A Bigger & Better 2x4 Car

We've had such a positive response to our 2x4 car for kids that we've decided to step it up a notch this year with a car that's big enough for the whole family!

It's super affordable, and the customization options are almost endless. You can opt for either bench or bucket seats, or even upcycle a few seats from the junkyard for a cushier ride.

You can make this basic sedan style, make a smaller smart car stye, or even extend the back to make a mini-van with plenty of room to grow!

We have some great optional features like a sunroof, third row seating, and some pretty sweet under-carriage lighting. Get ready for the ride of your life!

You can even reduce your carbon footprint with a simple DIY solar panel!

Here's all you need to get started:

• 68 - 2x4s @12' long
• 2 sheets of plexiglass @ 4' x 8'
• 4 - tires P225/70R15 (or adjust plans for your junkyard find)
• 1 - sedan chasis & powertrain (our plans are based on a Buick LeSabre but check your junkyard, find the best deal, and adjust the plans accordingly)
• 1 - steering wheel
• 1 - car battery
• optional solar panels (make your own or buy one)
• Any additional features you would like to include - air conditioning, radio, headlights (required for nighttime driving), coffee pot, keyless entry, etc.
• Wood glue, screws, wood filler, sandpaper, finishing supplies

Ready to get started?

Day 31 - Build a Simple Modern Sofa With 2x4s

Woohoo! We made it! Day 31! Exclamation points! You can see links to the complete series here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. I thought we'd go out with a bang today, and tackle a big, unique project - we're building a sofa!

This is a sofa with a twin sized mattress as the base. So it's super comfy for lounging during a movie, and it's ready to go for overnight guests! It would also make a great daybed in a guest room. Ready to build it? Let's go!

Day 30 - Build a 2x4 Craft Table

Good gravy, guys. Only two days left! You can see links to the complete series here, and get details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is super handy for all you crafty people - it's a Craft table!

This table has a great workspace to spread out for all your crafty endeavors. Whether it's sewing, scrap booking, or painting, I'm sure you could use a little more room to spread out! I sized it to fit a space in my home, and you can easily adjust the measurements to fit whatever space you need. Not too crafty? This would also be a great dining table for small spaces, or you could tuck a chair under it for a great desk! Let's build it!

To the Pier

One last Baby B fix to get us through the month! These are from our trip to the pier (while we were camping) earlier this summer....

 Baby B checking out the big bell. And yes, he did ding it.

 Escape!

"Dada! How'd you get in there?!"

My new favorite family picture. It was long overdue. I don't think we've had one since Baby B was like 6 months old!

 On the pier, watching the boats come in.

 All that water can make a boy thirsty.

Thanks for bearing with me this month! We'll be back to regular posts and, more importantly, Baby B updates soon! :)

Day 29 - Build an Open Storage Vanity

Ready for day 29? You can see links to the complete series here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is one for the bathroom - it's an Open Storage Vanity!

Designed for the bathroom, you can use the wood top as drawn or get a standard vanity top to fit. There is plenty of room underneath for towels or big baskets. It would also make a great console table! Let's get started....

Day 28 - Build a Funky Modern Lamp

Day 28 - almost there! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project isn't like anything else we've done. We're going to make a Funky Modern Lamp!

With a simple light kit you can turn a few 2x4s into a cool floor lamp! The legs put the fun in "functional". Yeah, I just went there. So, ready to make a sweet lamp? :)

Day 27 - Build a Simple Step Stool

Welcome back! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is probably the cheapest, easiest one in the series. We're building a little Step Stool!

Great for helping little hands reach the sink, or little moms reach the top shelf of the cupboard - trust me, I know. :) Ready to build a step stool?

Day 26 - Build a Little Car

Happy Friday! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is one for the kids - we're building a fun little car!

Perfect for lots of pretend play! It has a seat in front wide enough for two, and the back can be used as a trunk or toybox! This would be a great surprise under the tree on Christmas morning! So let's get started....

Day 25 - Build a Simple Modern Nightstand

Day 25 - let's get started! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is another favorite. We're building a simple modern nightstand!

This night stand is super easy to build and had a fun chunky modern style. It has a shelf perfect for stashing a couple books or magazines out of sight. The space underneath can hold a basket for extra blankets, a garbage can, or even makes a great place to tuck away your slippers. Ready to build your own nightstand?

Day 24 - Build Simple 2x4 Art

Welcome to day 24! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4's. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is an easy one that you can have LOTS of fun with - we're making art!

This is a easy (and cheap!) way to make a big thick "canvas" for your home.You can easily adjust the sizes to fit any space you need to fill. The finished product is super versatile and fun to make your own! Ready to make some cheap and easy art?

