Hello everyone, today I’m sharing details on my latest shop project: a mobile shop cart for my benchtop router. I purchased the Kreg benchtop router table almost a year ago, and unfortunately it has been sitting on my garage floor ever since I assembled it. Today it rests on a set of blue wheels and in this blog post I’m sharing how I built shop table for it.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials check out my project gallery!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.

Let’s get started on the build!

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the mobile shop cart for my benchtop router table:

Tools

• Table saw / Miter saw
• Pocket Hole Jig
• Drill / Driver

Supplies

• 2×4 – 96″ (4)
• 2 1/4″ pocket hole screws (2″ if you mill the 2x4s before assembling)
• 3″ Caster Wheels (4)
• Screws and washers for caster wheel installation
• Wood Glue

How to build a basic mobile shop cart

My main goal for my benchtop router table was to keep it basic. I wanted a simple build that could easily be completed as a weekend project.

Step 1: Cut 2x4s to size

With a miter saw or saw of your choice, cut the 2×4 boards into the following parts:

• 23 1/2″ (8) – Long aprons
• 15″ (4) – Leg Part A
• 22″ (4) – Leg Part B

Important Note:

I milled my 2×4 boards before cutting and assembling them. The final dimensions of the boards were 1 1/4″ thick and 3 1/4″ wide. Typical dimension of store bought 2x4s is 1 1/2″ thick and 3 1/2″ wide. My project measurements match my milled thickness and width of 1 1/4″ thick and 3 1/4″ wide. Keep this in mind if you follow these build plans.

Step 2: Drill pocket holes

Grab a pocket hole jig drill and drill pockets holes on the following parts:

• Both ends of the Long Aprons
• Both ends of Leg Part A

Step 3: Assemble the mobile shop cart

Assemble the mobile shop cart as indicated in the following diagrams.

I spaced the boards for the shelf 3″ apart from one another.

Step 4: Install caster wheels

Grabs screws and matching washers and install 4 casters to the underside of the cart.

DIY Mobile Shop Cart for a Benchtop Router Table

It’s so nice to get my benchtop router off the floor and onto a table. I look forward to putting it to use in future project.

Check out some of my other shop projects:

• Geeky Goomba Lumber Storage Cart
• Dust Collection Cart
• Lumber Storage Cart (Plans from Woodworking for Mere Mortals)
• Mobile base for the Ridgid Jointer
• Lathe stand for a mini/midi lathe

Find me online!

• Instagram: @handmadewithashley
• Facebook: @handmadewithashley
• Twitter: @handmadewithash
• YouTube: @handmadewithashley
• Pinterest: @handmadewithashley
• Instructables: @handmadewithashley

The post Mobile Shop Cart for Benchtop Router | DIY Woodworking Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas

13 Bloggers. 13 Days. 13 Projects.

We have teamed up to bring you 13 days of awesome original build plans that you can make in time for Christmas. Sure, we could do 12 days of Christmas like the décor bloggers, but we are woodworkers! Not only do you get an extra project, but we are giving you a chance to get your own Christmas present as well through our giveaway!

When Does This Holiday Start?

Here’s the deal: For thirteen days, starting December 1st and ending December 13th, thirteen talented bloggers are going to share their woodcraft Christmas ideas with you. There will be a little something for everyone, with projects at different skill levels.

So mark your calendars for December 1st when the fun kicks off. Come back each day and unwrap the link to each blogger’s post.

Who Are These Talented Bloggers?

• My Love 2 Create – Open now!
• The Handyman’s Daughter – Open now!
• Craftsman Drive – Open now!
• Handmade with Ashley – Open now! 
• Hazel & Gold – Open now!
• The Painted Key – Open now!
• The Created Home – Open now!
• Her Tool Belt – Open now!
• Lazy Guy DIY – Do not open until December 9th 
• Uncookie Cutter – Do not open until December 10th
• Knock It Off Crafter – Do not open until December 11th
• The Jawn Shop – Do not open until December 12th  
• Keddie Woodshop – Do not open until December 13th

But What About My Present?

