Remember Burton? He's the talented AT: Nursery reader who told us he made his own version of the Oeuf crib. (See his comment to this post). We, of course, wanted to see it for ourselves and to show you as well. Burton does not disappoint.
Name: Jen and Burton
Child's Name and Age: Henry, 4 months
Location: Somerville, Massachusetts
Inspiration: The Oeuf Crib
Burton's story:
I really liked the Oeuf crib but I couldn't quite fit in our budget. Also, I figured it would be cool to make something really great for my soon-to-arrive son. The nice thing about the Oeuf crib is its simplicity, which lends itself to copying by not-so-accomplished woodworkers such as myself. I started the project by checking out an original crib in a store, researching crib safety standards, and then making a very rough drawing.
It ended up taking a long time to build--probably more than eight weekends all told, and the materials weren't cheap, around $300-$400. But it turned out great. Making it myself, I didn't have to make any comprimises and was able to use really high-quality materials, such as solid cherry (from a tree cut down by a friend) and quarter-sawn white oak. The painted finish is SafeCoat, a totally non-toxic paint, and the cherry is finished in a food-grade Danish Oil, just in case Henry decides to chew on the thing. I was able to build the crib in my basement using just a router and handtools, though I wouldn't recommend this project for a first-time woodworker.
The only changes I made to the Oeuf design was to add a top rail of cherry (the sides below the cherry are birch plywood that I didn't want Henry chewing on) and to add handles to the changing station. Our nursery is sort of Shaker-modern, and it fits in well.
I'm dreading the day Henry outgrows his crib. Laying him down in it each evening is like putting on a sweater knit by hand for its wearer; totally satisfying.
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Beautiful!
My dad loves to build furniture (so far we have a dresser, coffee table, and nighstands courtesy of him). We don't have a baby yet, but are hoping to have one soon and I am in love with cribs that I just can't afford. I asked my dad once if he thought maybe he could build a crib (something I figured to be extremely complicated) and he said he wasn't sure but maybe. Now I get to show him this post to prove that it's totally possible! Thanks for the inspiration!!!
Bravo! Very impressive feat!
Excellent DIY! What a loving gift for your son!
Beautiful job! I'm very impressed.
wow, that's so fantastic. i would love to be so talented with tools. even though your son will outgrow his crib one day, this is a piece that will be passed down to future generations and treasured. great work! and the rest of your nursery decor goes so well with it.
Greetings from Philly. I cannot tell you how exciting it is to find your crib on AT today. The crib turned out amazing. Jonathan, Gus and I are in awe and we forwarded the link to some other Testa folks so they can admire your talent as well. I hope we will have the chance to see you, Jen and Henry soon. Take care.
Magic.
There is nothing bought from a store that could ever compete with the beauty of this.
This is great! I like it better than the Oeuf crib!
That is seriously gorgeous. You've created an heirloom!
my goodness, a job well done!
It's a beautiful piece! So excited to see a fellow Somervillian here!
What a beautiful piece!Very talented!! One tiny favor please..umm could I possibly get your plans from you to make one of these for myself?You have such a talent !
I just stumbled across this by accident, but would you believe I did the same thing? My father has taken up woodworking in his retirement, and I asked him to build me an Oeuf-like crib. We opted for the darker finish on the bottom.
My father said the same - that it was very labour-intensive. But I love the finished product.
Maybe Oeuf should sell the plans!
Very impressive. I applaud your careful selection of materials and treatments for safety. Makes me smile.
Was already planning to make my own when I stumbled upon this. Looks great. Is your mattress height adjustable? If so, how did you engineer it? Thank you for sharing this with us.
Just found this, usually do not search baby stuff but wife is newly pregnant! Live in Cambridge, work in Somerville would love to talk with Burton to ask some questions.