to bore a hole in each piece. Cut the radius using a jigsaw. Secure the side pieces to the back using countersunk 2” screws from the back.
Step 3
Cut the piece for the shelf. Secure to the back using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Step 4
Cut the dowel rod. For extra security, use a pair of wood balls or wood candle cups (from a craft or hobby store) to cover the ends of the dowel so it doesn’t slip out.
Finishing Instructions
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
Home / Studio
This post is sponsored by Instagramers Gallery, all ramblings are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting all of the lovely folks who make this site possible. If it weren’t for them, we might shrivel up and die. And that is just so very sad (insert frowny face here).
If you are anything like me, and of course we all know you are… after all you are here visiting TDC so we obviously have a ton in common… you have very likely found that you take most, if not all, of your photos on your smarty arty iPhones and such. I certifiably do! Truth be told I find Instagram to be my jam, it completes me. It is without a doubt my favorite social media venue and I could spend hours browsing all of your lovely photos and Instagram Stalking you (totally a thing) with gusto. I know I’m not alone here, I know you do it too! If you don’t, what are you waiting for… jump on the bandwagon.
Recently, two Spain-based artists and social innovators, Phil Gonzalez and Jorge Martinez launched the Instagramers Gallery, and with it, the world’s largest collection of digital photography. It’s kind of amazing and that’s no joke. Also, it’s a bit like crack to a gal like me who loves to get my InstaStalk on daily.
Since I know you are all veritable Picasso’s with your instaphotos, you should upload your genius works of photographic art to the Instagramers Gallery and you might win a daily prize of $1000! Holla! All of the daily finalists will be entered to win a Grand Prize of $100,000. Along the way, you can see and be seen, then get your friends and fam to vote for you and you just might walk away $1000 richer. I am already browsing through my Instagram photos (you can stalk me here if you like) to see if anything looks worthy, but of course most of my pics are of my kids, my crafts, and my dogs… so… not likely. Just think how many photos you snap in a month, and how many chances to win that daily prize there are. It’s mind boggling. Yahoo.
Of course if you prefer to simply browse and enjoy the eye candy, well of course that’s just fine too. Or perhaps upload the happenings in your life and help this crazy cool collection grow even more so.and let others browse your genius.
I am thinking about my pictures in a whole new way and wonder if there is this much beauty in my own surroundings. I can’t say that I recall the evening sky ever being so deep blue, but I may have been walking around with my ‘eyes’ closed for more years than I care to think.
Sometimes it’s the beauty in the simple things that really knocks me off my socks. And also, I can’t hoola-hoop for the life of me, so already this beauty above is well beyond my abilities.
Oh those haunting images always get me. I just adore them, which is ironic since they generally revolve around doom and gloom which I utterly abhor. What can I say, I’m clearly a contradiction.
I think this concept is simply fabulous and I have been drooling over the amazing images for the last couple of hours, unable to decide which are my favorites. Several major social good and arts programs have signed on to participate as a way to show how art can change the world. This is something I wholeheartedly believe might be possible. Often I feel as though many of the world’s problems revolve around ignorance, and perhaps this kind of visual awakening on a global level is precisely the sort of thing that helps to expand our knowledge and understanding of all that is happening out there in the great wide open.
If you snap photos like I snap photos, and you love to InstaStalk like I do, this is a place you will enjoy. Go… and browse for your viewing pleasure, maybe even upload some of your own photos and win the big dollars!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Instagramers Gallery, all musings and opinions are 100% my own.
