Learn how to build a toy monster truck arena with wood and pink insulation foam.

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to build a toy monster truck arena! Earlier this year my son and I attended our first Monster Jam. That trip inspired this project.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram!)

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.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the toy monster truck arena.

Tools:

• Miter saw (or circular saw or hand saw)
• Table saw
• Orbital sander
• Foam hot knife cutter
• Kreg Jig Pocket Hole Jig

Supplies:

• Pink insulation foam
• Brown spray paint
• Blue spray paint
• Spray adhesive
• 1″ caster wheels (4) and hardware to install them
• White acrylic paint
• Dollar Tree Cars (2 packs)
• 1/4″ plywood (2′ x 4′)
• 1×4 pine boards (8′ – 2x)
• 1 1/4″ pocket hole screws

Watch the How To Build Video

Watch the how to make video below or continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to build a toy monster truck arena

I built the toy monster truck area with some scrap wood for the frame. The “mud” is pink insulation foam. I sized the arena so it could fit underneath my son’s train table. Continue reading for more build details!

Step 1: Cut the boards to size and drill pocket holes

Cut the 1×4 boards and 1/4″ plywood to size:

• 30″ (2)
• 20″ (6)
• 19 7/8″ x 29 7/8″

Drill pocket holes.

Drilling holes with the Kreg K5 Pocket Hole Jig

Step 2: Assemble frame with pocket hole screws

Build a rectangular frame and attach boards to the bottom for supporting the insulation foam.

Assembled monster truck arena frame

Step 3: Cut foam

Cutting the insulation foam was the most fun step of the whole project. I used a box cutter to cut straight lines out of the foam and a hot foam cutter to cut out curvy shapes. If you use the hot foam cutter, make sure you do this in a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator.

• First you need to create a base layer for the arena. Cut a piece of foam to the size of the 1/4″ plywood.
• Next, cut out corner pieces of foam to the borders of the arena
• Finally, cut out a piece of foam for the center dirt mound in the arena.

Cutting pink insulation foam for the toy monster truck arena

Customize this step to match your desired appearance for the arena. I modeled the arena to match what it looked like at the Monster Jam event.

Step 4: Glue foam to plywood

Glue the base pink insulation foam to the 1/4″ plywood.  Glue the arena corners and dirt mounds / obstacles on top of the base layer with some spray adhesive. You could probably use hot glue instead. You want the bond to be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of a young child.

Heavy duty spray adhesive to attack the pink insulation foam to the plywood base.

Step 5: Paint arena and seal

Spray paint the pink foam brown. Spray paint the frame of the arena another color. I also spray painted some cheap Dollar Tree cars the same color as the arena.

I painted arena border line with white acrylic paint to somewhat match the appearance of the Monster Jam arena.

Seal the paint with a few layers of a clear coat.  I recommend spraying 2 layers of gloss (for high protection) followed by a layer of satin or matte to tone down the shininess.

Step 6: Install caster wheels

Install 1″ caster wheels on each corner of the arena frame.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Insert the foam inside of the arena frame and enjoy!

Toy Monster Truck Arena inspired by Monster Jam

DIY Monster Truck Arena

My son loves the monster truck arena! It has seen many hours of play. If you build one, please share a photo and tag me on Instagram or Twitter!

DIY Toy Monster Truck Arena Inspired by the Monster Jam show

DIY Toy Monster Truck Arena Inspired by the Monster Jam show

Pin it!

Build a Toy Monster Truck Arena

The post Build a Toy Monster Truck Arena appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Knock-down kids playhouse

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Hey everyone, I’m excited to share my latest project: a knock-down kids playhouse! I’ve teamed up with Kreg and Build Something to share free plans for the project. Hop over to buildsomething.com to view the project plans.

My son has become increasingly fascinated by all the halloween decor in the stores now. I got to thinking it would fun to build a little play haunted house. (More creepy cute than spooky.)  I designed a knock-down style playhouse so we could store it away when it is not in use and transport it easily to a truck or treat event.

Creepy cute black cat string lights

I decorated the interior with creepy cute string lights, faux spider webs and flying bats.  The kid approves!

