When I was asked to review The Handbuilt Home, a new book by Ana White, I jumped at the chance. Not only because I want to learn how to build furniture, but because I’m a big fan of Ana’s. I was able to attend her session at the Haven Conference over the summer, and I even won the cubby organizer that she designed and built there. If you aren’t familiar with Ana, here’s what you need to know: She’s a mom and homemaker from Alaska with an awesome DIY blog, Ana-White.com. She taught herself how to build furniture after developing serious do-it-yourself skills while building her own home, board by board, with her husband. Yes, you read that correctly. They built their house all by themselves. They lived in their garage while the whole building process was going on, and even had a baby who learned to crawl on the garage floor while the home was being built. Not only can Ana handle power tools, but I was totally awed and amused by her ability to build furniture while wearing super high heels at Haven.
So, if you want to learn how to build furniture, she’s your girl. This book makes the task of building your own furniture seem much less daunting. She starts with the very basics and explains everything a beginner would need to know, including descriptions of each tool and technique. She provides building plans that are easy to follow, and her plans call for materials that are very easy to find and tools that people commonly already have on hand.
The book is divided into sections based on what room each piece belongs in. (Entryway, Family Room, etc.) It features pieces built by Ana and also by other DIY-ers using Ana’s plans. There are some seriously beautiful pieces of furniture in this book. I especially loved all of the fun ideas for children’s rooms. This book is so inspiring to me as a DIY-lover and it really makes me want to get in gear and build something! Ana really makes you feel like if she can do it, then so can you. (In high heels.)
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| I’m in love with this daybed built by Layla from The Lettered Cottage, using plans from Ana White. |
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| How cute is this play kitchen? Kirsten White from The Crafting Chicks made it using Ana’s plans. |
If you are interested in learning more about building your own custom pieces of furniture, I highly recommend that you check out this book. It’s available at Barnes & Noble, on Amazon
and at most independent book stores. This book would also make a great holiday gift for any DIY enthusiasts in your life.
Now, the fun part! One of my readers is going to win a copy of Ana White’s book, The Handbuilt Home! Simply wait for the Rafflecopter box to load below, and follow the instructions. RSS and email subscribers will have to click over to the blog to enter. The giveaway ends on Monday, November 5 at midnight EST.
If you have trouble getting the Rafflecopter box to load, please try viewing it in another browser. If you still have problems, please email me at DIYOntheCheapBlog@gmail.com.
Disclosure: I received this book for free to review. All opinions are my own. This post contains an Amazon affliliate link.
I’ve been bugging my husband to build me a dining table for ages 🙂 maybe this will be the impetus, or perhaps I can figure out how to do it myself . . .
I’d love to build a hutch to sit on top of my desk for storage. I’d love to try that little kitchen set idea it is stunning. Thanks for the chance.
This sounds like the perfect book to teach me how to build some items that I want around here. Thanks for the opportunity!
I’ve been bugging my hubby for a new dining room table too!
I love Ana White! She has the most awesome plans for big and little projects!
I’d love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the giveaway.
I’ve never really built anything.. But I would love one of those outdoor bars that is mounted to the side of the house, and then folds up while not in use!
I’d like to build a storage bench.
I grew up in a DIY home. My dad built it. My mom designed and decorated. I guess I inherited their spirit for hands-on living but being a traveler I’ve not settled into my own home in awhile. I’d love to settle and handmake my home too.
I love Ana! I’ve followed her forever, and was pleased to meet her at Haven! 🙂
I’ve used her designs a couple of times.
would LOVE to win.
gail
I Love Ana, and follow all her posts, love making furniture
I’d love to build a desk!
I love the daybed! I would really like the book, thank you!
I’d love to build a desk and a bench would be great too!
Awesome blog over here! Thanks for sharing this very usefull information. I will visit your blog again into a couple off days to check if you have some new articles.
regards
House Plans
I’d love to build a table, or a few of outdoor type couches/loveseats. Maybe even some seating for our small dining area.
Would love to build a table or outdoor furniture!
So excited about this book!! I need tables for my screened-in back porch, plus need to repurpose a couch and 2 chairs for the porch.
I would love to build a bookshelf (I know simple!), a desk, and some organizational shelves/cabinets in my laundry room. Love Ana White’s stuff!
There are so many things I would love to build to finally furnish all of my home!
Ohhhh I’d love to win!!! I want to build a new kitchen table so bad!!!
I’d love to build a sofa table or coffee table 🙂
outdoor furniture!
I’d love to build any style table! Thanks for this awesome giveaway Erin! xo Jenna
I would love to build an entry way hutch. We rent and our place is tiny.
I would love to build built-in bookshelves in my dining room.
I’m dying to build the platform bed for my daughter…. I have got to get her out of her crib!
I would love to build bookshelves for my boys’ room.
I love to build anything…tables, bookshelves, etc. I usually wing it, but working with actually plans would be awesome!
I’d like to learn to build some storage pieces! And maybe a garden table. 🙂 Great giveaway!
I need a skinny bookshelf for my music books to sit next to our piano. Everything I’ve found is too wide, has shelves too short, or is too expensive