Plans
Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build a Kids Four Story Wood Shelf. Both fun and functional, this gift would be perfect to wake up to Christmas morning! A little bit of storage, and little bit of imagination play and a whole lot of bang for your buck. Another fabulous and budget friendly project in our Handmade Holiday Decor and Gifts series and one that should get a lot of use regardless of age. Xx… Rayan
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
- Drill
- Kreg Jig
- Square
- Sander
- Brad Nailer
Lumber
- 1 Half sheet of ½” plywood
Materials
- 1” pocket hole screws
- 1” Brad nails
- Edge Banding, optional
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
- 2 – ½” plywood at 5” x 15” – Bottom & Top
- 2 – ½” plywood at 5” x 18” – Sides
- 4 – ½” plywood at 5” x 14” – Shelves
- 3 – ½” plywood at 2-1/2” x 5” – Shelf 1 Dividers
- 2 – ½” plywood at 5” x 5” – Shelf 2 Dividers
- 3 – ½” plywood at 3-1/2” x 5” – Shelf 3 Dividers
- 3 – ½” plywood at 3” x 5” – Shelf 4 Dividers
- 2 – ½” plywood at 5” x 9” – Peak
- 1 – ½” plywood at 4-3/8” x 13-3/16” – Peak Back
Instructions
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Step 1
Edge banding will be applied to the exposed edges before assembly.
Cut the pieces for the sides and bottom. Set the Kreg jig for ½” material and drill pocket holes in the bottom edge of the side pieces. Secure to the bottom using glue and 1” pocket hole screws.
Step 2
Each shelf and divider set will be installed individually.
Start with shelf 1. Position as shown using glue and 1” brad nails through the sides.
Drill pocket holes of the lower edge of each divider. Position the dividers for shelf 1 then secure using glue and 1” pocket hole screws.
Step 3
Install shelf 2. Secure the shelf 1 dividers by driving a few 1” brad nails through shelf 2 into the top of the dividers.
Install the shelf 2 dividers using glue and 1” pocket hole screws.
Step 4
Install shelf 3 and secure the shelf 2 dividers. Install the shelf 3 dividers using glue and 1” pocket hole screws.
Step 5
Install shelf 4 and secure the shelf 3 dividers. Install the shelf 4 dividers using glue and 1” pocket hole screws.
Finishing Instructions
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
Shopping
This article is sponsored by Fiverr, the world’s largest marketplace for services starting at $5, all opinions and holiday shopping addictions are 100% my own. Thank you for supporting the awesome companies that help keep TDC running full steam ahead. We heart you!
I’ve just spent hours sucked into the black hole of bargain shopping amazingness. True story! And, I’m fairly certain my holiday shopping is done, yahoo.
Here is the basic premise of this uber cool concept… Fiverr is a marketplace where you can buy or sell services, whatever they may be starting at $5. No hassle, no bidding, no pain in the neck haggling or back and forthing (totally technical term). With the launch of their brand spankin’ new mobile app, shopping for fab finds just became even easier (I’m in trouble…eek) with over 3 million gigs available. The Fiverr marketplace spans over 196 countries and includes offerings from sellers in over 120 product and service categories. With one of the largest and most diverse online communities, Fiverr mobile’s slick interface and quick sell / buy features allow even the most casual user to interact with ease. Starting today, purchase your first Gig using Fiverr mobile, & you’ll be eligible to receive one free Gig worth $5 from a list of amazing Fiverr Gigs. This offer is valid for first Gigs that are purchased within one hour after the app has been downloaded. The Free Gig will then be available within 2 weeks following your purchase of the first Gig.
If you are a seller of services (maybe you are a crafty folk like we prefer to think of ourselves here at TDC) and you would like to create a market for your wares or skills… well you can sign up to offer said services and build your reputation through positive sales at the $5 mark. Once you have established yourself as a preferred seller, you can crank out more in depth services or items that are a bit more expensive. You will already have a built in clientele of sorts and a reputation for stellar offerings. Done and Done.
