Nightstands Day 2 - Tapered Legs and a Drawer

Welcome back for day two of our nightstand series! You can see the entire series here. Today's nightstand was based on yesterday's design but is a little larger, adds a drawer, and has another option for the legs (of course you can do any of the legs listed in yesterday's post for a different look).

There is room underneath for a basket and the drawer offers hidden storage to keep things looking tidy!

Shopping List:
1  -  1x3 @ 12'
2  -  1x4 @ 8'
1  -  1x6 @ 6'
1  -  1x12 @ 2' (4' is probably the shortest you can buy, if you have a scrap 2' is plenty)
10 or 11" drawer slides
wood filler
wood glue
1 1/4" screws
2" screws
Kreg Jig with 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" pocket screws (optional)
finishing nails

Overall Dimensions of this table are 18" wide x 23" tall by 14" deep. To get a good fit for your bed, you can adjust the overall height of the table by adjusting the length of the legs. 

Craft Show Prep via Skype

My sister and I have always loved doing craft shows together. Over the last few years we've each settled into our own crafting-groove (and set up our own etsy shops) but we also moved three hours apart. Which makes coordinating craft shows a little bit trickier. We love to share a booth because it guarantees we will get to be together, plus it means splitting the cost of the booth (less cost = more profit!) but we want to make sure our booth is cohesive and attractive despite having a variety of products from our two shops. Since we live so far apart we usually aren't able to get together ahead of time to work out all of these details, but we've found Skype is a great way to make sure everything is in order!

Between shows we can check-in from time to time to review sales and improve our game plan for next show. We can brainstorm new product ideas and see new things we've been working on. We love being able to bounce ideas off each other, and it's especially helpful to be able to actually see the ideas!

We use Skype to work on our branding as well. Since we have two shops in one booth we want the branding to feel cohesive yet unique. We can compare things like color schemes and labeling to make sure we are on the same page. One of our favorite tricks is using custom rubber stamps. We can use similar packaging supplies (we use identical paper sacks for bagging purchases) but each mark our own with our unique stamp.

That is how we coordinate packaging so our booth doesn't look like a mish-mash. Take her screen print towels and my baby blankets, for example. Both are wrapped in brown paper and tied with string so they fit together in our booth, but they are each branded for our own shops using our stamps.

Skype also allows us to send files back and forth, which is really helpful if we are working on signage for the booth or designing branding items like business cards and product tags. She can proofread my work and I can send her the template I use for my tags (using the same template & paper for tags is another way to keep things cohesive, we just each add our own branding to our tags).

Having our layout and displays planned ahead of time makes a huge difference in how quickly we are able to set up on show day. The shows we've done all seem to have slightly different booth sizes and display rules so we like to review our setup and tweak it ahead of time. We start with a sketch of the space to figure the best layout for the tables and larger displays.

Then we can work on fine-tuning any smaller areas. Setting up a mock table during a Skype call lets us work together to figure out the best use of our display space - which sometimes includes deciding which products to omit if space is too tight.

It also helps us spot any areas that need improvement. We tried my clutches sitting on the table and they looked too sloppy, but Sister suggested a wire basket to keep them contained and tidy. It made a huge difference! The best thing about working on it together is we can help each other out like that. Or like when my sister was having trouble fitting all her towels on the display and I knew I had this huge drying rack in my basement she could use.

Being prepared in advance is crucial in having a successful craft show, and working together face-to-face is our most productive method. Skype is a great way for us to work out all the details from our own homes, on our own time. It helps us make sure everything is coordinated and looking good so we're ready for the big day.

Download the Skype app and find Skype on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

How do you like to prepare for craft shows? I'd love to hear your favorite tips & tricks!

Nightstands Day 1 - Simple & Modern

Welcome to day one of our nightstand series! You can see the entire series here. We're starting with something that is easy to build and has a simple, modern style. And you can totally change the style just by switching up the legs!

P.S. Now you can build a matching coffee table, too!

You can choose a tapered leg for a mid-century modern look (check etsy or ebay).

via pinterest

Or use hairpin legs for a fun twist.

via pinterest

Our base plan will use simple 2x2 legs because they are much more affordable, and you can get them anywhere. But feel free to have fun and mix it up!

Shopping List:
1  -  1x6  @  4'
1  -  1x12  @  4'
1  -  2x2  @  6'   OR  a set of legs about 14" tall
wood filler
wood glue
1 1/4" screws
2" screws
Kreg Jig with 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" pocket screws (optional)
finishing nails (optional)

Overall dimensions for this table are 18" wide x 20 3/4" tall x 11 1/4" deep. If you need a different height you can adjust the length of the legs to get a good fit for your bed.

Remember to always double check your measurements before you cut. Use 1 1/4" screws unless otherwise indicated. Pre-drill your holes and countersink your screws. Always use glue before you screw the boards together (you don't have to let it dry first), I'm not going to list it in every step, but it's a good idea to glue everything! Be safe, and have fun!

DIY Nightstand Series

You guys, we are so excited about this new series! You know we love building furniture and sharing plans with you, but you probably noticed we haven't been doing it much recently. And we really missed it. So we've spent the last couple weeks putting together this series full of fun, brand new plans!

Our theme for the series is DIY Nightstands. Let's face it, we all need nightstands. But we tend to neglect them for some reason! This series is a great chance for you to reclaim your bedside space in a way that is stylish, functional, and just right for you. Nightstands in general are pretty compact, which also means they are relatively cheap. Plus most of them are very simple to build. We'll be tackling different shapes, styles, and sizes each day. There is sure to be something just perfect for your bedroom (although many of our plans also work great as living room end tables, or can be sized up for a small console or entry table!). While you're at it you can make a matching set for both sides, or mix and match for a pair that is uniquely yours.

For the next 18 days, we will be posting one new plan everyday to help you build your perfect nightstand from the ground up. New to building? This is a great place to start. Small, simple, affordable, and an easy way to make a impact in your space.

Once each day's post goes live, you can click the image below to go directly to that day's plan. Happy building!

Traditionally the top of a nightstand should be even with the top of your mattress. Of course all our beds are different heights, but most of our plans can be easily adapted to your bed height by adjusting the length of the legs. And don't forget, the beauty of DIY is that you can totally customize it, so if you prefer your nightstands higher than your mattress go for it!

One of the easiest ways to change the look of your nightstand by swapping in a set of legs. We've been loving the mid century modern vibe of slender, tapered legs and have had success finding them on Etsy, eBay, and even Lowes. For a low nightstand you could even do bun feet!

Looking for more plans? Check out our 31 Day 2x4 Furniture Series, our favorite coffee table, and take a look at our full collection of free plans.