How to Make a Wooden Tote with a Spindle Handle
Another snow day is the perfect time to work
on a new project...
I love making wooden totes and if you search my blog you will find dozens of different wooden totes... all different shapes, sizes, and with different paint treatments and/or transfer methods.
I started out this project with an 8 foot piece of 1" x 4" pine from Home Depot.
I cut 3 pieces 24" long then used the rest of the length to create the sides of the tote.
I wanted to create a unique handle for this long tote so I decided on a beautiful chippy table leg I had in my workshop.
I'm using a new nail gun on this project. I will admit it is the best tool I've ever used and I don't know how I've been building things for 5 years now without it. I'm including my affiliate links in this post.
Santa brought me a Ryobi nail gun with a replaceable battery pack. I wish I had this years ago!
I painted the tote with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White topped it with a coat of Paris Grey.
When the grey paint dried I lightly sanded with a fine grit sandpaper to let the white come through the grey.
This double distress technique is beautiful and gives a rustic look without sanding the edges showing raw wood through the paint.
I love the way this tote came out and I can't wait to make a few more.
The antique spindle is the perfect handle but I'm looking forward to trying some other ideas... Stay tuned!