BUT… if you are more of a shopper than a Maker, this is a veritable dream come true because all of these amazing folks we just discussed a second ago, are selling their goods and services for a mere $5 while they work to build their reps. The things that are offered in this budget friendly mecca of goods and services range from crocheted baby booties to handmade art and portraiture, toys and gadgets, handmade holiday cards, personalized videos or animation, and even grow your own bonsai kits. Not to mention a whole host of tech related services like graphic design work and coding for your website or blog, voice overs, translations, even hand modeling and funny videos of grandpas wearing Santa hats and playing ukuleles! I mean… could you die? $5… that’s it. No more, no less, just a Fiverr (you see what a did there?).
Below I will show you a few cool finds that I may or may not have purchased for my family and friends (aka myself).
1 // 2
I kind of adore that little ‘sucker pooch’. Clips on to your phone and then suctions to it for hands free viewing. Totally fabulous. Laser cut business cards are just incredible. I always love an interesting take on an age old business necessity.
1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6
Gorgeous works of art or custom portraits of your kiddos. How amazing are these pieces? You can even have your portrait done in pop art style! Love this idea…
1 // 2 // 3 // 4
Did someone say MineCraft? Please tell me I’m not alone here in the parenting world of ‘my kid is totally obsessed with this weird little 80’s looking graphics based game’… Lego soap? Bath time might be a tad more inviting, eh?
1 // 2
For your chilly pets, the gift of warmth… awe… my doogles could use a sweater right about now with this crazy weather we have had. It snowed here! Go figure. Maybe you want a custom portrait of your favorite pet that is no longer with you. Just a lovely way to memorialize them.
1 // 2
This year your company can send out a Holiday video of your logo getting into the holiday spirit. Or maybe you procrastinators prefer a festive card come the new year (I can’t ever get them ready in time for Christmas).
1 // 2 // 3
Fabulous gifts for the gardener, gadgeteer (new word I just made up), or wine lover that add a touch of homemade genius and quirk to your gift giving this year.
1 // 2 // 3
Handmade ornaments are the thing that makes your tree feel a bit special around the holidays, and if you aren’t so crafty… let someone who is, do the making for you. A handwoven reindeer or cute snowflake stuffy are perhaps in your near future?
1 // 2
Paper products and origami are all the rage, aren’t they? I think these mustaches on a stick would be perfect for a party or fun event!
Discolusure: This post was sponsored by Fiverr, all opinions are 100% my own. Fiverr strives to create and build a community of people working collaboratively to buy and sell creative services and business talent on large and small scales. The Fiverr app embraces an economic trend toward a more freelance-based mentality; where individuals have the opportunity to be rewarded for their personal passions, projects, and unique skills, any time, any place.
Showcase
This Chesapeake Bench was my first large project. The photo is not as good as I would like but I hope to add better ones at a later time.
It took about 2 weeks of and on to do it and is very sturdy. The brass hardware is there for 2 reasons 1) it takes the viewers eyes away from some of the errors and it compensates for were I misplaced a couple Pocket Screws which caused a portion of wood to come apart. As I was near the completion and weather was a factor to get it done (I don’t have room in my house to paint large projects)
Estimated Cost
$50 Canadian in wood not including screws and glue.
Modifications
Brass Angle brackets x 8 only 1 need but i used 8 for symmetry.
Finishing Technique
Behr House & Fence Wood Stain (Oil-Latex Formula Self Priming)
Plans
Free DIY Furniture Plans to Build an Original Office Large Hutch. There are only a few pieces left before we finish out the Original Office Collection, and you guys will be able to customize till you drop! I can’t wait to see how you mix and match to arrange your own pieces! Xx… Rayan
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
- Drill
- Countersink Bit for Drill
- Square
- Sander
- Kreg Jig
- Brad nailer
Lumber
- 2 – 1×2 at 8’
- 2 full sheets of ¾” plywood
Materials
- 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
- 1-1/4” screws
- 1-1/4” brad nails
- Edge banding for the plywood edges, optional
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
- 2 – 1×2 at 11-1/4” – Feet
- 2 – ¾” plywood at 11-1/4” x 43-1/2” – Sides
- 1 – ¾” plywood at 11-1/4” x 73-1/2” – Bottom
- 1 – ¾” plywood at 40-3/4” x 73-1/2” – Back
- 1 – ¾” plywood at 10-1/2” x 73-1/2” – Long Shelf
- 1 – ¾” plywood at 10-1/2” x 28-3/4” – Divider
- 2 – 1×2 at 36-3/8” – Stretchers
- 2 – ¾” plywood at 10-1/2” x 36-3/8” – Shelves
- 1 – ¾” plywood at 12-1/4” x 77” – Top
- 2 – 1×2 at 11-1/4” – Side Trim
- 1 – 1×2 at 76-1/2” – Front Trim
Instructions
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Step 1
If using edge banding, it will be applied to the exposed edges of the plywood before assembly.
