DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC

I have a bad habit of starting new projects before completing old projects.  About a year ago, I started to build a storage bench following plans by Ana White.  I was about half way done with the building portion of it when I stopped working on it.  I don’t recall what distracted me from completion, but it sat in my garage for months!

(Instagram informs me that I took this photo 52 weeks ago from today.  Yikes!)

Today I’m working on an entry way storage bench. I can’t wait to get this one done! #woodworking #krejjig #garageshop #shanty2chic #anawhite #sawdustfriday #pockethole #letsdothis #diy

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Aug 28, 2015 at 11:06am PDT

When I joined August’s Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest, I looked around the house for a piece of old furniture that could use some TLC.  I then got the idea of revisiting the bench project. Today, I will share the steps I took to build and finish the bench.  However before I begin, I want to first give the Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest and this month’s sponsor the proper introduction!

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Contest

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.  August’s theme is “class it up,” and August’s sponsor is D. Lawless Hardware!  D. Lawless Hardware has a huge selection of hardware for really good prices.

The Fab Furniture Flippin’ Hosts

The Storage Bench

I am really happy with the final look of the storage bench.  I used 4 large 2″ ring pulls from D. Lawless Hardware in the Dark Antique Bronze (item number P3031-DAB).

DIY Storage Bench with pulls from D. Lawless Hardware

Here’s a close up on the pulls:

Large 2″ Ring Pulls (Dark Antique Bronze) from D. Lawless Hardware

DIY Storage Bench

Building the Bench

I closely followed Ana White’s plans for the Alexia Storage bench.

Bench sides assembled

Attaching the bench back

Attaching a decorative trim

Finishing the Bench

Once the surface of the bench was prepped, I stained the seat portion of the bench with Danish Oil (Dark Walnut) and I painted the bottom portion of the bench with an off-white color.

I forgot to precondition the wood before staining and I was a little worried about the appearance, but I have successfully convinced myself it gives the bench a lot of character.

That moment when you realize you forgot to precondition the wood before staining. I keep telling myself it gives it character. #almostdone #diy #woodworking #thatmomentwhen #diyfurniture #woodwork #woodworker #wood #kregjig #anawhite #shanty2chic #danishoil #watco #furniture #buildersgonnabuild #buildallthethings #storagebench #bench

A photo posted by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Aug 25, 2016 at 6:35pm PDT

Installing the Hardware

After the finish dried, I installed drawer slides for the drawers and installed the ring pulls.

Trying to decided on where to place the pulls

Drilled holes for installing the ring pulls

DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench

DIY Storage Bench with pulls from D. Lawless Hardware

The post DIY Storage Bench with D. Lawless Hardware – August’s FFFC appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: DIY Industrial Factory Cart Coffee Table

I am so excited to share with you my latest project, an industrial factory cart coffee table!  The Shanty 2 Chic sisters teamed up with the Rogue Engineer to put together plans for this table.  When I came across their post it was love at first sight!  The project is pretty easy to build, and in this post I will go over the steps I took to create the coffee table.

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create the industrial factory cart coffee table.  Check out the Rogue Engineer’s plan for a more detailed listing.

• Kreg Jig (for joining boards)
• Kreg Right Angle Clamps
• Japanese Hand saw and Guide
• Rockwell JawHorse
• 8 in. Swivel Steel Caster (4)
• Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner – To prevent blotching
• ECOS Paints Woodshield Stain (British Chesnut) – There is seriously no smell with this stuff.
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Varnish (Satin)

Building the Coffee Table

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropriate length.

My husband and I cut all the boards with our Japanese handsaw.  Cutting through the 2×8 boards was quite the workout!

Japanese handsaw and saw guide

Boards cut the appropriate lengths

Step 2:  Drill pocket holes.

Next up, we used our Kreg Jig and created a ton of pocket holes.

Kreg Jig K5

Step 3:  Assemble the top.

We screwed the 2×8 boards together to create the top of coffee table.  We made sure the wood rings alternated directions to prevent the table top from bowing.

Alternating wood ring direction

Step 4:  Attach the sides.

We framed the coffee table top with 2×6 boards.  The Kreg right angle clamp was really useful at this step.

Adding the coffee table’s frame

Step 5:  Install supports

Next, we installed the coffee table supports!  For this step, the mallet was our best friend.   We had to squeeze our 2×4 supports inside of the coffee table’s frame.