We did say giveaway didn’t we?  Have you been naughty or nice this year?  We’ve teamed up with @RyobiPowerTools and @PaintWIZ_ Paint Sprayers to bring you a prize pack valued at over $300!  Have you seen Ryobi’s new One+ 18v Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver Kit in stores yet?  I bet you haven’t because these haven’t even hit shelves yet.  How about Fuji Spray’s DIY turbine paint sprayer called the PaintWIZ?  We’ve got that too!  US and Canada residents only please.

But how do I enter?

To enter to win the giveaway, starting December 1st repost the 13 Days of Woodworker Christmas Image to your Instagram feed with the tag #13DaysofWoodworking.  Want additional entries?  Each day a different blogger “unwraps” their project they’ll post a teaser image on their Instagram feed.  Follow their account (and check out their project!) and repost their teaser image to your Instagram feed with the same tag #13DaysofWoodworking along with the unique tag that’s will be given out along with each project.  What?  We are giving you 14 different chances to win this awesome gift pack?  Darn right, it’s the season of giving isn’t it?  You have until 10:00pm PST on December 14th to enter.  All entries will be tallied and a winner will be announced Friday, December 16th.

~ Ashley

The post 13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas! appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Haven Conference 2015 Recap & Review

The Haven Conference 2015 has recently wrapped up!  Haven is a two day DIY Blogger conference. This year was Haven’s fourth year in existence and my first year in attendance. It has been an amazing experience. I had to the opportunity to meet bloggers I follow in real life (I was a little star struck). I got to try a few things I have never done before (like tiling with glitter grout). I met so many new people, and I received a huge information overload. (The new info is a bit overwhelming. I will need a little time to process it all and apply it effectively.) I wanted to take a moment to share with you all my Haven 2015 conference experience!

Photo booth and the Ryobi Nation booth

Thursday, July 16 – Registration and Meet & Greet

Instead of waking up Thursday morning excited that it was Haven day, I woke up wanting to stay in bed. Something I ate Tuesday did not settle well. I was really starting to get bummed that I wouldn’t be able to make the drive to Atlanta. Fortunately, I did gain the energy to make the trek!

Registration

The Haven sponsors were pretty awesome and attendees received some nice swag in our swag bags at registration.

Conference swag

Newbie Meet & Greet

Thirty minutes prior to the welcome reception, there was a newbie session. First time Haven attendees received beaded necklaces to signify we were there for the first time, and we were split into smaller groups for the chance to socialize with other new conference attendees.

After standing for a few minutes I felt ready to faint because I was unable to eat any solids, so I sat during the entire newbie event. It was a really wasted opportunity for me to meet new people, and I felt like I was being really rude by sitting. I am still kicking myself a little for that. (How could you Ashley?! HOW COULD YOU?!)

One of the first bloggers I met at the newbie event was Jennifer at Moore Approved. She is a really talented seamtress. She made the purse she was carrying at the event and it looked amazing.  I also ran into Tamara from the blog Alabahamians.  I recongized her blog name because she built a really amazing Dr. Seuss bookshelf!

Welcome Reception

During the welcome reception, I got to meet Jamison and Jamie from the Rogue Engineer.   My mobile lumber rack and factory cart coffee table were built using the Rogue Engineer plans’ so it was really neat to meet them in person.

Friday, July 17 – Haven Conference Day 1

Keynote

Opening keynote with Jon Acuff

“Care about what the people you care about care about”

Jon Acuff was the Haven keynote speaker and he delivered an awesome speech. I started the morning feeling pumped.

Do it Herself Home Depot Workshop with Ana White

Next up I attended Home Depot’s DIH workshop with Ana White.  I am huge Ana White fan.  I was so very excited to meet in her person.  She is so sweet and inspiring.