Cut the pieces for the sides and feet. Set the Kreg jig for ¾” material and drill pocket holes in the top edge of each side. Attach the feet to the bottom using glue and countersunk 1-1/4” screws. The side pieces will be positioned at the center of each foot.
Step 2
Cut the piece for the bottom and drill pocket holes in each end. Position as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Step 3
Cut the piece for the back and drill pocket holes in all four edges. Position as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Step 4
Cut the piece for the long shelf and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge. Position as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Step 5
Cut the piece for the divider and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge. Position as shown and secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Cut the pieces for the shelves and drill pocket holes in each end as well as one long edge. Position as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws.
Cut the piece for the stretchers and drill pocket holes in each end. Position as shown then secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws. The outside face of the stretcher will be flush with the outside edge of the sides.
Step 7
Cut the piece for the top. The front and sides will overlap by 1”. Secure using glue and 1-1/4” pocket hole screws through the holes drilled in the sides and back.
Step 8
Cut the pieces for the trim. Rout a decorative edge along one long edge of each piece if desired. Position the sides first and secure with glue and 1-1/4” brad nails, then attach the front in the same manner. A mitered corner will be used if routing a decorative edge. Adjust the length of the sides accordingly. Store-bought trim can also be used.
Finishing Instructions
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you provide an adequate link back to the appropriate post! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
DIY / Home
This beauty is versatile. A gift…holiday decor… year round accessory… hanging orb… plant hanger… table top decoration, you name it, it works, and the possibilities are endless! Honestly this craft is addicting. I have visions of Himmeli running through my head, all the live long day. I can envision a Himmeli version of just about everything at the moment, so don’t be surprised if I give in to my whims a bit for the next few weeks. I promise to post other projects that are non-himmeli related as well for our Handmade Holiday Decor and Gifts series… pinky swear… Follow along here for all of the handmade goodness.
Materials You will Need:
- String, Cord, or Wire (I used a thick nylon string)
- Paper Straws, Cake Pop Sticks or Lollipop Sticks (must be hollow – mine are 6″ lollipop sticks)
- Brass Metallic Spray Paint – (I used Rustoleum and it looks quite real, even in person)
- Scissors
To keep this from becoming a super long post, I am going to begin from the point where you have created a Pentagon shape. For the steps to get to this point, read the first several steps from this post on creating a Faux Brass Himmeli Wreath. It will walk you through in detail! Once you have done that, come back here and we shall move forward.. .
It will help if I explain that every single side and angle will be a pentagon. You will quite literally continue adding triangles until you are left with a diamond and all you need to do is split the difference with one last straw.
To begin, turn your pentagon facing downward and we will work from here (see below if you aren’t sure which side is downward).
Now we are going to work in a similar manner to how we did in the wreath, at least for a bit. In the image below, you can see that the bottom half of our pentagon has 2 triangles. This means to complete that face, we will need to add 3 triangles. This is the only time we will need to add 3, and from here forward it will be 2 or 1.
To add the first triangle, simply chain on 2 straws and run your string through the straw adjacent to the string in the image below (it’s guiding the way in a manner of speaking).
Now repeat by threading on 2 straws and then running your thread through the straw shown next to my loose string below.