Kids knock-down playhouse

To learn how to build one for yourself, view the plans at buildsomething.com.

The post DIY Knock-down Kids Haunted Playhouse appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Solar System Threading Game

Hi everyone! I’ve teamed up with 5 YouTubers to bring you a YouTube Handmade Holiday Gift Series.  Handmade gifts often cost little in materials but the value to the person on the receiving end is exponential.  This week my friends and I are sharing a new gift idea each day.

YouTube Handmade Holiday Gift Series

Here’s the schedule:

• Sunday 12/11/2016 ToolBox Divas  www.youtube.com/ToolBoxDivasNation
• Monday 12/12/2016 DoityourselfDanielle https://www.youtube.com/user/doityourselfdanielle
• Tuesday 12/13/2016 Woodgrain Girls https://goo.gl/25x8FI
• Wednesday 12/14/2016 Handmade with Ashley   https://goo.gl/qGO171
• Thursday 12/15/2016 Cowlick Studios https://goo.gl/3iqccJ
• Friday 12/16/2016  Mother Daughter Projects https://www.youtube.com/MotherDaughterProjects

Stay tuned, subscribe to each of our channels, and give a handmade gift this holiday season.

How to make a Solar System Threading Game

This is my YouTube project video debut.  I’m sharing how to make a Solar System threading game. Threading games are great for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination,  concentration, and patience.  Inspiration for this project comes from my son.  He is learning about planets and adores space. Watch the tutorial below and continue reading for the written version.

Quick safety warning: The project involves small pieces and a cord. This is a potential choking hazard for young children.

Tools and Supplies

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

The following items are the tools and supplies you’ll need to make the solar system threading game.

Tools

• Saw (hand or power)
• Scroll saw (or jigsaw or coping saw)
• Drill (with a drill guide or preferably a drill press)
• 3/8″ Spade drill bit
• 1/16″ drill bit
• Vise (I used my JawHorse)
•  Sander

Tools used for the project

Supplies

• Scrap lumber
• 1/4″ dowel
• Acrylic paints
• Sealer (I used Mod Podge)
• String (I used leather cord)
• Sand paper
• Strong adhesive (I used DAP Rapid Fuse)

Step 1: Sketch shapes of the sun and planets onto the scrap lumber

I wanted a very cartoony look for my solar system.  I sketched lumpy circles for each planet and the sun.  While the planets aren’t drawn to scale, I did try to size them such that Jupiter was the largest circle (after the sun) and Mercury was the smallest circle.

Step 2: Cut out each shape

Shapes cut out with a scroll saw

Use a scroll saw, jigsaw or a coping saw to cut out each planet and the sun.

I used my scroll equipped with a Flying Dutchman Ultra Reverse blade.

Step 3: Drill holes through each planet

Drill 3/8″ holes through each planet.  I used a spade bit.

Step 4: Drill holes for the string

Drill a 1/16″ hole approximately a 1/4″ – 1/2″ deep in one end of the dowel and on one side of the sun.

Step 5: Prep planets for painting

Sand the surface of the planets and sun.  Apply primer if necessary.

Step 6: Paint a base coat

Paint each planet and sun with a solid layer of the most predominate color.

Step 7: Paint details

Painting planet details

Follow up with a new layer of paint capture details and features of each planet and the sun.  Look at pictures of the solar system as a reference.  I wanted a cartoony look for my solar system.  Once I painted the details I went back and painted happy faces on each planet and the sun.

Step 8: Seal the paint

Protect the paint with a coat of sealer.

Step 9: Secure the string

Securing string to dowel and sun

Apply adhesive to each 1/16″ hole and insert the cord.  I used a piece of leather cord that I had on hand.

Step 10: Enjoy!

If you build the solar system threading game, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

DIY Threading Solar System Game

DIY Threading Solar System Game

DIY Solar System Threading Game

The post How to make a Solar System threading game (with video!) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Hi everyone! I’ve teamed up with 12 awesome woodworker bloggers to bring you 13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas.