Our little helper

Table supports are installed

This table is heavy and ready for sanding!

Step 6: Lots of sanding

We spent a good part of the day sanding the table.  We cycled through grits 40, 60, 80, 100, 150 and 220.

It’s sanding day

Finishing the Coffee Table

Step 1:  Apply pre-stain conditioner.

Before applying the stain, I coated the table with Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner to prevent blotching.

Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner

Step 2:  Apply the stain

Next up, I applied one coat of ECOS Paint Woodshield Stain in British Chesnut.  I love the results with Woodshield.   This is my fourth project using the stain. (Check out my homemade growth chart, vintage step stool, and dining room bench to see the stain in different colors.)

Table stained with ECOS Paints WoodShield in British Chesnut

Unfortunately, my quart of Spiced Pecan was a casualty in the project.  I had planned on using this color for the project. Just as I was about to get started staining,  I tripped and spilled the entired quart onto my patio.  Oh the horror!  I didn’t have a chance to use that color on a project.  We were able to clean up the mess with the pressure washer and little bit of Simple Green cleaner.

My precious Spiced Pecan wasted

Step 3:  Seal the table

I sealed the coffee table with a few layers of ECOS Paint WoodShield Satin Varnish.

Step 4:  Spray paint the hardware black

I spray painted the brackets, screws and caster wheels with Rust-Oleum Universal Flat Black spray paint.

The hardware’s original appearance

Hardware spray painted black

Step 5:  Install the hardware

Finally, I installed the corner brackets and the caster wheels.  I did need to purchase special driver bits to screw in the hex screws.

Dewalt Magnetic Nut Bits

Attaching the corner brackets

Attaching the caster wheels

The Finished Coffee Table

I am so in love with my new coffee table. It the perfect addition to my living room.  My only regret is that I did not purchase a pair of caster wheels with brakes. The little guy in the house enjoys rolling the table around!

I think he loves this table as much as I do

My new coffee table

The table from a distance (I could use a rug in this room)

Table up close

the perfect pairing with my sofas

The post DIY Industrial Factory Cart Coffee Table (Plans by Rogue Engineer) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: DIY Busy Board

I found a really cool project while browsing Pinterest:  a busy board  (the busy board by Millionayres in particular)! I have never seen such a thing, but the moment I saw it I knew I had to make it.   I made use of some scrap 1×12 boards, spray painted it black and yellow, and purchased a variety of items to attach to the board.   In this post, I’ll share the steps I took for creating a busy board for our busy little boy!

Disclosure:  This post contains some affiliate links.

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to make the busy board:

• 2 – 1×12 boards 36 inches long
• Kreg Jig (for joining the two boards)
• Silhouette (for creating the caution stencil)
• Yellow spray paint
• Black spray paint
• Painters tape
• Contact paper (material used to creating the Silhouette stencil)
• Daddy Van’s Beeswax (for sealing the project)
• Cotton Terry Cloth Applicators
• OOK ReadyNail Large Sawtooth Hanger
• OOK Picture Hangers

Busy Items

• Door Chain
• Locking Hasp
• Spring Door stop
• Bells
• Caster wheel

Creating the Busy Board

Step 1:  Join the 1×12 boards.

I wanted to make use of lumber I had on hand, so for my board I used my Kreg Jig to join two 36″ long 1×12 boards.

1×12 Boards joined together with Kreg Jig pocket holes

Step 2:  Spray paint the with base color.

Next, I spray painted the board with yellow spray paint.

Spray painted the board yellow

Step 3:  Create caution stencil.

I created a caution stencil with the message, “CAUTION:  CHILD AT PLAY” from my Silhouette and Contact paper.   I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with Contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.  You can download my Silhouette cut file here.

Step 4:  Apply caution stencil and painters tape.

I applied the caution stencil to the board and used painters tape to tape off diagonal stripes.

Taped and ready for black paint

Step 5:  Spray paint with secondary color.

Next, I spray painted the entire board with black spray paint.  Once I removed the stickers I was a little disappointed to notice a few areas where the stencil and tape were not completely stuck to the board.  This resulted in a few fuzzy spots.  Fortunately, if you stand from a distance the flaw is not noticeable.

Spray painted the board with black paint

Stencil and painters tape removed

Step 6:  Seal the board.