Now all you need to do to complete this face is string one straw and connect the 2 triangles, then run your string through the side you see adjacent to my loose string end below.
You need to constantly be pulling your string tight. Tension is key for this. I like to tie off each time I complete a face, just to keep the tension adequate. Things can get crazy if you don’t. Once you tie off, your shape will look like mine below. If you turn your piece horizontally, you can see that you have 3 triangles on this new face, and will need to add 2 more triangles to complete this face.
From here I am going to let you at it. You don’t need me any longer for these steps, but if you get stuck, just review above or on the wreath project and you will start to get the hang of this. There really isn’t a right or wrong and everything can be fixed if you make a mistake, which you won’t.
From the image above to create 2 additional triangles you simply thread 2 straws and run your string through the straw on the bottom left hand side of the shape. Then, thread one straw and connect the two triangles just like in the previous step. Tie it off to keep it tight and turn it around to the other side and add your two triangles there.
You will essentially repeat the process until you have nothing left but a diamond shape and you will simply need to thread a straw to divide it and tie off.
Below is about where you should be when you add the 2 triangles to each side of the shape from above.
Just remember to tie off after each face is complete and keep your string nice and tight. Remember that each face should be a pentagon shape with 5 triangles. Keep turning and completing your 5 until you meet in the middle. Run your string through a straw that makes sense for where you want to go next and just remember that if you run out of string, just tie off and start a new one. No big deal.
Showcase
I always wanted a long picnic table, and this design was just perfect. It was my first real project, and it wasn’t very difficult.
My first step was to sand all the wood to 180 grit, then finished it with Sikkens Cetol 1, natural color. Made good use of a 12″ miter saw, could not have done this without it. Dealing with 4x4s is a bit harder than 2x4s. Used lag bolts where called for, on both the table and the benches.
Estimated Cost
About $1,000. Cedar in my area is very expensive. The 2x10x10′ boards were $90 each, and the 4x4s almost $36 each. Add the benches, and $80 for stain, and the cost gets up there.
Length of Time
Started in June, finished in October. But I did have to take part of it apart to cut the legs down. I also only worked on it a few hours each week, mostly on the weekends. Since I finished most of the wood before assembly, and they required 4 coats with significant dry time, this took some time.
Modifications
When I first completed the table, I realized that it was too tall (almost 34 inches). After much debate, I lowered the table legs so that the overall height of the table was 30.5 inches. For the benches I just basically followed the plan of the table, but used 2-2x6s and 1-2×4 for the seat.
Lumber Used
Both the table and the benches are cedar with the table top being four 2x10x10′ S4S cedar boards. Cedar 4x4s were used for the legs and braces on both table and benches. The seat of the benches are two cedar 2x6s and one cedar 2×4. The remainder of the structure for both table and benches was cear 2x4s.
Finishing Technique
I used Sikkens Cetol 1, natural color, for the finish. It really bought out the color of the cedar. Everything has at least four coats, but the table top has six coats. I finished all the pieces before assembly. The Sikkens requires 24 hours between coats, so with 4 coats, this took quite a bit of time.
Plans
Free DIY Furniture Plans: How to Build a Children’s Vintage Spool Table. I have 2 favorites when it comes to building… organizational items or clever storage pieces (Duh, I’m type A) and things I can build for the kiddos! Whether it’s a furniture piece or something fun like toys, there is definitely something special about building a piece for a kid! Especially when that something is cute and stylish as though it could easily be for an adult, only it’s smaller. This vintage spool table is just that… and a vintage industrial style for a kid space is divine… I always think play tables are a fabulous gift for the kiddos for the holiday season, since chances are they may be getting fun toys that are better suited for play at a table than on the floor. And it just might mean that many fewer small daggers waiting to strike you down from underfoot. Keep those nightmare toys off the ground! They can kill…
I will be posting projects for handmade holiday decor and gifts for the next few weeks so I hope you will stay tuned and follow along for the fun! Xx… Rayan
Showcase: Built From These PlansI am so honored each and every time one of you fine friends builds from these very plans! If you have built this piece, please take a moment and showcase your build! We are dying to see your fabulous hard work!