13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas

• My Love 2 Create – Open now!
• The Handyman’s Daughter – Open now!
• Craftsman Drive – Open now!
• Handmade with Ashley – That’s me!
• Hazel & Gold – Open now!
• The Painted Key – Open now!
• The Created Home – Open now!
• Her Tool Belt – Open now!
• Lazy Guy DIY – Open now!
• Uncookie Cutter – Open now!
• Knock It Off Crafter – Open now!
• The Jawn Shop – Open now!
• Keddie Woodshop – Open now!

And on top of sharing the how to on 13 projects, we’re having a giveway! We’ve teamed up with @RyobiPowerTools and @PaintWIZ_ Paint Sprayers to bring you a prize pack valued at over $300!

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.

My secret hashtag is #bb8pushtoy.

The Fourth Day of Christmas

BB-8 Push Toy in action!

I’m a Star Wars geek. I enjoy combining Star Wars with woodworking (see TIE Fighter Bookshelf).  Today, I’m sharing how to build a wooden BB-8 Push toy.  This would be a cute homemade gift for the little Star Wars fan in your life.

On the fourth day of Christmas your dear woodworker made a wooden BB-8 push toy

Tools and Supplies

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

The following items are the tools and supplies you’ll need to build the BB-8 push toy.

Tools

• Something to cut circles with (I used my trim router with a circle jig)
• Orbital Sander
• Handsaw
• Drill
• 1/2″ Forstner bit
• 9/16″ Forstner bit
• 1/16″ Drill bit
• Router with 1/4″ roundover bit
• Printer
• Paint brush

Project supplies

Supplies

• Scrap wood (1×8 – 24″)
• 1/2″ Wooden dowel rod (48″ long)
• 1″ Dowel cap for a 1/2″ dowel
• 1″ Split ball
• 1/16″ wooden dowel (2)
• Wood glue
• Triple Thick Gloss Glaze
• Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
• Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
• Spray primer
• Acrylic Paints (black, white, orange, gray)
• Black marker
• BB-8 Coloring page (page 2, print 2 copies at 125%)

How to build a BB-8 Push Toy

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Step 1: Cut four circles

Cut 4 circles from your scrap piece of lumber. You will need two 6″ circles and two 3.5″ circles.

Cutting 3.5″ circles with a hole saw

Cutting 6″ circle with Makita trim router and Rockler trim router circle jig

I used a 3.5″ hole saw to cut out my circles.  I don’t recommend this method.  However if you do decide to use a hole saw, please handle with care. For the larger 6″ circles, I used my trim router equipped with a circle jig.  I own a Rockler circle jig.  It’s not compatible with my Makita trim router out of the box.  I just needed to make a quick mod to make it work.

Step 2: Drill holes for the axle

Drilling holes for axle

Find the center of the 6″ circles.  Drill a 1/2″ wide hole no more than 1/2″ deep at the center point of each large circle.

Drilling hole for axle

Find the center on one of the 3.5″ circles.  Drill a 9/16″ hole through the entire circle.

Step 3: Drill holes for BB-8’s head

Drilling hole in BB-8’s head

On each 3.5″ circle drill a 1/2″ deep hole with the 1/2″ bit.

Step 4: Drill a hole for the handle

Find the 3.5″ circle with a hole for the axle. Drill another 1/2″ deep hole with the 1/2″ bit 45 degrees from the hole for BB-8’s head.

Step 5: Drill two tiny holes for antennas

Find the 3.5″ circle with one hole.  Drill two 1/16″ holes on the opposite end of the existing hole.

Step 6: Cut the dowels

I recommend cutting the dowels to fit.  BB-8’s head should be slightly covered by the body.  You will need a short dowel (~ 1 1/2″) piece for connecting the head to the body and another short piece for connecting the two wheels (~ 1 3/4″).  What’s remaining will be the handle for the toy.

Also cut two pieces of 1/8″ dowel (BB-8’s antennas).  My tiny dowel pieces were about 1 1/2″ and 1″ long.

Step 7: Tidy up the circles

Circle edges are rounded over

Round over the edges of each circle with a 1/4″ roundover router bit.   Sand the surface of each circle.

Step 8: Prep the surface for paint

Spray priming

Prime each circle with white spray primer.

