Why I Built this Project

With Mother's Day coming up I wanted to create a unique way to give gifts for the mom's in my life. I saw this idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a great fence picket project, so this is what I came up with.

Why We Love this Wood Gift Tote

• Budget-friendly—made from fence picket scraps
• Great way to use up leftover wood
• Beginner-friendly build (simple cuts + basic tools)
• Quick project—perfect for last-minute gifting
• Uses minimal materials (just wood + rope!)
• Unique “handbag” design that instantly elevates any gift
• Doubles as the gift and the packaging
• Easy to customize size, shape, and finish
• Works for so many occasions (Mother’s Day, teacher gifts, housewarming, holidays)
• Reusable—becomes decor, storage, or a planter after gifting
• Lightweight and easy to carry with rope handles
• Perfect for styling—fill with flowers, treats, or themed goodies
 

How I Built this Project

Start by cutting and sanding your pieces. For the curve, make an outline of a round object and cut with a jigsaw. Use the first one as a template to trace before cutting the second one. 

I then marked and drilled my holes and added the rope handles.

After that I nailed the end pieces in place.

Glue and nail the bottom piece. You can use a fence picket here, I opted for a scrap piece of plywood that I had on hand for a more low profile look.

Fill it with flowers or goodies!

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Fence Picket Gift Tote

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

Why We Love this Two Tier Ladder Planter

• • Budget-friendly build using affordable, easy-to-find lumber
• • Easy to build with just basic tools 
• • Simple design with straightforward cuts—great for beginners
• • Two tiers = more planting space without taking up extra footprint
• • Perfect for herbs, flowers, or even small garden starts
• • Easy to customize for your space—adjust the size, depth, or height
• • Finish it your way—paint, stain, or leave it natural for a cedar look
• • Adds instant charm to porches, patios, or entryways
• • Lightweight and easy to move around as needed

How I Built this Project

I started by cutting my 2x6 planter box ends.

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I then set them on their side, added glue and then nailed the fence pickets to the front and back of each end.

For the bottom piece, just set inside the box and gently tap into place. I put a couple of nails at each side to hold the bottom in place.

Once the boxes were done I built the legs. I just followed the cut list on the plan. Once I got my first leg cut I used it as a template to cut the second leg. Once both legs were cut I set them side by side and gave them a good sanding.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Two Tier Leaning Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Reader build features slightly taller (12") height for 5' doors

We love this playhouse because it is tall inside, so big kids and Mom's under 6 feet can play too.  

We love that the windows add natural light.  

We love that both doors open up and it feels so giant in there!

And we love how simple this playhouse was to build.  Read on - once you get the four walls built on the ground, you just stand them, tie in with some roof rafters, and put plywood on top.  It really is pretty simple!

PS - The deck plans are here.

Why I Built this Project

My oldest daughter is moving into her first tiny studio apartment!  She can't hang anything on the walls, but needed a coat rack in the entryway.  I built this for her, designed to be lightweight and easy to move, inexpensive so its not a forever commitment, but still cute and super functional!

Why We Love this Lightweight Coat Rack or Instant Closet!

• Lightweight - easy to move upstairs or between rooms
• Coat rack without holes in the wall
• Can work as a closet too
• Inexpensive and fast to build
• Wood look is cute and stylish
• Fun and easy project
• Can work in a bathroom too!

How I Built this Project

This was a fun and fast project that I built in about an hour to surprise my daughter.  I used a compound miter saw to cut my boards, but you can use a circular saw or even a handsaw to make cuts.

I predrilled all the screw holes first (this is outlined in the plans exactly where to predrill)

Then I assembled the ladder part first.  I used a scrap piece of 3/8" plywood to hold the shorter 1x2s up to attach so the shorter 1x2s are centered on the legs.  I used glue at all joints.

Then I added the 1x12 shelves.  You have to make sure these are attached square.

Then finally attached the third leg to the ends of the 1x12 and top 1x2.

I used Varathane Rustic Brown Aged Wood Accerator product - it is very beginner friendly and creates a neutral wood tone.

Heres completed in the shop, letting the wood stain dry.  