A picture with Ana

DIH Home Depot Workshop

In the workshop, attendees built a large wooden serving tray.  The hard work was already done for us, so we spent most of the workshop decorating our trays.  I pimped out my tray with some beautiful moasic tile.  This was my first project using tile.  I think I am ready to upgrade my kitchen backsplash.

My finished tray

Top Tips for Better Building.  10 Things you Need to Know

Jamie and Dave

After lunch, I attended Kreg sponsered session hosted by Jaime Costiglio from That’s My Letter and Dave Stone on building furniture and how to use the Kreg Jig.   I learned a few new tricks and I got to try out the Kreg Foreman.  It is totally on my wishlist now.

Kreg Foreman in action

Changes in Ad Revenue:  How to make the most money of your ads and mobile site

This session was hosted by Camille Beckstrand from the blog Six Sisters Stuff and Kyle Ivins from The Blogger Network.  It was a pretty informative session.  It provided a nice overview of ads and ad networks.

The Power & Profit of Moving from a Blog to a Brand

I loved this session and it is probably my favorite of conference.  I got so much out of it.  KariAnna from Thistlewood Farms, Jenna from Rain on a Tin Roof, and Laura from Finding Home each shared tips on how to define your brand and style.  I really have a lot of homework to do!

Saturday, July 18 – Haven Conference Day 2

How to Translate Your Project to Video

I started off the morning attending Jen Stagg’s session on creating project videos.   She is really talented and has put together some really awesome project videos.  I wrote 5 pages worth of notes.  I look forward to my first attempt at making a project video.

From Project Idea to Published Project:  Surefire Strategies for Creating Compelling Content

After lunch, I attended this session on designing woodworking plans hosted by Mike Donavon from Building Something, Ana White, and Jen Woodhouse.  I learned so much during the the hour.  They also did a quick tutorial on how to create a plan using SketchUp.

Build Something

Advanced Building Skills – Part 2

Finally, I attended the part 2 session for building a farmhouse table for Habitat for Humanity.  This session was hosted by Jamison from the Rogue Engineer and Nicholas from Sawdust & Embryos and the Sawdust Maker.

Recently sanded Farmhouse Table

In session one, attendees built the table.  In session two, attendees sanded and then stained the tables.  It was a really fun session and I got to meet some new people!

Photobombed by the Rogue Engineer

Final Thoughts

Haven Conference was amazing.  I had a wonderful time, meet really awesome people and I am already excited about attending in 2016!

I attended Haven solo and I am a pretty shy person. It’s really not the greatest combo. I missed out on a lot of possibly awesome conversations. [insert sad face]  So next year, I will come prepared with business cards, and I will probably bring a friend!

The post Haven Conference 2015 appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Unboxes: Citrus Lane April 2015 Package

The April 2015 package has arrived!  Our Citrus Lane package targets a young boy around the age of 12 months.  Let’s take a look inside.

The Contents

This month’s hello message from Citrus Lane

April’s package contents

Inside our April Citrus Lane package we found the following items:

• Airplane from Green Toys (MSRP $14.99)
• Maracitos from Hohner (MRSP $8.99)
• Bear on a Bike from Barefoot Books (MRSP $6.99)
• Nutrition Shake from Elia’s

In addition to those items we received 15% off shop.greentoys.com, 10% off hohnerkids.com and as well few other coupon codes.

First Impressions

Here are my initial impressions of each item we received this month.

Airplane from Green Toys

Green Toys Airplane

Green Toys Airplane tag

I really like products from Green Toys.  We already own their dump truck and recycling truck, and my little boy enjoys playing with them.  Their airplane was a instant hit once he realized he could spin the blades and wheels.  The airplane is a good quality toy, dishwasher safe and I think it is really neat the toy is made from recycled milk jugs.

Maracitos from Hohner

Maracitos from Hohner

Making music with the maracitos

My little guy loves musical instruments.  The maracitos were an instant hit for him.  We are very happy with this item!

