I finally started my project today! 

This is my first ever project using actual plans with measurments and detailed instructions, so yes, I am a little nervous.  But today I dove in, and made good progress!

First: the "cut list".    Here is my first sets of cuts, which will form the front and back of my project (and no, I'm not going to tell you what it is yet....you'll just have to watch it come together and see it and it's born!)  The instructions are from an amazing woman and blog: Ana White.  She is an amazing build and diy'er.  In addition, she posts *free* plans for many projects on her blog; I've been following her for a while, and have been so impressed with her plans.  I'm so excited to take on my first project! 

This is my first project with my Kreg too.  The first side took 14 pocket holes and 6 joints, and it went well.  I think we're going to get along well!  

I need to invest in a few really good clamps; in the meantime, I found that by pushing against the wall as I screw, it works fine.  Perfect? No. But OK.  This is not going to be a finished piece of work for the center of my living room (clue #1!), so rough finish is going to be OK for this project.  I'm learning as I go.

The pocket holes also make a really strong joint.  I tested it by banging it a few times, and it held. Success.

I used a scrap piece of lumber to make sure the ends of my side were even.

Worked!

And here is my finished "side #1" of my mystery project. 

Making the cuts for the first two sides and building the first side took one hour.  Stay tuned!