Step 9: Transfer BB-8 pattern onto the circles

Instead of freehand drawing BB-8’s pattern onto the circles, I cheated. I found an activity pack that contained several coloring book pages from The Force Awakens one of which is BB-8 (it’s on page 2).  Print two copies enlarged at 125%.

I used Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to transfer the coloring page outline onto the circles.  Follow the instructions here on how to use it.  Now here’s where I made a really awful mistake. I ran out of normal copy paper, but I had some colored copy paper. I mistakenly believed that the medium would only transfer my laser printer toner ink, but it also transferred pigments in the paper. Oops!

Trouble with the transfer

Step 10: Paint in the lines

Fill in BB-8’s colors.  Be careful to stay between the lines.  I used a black marker to touch up in areas where I painted over the line.

Painting BB-8’s body

Paint the 1″ split ball black, the 1/2″ dowel cap orange, and 1/16″ dowels gray.

Split ball and dowel end cap

Step 11: Add a layer of dimension

Once the paint has dried, coat the 1″ split ball with triple thick gloss glaze.  Cover the small black dot on BB-8’s head with a few drops of the Mod Podge Dimensional Glaze. The glazes give BB-8’s eyes a glass-like look.

Adding Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to one of BB-8’s “eyes”

Step 12: Seal

Apply your favorite sealer to protect the paint.

Step 13: Assemble and enjoy!

Assembling BB-8

With wood glue and clamps, assemble BB-8.

Start with gluing in dowel in one of the 6″ circles.  Once the glue has tried, thread the 3.5″ axel circle and glue the dowel to the remaining 6″ circle.

Attach BB-8’s head and handle with glue as well.

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

If you build the push toy, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Check out my other Star Wars projects here!

The post DIY BB-8 Push Toy (Tutorial) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Puck Shot Festival Game

Honestly, I’m not sure what to call my lastest creation.  So, we’ll go with “puck shot festival game.” A couple months ago, I received a request from a friend to build a tabletop game for an upcoming fall festival. This is what we came up with.  It was a hit with the children.  The game is not too easy and not too difficult.  Follow along for step by step build instructions.

Puck shot game in action!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the puck shot festival game.  I already had a half sheet of plywood in my garage.  The remaining supplies cost me about $40.

Tools

• Circular saw
• Jigsaw
• Brad Nailer
• Belt sander (Optional. You will need this if you want to round the end corners)
• Router with 1/4″ radius router over bit (Optional)
• Drill with drill bits
• Orbital sander and sand paper
• Straight edge
• Measuring tape
• Air hockey paddles
• Puck

Supplies

• 1x4x8 (2)
• 1x3x8 (1)
• Quarter sheet of 1/2″ plywood
• Spray paint (two different colors)
• Spray sealer
• Washi tape
• 1 1/4″ Brad nails
• Wood glue
• Painters tape

Cut List

• 1×4 – 48″ (2)
• 1×4 – 25.5″ (1)
• 1×3 – 24″ (1)

How to build a Puck Shot Festival Game

This is an easy build that can be completed within a weekend.

Puck Festival Game plans

Step 1: Cut the lumber to the appropriate sizes

First up, cut all of the lumber down to sizes listed under the cut list.

Project pieces cut to the appropriate lengths

Step 2: Round one end of each long frame side (Optional)

Next up, round the corner end of each long frame side (the 1x4x48″ pieces). This is an optional step, but I think this gives the game a nice polished look. I used a recycled can to trace a corner radius on each piece.  I used my belt sander to round the corners.  You may also use a jigsaw to perform the same task.

Tracing a corner radius on the game’s side frames

Step 3: Create an opening for the puck

Create a 4″ wide opening in the middle of the 1x3x24″ board.  This is the goal.  You may want to adjust the size of the opening based on your desired difficulty for the game and size of your puck.

I first drilled two pilot holes at each corner of the goal.  Then, I used a jigsaw to complete the opening.

Drilling pilot holes for the jigsaw

Step 4: Route one short end of the plywood (Optional)

I was concerned about little hands getting scratched at end of the plywood.  I used my trim router equipped with a 1/4″ radius round over bit to soften one short edge on the plywood.