Bear on Bike from Barefoot Books

Bear on Bike is a really cute story about a little boy following a bear as he travels to various parts of the world.   I really missed the inclusion of books in our past Citrus Lane packages so this was a very pleasant surprise!

UPDATE:

This book has quickly become one of my favorites in his collection.   He really enjoys it too.

Nutrition Shake Ella’s

Elia’s Nutrition Shake

I cannot comment on the nutrition shake because we have not tried it yet.

UPDATE:

My little guy loves these shakes!  We just survived vicious round of teething!  Poor guy wouldn’t eat any solids and refused purees, but he would drink the shakes.

Final Thoughts

April’s Citrus Lane package was a great package for us!  I was really pleased with March’s package, but this month managed to surpass it.  I love our new instrument, airplane and I am super happy they included a book this month!

Here’s to hoping May is an awesome month too!

The post Citrus Lane April 2015 Unboxing appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: Giant Carrot Scarf

I recently finished a crochet carrot scarf using a pattern from Twinkie Chan’s Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies book.  (If you enjoy crocheting and never heard of Twinkie Chan I highly recommend you check out her work.  She has a really unique style.)  The scarf took about a day to complete and I’m pretty happy with the final result.

The Tools and Supplies

Red Heart Soft Yarn in Tangerine

The following is a list of items I gathered to make the scarf:

• Twinkie Chan’s Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies Book
• Size H Hook
• Red Heart Soft Yarn (Tangerine)
• Lion Brand Yarn Vanna’s Choice (Kelly Green) for the stems
• Yarn Needle
• Scissors

Crocheting the Carrot Scarf

Giant carrot scarf in progress

The pattern for the carrot scarf is well written and easy to follow.  This project is appropriate for beginner crocheters.   I was able to complete the scarf within a 24 hour time period.

The Finished Carrot Scarf

Giant Carrot Scarf

The finished scarf

Trying on the finished scarf

Trying on the finished scarf

Trying on the finished scarf

He’s so happy to try on the finished scarf

I am pleased with the finished carrot scarf and look forward to wearing it when the weather cools down.

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Cloth Diapers: A New Mom’s Experience

I have been asked about my cloth diaper experience and whether or not I enjoy it on multiple occasions.   I want to take the moment to describe our adventures with cloth diapering.  I will share why we cloth diaper, our cloth diaper stash, what works well for us, what did not work for us, and our wash routine.

There is a lot of personal preference involved in cloth diapering.  What works really well for me may not work well for you.  Creating the prefect stash will require a bit of tweaking and experimenting.

Why We Cloth Diaper

I did not start cloth diapering for any noble reasons like its benefits on the environment or to avoid ingredients in disposables or to save money.  A year prior, if you asked me what I think about cloth diapers, my response would have been, “Eww! Gross.  Ain’t nobody got time for that.”

Midway into pregnancy, while excessively researching all things baby, I came across an article arguing that babies in cloth diapers potty train earlier than babies in disposables .  This caught my interest.  Once I discovered the prints, I was sold.

The Stash

The day my first fluff mail arrived

As I began to delve into the world of cloth diapering I found myself completely overwhelmed.  What’s the difference between a pocket and a prefold?  Is bamboo better than cotton?  Should I get a Blueberry cover or one from bumGenius?  Many hours were spent researching the different cloth diaper systems, materials and brands.

As you begin to create a stash of your own, the best piece of advice I can give is to sample a variety of systems and brands before making a large purchase.   A diaper you think you will love may not work for your baby as well as you thought.

Most of my cloth diaper stash was purchased from Green Mountain Diapers.  I love Green Mountain Diapers!   I have also purchased from Nicki’s Diapers.  I have had a very pleasant experience shopping at each store and recommend you check them out.

