I am a carpenter (kind of)

For my birthday, which was in June (I am a little late in posting, I know), I asked for help from my dad to build a table similar to one he built earlier in the year (as a weekend project).  The plan was taken from Lowe's Creative Ideas "weekend projects" (http://www.lowescreativeideas.com/idea-library/projects/DIY_Dining_Set_0911.aspx).    We made a couple alterations to the design; we made it less deep as I am using it for a computer/craft table. We also made it a bit taller than the original design.

It took longer than a weekend, but it was so worth it!  And even though we were in South Georgia in June, we were fortunate that the gnats and mosquitoes were not that bad.  And so...we built (caveat:  when I say 'we', it is truly the royal we as it was mostly my father with me asking a boatload of questions. Hey, I am in the apprentice stage.  However, I did become the self proclaimed "Queen of Sanding").

Here are some shots of the table in production.

Some of the wood (mostly the top and extra wood from the legs).

Cutting of wood (I of course would be the one cutting, but I had to take a picture to show the effort...of course).

The base of the table. 

The top of the table, in process of being stained. 

Another shot of the top and the staining process.

Well hello, beautiful!  You are looking awesome!

Even from the side, you look good!

Things I learned to do as a part of the building process:  

1.  Pick out wood (it has to be as flat and straight as possible)

2.  Sand, sand, sand, and more sand

3.  Stain and polyurethane

4.  Know the difference between a table saw and a circular saw

5.  Watch my dad do the real work (well, I already knew this one!)

It turned out wonderful and next up:  a shelf (or console) to complement it!