Day 23 - Build a Chunky Bar Stool

Day 23 - let's get started! You can see links to the complete series here, and get details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Remember earlier this month when we built a simple chair? Today we're tackling something similar - a chunky bar stool!

These bar stools are super sturdy and durable. Pull a couple up to your kitchen island for extra seating. The low back is unobtrusive while still giving some support and security, especially for kids! Let's build one!

Day 22 - Build a Craftsman Style End Table

Whew, three weeks down already. :) You can see links to the complete series here, and read about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Most of our projects so far have been pretty modern, but today we're going to mix it up a little with a Craftsman Style End Table.

This table has a more traditional style and a patchwork tabletop. It's a great size to use by the couch or your favorite reading chair. Big enough to hold a lamp, a couple books, and of course a snack but compact enough to work in smaller spaces. Tuck a basket underneath to stash extra blankets, toys, or magazines. Ready to build an end table?

Day 21 - Build a Simple Frame (three ways!)

Three weeks down already! You can see links to the complete series here, and get details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today we'll be doing a really easy project that is also very versatile - we're building a Simple Frame.

This big, chunky frame can make a statement all on its own. Pair it with a canvas painting, chalk board, or even a pretty map to create a fun focal point. We'll be looking at 3 different design options that require just a simple change to the plans. Ready to get started?

Day 20 - Build EAT Word Art

Happy Saturday! You can see links to the complete series here, and get details about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today we're taking a little break from furniture to work on something a little more artsy and fun - we're making "EAT" word art!

These oversize letters can make a big impact in your kitchen or dining room. Add a little wimsy to your space and make a fun focal point at the same time! Or if you like the idea, run with it and make up letters to spell whatever you want! You initials can add a sweet personal touch to a collage wall, and your kids' initials could help separate spaces in a shared room. So, are you ready to say "eat"? (or "ate" or "tea")....

Day 19 - Build a Wood Countertop

I hope you're ready for something a little different today! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we are seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Like I said, today's project is going to be a little different... we're making a countertop out of 2x4s!

I always love the look of butcher block countertops, but they can be a little pricey. So today we're looking at how to get a similar look for less using 2x4's! This project would be great for a classic, rustic kitchen. Or make a 2x4 top for an island to accent any kitchen! Ready to get started?

Day 18 - Build a Homestead Dining Table

Welcome to day 18! You can see links to the complete series here, and enter my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project is one of the biggest we'll tackle this month - the Homestead Dining Table.

This table is big enough for the whole family (and then some!). Perfect for family dinners, spreading out homework, or working on your favorite craft. Or if you're taking the homesteading approach (check out my Homestead Shelves here), you'll have plenty of room for canning veggies or preserving fruits. Ready to build a table?

Day 17 - Build an Outdoor Storage Bench

I hope you found a fun way to use yesterday's project! You can see links to the complete series here, and enter my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today's project goes along with yesterday's post - we're building an outdoor storage bench!

This bench has a hinged lid so you can easily tuck away extra toys or gardening supplies. Plus it's the perfect size to pair with the bench & planters we built yesterday! But it would also be great as a toy box or for extra storage in the entryway. Ready to build one?

Day 16 - Build a Bench and Planters

Welcome back! You can see links to the complete series here, and enter my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today project is fun and versatile - and we'll be looking at even more design options for it tomorrow. Today we'll be building a bench and planters!

These would be a great addition to any backyard or patio. And they are super versatile! You can build just a planter, just a bench, or a few each to piece together how ever you like! It's never to early (or late?) to think about sprucing up our yards, right? :)

Day 15 - Build a Simple Storage Table

Can you believe we are halfway through October already?! You can see links to the complete series here, and learn about my Lowe's gift card giveaway here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. Today we're working on the second half of my favorite project in this series. Yesterday we built a Simple Storage Bin, and today we are going to build the coordinating Simple Storage Table!

This table has a sleek and simple style, and is perfectly sized for tucking a pair of Simple Storage Bins underneath. It would make a great console for the entryway, living room, or even in the bedroom! Ready to get started?

Day 14 - Build a Simple Storage Bin

Have you tackled any of these projects yet? You can see links to the complete series here. In this series, we're seeing what we can make out of 2x4s. I want to keep it cheap, keep it easy, and keep it totally doable for anyone. I know I have a lot of favorite projects, but let me tell you, what we're working on today and tomorrow is my very, VERY favorite project from the whole series. I've split it into two project days and today we'll be starting with the Simple Storage Bin!

Did I mention how much I LOVE these? Great for tucking away extra blankets for chilly days, wrangling the  balls all little boys love to play with, or stashing toys out of the way when guests show up. Tomorrow we'll also be building this great Simple Storage Table - the perfect size for tucking away a pair of storage bins! But for today let's get started with our Simple Storage Bin....