The stash

The following is a list of items in our cloth diaper collection:

• 24 Cloth-eez Prefold Diapers (size Newborn)
• 24 Cloth-eez Prefold Diapers (size Large)
• 24 Cloth-eez Prefold Diapers (size Small)
• 24 Cloth-eez Prefold Diapers (size Medium)
• 3 Cloth-eez Workhorse Fitted Diapers (size Newborn with snaps)
• 2 Cloth-eez Workhorse Fitted Diapers (size Small with no snaps)
• 5 Cloth-eez Workhorse Fitted Diapers (size Large with no snaps)
• 12 Cloth-eez Flat Birdseye Diapers
• 2 Bummis Simply Lite Covers
• 5 Blueberry Capri Covers (with snaps, size 1)
• 6 Blueberry Coverall Covers
• 2 Nicki’s Diapers One Size Bamboo All-In-One
• 2 Best Bottom Diapers with 3 small inserts and 3 medium inserts
• 1 Nicki’s Diapers One Size Diaper Cover
• 1 Chelory miniC Diaper
• 2 Chelory All-In-One Diapers
• 2 Wet Bags from Sweet Bobbins
• 2 X-large Pail Liners from Sweet Bobbins
• Snappi Diaper Fasteners
• Malden Mills Fleece Stay-Dry Liners
• 2 Blueberry Wet Bags

For a newborn stash I recommend starting with 24 diapers and 6 covers. With a stash of that size, expect to wash diapers every other day.

What Worked

Prefolds

Newborn Cloth-eez Prefolds

My favorite diapers are my prefolds!  In the beginning I found them really intimidating.  I avoided my cloth diapers for two weeks after taking my little boy home from the hospital.   Fortunately, I soon discovered it was not as scary as it seemed! I actually find it easier to change a squirming baby with prefolds than with disposable diapers.  I use the Newspaper fold with Snappis for our prefolds.

Blueberry Covers

Blueberry Covers

The Blueberry covers are my favorite!  I have tried covers from Bummis and Nicki’s Diapers, and the Blueberry covers is the best of the three.  I use covers with snaps.  The Blueberry covers are great at preventing leaks.  I can usually get a really good fit with them, and they are of nice quality.  Pricey, but worth it.

Workhorses

Cloth-eez Workhorse

I really enjoy using my fitted diapers from Green Mountain Diapers.  I originally purchased some fitted diapers with the snaps and I did not like them.  I recommend the fitted diapers with no snaps because you have more room for adjustments and thus can get a better fit.  The only reason I do not have more of these in my stash is the price.   A large fitted diaper is $9.95 compared to the $3.75 price of a large prefold.  I like using the fitted diapers for overnight.

Nicki’s AIO

Nicki’s Diaper One Size All-In-One

Nicki’s One Size All-In-One (AIO) is my favorite AIO (although, I have only tried two!).  I have had a really good experience with this diaper. No leaks and at $14.95, it comes at a really good price.  Plus it comes in chevron!

Fleece Liners

Fleece Liners

My little one has very sensitive skin.  Overcoming his wetness sensitivity was my greatest challenge with cloth diapering.  Despite frequent changes, it did not take much for a contact rash to form.  I tried just about every cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream I could think of:

• CJ’s Butter (love their scents!)
• Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm
• Northern Essence Better Butt(er) Cream and Salve
• Dimpleskins Bum Bum Balm

Unfortunately, none of the creams were successful at clearing or preventing his rash.   For a while there we gave up on using cloth diapers overnight.   I was feeling really discouraged about cloth diapering.   After weeks of combating with the problem, I finally decided on giving fleece liners a try.

Since using the fleece liners, I no longer have issues with keeping contact rashes at bay.  I can even use cloth diaper overnight.  If you are feeling crafty you could purchase some fleece and make them yourself.

What Did Not Work

Flats

Cloth-eez Flat Birdseye Diapers

I purchased two packages of the Cloth-eez Flat Birdseye diapers and I have only used them as burp cloths.  The prefolds worked so well for us I did not have the incentive to learn how to fold flats.  The diapers are really well made, and perhaps one day I will learn how to use them.

