Build End Tables

I built 2 end tables to go with my park bench. I had a lot of trouble with splitting wood, because the 1x2s where so thin. I'm used to more robust lumber. I tried something new. I drilled pocket holes, sanded, primed and painted everything before I assembled. I don't like painting as much, because I love using power tools. I psyched myself out by thinking I was giving it an elegant finish. Sounds so much nicer than slapping some paint on wood.

 My son made some tic-tac-toe pieces from scrap treated lumber, by painting black X's on one side and white O's on the other.

Here's a link to the plans I got from the wonderful Ana White site.
That site has downloadable, step-by-step shopping list, cut list and instructions.

#GetBuilding2015 #AnaWhite #GetBuidingCaren #DIYHallofFame

Raised Square Foot Garden

Jersey is guarding my vegetable garden against all the rabbits! (big rabbit problem in my yard)  Making a raised garden was a lot of work, and a team effort with my kids. The 4x4' box is made from 2x10" boards, topped with 1 foot high removable fencing to discourages rabbits, since Jersey can't stand guard all the time. The fence was made from furring strip that was laying around the attic, and welded wire fence that was there before I built that picket fence. (see previous blog Picket Fence and Gate)

Here's a great link to a beginner's guide to square foot gardening. They say it costs about $50, but mine was probably double that. I also learned a lot from My Square Foot Garden. 

Here's my soil mix:
Pearlite 10 x 8-qt
4 cu ft. peat moss (expands when you unpack it)
5 x 40-lb bags of cow compost

The plants are the cheapest purchase. Here's a little plan of my plants:

‪#‎GetBuilding2015‬ and ‪#‎BuildGrowLove‬   #AnaWhite #GetBuidingCaren #DIYHallofFame

Build a Modern Park Bench

I built this lovely, modern park bench from plans I found at Ana White. The only adjustment I made was to make the legs out of 4x4s. I like this plan because it's all straight, right angle cuts, a one day project, which I tackled by myself. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with the miter saw. The wood cost under $50. I plan to paint it with primer, then white exterior paint, both of which I have around the house. Stain would be beautiful, too. If I had to do it over again, I would paint all the pieces before assembling. And I wish I had a brad nailer; it would make attaching all the slats go much faster, and would have to fill as many screw holes.

The bench measures 72" wide, 31" tall and 27" deep. It's huge! William and Jersey tested the bench out, and found it very comfortable.

Tools: miter saw, electric drill, Kreg pocket hole jig, palm sander

#GetBuilding2015 #AnaWhite #GetBuidingCaren #DIYHallofFame