Rounding over plywood edge

Step 5: Sand

Sand all the boards and the surface of the plywood.  Take your time and cycle through 80, 100, 150, 220 grits of sand paper. (Avoid using some of the lower grits of sandpaper on the plywood.  For the plywood, start with 150 grit.)

Step 6: Paint

Paint the boards to your heart’s content.  I used orange spray paint to color the 1×3 and 1×4 boards.  I taped off the shape of a triangle onto the plywood and spray painted the exposed section green.

Triangle shape taped off

Project painted and ready to be assembled

Step 7: Assemble the game

Use wood glue and a brad nailer to attach the pieces together.

1. Attach each long frame side (1x4x48″) to the plywood base.
2. Attach the board with the goal slot (1x3x24″).  I placed my goal board 4″ from the edge of the plywood end.
3. Attach the remaining short frame side

Attach long side frames to the plywood base

Attaching puck goal

Attaching back frame

Assembling the game

Step 8: Add washi tape around the perimeter of the frame (Optional)

Washi tape is a fun way add a nice pop of color to project.  I wrapped the washi tape around the outside frame of the game.

Green washi tape

I used this washi tape technique in my mini bowling lane project.

Step 9: Seal and enjoy!

Seal the project.  I used a clear matte spray finish.

I used the paddles from this Hover Hockey game.

Hover Hockey Game

For the hockey puck I used a 3.5″ wooden disk and attached a felt pad to the bottom of it.

DIY Puck Shot Hockey Game

If you build a puck shot hockey game, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

Add it to Pinterest!

The post DIY Puck Shot Festival Game (FREE Plans!) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Minecraft Axe Tutorial

I love depleting my scrap lumber pile and my little sister enjoys Minecraft.  Merge the two and we have a wooden Minecraft axe!  Use this as a costume prop or adorn a wall with it.   Follow along for steps on how to make your own Minecraft axe.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to make the axe.  The project cost me $0 in supplies, but painting each pixel is a very tedious and time consuming process.

• Jigsaw
• Orbital sander
• Scrap wood
• Graph paper
• Primer
• Pencil
• Straight edge
• Painter’s tape
• Paint brush
• Acrylic paint
  • 4 shades of gray
  • 4 shades of brown
  • white
• Mod Podge (for sealing the paint)

How to make a wooden Minecraft Axe

Step 1: Create a pattern on graph paper

Minecraft iron axe screenshot

Use an image of the axe as a reference and draw the outline of the axe onto graph paper.  For my axe, I used a scale of 1″ per a pixel.

Creating a pattern on graph paper

Step 2: Trace the pattern to the wood

Trace the outline of the axe onto a piece of wood.

Tracing pattern onto scrap piece of lumber

Step 3: Cut out the axe shape with a jigsaw

Cut out the pattern with a jigsaw.

Turning some scrap lumber into a costume prop. #minecraft #jigsaw #woodcraft #scrapwood #bosch #sawdust #costume #diy #woodworking #woodworker #makersgonnamake #axe #pixel #pine #wood

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Sep 25, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

Step 4: Sand and prep the surface for painting

Cycle through different grits (60, 80, 100, 150, 220) of sandpaper and prime the surface of the axe.

Axe ready for painting

Step 5: Draw guide lines on the axe

Draw guide lines on the axe.  Once this is complete you will have a grid.

A grid on the axe

Step 6: Paint each pixel

The bulk of the time spent on the project is on painting. Paint one color at a time.  I used painter’s tape to stay within the lines.

Painting pixels

Some progress. There are few more pixels to paint. I need to go back and touch up a few spots, and then flip it over and repeat. #minecraft #costume #costumeprop #prop #wood #scrapwood #plaidcrafts #acrylicpaint #pixel #geek #geekcraft #diy #diycostume #axe #pixelaxe #iron #videogames #gamer #ironaxe #woodworker #pixelart #pixelcraft #minecraftcostume #paint #painting #thisistedious #watchingpaintdry

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Oct 6, 2016 at 6:39am PDT

Step 7: Seal and enjoy!

Seal the project with Mod Podge or your favorite sealer.