I used Daddy Van’s Beeswax to apply a protective coat on the board.  This is my first project using beeswax.  Daddy Van’s was really easy to apply and I am quite pleased with the results.   It gets bonus points for no smelly fumes and easy clean up!

Daddy Van’s Furniture Polish

Beeswax applied

Step 7:  Install the busy hardware.

Now, here’s the fun part:  installing the hardware!  I made a trip to the hardware store and I purchased the following busy little items:

• Door Chain
• Locking Hasp
• Spring Door stop
• Bells
• Caster wheel

I also made a trip to Michael’s to purchase some bells.  I strung the bells on cord and attached it to the board as well.

If you use a door stop, secure the tip with glue.

Locks and a caster wheel

Bells from Michael’s

Step 8:  Hang the board!

In hindsight, I should have installed the picture framing hardware prior to installing the busy hardware.  It would have made this step a little easier.   I installed two large OOK Sawtooth hangers on the back of the board.  I then installed two 20 pound OOK Picture hangers on my drywall.

OOK Picture Hanging Hardware

If you have never used this picture hanging system, I recommend you check it out.  It made this step a breeze!

Busy Board prior to hanging

Busy Board prior to hanging

The Finished Busy Board

The Busy Board was an instant hit for my little guy.  He is most attracted to the spring door stop and caster wheels.  I am pretty happy with how the project turned out as well!  I do have a few more spots that I’d like to fill in, perhaps with a mirror and a push light.

The finished busy board

The finished busy board

The kid approves

The post DIY Busy Board appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: DIY Bowling Lane

Scratch your bowling itch by building this miniature bowling lane made from scrap lumber.  My husband and I were discussing how fun it will be to take our little boy bowling once he is old enough to enjoy it.  From that conversation I got the idea of building a miniature bowling lane.    I was also inspired by Ana White’s #GetBuilding2015 challenge to make use of the large pile of lumber stored in my garage.    This bowling lane is a little shy of being a foot wide and 4 feet long.    In this post, I’ll share steps for making a bowling lane of your own!

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

Kids bowling lane

Kids bowling lane

Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links.

The Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create the miniature bowling lane:

Bowling Pins

• White Spray Paint
• Spray Paint Gun
• Washi Tape
• Mod Podge
• Triple Thick Gloss Glaze
• 10 – Large Wood Bowling Pins

Bowling Lane

• 1 – 46″ long 1×12 board
• 2 – 46″ long 1×2 boards
• 2 – 9.75″ long 1×2 boards
• 1 – 9.75″ long 1×4 board
• 2 – 23″ long 1×4 boards
• Kreg Jig (for joining boards)
• Sander
• Dremel (for rounding guard edges)
• JigSaw (for rounding guard edges)
• Wood Filler
• Handsaw
• Paint
• Silhouette (for creating stencils for lane markers)

Decorating the Bowling Pins

I purchased 10 unfinished wooden bowling pins.  The pins looked pretty bland.  A little paint and washi tape made a big difference.  The following steps describe how I decorated the pins.

Unfinished wooden bowling pins

Step 1:  Paint the bowling pins white.

I spray painted the bowling pins white with a can of Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch Paint+Primer.

Rust-Oleum Spray paint + Spray Paint Gun

Bowling pins lined up for painting

Step  2:  Add washi tape to the neck of the bowling pin.

To give the bowling pins a nice pop of color, I added washi tape to the neck of the pins.  I purchased my washi tape from cutetape.com.    I used the following tapes:

• MT Bright Patch Japanese Masking Washi Tape
• MT Block Slash Washi Tape Japanese
• Colorful Stripe Washi Tape Chugoku

Washi Tape from CuteTape

Step 3:  Seal the washi tape with Mod Podge.

To ensure the tape would stay put, I applied a coat of Mod Podge (Matte Finish).

Step 4:  Coat the pins with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.

For the final step, I coated each pin with two layers of Triple Thick Gloss Glaze.  This gave the pins a nice shiny and smooth finish.

Coating the bowling pins with Triple Thick Gloss Glaze

Building the Bowling Lane

Here’s how I pieced together the bowling lane.

Step 1:  Cut the boards to the appropriate size.

I had a leftover 46″ long 1×12 board.  I wanted the lane guards to run half the length of the bowling lane, so I cut 2 1×4 boards to length of 23 inches.  The remaining 1×4 and 1×2 boards were cut to fit the 1×12 board.

