Build a bookshelf that is 10 3/4-inch deep by 34-inch wide by 48-inch tall. Use a circular saw to cut a piece of 1/2-inch plywood to 34-inch wide by 48-inch tall, which will form the back of the bookcase.
Cut one top and one bottom shelf from the 1-foot x 4-foot pine lumber you purchased so that the two finished shelves measure 34 inches long. Set aside two pieces to be used on the sides of the bookshelf. Cut four inside shelves from the 1-foot x 4-foot pine pieces that measure 31-inch long x 9-inch deep, realizing that they must be narrower to accommodate for the back plywood and shorter to fit within the sides.
Cut eight shelf-support cleats from lengths of 1/2-inch x 3/4-inch parting strip so that each cleat measures 9 inches long.
Sand the edges of all pieces. If desired, choose a color theme for your bookcase and paint the pieces accordingly. For example, you may paint the sides and back blue and alternate the colors of the shelves between yellow and red.
Lay your four inside boards next to each other on the floor and use a pencil to mark two spots on each where cleats will be attached to act as shelf supports. Use a measuring tape to make sure that cleats are evenly and identically spaced. Attach the cleats to the inside shelves with small 2D nails and a hammer.
Attach the inside shelves to the bookshelf sides with three long wood nails through the side and into the side of each shelf. Have an assistant hold the four shelves vertically while you lay the side shelf across the vertical inside shelves and hammer them together. Repeat this process to attach the other side to the inside shelves. Attach the top and bottom shelves last, hammering three nails on each side for a total of six nails into each board. Hammer nails through the top and bottom shelves into the side pieces.
Build a desk with an attached cubby storage unit that's perfect for a toddler, giving him a place to work and store his school materials. Cut the 17 pieces you will need to form the sides, back, dividers, top, trim and leg pieces for the desk and cubby. Note that you can simplify your building process and avoid the need for a circular saw by making the cubby edges rectangular as opposed to arched.
Attach the back and side panels together using 2-inch screws and wood glue. Attach one divider piece to the shelf base by drilling two screws through the back of the base into the bottom of the divider. Repeat this step for a second shelf and set one of the shelves aside. Attach the back to the two side panels by drilling four evenly positioned screws from the back into the sides. Fasten the back and side unit to the bottom shelf and divider by drilling four screws through the sides where they meet the shelf base. Slide the second shelf on top of the bottom divider and secure it to the side cubby unit with wood screws.
Build the desk legs by creating an L shape from a 1-foot x 3-foot and 1-foot x 2-foot piece of wood. Attach the legs to the table top so that the 1-foot x 3-foot pieces run parallel to the long side of the desk top and the 1-foot x 2-foot pieces run perpendicular to it.
Attach the face plate to the top cubby unit with 2-inch wood screws and wood glue. Add trim to the sides of the desk and cubby unit, if desired, for aesthetic purposes. Paint the desk in primary colors to match the bookshelf, if desired.