Never mess with a mama on a mission! All you mams and papas out there know what I’m talking about. After some major life changes, I’m purging by selling, donating, and making use. Today, I’m all about this overhead stash in my workshop. It’s time to bring it down and make it GONE. I’ve had a vision of a reclaimed wood tote for quite some time, but with a bit of a different spin. This should not only be fun, but therapy to see that wood disappear.
What you’re looking at are weathered pine trellis posts we ripped from 2″ x 4″ boards from my raised bed gardens that we no longer use because we now have our arched cattle panel trellis’. Also, there’s leftover boards from building my reclaimed wood peninsula in my kitchen remodel.
As well, there are a few bits and pieces down below I’ll be pulling from as well. A great DIY has a stash!
BEGINNING
First, I have Mr. O help me pull down the garden posts. I could have done it, but he asked me if I needed help, and I don’t deny help. tsk.
Then, once I have them down, I cut off the pointed ends we used to drive them in the ground, as well as any damage.
After that, I pull down those oak boards and give them a cleaning. I make oodles of DIY glitter in my workshop! (aka. sawdust)
In addition, while I’m doing this, I also pull down that deck board and repair my garden shed deck and also repair and paint/stain our old fire pit set to sell, amongst other random chores.
While I have my reclaimed wood tote in mind, keep in mind, I’ve also shared this tote tutorial, this one, and these ones. Plus, I have my sewn totes too. So, consider me a tote fanatic! haha. When I was envisioning this project, I wanted to create a raised tote with an a-frame design to suit the collection of antique terra cotta pots I’ve had from this upcycled ladder project.
NEXT STEPS
First, I set them out and measure length and width to find out my dimensions. It ends up being roughly 14″ x 9″. However, in order to accommodate for assembly, I need to add two inches to my long side to get 16″, that way they overlap for a joint.
Using my miter saw with DIY dust hood collector, I cut two 16″ pieces and two 9 ½” pieces. After clamping them together, I use my drill and make holes to assemble.
Instead of using my nailer or screws for this part, I want to take it up a notch and use my new-made-old rusty masonry nails for added texture. You can see my rusting recipe HERE.
After I have this reclaimed wood tote frame assembled, I dig into my other stash and pull out remnants from my fence panel turned barn star. Thankfully, I have exactly three pieces just perfect to fit the bottom.
At the same time, I pulled out these remnant drawer sides I salvaged off a damaged dresser.
Likewise, I use my salvaged upholstery tacks to add those to the bottom after I cut them to length.
NEXT LEVEL
Do you ever feel like you’re being watched? As soon as I set down my first crate, the praying mantis that had been watching me from the corner of the garage comes over to my build. It’s as if she’s inspecting my handiwork.
This dandy gal is as big as my hand…she gives me an eyeful and then proceeds to enter.
I think I have Genivieve’s approval. tee hee. After I get her nod, I continue on to add my a-frame supports using the garden posts. When deciding how to add my ends, I did a quick search and found a fellow blogger did something similar a few years back, so why reinvent the wheel, eh? You can see how Mindi, at My Love to Create cut her stands HERE. I did make a few changes, but overall want to thank Mindi for sharing!
Then, once I attach my stands, I grab these rake handles a certain someone in my house has a habit of breaking. They’re perfect for handles for my totes.
To attach the handles, I used my forstner bit and drilled at an angle because the dowel was going from one frame to the other in the same manner.
CARRY-ALL CUTENESS
Finally, without adieu, here is my reclaimed wood tote times two ready for whatever my heart desires.
Apparently, 4-month-old Ivan thinks he is also supervisor of my work and needs to be center stage where he is not allowed (on the table)
My antique terra cotta pots fit in perfectly and can be used for garden goodies, as a utensil holder for an event, or even remove them and use the tote for toiletries, towels, TP, kitchen supplies…you get the idea. What would you use one for?
As with most of my projects, you can find these totes in my online store alone with so much more.
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This turned out amazing! Great job at using up some of your stash! I need to do the same. You are inspiring me. Thank you
You’ve made my day, Wendy! I’m eager to clean up and have fun at the same time. I hope you have fun too!
Fun! I have an old reclaimed tote/tool crate I had a neighbor make for me. I was just thinking how cute the would be as centerpieces for my sons wedding reception next summer. We will probably smoke pork but. So I was thinking king we could put condiments in them, flowers or use the for paper towel holders instead of buying napkins! That is if we are still here. Praying for our Saviors return!! 😊
That’s a great idea! I love using things like this in unconventional ways. You and me both!
That is very cool. Great job using reclaimed wood.😃
Thank you. It’s fun to get out there and create.
Cute and rustic! I like it. I’d probably put like plants it it, would look gorgeous. Well done my dear.
Just the way I like it. tee hee. Thank you, Mary. It’s fun for me to build when I have time.