Lumber

The final cuts were:

• 1 – 46″ long 1×12 board
• 2 – 46″ long 1×2 boards
• 2 – 9.75″ long 1×2 boards
• 1 – 9.75″ long 1×4 board
• 2 – 23″ long 1×4 boards

Step 2:  Round the lane guard ends.  (Optional)

Rounding the edges of the lane guards give the bowling lane a nice touch.  I  used a lid to trace a curve on one end of each of the 23″ 1×4 boards.   I then used my jigsaw to cut the curve.

Jigsaw

Step 3:  Add bottom trim.

I attached the 1×2 boards to the 1×12 board with some finishing nails and a hammer to form a box.

Nailing 1×2 boards to 1×12 board

Nailing the 1×2 boards to the 1×12 board

Bottom trim added

Step 4:  Attach the lane guards.

Next, I used my Kreg Jig to create pocket holes for joining the pieces of the lane guard together.  Once the 3 1×4 boards were joined, I then attached the lane guard to the 1×12 board.

Drilling pocket holes

Attaching pieces of the guard together

Attaching pieces of the guard together

Attaching lane guards to bowling lane base

Step 5:  Add wood filler and sand, sand sand.

I added wood filler to cover up the pocket holes and spent a good amount of time sanding down the rough edges.

Wood filler

Sanding the rounded edges with a Dremel

Sanding bowling lane

Step 6:  Add paint.

I painted the bowling lane with Krylon Satin Sea Glass spray paint.

Ready for paint!

Step 7:  Add washi tape.  (Optional)

I wanted to tie in some of the colors from the bowling pins to the bowling lane.  I wrapped perimeter of the lane with striped washi tape.

My little washi tape helper

Step 8:  Add lane markers.  (Optional)

For a nice final touch, I created stencils for lane arrows and markers for the bowling pin locations with the Silhouette editor.   I used Contact paper to create the stencil.  I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.   To complement the Sea Glass paint, I painted the lane markers with neon orange paint.

The Silhouette cut files are available here for download:

• Bowling Pin Locations Cut File
• Bowling Lane Arrows Cut File

If you don’t own a Silhouette, I made the images available for download here:

• Bowling Pin locations image 
• Bowling lane arrows image

Painting lane markers

Painting complete!

Close up on the lane arrows

Step 9:  Seal the project!

The Completed Bowling Lane

The bowling lane was a really fun project.  It has been a hit for my little guy, and the adults enjoy it too.  To increase difficultly, use a smaller ball and have the bowler toss the ball from several feet away.

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

Bowling pins in position

Reader Projects

My very first reader project from @sawdustandperfume!

Made this mini bowling ally for my niece who is visually impaired. She loves being able to get up close to see what she is doing. The lrg orange dots for the pins are very helpful for her to set it back up. Plans from @handmadewithashley

A photo posted by @sawdustandperfume on Aug 1, 2016 at 1:05pm PDT

Pin it!

DIY Bowling Lane

DIY Kids Bowling Lane

For sneak peaks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

The post DIY Bowling Lane (Tutorial) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes: DIY Vintage Step Stool

Several years ago, the first woodworking project I finished was the Vintage Step Stool built with plans by Ana White.  I use the step stool just about every day.  I had some scrap lumber taking up space in my garage, so I decided to use it to build another step stool.

My first woodworking project

The Tools and Supplies

Here’s a list of some of the tools and supplies I gathered to build the step stool:

• Kreg K5 Pocket-Hole Jig – It makes joining two boards a breeze!
• Rockwell JawHorse – This is my second pair of hands!  I love using this tool.
• Bosch Jigsaw
• Japanese Mini Saw Guide –  I love using my handsaws.  They are easy to setup, simple to use, and best of all quiet.
• Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner – To prevent blotching
• ECOS Paint Woodshield Stain (Special Walnut) – There is seriously  no smell with this stuff.
• ECOS Paint WoodShield Varnish (Satin) – There is a tiny odor when you first open the can, but it’s nothing compared to your traditional varnishes.
• Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (Boxwood)
• Silhouette Portrait – For cutting out my footprint stencil

Building the Step Stool

Building the step stool was pretty easy and simple.  The most time consuming part was using the jigsaw to cut out the shape of the sides.   I used pocket holes to join my 1×2 boards to the 1×12 boards.  This was a very tight fit for my drill and made for a very frustrating experience.  I enlisted the help of my husband to drive in the screws.