Chelory AIO

Chelory All-In-One (newborn and one size)

Chelory One Size Galaxy AIO

I really wanted to love my Chelory diapers, but I had issues with leaks.  These diapers were a little loose around the legs for my boy.  He has fattened up a bit and I can now use the one size diaper with no problem, but these were really disappointing for me.

If you purchase a diaper from Chelory and it does not work out well for you, she will accept returns as long as you return it within a 15 day window.  I purchased these diapers months before my little boy’s arrival.

That said, the Chelory diapers are very well made, and she has the best selection of prints.  If I have a little girl I will purchase one of her ruffles diapers.

Our Wash Routine

Dirty Diaper Storage

Dirty diaper storage

I bought a cheap plastic trash can (this particular one is the perfect size) and two pail liners to store our dirty diapers.  ( I recommend at least two liners so while one is washing another is available.)  I purchased my liners from a little Etsy shop named Sweet Bobbins.  I really like their pail liners and after many washes they have held up pretty well.

A Sweet Bobbins Wet Bag and a Blueberry Wet Bag

While we are out and about I use wet bags to store the dirty diapers.   I purchased two from Sweet Bobbins, and I also have a couple from Blueberry.   Between the two, I prefer my Blueberry wet bags.  They dry quicker.

Spraying Poopy Diapers

The Potty Pail

The newborn poop days were pretty nice (minus the explosions) because you could just toss the dirty diapers in the wash.   Now that our little man is consuming solids we need to dump the poop in the toilet.   We gave dunk and swish a few tries, but no thanks.

We purchased the Potty Pail cloth diaper sprayer and prewash toilet bucket.   I considered purchasing the diaper sprayer from bumGenius, but I had a better feeling about purchasing the Potty Pail sprayer.

The Potty Pail sprayer and prewash bucket

Installing the sprayer was pretty easy.   However, there was a small leak.  I contacted the folks at the Potty Pail about my issue, and they responded quickly with helpful advice.   My issue was resolved by reattaching the nuts.  It took a few tries to get it threaded just right.

The prewash bucket is pretty simple and nice.  We like the hooks for hanging wet diapers, and the bucket is a decent splash guard.

The Potty Pail prewash bucket

Washing Diapers

I was really nervous about creating our wash routine because we have a front load washing machine.   I have read postings where people were having trouble getting their diapers clean because these machines use less water than a top load washing machine.   I took a lot of notes from other people’s experiences and created a routine that has been working pretty well for us.   We use the following preset options:

• Rise + Spin with an Extra Rinse
• Heavy Duty with an Extra Rinse
• Another Rise + Spin  with an Extra Rinse

Mainstream detergents are okay to use on cotton diapers.  We started out using Gain detergent, but my little one has very sensitive skin so we switched to using Tide Free and Gentle.  Diapers are washed every other day.

Drying Diapers

Drying diapers

I air dry anything containing PUL to extend its lifespan.  All my cotton diapers I toss in the dryer for a light cycle, then I hang dry to remove any remaining dampness.   I purchased my drying rack from Costco and love using it for drying diapers!

Final Thoughts

Next child, will Ashley cloth diaper again? Yes!

Pros:

• The prints!
• Good for the environment
• Potentially saves money
• Covers help contain poop explosions
• Spraying diapers actually reduces odors in the house

Cons:

• Super bulky (Pants? They don’t fit well. Diaper bag?  You better get a large one!)
• Cannot fall behind on laundry!
• Can’t use Destin
• Cloth diapers must be changed more frequently
• Not all child care providers will use cloth diapers

We started this journey hoping to reduce the time it will take our son to be potty trained, but at this point it does not matter.  Despite the extra bit of work involved with cloth diapering, we have had a good experience and look forward to using our stash with future children.