I did contemplate adding hooks but this would increase the cost quite a bit.  So we left without.  Some S hooks on the ladder end could add some functionality to the ends, or even so hanging baskets. 

All in all - a great project for an apartment or small room.  It is on the smaller side, and is lightweight so it's easy to move around - but the lightweight does make it easy to knock over.  

We love how it turned out and my daughter was very thankful and has already packed it off to her first apartment.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Instant Coat Tree or Closet Organizer!

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

Spring is my favorite season and I have been wanting to add some flowers to my front porch. I have been seeing this style planter everywhere and thought it was the perfect time to build one!

Why We Love this Fence Picket Bench Planter

• Beautiful and functional – Combines the look of a decorative bench with a built-in planter.
• Made from simple fence pickets – Uses affordable, easy-to-find materials.
• Beginner-friendly build – Straight cuts and simple assembly make it great for new DIYers.
• Budget friendly – A stylish garden feature without spending a lot on lumber.
• Adds instant color – Fill it with flowers to brighten a porch, patio, or garden path.
• Compact design – Perfect for small outdoor spaces.
• Great curb appeal – A charming handmade piece that stands out in the yard.
• Easy to customize – Paint, stain, or plant seasonal flowers to match your style.

How I Built this Project

I started by building the box. I decided to go with a 24" planter box, but it would be easy to modify these plans if you went bigger. (I would recommend cutting the dog ear back portions of the planter first and then making all of your straight cuts.) These illustrations are how I did it because I was figuring it out as I went. Lay the bottom boards down and marry them together with a ripped picket from what is leftover, or scrap 1x2's. I used glue and nails for this entire project.

Then add the 4 sides to the perimeter of the bottom.

Once the box was built, I laid out the two back outside dog-eared uprights, marked them 6" up and set the box on them. I ended up nailing from the inside and then flipping the project over to also nail from the outside. 

Once those were attached I added the middle two back pickets. I used a straight edge to make sure they all lined up. Once again, nailing from inside the box and outside.

Then it was time to add the front legs. Measure 6" up and attach from the inside and outside.

Before adding the arms you will want to add the back support. I used a 1x2 scrap, but a ripped fence picket will also work here.

For the arms, I attached the front first and then used my level before shooting the nails to the back side.

Be sure to add drainage holes and landscape cloth before planting.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own DIY Fence Picket Bench Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Pin For Later! 

Why I Built this Project

I've wanted to build a little library/small food pantry for my church. I just built the modern fence picket planter and thought it would be a great base for this little library plan that Ana came up!

Why We Love this Little Library/Community Pantry

• Doubles as a Little Free Library and community pantry in one compact design
• Built with standard lumber and easy-to-find materials from the hardware store
• Straightforward construction that makes it beginner-friendly
• The planter base adds stability and a beautiful built-in feature
• Perfect way to give back right from your own yard
• Simple DIY project with a big impact
• Weather-protected cabinet keeps books and pantry items safe
• Customizable — paint or stain to match your home or neighborhood vibe
• Great family project that teaches kids about generosity and service
• Creates a welcoming, feel-good moment for everyone who walks by
• Low maintenance but high impact

How I Built this Project

I started by ripping the 4x4 plywood sheet according to the cut list.

I then began assembly using trim screws and glue.

Flip the project over and attach the roof by screwing through the 1x2's. Make sure your spacing is even all the way around it.

Then add the inside shelf. I used spacers to hold it up and screwed it into place.

Next build the face frame with pockets holes and attach with trim screws to the front.

From here I painted the box as well as the door frame, which was built the same as the face frame, with 1x3's instead of 1x2's.

For the door, I used a polycarbonate panel. I ended up just ripping it with my circular saw. I used a countersink bit so I could set the screw head even with the panel. 

Now was time to install the hinges, handle and magnet catches.

To attach the box to the 4x4 base, I installed the base into the modern planter I built. Once the post was secure I took the box and drilled a hole in the bottom center of it as well as a hole in the center of the post. I placed a screw so it was exposed about 1/4" and set it into the hole on the post to set it. I then added the 45 degree supports to each side and made sure the post stayed level. 