Tools
- Tape Measure
- Saw – Jig, Circular, or Miter
- Drill
- Countersink bit for drill
- Square
- Sander
- Brad nailer
Lumber
- 6 – 1×2 at 8’
- 1 – 2’ x 4’ sheet of ¾” plywood
- 1 – 4’ x 8’ sheet of ¾” plywood
Materials
- 1-1/4” brad nails
- 2” screws
- 2” edge banding
- Wood filler
- Sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Finishing Supplies
Cut List
- 2 – 3/4’” plywood circles at 24” – Base
- 2 – ¾” plywood circles at 14” – Base
- 2 – ¾” plywood circles at 34” – Top
- 24 – 1×2 at 20-1/4” – Slats
Instructions
Before beginning to build, always check in on my site to make sure you have the most up to date set of plans, I occasionally update and change the plans to make the building process easier or to allow for less expensive purchasing of materials! Read through the entire set of instructions and all comments before beginning this project. If you print out or save plans, be sure to check in on my site to be sure you have the most up to date set of plans, as I occasionally update things for ease of building or buying. If you are new to building, read through the GETTING STARTED section and other articles found under the BUILD tab in the menu on my site, it has valuable information about how to get started, tools and techniques. If you are unfamiliar with the finishing process, visit my Finishing school for some tips and tricks for painting like a pro and for special finishing practices. Use glue to secure your joints and Consider Painting or Staining individual sections prior to assembling. This makes the paint application virtually flawless. Coat with a spray on Poly or Wipe on Poly to protect your finish and your piece and it will last for ages. Adhere to all safety standards and guidelines, and be sure you follow safety protocol throughout your build. If you are unsure about whether you are building safely, run a quick online search for the tool or technique you are using, or contact me via email or post to the forum before you move ahead. My contact info can be found in the menu of my site.
Step 1
Cut the circles for the base. Apply glue to the face of one piece, then layer the second piece on top. Wiggle it a little to create suction, then clamp the pieces together. Secure with a few 1-1/4” brad nails. Apply the edge banding, then trim.
Step 2
Cut the piece for the smaller base and position in the center of the base assembly. Secure using glue and 1-1/4” brad nails.
Step 3
Cut the pieces for the slats. Secure them to the smaller base – evenly spaced – using glue and countersunk 2” screws.
Step 4
Cut the pieces for the top. Glue the pieces together in the same manner as the base and apply the edge banding.
Step 5
Secure the smaller base piece to the center of the top. Secure it in the same manner as the base.
Set the top on the slats with the smaller base inside of them. Secure the slats to the base using glue and countersunk 2” screws.
Finishing Instructions
Fill any Screw, Nail or Pocket Holes, Sand and Finish as Desired. For Finishing Tips and Tricks visit my Finishing School
**Disclaimer: Some rights reserved. Private use only. Feel Free to link to any of my plans so long as you ONLY use 1 image and provide an ADEQUATE link back to the original source and appropriate plan! Plans from this page are not to be used for commercial purposes or republished without the express written consent of Rayan Turner, The Design Confidential I hope to provide accurate plans, however, I cannot guarantee each plan for accuracy. Not every plan that I post has been built and tested, so you are building at your own risk. It is recommended that you have a clear understanding of how the project works before beginning any project. Please contact me if you find an error or inaccuracy so that I might fix it.
DIY / Home
I promised you guys yesterday that I would be posting tutorials for handmade holiday decor and gifts for the next few weeks, and true to my word I am excited to share this project with you guys that could easily be considered both and would make a fabulous gift for someone special. It’s not precisely holiday-ish, but that makes this all the more exciting to give (or receive), since you won’t be giving a gift with a shelf life of no longer than the holiday season! If you just need a pretty backdrop for your holiday decor, this might be a good option!