The post Cloth Diapers: Learning from Experience appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley’s 2015 10×10 Challenge

I love playing table top games.  Board games, card games, role playing games — I enjoy them all.   I  also enjoy collecting games.   This is where the problem emerges.  I own a large collection of table top games, most of which have only been played once or never.  That is why this year I am participating in BoardGameGeek’s 10×10 Challenge!

The Challenge

A big chuck of our board game collection

The 10×10 Challenge started as a way to encourage gamers to play games in their collections several times.  To participate in the challenge you select ten games to play ten times within the year.  There are two versions of the Challenge:  Hardcore and Normal.  In the Hardcore version, you select ten games plus one alternative and you cannot change your selection later in the year.  In the Normal Challenge you may swap out titles.   I am going to try the Hardcore Challenge.

For more details on how to participate go here.

The Games

Games selected for the 10×10 Challenge

Now that we have a little one, I imagine completing the Challenge is going to be really difficult, but I look forward to giving this a go!  Here is a list of the games we selected for the 10×10 Challenge:

1. Star Wars Imperial Assault

WARNING:  The play logs may include campaign spoilers!

Star Wars – Imperial Assault

2. Mice and Mystics

Mice and Mystics

3. Lewis and Clark

Lewis & Clark

4. Five Tribes

Five Tribes

5. Suburbia

Suburbia

6. Machi Koro

Machi Koro

7. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective

8. Thunderstone Worlds Collide

Unfortunately, I do not have my copy of Thunderstone!  I placed a large CoolStuffInc order containing a preorder back in August.  That preordered product has been delayed to this month so here’s to hoping I see a package soon!

Update: The package has arrived!

Thunderstone Advance

9. The Duke

The Duke

10. Theseus: The Dark Orbit

Theseus: The Dark Orbit

My alternative game is Coconuts.   That game is easily my favorite dexterity game.

Play Log

I will keep this post updated with our progress throughout the year as we work on completing the Challenge!

Play #1  (January 3, 2015)

Imperial Assault Play #1 – The Rebel Alliance successfully thwarted the Empire’s plans once again.

Play #2 (January 3, 2015)

Imperial Assault Play #2 – Chewbacca has joined the Rebel’s cause.

Play #3 (January 9, 2015)

Theseus: The Dark Orbit Play #1 – The Space Marines defeated the aliens and all their tentacles.

Play #4 (January 10, 2015)

Imperial Assault Play #3 – The Rebels fall back as reinforcements for the Imperials arrive. 5 player game including the Imperial player.

Play #5 (January 17, 2015)

Theseus:  The Dark Orbit  Play #2 – 2 vs 2 team play.

Play #6 (January 24, 2015)

Machi Koro Play #1 – 5 Player game with the Harbor expansion. A 5 player game really overstays its welcome.

 Play #7 (January 27, 2015)

Machi Koro Play #2 – A 2 player game of Machi Koro plus Harbor expansion. I pretty much dominated the game. Less chaotic than the 5 player game.

Play #8 (January 31, 2015)

Machi Koro Play #2 – Another 2 player game of Machi Koro plus Harbor expansion.  It was another runaway leader game.

Play #9 (February 1, 2015)

Thunderstone Advance Play #1 – 2 Player game. Midway through we realized we were playing it wrong :/

Play #10 (February 8, 2015)

Thunderstone Advance Play #2 – 2 player game.

The post Ashley’s 10×10 Challenge for 2015 appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Reviews: Janod Crazy Doggy Babywalker

Crazy Doggy Baby Walker Review

I recently discovered this toy company from France called Janod.  They have lots of really colorful and cute toys.  While browsing through their collection I came across the most adorable baby walker I have seen so far:  the Crazy Doggy Babywalker (there is also a totes adorbs bunny version).  I was sold.

The Assembly

Once it arrived, I immediately assembled it.   Putting it together was fairly straight forward.  You do need to have a screwdriver handy.  Screwing the dog’s head on place was the hardest part.  I think my screw was stripped or something, because any screwdriver head I picked would slip.