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Little Library or Community Pantry

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Modern Fence Picket Planter

I needed a planter base for an upcoming project. When I saw this brand new plan of Ana's I thought it would be the perfect fit. I especially loved that it was easy to customize to get the size I wanted.

Why We Love this Modern Fence Picket Planter

How I Built this Project - Square Size (follows same Steps)

I started by cutting all of my 2x4's and laying them out.

The plan calls for a 1/2" space at the bottom, so I clamped the project to my work table along with a scrap 1/2" piece of plywood for the spacer. I predrilled all of my boards before assembly.

I built 2 legs for the size I wanted.

I then began cutting the fence pickets, I set them on their side and cut the 45 degree angle. This was my first time with mitered cuts, it was easier than I thought! It's not perfect, but definitely gives that more modern feel. 

Before attached the pickets to 2 of the sides I fit and clamped them. Once I liked how they lined up I glued and nailed them one by one.

I then measured and fit the last 2 sides. 

Once the sides were all enclosed it was time to add the top. Same thing, I just measured, fit, glued and nailed these pieces. (I ripped a fence picket to 2.5")

Now just cut pickets down to sit down in the frame for the depth of plant you want to set in. 

I also like this design because the interior framing allows you to add a 4x4 post to create string lights, or a place to add a hanging plant up top.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Modern Fence Picket Planter

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Why I Built this Project

My children and I enjoy baking, but I didn't have a proper way to cool 5 personal pizza crusts, for example. So this design came to mind and I used it the first day I built it! Since then I have used it for cookies and muffins. I see this as being a very useful tool for our family!

Why We Love this Countertop Cooling Station

• Saves a ton of counter space with the vertical, stacked design
• Lets air circulate on all sides for faster, more even cooling
• Perfect for batch baking and high-volume bake days
• Simple build using basic materials and tools
• Beginner friendly with straightforward cuts and assembly
• Easy to customize the size, spacing, or number of tiers
• Works for more than cookies — breads, muffins, pastries, and more
• Sturdy enough for daily use but light enough to move around
• Looks clean and intentional on the countertop
• Free plans make it quick to build without overthinking it
• Budget Friendly

How I Built this Project

I started by cutting and sanding my boards.

Then I built 2 "ladders" I  measured up from the bottom 1/2" as well as the top. An from one side I measured in 3/4". Please see plan for more details, why I did this. I used a spacer for the 3/4" spacing by clamping a 1x to one leg. I used 1 1/4" trim screws and predrilled to prevent splitting the wood.

Once the ladders were built I flipped them on their side to have the 3/4" space facing up. Then I laid each horizontal piece inside and attached. I would recommend nailing here.

Once all the front pieces were attached I flipped it over to add the back horizontal pieces. I made sure they were flush with the inside cleats and outside legs.

Watch!  Build Video for This Project

Free Plans to Build Your Own Countertop Cooling Rack

Ready to build this yourself?  Here's the free plans, enjoy!

Design image is rendered from build photos

Why I Designed and Built this Console Table

Sometimes, you don't need storage.  You just need a piece that anchors some decor, give you some space to set things, and makes a room feel cozy.

That's this piece (and collection).  

Our Homestead Collection of plans feature simple to build pieces that ground decor, create surfaces to set things, and provide just the right amount of hominess.  We love that these pieces are built using standard lumber, so they are inexpensive and fun to build.  You can stain them any color too.  They are all easy to modify in size.

How I Built this Console Table.

Here's how I built this Console Table -

First, I built the leg sets.  I choose to use pocket holes here as this hides the fastener holes.  It would be much easier to just use the self tapping screws from the outside.

Next, I built the top.  Then I attached the legs to the underside of the top.  The screws to use here are the 2-3/4" self tapping start bit screws (spax or similar)

Then I clapped the bottom shelf board on and screwed it down from underneath - no visible screw holes!

Now for the finish.  I sanded with medium grit sandpaper and then applied wood stain.  The color I used is Hazelnut by Varathane.

Turned out pretty awesome!

Video of this Console Table Build

Here's a quick video of building this console

More Plans in the Collection

We love this plan so much, we made matching plans!  

Check out the entire collection here.