Woodwork Archives - Lumber in My Minivan

2021, crafts, Creative spaces, decor, decor tips and tricks, DIY, getting organized, rustic DIY, thrifty decor, Woodwork

Three creative wood coatracks you can make yourself!!

July 12, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment

I don’t know about you all, but I’m so obsessed with the unexpected. When it comes to hanging up coats, I love finding unique and interesting ways to hang up our clothes and coats.

1. Unique door knob coat hanger

This remains one of my favorite projects I’ve ever done and I still use this in my bedroom. You should totally try it! Click the link for the directions.

2. Reclaimed wood coat rack

You can easily make this one with a reclaimed board, some hooks and some paint. Most of us have an old board around. Make this one.

3. Built in coat tree

I wish so much that I had “stages” pictures and directions for this. My dad did this for me shortly before he died. I do know he made it entirely from 1x4s and nails. I love this so much.

I hope these ideas spark your creativity! If you use any of these ideas, please share it with me!

2021, DIY, farm, for less, pets, project planning, projects, repurpose, Woodwork

Scrap wood Challenge: a plan-less chicken coop or rabbit hutch

April 12, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVan2 Comments

I never like to build anything without a plan- it’s so difficult and something always turns out wrong. BUT- is it really a scrap wood challenge if you use a plan? It’s still challenging, but building on the fly is a whole ‘nother level of challenging. It’s aggravating.

I knew from looking at a neighbor’s chicken coop about what design I wanted. So I started by creating the bottom with four four by fours cut at 30 inches long. I cut my 1x4s to 24 inches and built a frame. I then used two 1×12 shelf boards to build the nesting box. I cut the sides and the divider to 12 inches and cut one to 30 inches to form the back of the nesting box. I also added a 1×4 board frame to the bottom of the legs for stability and to add the wire later on.

I then added plywood to the bottom, top, and added a floor to the inside of the nesting box. I also created a small door for the coop.

Then, I added a 1×4 frame “chicken run” to the outside of the coop. I also added a plywood roof to the top.

And my youngest daughter decided she should try out the chicken run. 🙂 We started adding wire to the outside until we completely covered the open areas with wire.

And then we added hardware to the doors and egg hatch.

Three coats of paint and several shingles later, we ended up with the final product…which I will show you next week 🙂

Have a wonderful week!! We will see you Wednesday for school lunch ideas and on Friday for Farmhouse Friday.

2021, DIY, family, kid spaces, kids, outdoor spaces, outdoors, projects, Woodwork

DIY: A Swing Set Made for A Princess

January 11, 2021January 11, 2021by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment

How a few hours on a Saturday can lead to hours of fun

We have an aging redwood playset that my kids have had since my nine year old was two and a half. It’s been a lot of fun, but it is badly aged, and both kids are too big for it. I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on a new swingset, since both kids will likely age out of it in the not-too-distant future. But with Covid still on the rise, and the parks being too risky, we decided to DIY a simple yet sturdy swingset they would enjoy.

First, we bought four treated lumber 4X4x8 posts, a treated lumber 2x6x10 board and one treated lumber 4x6x10 post. We also bought metal swing set hardware from Amazon.

Source: Amazon (We ordered six of these)

We started by inserting the 4X6 posts into the brackets to create both A-frames.

Repeat on both sides and then insert the 4X6x12 to make the top of the swing set. When all of your boards are inserted into the brackets, stand it up (with help- don’t do this alone) and tighten the bolts with an impact driver.

Then, make sure the ground under your swing set is completely level. If it isn’t, move it around to where you want it.

Cut your 2×6 in half and use wood screws to attach it to the 4×4 posts. This will stabilize it and create your A-frame.

Double check your lag screws and make sure everything is tightened down.

Install your swing hanging brackets. We used six of these and we measured before drilling.

Then, hang your swings and you are done! We reused the swings and trapeze bar from our old playset.

Looks like the tiny Lumbers approve!

2020, 24 Days of Christmas, christmas, holidays, seasonal, seasonal decor, Wood crafts, Woodwork

24 Days of Christmas: How to Make a Farmhouse Wooden Planter Box

December 16, 2020December 14, 2020by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment

A few years ago, I had a little extra scrap wood and I created this. It was a very versatile piece and it was used for almost every holiday….and then I gave the thing away.

The only logical thing to do is build another one, right?

You can make yours any size you want, but to make yours the same size I did, you will need the following materials.

To make a planter box, you will need:

1 1X6 board, at 34 inches long

2 1X4 boards, at 36 inches long

2 1×4 boards cut at 6 inches long

Wood screws

Drill bits and drill

Screwdriver/ phillips drill head for power drill

Wood glue

Wood stain in your desired color. I chose Minwax Dark Walnut

I began by attaching my 36 inch 1X4s to the sides of the 1X6 board. This will create a box with open sides.

Then, simply attach the boards to the bottom of the box. Stain your box with the wood stain. I used two

And when your box is dried and completed, you can fill it with candles, pine cones and Christmas balls. You can use this box as a table centerpiece, on a mantle, or in a low window frame.

Go ahead and make yourself a wooden box centerpiece! They are very cheap and easy to make and you can use them for every holiday.

2020, crafts, decor, DIY, fall, farmhouse, farmhouse decor, farmhouse style, Pin-spired projects, Pinspiration, Pinterest roundup, projects, repurpose, seasonal, Seasonal art, seasonal decor, Wood crafts, Woodwork

Fall Wood Crafts You Can Make Right Now

September 23, 2020by LumberInMyMiniVanLeave a Comment

Hi, all! We have begun a renovation project right now and things in our lives and our home are a bit crazy. Instead of walking you through a woodworking project this week, I am going to instead share some simple and easy wood crafts anyone can do.