Build a Reclaimed Wooden Tote

After just coming off of a long holiday weekend, it can be hard to get back to a normal grind. Sometimes though, I’m aching to do a project and it isn’t long before I’m back at just to get it off my mind, and assure myself I could do what I was scheming.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, everyone needs a stash – a veritable selection of materials to “play” with, whether it be things like fabric, yarn, paint, furniture, or wood. You get the idea. I have a little of each, and this time I headed back to my wood stash.

I have plenty of spare furniture legs I mentioned here, pallet wood from here, barn wood from here, and new wood from Home Depot, my second home. This is only a small sampling of my collection, but plenty for me to play with.

One pile of wood in particular has been calling to me, and that is because my husband can’t stand it’s chippy-ness. A couple of years ago I sent him on an errand that I have somewhat regretted. I asked him to go take the siding off an old garage wall that was left after a lady paid some demo guys to complete the job. For some reason the left one wall laying on the ground and this door was there too.

I sort of regretted asking him to do that because it was a PAIN to remove. Not only that, but it was covered in chippy white paint (which is why I wanted it) and that drives him crazy. Isn’t he awesome for going to get it anyway?

Well, I was originally going to use it to create a planked wall somewhere and make crafts, but baby came along and put a hold on that. So it wasn’t until last summer that I found this wooden tote at a garage sale for a couple of bucks. I chuckled to myself, ” tsk. I could build this, easy.”

I purchased it and stuck it in my shop where it sold in no time. So ever since I wanted a go at it. Thankfully, this holiday weekend afforded me that chance.

After grabbing some barn wood, siding and a few baby crib rail spindles I recently scored out of the trash, I set to work.

Just to show you that you don’t need a whole lotta tools to make this wooden tote, I only needed my drill, jigsaw, and brad nailer (you could even use a drill or hammer and nails too, if you don’t have a nailer).

*affiliate links are included in this post so you can find the things I love to use too!

Since my handle was going to be the crib spindle, I set my measurement to be the length of the spindle. To create those peaked ends like my inspiration tote, I first folded a piece of paper in half lengthwise, and cut a domed shape in equal sides. Then I traced it onto cardboard so I would have a sturdy template to use over and over – I have a bunch of that siding and spindles!

After cutting the sides out of barn wood, I cut the siding to length. (Can I just say I am so stinkin’ excited it’s summer and I can work OUTSIDE!! Yay!)

Since the crib rail spindles are already set to go into a hole, I just mark a centered spot of the end pieces and drill the same size hole so the handle will go in snug. You can also just use a piece of wood like the inspiration tote and either nail or screw it on.

The bottom was also made of barn wood and was attached after the sides and end were nailed together. I love that tool!

My husband asked, “Aren’t you going to take off that chippy paint?” tsk. He should know better than to ask me a question like that, right? With a little wash of white paint on the crib-spindle-turned-handle, my tote is ready to go!

So rustically chippy, and ready for anything you can dream up – a centerpiece with flowers, a utensil holder for a wedding or party, art supplies…the possibilities are endless!! Can you tell I have a thing for totes and caddys?

I had fun creating this versatile project and know that you can do this too. All you need is some basic wood. And just so you know, even new wood and a dowel works – use a sunbleached stain to create that time-worn feel, then give a wash of white paint to create texture.

And if you’d rather not, you can have one from my shop, ready-made.

There’s other custom goodness available in my shop too…

Pottery Barn Knock-Off Trunk

Bathtub Trays

Rustic Bench

Farmhouse Soap Holder

I hope you enjoyed this sweet project and would love it if you shared so others can find it too!

More rustic goodness for you: