Hello and happy Monday, friends! I’ve got some exciting news to share with you today. I’ve been invited to speak at the Haven Conference, a DIY bloggers’ conference in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend! I’ve never been to a bloggers’ conference before and I am totally geeking out over it. I’ll be teaching a couple of building classes with my incredibly creative and talented friend, Jaime of That’s My Letter! What?! I know, right?! I can’t believe they’re letting me speak at a conference, much less teach a class! Bananas.
Take a look at their impressive list of speakers. I’m truly honored to be in such great company.
We’ll be teaching folks how to build this lovely thing:
Three boards. That’s all you need to build this charming little Pottery Barn-knockoff bench. Three boards. And I know I always say this, but truly, this is the perfect project for you to take on if you’ve never picked up a power tool in your life. Seriously. I mean, three boards. You can totally handle three boards. You’ve got this.
And of course, because Jaime and I both have been so inspired by our good friend Ana White, we just had to pull her in to collaborate, since she won’t be attending the conference in person this year. Sad face. Ana generously provided the plans for this bench, so she’ll be with us in spirit. Jaime and I did a dry run to prepare ourselves to teach others how to build their own at the conference. Check out Jaime’s beautifully rustic bench here.
I’m so psyched about the conference but also SO nervous. One, I don’t have a guitar to hide behind. Two, I’m pretty sure I never worried that my guitar would murder me. At least not the way a sliding compound miter saw could. Here’s hoping everything goes according to plan.
So, without further ado, click here to download Ana’s Bench Plans!
Okay, so I know I’ve been harping on how easy this build was. You guys, this bench was so easy, it multiplied. Oh, snap!
I’m sorry. I’ll see myself out. #wompwomp
But before I go, be sure to visit Ana’s site for the plans on how to build this bench. And if you’re at Haven this weekend, you’ll not only get some hands-on building experience, but you’ll get to witness this awesomely awkward power tool-yielding hot mess first-hand.
You’re welcome, Atlanta.
Oh, and there’s one more thing that’s worth mentioning: Pottery Barn sells their bench for $499 and we spent roughly $35 on three boards to build our own. For the WIN!
Update: Thanks to Leslie from Paper Daisy Designs, here are a few photos from our Furniture Building Class:
Hiya! Do you have plans available for the 3 board bench?
Yes! The plans are linked within the post, but here it is again: http://ana-white.com/2014/07/plans/primitive-bench-haven-conference
Happy building!
Hi Jen,
Just curious to know how you are able to get around copyright laws in showing how to duplicate someone else’s (Pottery Barn) design?
Hi Jim,
The way we build a piece of furniture is likely very different from how Pottery Barn manufactures their furniture. I’m assuming the wood joinery is more advanced; I simplify joinery methods in my projects because my audience is mainly made up of novice carpenters. I draw up my own plans from scratch (in addition to working with Ana White on some projects, like this one) and own the copyright.
What is the bench decorated with? Painted…. Cute idea. Thanks
Thanks Susan! I used a stencil and painted it.
Hi! I’m looking everywhere for info on the stained bench but haven’t had any luck! Would you mind sharing the type of wood and stain color used?!
Thank you!
Hi Heather, I believe we used poplar wood and stained it with “Provincial” stain. Hope that helps!
Is the bench able to hold a few adults or is it more for decorative purposes?