Watercolor is one of those mediums that is adored by just about everyone, and with a simple two toned color scheme and an abstract pattern, you really can’t go wrong. If your gift recipient decorates with blue, then by all means this would be fabulous in blue and white. Or maybe pink is more their jam… no problem, this beauty would look amazing in practically any color under the sun. It’s virtually foolproof to create, you truly need absolutely no painting skills to do this project. Shoot, you could even let your kiddos give this a whirl and give your piece that extra bit of meaning and heart! It will at the very least make your kids feel like veritable Picasso’s, that alone would make this an easy project to get excited about.
The materials you will need for this will vary depending on the size you want to make your painting and whether or not you want it framed or unframed. I recommend framed if you are planning a larger piece like the one I did here (30″x24″).
- Frame in size of choice (I purchased mine from Target for $30).
- Poster Board, Canvas or Watercolor Paper in coresponding size (I actually used the frame backing and skipped this).
- White Acrylic Paint – this will act as a primer for your poster board or canvas
- Watercolor paint in your choice of color
- Paint Brush
You will want to paint your poster board, canvas, watercolor paper or frame backing to give it a good priming. Poster Board is a nice thickness but it tends to have a bit of a sheen to it that makes it difficult to use with watercolors unless it’s primed so be sure to not skip this step. It also helps tremendously when you are painting on canvas.
Set up your palette. You can use any type of plastic shallow bowl or plate and simply add a bit of water and your chosen color. You want your water to appear fairly opaque (not see through) so you will add a decent amount of color to it. If you can’t get enough saturation, you can also add a drop or two of craft paint or acrylic paint. It will work in a similar way.
Lay down your general pattern or shape. I began with my darker areas and added color in a relative wave shape, running all the way across the bottom and up one side and part of the top on that side. I used applied my color in a horizontal messy pattern at first and then switched to a circular pattern, only to switch back later to a a horizontal application. You will be able to feel it out as you go and do what feels most natural to you.
Keep in mind that the idea here is to have the outside edges be the darkest, working your way to a lighter shade near the middle or inside edges of your shape. You will want to
You can layer your color to darken where necessary and honestly just slap it on there. You don’t have to worry about keeping a ‘wet’ edge since we are basically working with water, so if you need to fix something along the way, you can!
Once you have your darker section applied in the shape you want, you will dilute your paint puddle by half and basically apply this lighter shade just above your previously painted section all the way around the inside edge.
You can vary the shape of this inside section from the outer section, so it isn’t too uniform and looks organic and realistic (for whatever it might be). You can see in the images above and below that I didn’t keep the exact same shape going and made it just slightly different.
DIY / Home
I hope those of you who live in the US had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It's nice to step away for a couple of days and enjoy some time with family. I have been secretly working on several fun projects behind the scenes here and I am super excited to share them with you! One of those projects is a complete site and brand overhaul and I'm chomping at the bit to launch the new site, it's absolutely gorgeous!
While we have been chipping away at that grand project, we have been in full Holiday Decorating Mania here at the House of TDC. I can't wait to share what's in store, and I will be sharing several Handmade Holiday Decor and Gift projects over the next few weeks, and first on the list is this gorgeous faux brass himmeli wreath! I am a tad tired of traditional wreaths at the moment and since I absolutely adore this style of decor and think this particular tradition is quite lovely (Finnish Christmas tradition for celebrating a good harvest), this is the perfect piece for my design wandering self. I also love that you can thread through some greenery if you like (seen here), to fancy it up even more. I'm all about a handmade decorating project or 17 and this one is perhaps one of my favorites so far! It actually hurt my brain to figure out how to do this (not an exaggeration), but as per the usual antics around these parts… my pain is your gain. I have made this so completely simple for you guys that you don't even have to think much at all and there is absolutely no math or tricky geometry for you to attempt. Just buy the supplies and you are good to go!
