pin it!
I’ve been in a “building” slump lately. I found some inspiration online to make a handy diy wooden caddy, but I could stop at just one! A DIY caddy made from reclaimed fence and spare chair parts can be very versatile! The possibilities are limitless!
Susan from Homeroad built a caddy from driftwood. When I read her post I saw …
This one from Becky—she made this caddy out of a planter box. I was in love with this idea of making a caddy.
I gathered my bits and pieces and headed to the basement shop where it’s cool.
I cut my pieces and used my quick clamps to hold the sides. I took the easy way out and used my nail gun to shoot some nails in while the clamps held everything in place. This caddy is about 12 inches long.
I sized up my random spindles to see what looked best.
I cut my spindle to size with my miter saw and drilled pilot holes through the old fencing, and the spindle. I then used black drywall screws to attach the spindle/handle.
This is caddy #2, it’s much longer at about 18 inches.
I used my combination square
. . . then measured on the outside on both ends.
Marking the spot, I drilled the pilot hole and then used a black drywall screw to hold it all in place.
Then I got busy painting them. On the small one, I did a watered down red wash first, then did a watered down black over it. The larger one, I just used the watered down black on it.
Here you can see the two side by side and compare them. I like the handle on the larger one a LOT!
Isn’t it cute?
On the smaller one, I like the hint of red peeking out.
These caddies are multi-functional!
See how the red hibiscus bring out the red in the caddy?
These were really quick and fun…just what I needed. Thank you Susan and Becky for the inspiration!
Think art supply storage…
or barbecue caddy.
Which do you like best? What would you use it for?
Apparently we’re all in the same frame of mind…stop by tomorrow for a great guest post with another take on these great projects!
gail
Have some chairs hanging around? Here are some more ideas:
More rustic fence projects here:
see more bits and pieces projects here:
Debbie @ Refresh Restyle says
October 1, 2015 at 10:34 pmLove these Gail! I have stuff laying around and could make a few too!
Debbie
girlfromwva says
October 1, 2015 at 11:04 amsuch a great idea!!! i am so grateful to own one of your caddies!!! love it!!
GirlfromWva says
October 4, 2017 at 11:41 pmi still have mine! It holds 2 small succulents in pots at the moment.
Anne@DesignDreams says
October 1, 2015 at 8:54 amBeautiful Gail! I want one!!!
Kimm at Reinvented says
November 3, 2014 at 7:46 pmI love it! Love the detail in the spindle handle. I would use one for utensils at parties, or flower vases, how fun!
girlfromwva says
October 26, 2014 at 8:14 pmlove my caddy! keep my hand garden tools in it!
Mandy says
August 17, 2012 at 12:28 amWow! These look great. Nice work 🙂
Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says
July 23, 2012 at 9:10 pmWhat a great project! Nicely done!
Becky@Beyond The Picket Fence says
July 20, 2012 at 4:39 amThanks so much for sharing yours Gail–I love how each caddy can have it’s own personality.
Suzanne@Meridian Road says
July 20, 2012 at 1:31 amI’d take either one, actually! I love the handle on the larger one, too.
Katie says
July 19, 2012 at 12:42 pmseriously… i would have never thought to make a caddy out of all those reclaimed items! amazing job!!!
Laurel Stephens says
July 19, 2012 at 2:51 amI’ve been wanting to make one of these caddies for ages. I just love them! What a great idea to use a curvy spindle for the handle. Now that I have your tutorial I better stop procrastinating and get busy. I think I’m jealous of your nail gun. I’ve been thinking about getting my husband (and me 🙂 a cordless one for a gift but can’t figure out which kind is most versatile. Any tips? BTW, congratulations on three years of blogging!
~ Liz ~ says
July 18, 2012 at 10:49 pmSo that’s what I’ve been saving the rungs from various chairs for! Thanks for letting me know. What a great way to use them. Thanks!
Liz
lauren @ West Furniture Revival says
July 18, 2012 at 10:30 pmLOVE THEM, GREAT IDEA TO USE THE CHAIR PARTS!LAUREN
Tuula @ The Thrifty Rebel says
July 18, 2012 at 9:54 pmThese caddies are great!! So versatile. The large one would be perfect for my gardening supplies. I have some scraps of barnboard so I think I’ll have to give it a try. Thanks and stay cool!
Peggy says
July 18, 2012 at 4:42 pmThank you, thank you, thank you! I’ve been wanting some wooden crates and this has inspired me to make my own… once the heat lessens a bit.
Have a great day!!
Meari says
July 18, 2012 at 4:18 pmI LOVE your caddies! So many possibilities 🙂 Thanks for sharing, Gail. (I like the idea of using them as planters)
Corn in my Coffee-Pot says
July 18, 2012 at 3:51 pmYou, in a slump?! Come on you probably eat slump for dinner! (ha ha …sounds bad, but you know what I mean…I think!)
anyway, I suppose even gail needs inspiration. 🙂
I love these–haven’t built one myself, but after looking at these am thinking, hey, cute! I like them and they’re versatile and have tons of uses!
I like box #2…with the pretty curvy handle, Patricia! 😉
Sandi @ The Primitive Skate says
July 18, 2012 at 3:35 pmLove these Gail! Love the spindles for the handles. Have a wonderful day!
sandraallen260@centurytel.net
Carwin Candids says
July 18, 2012 at 2:22 pmLove these Gail! I had pinned both of your inspiration pieces and was planning on making them… someday. I was so excited to see your post, I LOVE you tutorials they are always such a help to me! Now I know how to do my handles, and use up that old fence I picked up! You are Awesome! Thanks!
I Play Outside The Box says
July 18, 2012 at 2:16 pmI love the handle on the larger one allot too!! Just too cute!!
Taryn @ Design, Dining + Diapers says
July 18, 2012 at 1:58 pmI love it! I was actually just on the hunt for one of these yesterday and couldn’t find one, maybe that needs I need to make it instead. Thanks for the inspiration!
Julie @ followyourheartwoodworking says
July 18, 2012 at 12:41 pmI’ve made quite a few totes, but never used a spindle before for the handle. Great idea!
Jamie@OwlReally.com says
July 18, 2012 at 12:25 pmthose are cute! oh and i started a pinterest board called “things for mom to make” so you should probably check that out. 😉 http://pinterest.com/owlreally/things-for-mom-to-make/
Terri says
July 18, 2012 at 12:07 pmThese are both adorable! I saw the same inspiration pieces…but you were much more on the ball than me. I don’t however, have any old fencing or anything else that I think would work, but I love the idea. I bet they fly out of shop!
I have a project that I could really use the nail gun on, but it scares the heck out of me…I just don’t think I am going to be able to pull the trigger…pun intended!!
Susan @ homeroad.net says
July 18, 2012 at 11:34 amHi Gail!
Thanks so much for the mention… I love the handles on yours! I’m glad I could inspire you… Now I’ve gotta go back and paint mine because you’ve inspired me to paint the next one I make 🙂
Susan
Homeroad.net
✿ⒹⒺⒺ✿@ A Lapin Life says
July 18, 2012 at 11:31 amHi Gail,
Your caddies are super cute!
Dee
Cassie @ Primitive & Proper says
July 18, 2012 at 11:09 amthese are adorable, gail! what an awesome idea!
Full Circle Creations says
July 18, 2012 at 11:05 amI love these. They are so easy to make and so versatile. I’ve made some out of rough cut walnut that someone gave me. Great job.
Holly
Sue says
July 18, 2012 at 10:52 amWhat a cute caddy! Yezz, I need more scrap wood ;o)
Have a great day,
Sue