DIY Minecraft Axe

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out my tutorials on how to make a Minecraft sword and torch.

Ashley Makes: DIY Minecraft Sword

Pin it!

DIY Minecraft Axe

The post DIY Minecraft Axe Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo Tower

Last weekend, I built another stuffed animal zoo tower.  I followed Ana White’s plans for the zoo tower.  This is a pretty easy DIY that you can complete in one weekend. Follow along for details for project details!

The kid approves!

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the stuffed animal zoo tower.  For a complete listing of what’s required, check out Ana White’s plans.

• 2x2x8 (2)
• 1x2x8 (2) (I used this instead of the 1×3 listed in the plans.  I did not want to purchase new lumber for the project.)
• Brad nailer
• Japanese Handsaw (with saw guide)
• 50′ 3-ply jute twine
• #10 screw eyes (24)
• Super glue (for securing the rope knot)
• Watco’s Danish Oil (Medium Walnut) (This was my first time using Danish Oil.  I really enjoyed using the finish!)
• Cloth applicator

I did not own my brad nailer when I built the first stuffed animal zoo tower.  Oh wow, what a difference that made (compared to using a hammer)!

Building the Stuffed Animal Zoo Tower

Step 1: Cut the boards to the appropriate lengths

First up, I cut the 2×2 and 1×2 boards down the the correct sizes with my Japanese handsaw and guide.

Boards cut with a handsaw

Step 2: Assemble the zoo tower

Next, I assembled the zoo tower.  I used a brad nailer and wood glue to attach the boards.

Nailing the boards together

Zoo tower assembled

Step 3: Sand the tower and prep it for staining (or painting)

Sand the surface of the tower. (Sanding is always my least favorite part of a project!)

Step 4: Stain and seal the tower

I used Watco Danish Oil in Medium Walnut.  This was  my first time using Danish Oil and I really enjoyed applying the finish. It stains and seals in a single step.  The color is a bit too light for my preferences. I should have selected the dark walnut.

Watco Danish Oil (Medium Walnut)

One coat of Watco Danish Oil (Medium Walnut)

Step 5:  Screw in the screw eyes

Once the finished dried, I installed the screw eyes.  A pair of pliers was necessary to get the job done.

Screw eyes

Installing screw eyes

Step 6:  Add the rope

For the final step, I threaded the jute twine through the screw eyes.  I sealed the knot with super glue.

50′ 3-ply jute twine

DAP Rapid Fuse

DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo Tower

There is finally order for my young one’s stuffed animal collection.  (Seriously though, I think half of the stuffed animals are my own.)

DIY Stuffed Animal Toy Storage

The little guy approves!

The post DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo Tower (Plans by Ana White) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Geometric Kids Art Table

My little toddler has discovered the wonderful world of coloring.  He adores scribbling with crayons and markers.  I wanted to create a bright and colorful space to encourage his artistic abilities.  I wanted to build him an art table!  Today I will share with you how I built my little toddler’s art table and how I applied its finish.  However, before I dive into the steps, I want to introduce you to the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest!

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest is a monthly furniture decorating contest.  Each month there is a new theme and a new sponsor.  September’s theme is geometry, and September’s sponsor is General Finishes!

General Finishes

General Finishes carries a nice variety of water based and oil based finishes.  I think they are best known for their gel stains.  (I have been wanting to try their gel stain for quite some time now.)  Each participant received one quart of a General Finishes product, and the winner will receive a full case of General Finishes products. This post is my first entry in the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest, and I received one quart of Milk Paint from General Finishes.

Our Fab Hosts

September’s fab hosts are Lynn from Fern Avenue and Carrie at Thirty Eight Street.  Our fab hosts kicked off this month’s contest with geometric themed pieces of their own.  Be sure to check out Lynn’s console table furniture flip and Carrie’s cabinet flip.  If you are a blogger and you are interested in participating in future contests, please send an email to info@fabfurnitureflippincontest.com.

Geometric kids art table

My little toddler’s art table is knock off of an art table I found while browsing Pottery Barn Kids.  The table retails for $349.  With taxes and shipping, I was able to create my version for a quarter of the price.  The table is 50.5” long, 27.5” wide and 24” tall.