Disassembled crazy doggy baby walker

Assembled crazy doggy baby walker

A Problem Emerges

Up to this point, I was feeling pretty good about the walker.  That is, until I discovered it was not leveled!  The back wheel was suspended in the air and not touching the floor as the other wheels.  When weight was applied to the handle, the opposite wheel in the front was then suspended in the air.

Back wheel suspended in the air

The Problem Resolved

I was very disappointed to experience this issue, because I really had high hopes for the walker.   Fortunately, the customer service department for Janod is great!   I contacted Janod, explained my issue and they quickly remedy the situation.   My replacement base is perfect, and I am now a very happy customer.  I went from, “I’ll never purchase another product from Janod” to “that train set of theirs will make a nice gift.”

Crazy Doggy Baby Walker

The walker is just as vibrant and colorful as the pictures depict.  The wheels are really nice and glide smoothly across the floor.  The little man just loves the bell on the dog’s collar.  He has so much fun playing with it.

You can check out the walker in action below:

Final Thoughts

Would Ashley purchase this again (on a scale of yes, maybe and no)? Yes!

Pros:

• Cute and colorful (but not obnoxious colorful)
• Made of wood
• The wheels glide nicely
• Janod has great customer service

Cons:

• Initial base was poorly constructed

The post Ashley Reviews: Crazy Doggy Baby Walker from Janod appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: Clothesline Picture Frame

When I moved out of my parents home, I realized I did not own any pictures of myself as child.   I wanted to fix that.    I found plans by Ana White for a clothesline picture frame, and thought that would be a great way of displaying photos from my childhood.   I ended up building two:  one for myself and another as a gift for a sibling pre-populated with photos of us growing up together.

This was a pretty easy build.  I was able to complete the project in one weekend.  I built this project using my Japanese hand saw, my Kreg Jig,  and JawHorse (my second pair of hands).

For the finish, I used one coat of Rust-Oleum Early American.  Once the stain dried, I sprayed a couple coats of Minwax Poly Spray.  I purchased some jute cord and mini clothespins from Michaels.

Clothespin picture frame

I am very pleased with how the frame came out, but I think if I built another one I’d like to run the jute in a zigzag pattern.

Completed clothesline picture frame with some photos

The post DIY Clothesline Picture Frame (Plans by Ana White) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: Chevron Bar Stool Makeover

I was in need of some bar stools for my kitchen island, but I did not want to spend a lot of money on them.   I made a trip to Target and purchased 3 Landon Bar stools for $19.99 each.   The stools fit the bill for cheap, but they also looked really bland.

Target Landon Barstools

The stools were in need of a makeover.  I searched the Internet to gain some inspiration, and I came across this chevron kitchen bar stool makeover from Fingerprints on the Fridge.   I was sold.

I made a trip to the store, and here’s a list of the supplies I gathered:

• Rust-Oleum Primer Spray
• Rust-Oleum Satin Spray
• Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac Spray
• Martha Stewart Crafts Liquid Gilding (Gold)
• Painters Tape

I went with a black and gold color scheme.   I first primed and painted the stools with black spray paint.

Bar stools primed and painted black

Next, I painted the feet of the stools with the gold liquid gilding.   Once that was done, I began to tape off the top.   First, I create a gingham pattern with the tape.  I did not use a ruler to measure the distance between the strips.   I just eye-balled it.  I tried to create a gap that was equal to the width of the tape.

Stools taped with a gingham pattern

I then began to cut out sections of the tape to create the chevron pattern.

Cutting out sections

Once that was done, I was ready to paint the top with the gold liquid gilding.

Chevron tape pattern

After the gilding dried, I sprayed a few layers of shellac to protect the finish.

Spray painting shellac to protect the finish

Finally once the shellac dried, I moved the stools indoors and what a difference a little bit of paint made!

Chevron stools dried and ready for use

You can check out this short video to get a better view of the finished project:

I am very happy with the final results!

The post DIY Chevron Bar Stool Makeover appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.