All Purpose, Every Occasion Wooden Caddy Tutorial

Hey all you Remodelaholics!  It’s Corey from Sawdust 2 Stitches.  I have a tutorial that could really  be an  ace up your sleeve.  This is the  perfect all-purpose festive gift,  no matter what the occasion.

• Father’s Day
• Teacher Gift
• Mother’s Day
• Graduation Gift
• Housewarming

No matter what the use or the occasion, I have got you covered!  I actually  created this specifically for Teacher Appreciation gifts for my son’s teachers.  He had three teachers, so I  configured the plans so that  it would  actually make each unit  cheaper if you make them in  multiples!  So make one for  your Dad for Father’s day, and one for your Husband, maybe one for you to keep, or a craft organizer for the kids, or a utensil caddy for the kitchen counter, or  an aesthetically  pleasing planter, or… you get the idea.

So,  let’s dive in…

How to Build a Versatile Wooden Caddy

 Tools Suggested:

• Miter Saw
• Nail gun/Compressor
• Sander
• Tape Measure
• Drill with bits  ( Size bits will vary)

Cut List:

• 1×6″= (2) cut @ 11″ ( Additional cuts will be required, see instructions below.)
• 1×6″= (1) cut  @ 10″
• 1×2″= (4) cut @ 11.5″

       Grid Insert

• 1/2  x 4″ = (3) cut @ 3″
• 1/2   x 4″ = (2) cut @5.5″

Supply List:

• Wood Glue
• 1.5″ Nails
• 1×6, 1×2, and .5×4 boards (see below for details)
• Handle (2″ dowel or conduit, or thick rope – varies dependent on look desired)
• Wall-mounted bottle opener
• Stain or paint finish.
• Sandpaper

      To make 3:    Approx : $7.00 a piece

(It is cheaper when you make 3)

• 1×6″  (8′)  x1
• 1×2″  (8′) x2
• .5×4″ (3′) x2

      To make 1 : Approx:  $14.00

• 1×6″  (6′) x1
• 1×2″  (8′) x1
• .5×4″ (3′)x1

Let’s begin by making the  end caps of the caddy.

Cut the 1×6 @ 11″, then make the above additional cuts.

 The handle:

At this point you will need to decide what type of handle you would like.  You have  plenty of options. If you opt for rope,  you can drill a hole directly  through the board. (Choose a size appropriate diameter.)

If you decide to use a dowel rod,  use a coordinating size bit to  route out a a circle approximately 1/2″ deep.  (You would then  cut your handle of choice approximately 11″ long.

If you are using a dowel rod or a conduit rod, you need to place the rod  in place before proceeding!  I put a dab of glue on each end of the rod to make it a little more stable. Once the handle is in place, then attach the side (with the rod running between them) to the 10″ base.

Using wood glue attach the sides to the base.  Then reinforce it with  1.5″ nails.

  Attach the side rails to the caddy.   Apply a small amount of wood glue to the 1×2″ boards, then reinforce with 1.5″ nails.
 (On the models pictured, I did plane down my 1×2’s just a little so that it wouldn’t be as bulky.  Not at all necessary, but an option.)

Next step is assembling the grid.

Grid:

BEFORE assembling the grid,  place the pieces in the caddy to ensure they will fit! It is a lot easier to alter before it is glued together! Make any adjustments needed.  Once everything is double checked,  use  wood glue on the joints, and assemble. (If you have the tools, routing a groove would of course be sturdier.) However  wood glue works great.

Once it is dried, put a small amount of wood glue on the underside of the grid, then place in caddy.  Allow it to dry  in place.

Now that the caddy is assembled,  fill all nail holes with nail filler. Once dry,  sand all surfaces to ensure a smooth finish.  Then stain/ paint to achieve desired finish.

You have done it!  The trickiest part of the project may  actually  be deciding how you want to use your caddy!  Check out a few ideas below.

  On the above caddy, I used Minwax Jacobean stain, with a piece of electrical conduit as the handle. ( I  used a grinder to cut the conduit.)  I added the bottle opener for a last finishing touch. I believe they carry them at Hobby Lobby.

   For the caddy featured above, and directly  below. I  used  “Driftwood” stain by Rustoleum,  and then slightly distressed the edges with 120 grit sandpaper.

 For my last one, I  used a basic whitewashing technique.  ( I use 1 part water, 2 parts paint, and 1 part faux finish medium.)

So go ahead, and start making your Christmas/Birthday/Graduation/housewarming/Baby Shower gift lists!    These are perfect to have a few extra on hand!  No matter how many you make, they can always be unique and personalized!

 Take Luck,

Corey with Sawdust 2 Stitches

Here is what I have been up to:

Secret Compartment Jewelry Case  \\  Awesome Workshop Assembly Table  \\  Faux Shiplap Walls

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Looking for more easy gift ideas?

Package up some (free) printable note cards

Make a cement plant pot

Build an easy tablet holder

Corey

Website | + posts

Corey is the voice and grunt labor behind Sawdust 2 Stitches, she freely professes, that she has a problem... She CANNOT leave well enough alone.
She can typically be found hunched over a sewing machine and/or covered in sawdust. All in the effort to create a perfect balance of aesthetics and practicality in her home.

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