These are the supplies you will need:
- Gold Spray Paint
- String or thin cord (I used this white cord you see above)
- Cake Pop Straws/Lollipop Sticks (120) – must be hollow in the middle (can also use paper straws cut to about 6″), I found mine in the holiday section of my grocery store, they are Wilton brand and 30 per pack (they sell paper straws in bulk quantities on amazon.com).
- Scissors
Begin by cutting a long length of your string. You can see how much I used in the image below. It was way more than enough and not to worry, if you run out at any point, you can simply tie off and string another piece through and continue on.
Thread 3 straws onto your string and pull your string almost all the way through. Leave about 2 inches hanging from the last straw.
Form your straws into a general triangle shape.
Thread the long end of your string back down through the first straw (the one with the short end hanging out from it) and tie off your original loose end. This isn't exactly necessary, but it will help keep things tight and secure moving forward.
Thread on 2 more straws, form a general triangle shape and thread your string through the straw closest to the end of the string you see below (in the second image, the string runs alongside the straw you will thread through, it's the 2nd straw you threaded on, in step 1).
Pull your string tight after each step to be sure you have adequate tension. After all, this baby is built on tension and relies on it to sit pretty. Thread on 2 more straws and thread your string through the straw you see it alongside in the image below (it's the straw at the top of the image).
Thread on 2 straws and then thread your string through the straw next to the end of the string in the image below.
We are almost finished with our basic shape! Once we finish off the bottom portion, we will make it 3 dimensional and then we will simply repeat for 7 more of these beauties. Easy Peasy. The last thing we will do before we work upward is to thread on one more straw then connect it across the way to the straw you see the string adjacent to.
Pull it tight and tie it off at the spot where it comes out of the straw you just threaded it through. This will help keep everything nice and tight moving forward. Your project should look like mine below, give or take and will no longer be flat!
Now we it upward and complete the geometric shape. It will get a bit tricky to explain the next few steps with photos, given the angles and number of straws we are working with now, so bear with me while I attempt to make sense. Thread 2 straws through and then thread your string through the piece you see it near in the image below.
This next step is in 3 sections: first you will thread one straw, then you will loop your string under the point formed by the 2 straws from the previous step (first image below). Then you will thread another straw and pull (second image below). You will thread your string through the straw that is one removed from where your string came out of for this step (third image below). In the image below you see 3 straws on the left hand side that are all polka dotted and that is where your string came out from the step before this. The striped straw on the right (one away from the polka dotted trifecta) is where you will thread your string through now. See what I mean? Confusing to explain and show…
Now when you pull your string tight, you can see how it's taking shape! Thread one more straw (your last for this unit) and then thread your string down one of the straws from your previous triangle. You can see my thread inside of the straw in the image below.
Pull your string tight and tie it off at your exit point. You have now created 1 out of 8 geometric shapes you will need for this wreath. The rest are super easy to do once you get going!
To begin the next section you can either continue on using the same string if it's long enough. Or you can start with a new string. If you start with a new string, simply thread it through one of the perimeter pieces and tie the end to the existing string to secure it. Then you will thread 3 straws onto your string and thread your string back through the first straw in this series of 3 (first image below).
From here you will just continue on as you did above and thread 2 straws, loop it through, thread 2 more and so on and so forth until you finish your next shape (second image below). Then start the next section just as you did this second section.
When you get to your last shape, you will begin in the same manner I described in the previous step, loop 3 straws in the same manner, then instead of threading 2 straws and continuing on, you will simply thread through the perimeter piece on the adjoing shape (third image below). Those 2 points are the only points in which your last shape will connect to the existing shapes. Then you will simply continue on forming your shape.
Once you finish, make sure all of your string ends are secured well, then trim the dangling ends and spray paint using your preferred gold metallic spray paint. Enjoy!