Assembling the step stool

Ready for staining

Finishing the Step Stool

For my stool’s finish, I first applied a layer of ECOS Paint WoodShield in Special Walnut.  Once the stain dried, I covered the edges of the stool with a coat of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Ironstone.

ECOS Paint WoodShield Special Walnut

Mixing the WoodShield

Stool staining complete

Once the paint dried, I used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out a set of footprints from Contact paper.  I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.  I sized the footprints to a height of 5 inches.

Silhouette foot prints

Next, I applied 2 coats of Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Boxwood on the entire stool.   After the stain dried, I first distressed the edges of the stool and then I applied two coats of ECOS Paints WoodShield Stain Varnish.

Mixing Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint

Wet paint

Silhouette stencil removed

Ready to apply the varnish

The Completed Step Stool

I am happy with how the step stool turned out.  I took my time with the finish and it really shows when the stool is compared to the first stool I built.

The step stool is completed!

Close up on the footprints

Side comparison between the old and the new

Front comparison between the old and the new

DIY Step Stool

The post DIY Vintage Step Stool (Plans by Ana White) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Ashley Makes:  DIY Growth Chart

I wanted to make a portable growth chart for my little guy and any future children. I really liked the over-sized ruler growth charts, so I set out to make one just like that. While searching for some inspiration, I came across Taryn’s Rustic Growth Chart at Design, Dinning and Diapers. I loved the finished look of her project!   You can check out the tutorial here.  I followed her steps to create one of my own.

The Tools and Supplies

WoodShield and Charles Neil Pre-Color Conditioner

Here’s a list of some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create my growth chart:

• Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (Ironstone)
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Stain (Dark Walnut)
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Interior Varnish (Satin)
• Charles Neil’s Pre-Color Conditioner (to prevent blotching)
• 1x6x6 Pine board
• Metal Rim Key Tags
• Screw Eyes
• Command Large Picture Hanging Strips
• Silhouette Portrait
• Paint brushes
• Painters tape
• Sander

Creating the Growth Chart

I had a left over 1×6 pine board from a previous project.   Prior to applying the finish, I gave it a really good sanding.   Next, I applied a layer of Charles Neil’s Pre-Color Conditioner to prevent blotching.

Applying the pre-color conditioner

Staining

Once the pre-color conditioner dried, I applied a coat of ECOS Paint Woodshield in Dark Walnut.   This is my first project using WoodShield and I am I really pleased with the results.  I think I have finally found a zero VOC stain that I will stick to.  (I have since purchased 4 more colors of WoodShield.  Stay tuned for projects using the new stains!)

Mixing the WoodShield

Applying the WoodShield

The stain has dried

Applying the chevron stencil

Once the stain dried, I covered the board with painters tape. (I taped length-wise, but removing the tape would have been easier if I taped width-wise.)  I purchased the Chevron Banner cut file from the Silhouette Design Store, adjusted the height of the chevron to 6 inches and used my Silhouette to cut out a stencil for my growth chart.

Taped board and the chevron stencil

Once I finished marking the sections with the stencil, I grabbed a straight edge  and began cutting along the lines. (This part was super tedious.)

Chevron sections cut out

Painting

Next, I was ready to paint!  This project was the first project I used milk paint.   I used Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Ironstone. I used one fourth cup of the powder to paint two coats on my board.

Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (Ironstone)

Mixing milk paint

First layer of paint

Paint dried and tape removed

Applying the numbers

Once the chevrons were painted, I was ready to add numbers.  I was going to create stencils of the numbers and then paint them as Taryn did with her growth chart, but I took a short cut.  Instead of painting the numbers, I used my Silhouette to cut the numbers from white Contact paper and stuck them on my chart.

I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.   I applied one layer of Mod Podge on the numbers as a precaution.  Once the Mod Podge dried, I applied two coats of ECOS Paint WoodShield Satin Varnish.

Adding the Key Tags

Key Tags

I wrote down the date and height of my kiddo from each of his check ups on some of the key tags. Next, I attached a screw eye to the board and added the appropriate key tag.

Hanging the Chart

Large Picture Hanging Command Strips

I used two large picture hanging command stripes to attach the growth chart to my walls.  I like damage free hanging!

The Finished Growth Chart

The growth chart was a pretty simple project and I am happy with the final result!

Chevron Growth Chart

Chevron Growth Chart

Chevron Growth Chart

Chevron Growth Chart

The post DIY Growth Chart appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.