Pottery Barn Kids Art Table

The following video shows the art table paper roll in action:

Disclosure:  This post contains affliate links.  I received one quart of General Finishes Milk paint for free.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build and finish the kids art table:

• General Finishes Milk Paint (Snow White)
• Pine Stain
• Gloss Varnish
• Acrylic craft paints (I used Delta Ceramcoat in the following colors)
  • Sunset
  • True turquoise
  • Ultra blue
• 1” painters tape
• Foam Brushes
• Kreg Jig (for joining boards)
• Kreg Right Angle Clamps
• 1.25” Coarse Kreg Pocket Hole Screws
• Japanese Handsaw and Guide
• Rockwell VersaCut Circular Saw with Track Guide
• Jigsaw (optional – for tapering legs)
• Drill/driver
• Orbital Sander equipped with sandpaper ranging from 100 grit to 220 grit
• Wood filler
• Wood glue
• Lumber (cut list)
  • A – 1x6x26″ (2)
  • B – 1x4x26” (4)
  • C – 1x4x50.5” (2)
  • D – 1x4x23.5” (4) – table legs
  • E – 1x4x24.5” (2)
  • F – 1x3x24.5” (2)
  • G – 1x3x28.5” (2)
  • I – 3/4” plywood at 26×35.5”
• Wooden dowel at 26” long (optional – for paper roll)

Building the Art Table

Learning SketchUp is definitely on my to-do list!

Update:  Hey guys, check out Ana White’s knockoff version of the art table with free SketchUp plans plus she has put together a nice video tutorial as well!

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropriate lengths.

I used my Japanese handsaw and guide to cut all the boards down to the appropriate lengths.  I used my mini-circular saw to rip the plywood into the appropriate dimension.

Tools for cutting the lumber and plywood

Step 2:  Create pocket holes

With my Kreg Jig and a drill, I created a ton of pocket holes for joining the boards together.

Kreg Jig K5 and pocket holes

Step 3:  Assemble the tabletop.

I created the table top by joining pieces A, B, C and I.

Joining boards A, B and C together

Tabletop assembly is complete

Step 4:  Taper the legs (optional)

I tapered the table’s legs (piece D) with a jigsaw.

Tapering table legs with a jigsaw

Step 5:  Drill hole in 2 table legs for paper roll (optional)

I drilled a hole 6” from the top of the leg for holding a paper roll.  Heh, I could have done a better job drilling the hole.

Drilling hole for paper roll

Step 6:  Assemble the table base

To create the base of the table, I first joined boards D (2) to F.

Joining boards D and F

For extra leg support, I attached board E.

Attaching board E

Finally, I joined each pair of legs with boards G.

The table base is complete

Step 7:  Attach the tabletop to the table base

I flipped the tabletop upside down and attached the based.

Attaching the table base to the tabletop

Finishing  the Art Table

After a good bit of sanding, I was ready for the really fun part:  painting!

Step 1:  Apply the base coat

I applied 3 coats of General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White.  This was my first time using General Finishes Milk Paint and it won’t be the last.  The Milk Paint was very easy to apply and had very rich color.

General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White

Step 2:  Stain the inside of the storage cubbies (optional)

I love two-toned finishes.  Especially when they are paired with the color white.  Midway through painting, I decided that’s a look I wanted in the art table and I am very pleased the results!

Storage cubbies stained with a pine finish

Step 3:  Tape off a geometric pattern

With 1” painters tape, I taped off the perimeter of the table top.  Then I applied a few strips of tape from one edge to another.  And finally, I applied smaller strips of tape.

Geometric pattern taped off

Step 4:  Paint the sections

I used 3 different colors of acrylic craft paint to fill in each section of tape.

Painting the sections

Step 5:  Seal with a varnish

For the final step, I sealed the table with 3 coats of gloss varnish.

The Finished Art Table

This art table is one of my favorite builds so far.  I love the geometric pattern, and I adore how the table is so bright and cheery.

DIY Geometric Kids Art Table

Art table with a paper roll

Geometric kids art table

Before and after – geometric kids art table

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