You can build a wooden tool caddy using two thrift store cutting boards and some other simple supplies. It's easier than you think!

Can you believe Man Podger Walter built this wooden tool caddy from scratch? I know! He's that good. You definitely have to check out his tutorial – you can build your own, or you can revamp an old wood tool box in the same way. It's so fun. And cute!

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As for this new project, I must admit this is by far my favorite! I really enjoyed making this. It ties together my fascination with vintage Fisher Price toys and my LOVE for vintage illustrations!

Especially since I took my grandfather's approach to fabrication. My grandfather was always making “Folk Art” and “primitive” furniture and objects with easy construction. No doubt this experience led me to study illustration and furniture design.

People always ask me how I come up with my ideas. I tell them it comes from just about anything and everything. I use my iPhone to take photos of objects that inspire, take notes and sketch/doodle away!

I'll tell you how this wooden tool caddy project came about. Sometimes after working too hard in my studio, I just need a get away trip to fuel my imagination

Trips to vintage shops, craft and wood supply stores are on the top of the list.

One afternoon I went to a vintage junk shop where I saw two mini cutting boards for 50 cents each. These could be sides to a “tool box”. . . Then I came across a (discarded) little Golden Book “GOOD NIGHT LITTLE BEAR,” illustrated by Richard Scarry (also for 50 cents).

I paid for my finds and headed to my favorite wood supply store. It's like walking into a candy store – all shapes and sizes of wood items. in the bargain barrel I saw this 12″ green dowel for 35 cents, and knew I had my handle.

I used some scrap wood for the sides and screws from my coffee can stash of screws. Who doesn't have a drawer or jar of various screws? No measurements, just use what you have on hand.

Build a Wooden Tool Box

Gather These Supplies

2 sides for the ends

Dowel (at least 1″ in diameter) Tip: Use an old broom handle

2 longer pieces for the sides of the tool box (not pictured)

1 piece for the bottom (not pictured)

Stainless steel finishing washers

Mod Podge Gloss

Book pages or other paper

This step is optional, though it makes assembly easier and a sturdier handle. So don't worry if you don't have any Forstner bit(s).

My dowel was 1″ inch wide so I used a 1″ Forstner bit and drilled about halfway, making an indentation for the dowel to rest. Then cut the sides to your desired size.

Next, I primed all my pieces with Kilz primer and let dry. Then I painted with FolkArt Engine Red – I let this dry and then sanded the edges for a primitive look.

Once all the piece are dried, I assembled the tool box without any screws. Looks great! Now to decoupage the pieces with any Mod Podge!

Tip: I like to use a Mod Podge Brayer to get the air bubbles out. Let dry for at least 15 minutes. Then seal all the pieces with Mod Podge and spray any preferred sealer over the top.

You are ready to assemble. Insert one end of the dowel to the (inside) side piece and repeat for the other side piece. Then using an awl, mark where you would like two screws to go into each side.

Use a cordless drill to pre-drill each pilot hole. Then fasten each bottom side. I used stainless steel finishing washers for aesthetic purposes – they are about a buck for a bag of 6.

I bought two bags at The Home Depot. I really like the look . . . Repeat the same steps for the sides of the tool box and you are done.

TIP: Line the inside with some plastic cups for compartmental storage for crayons, markers, colored pencils, blue sticks etc. This tote is also great for holding various Mod Podge jars. Makes for a nice craft case for the crafter on the go!

You can also place some books in your wooden tool caddy, then it acts as a special keepsake for a child's room! I really like the way this came out.

The stainless steel washers add a special touch to this tool box caddy. Who was it that said “One man's trash is another man's treasure?” They were definitely right! Let me know what you think in the comments.