"C" is for Caddy

The knock off storage caddy.

Total cost $0. 

I used scrap wood and leftover paint.

And I couldn't resist making some mini caddies for Easter.

So cute for collecting eggs.



My caddy is loosely based on Ana White's plans here. 

And this caddy from Pottery Barn kids:

image from Pottery Barn Kids

But I'll save the $89 plus shipping thank you (yes that's the real price) and use scrap wood pieces I had in the garage.

I used 1/2" plywood pieces to keep the weight light and decided the size based on the longest scraps.

Here's how I made the caddy:
(Same process for the mini caddy.)

1. My pieces all cut:

2. Assembled.
(This caddy measures 17.5"l x 12"h x 9"w.)

Now for the handle.

3. In order to keep the rod in place I drilled 1/4" holes just inside the curved short ends:

4. Slide in a 1/4" dowel, leaving about 1/4" on either side to stop the rod from sliding out.

(This picture is before I cut the dowel to size.)

5. Glue the dowel into place so it's secure.

6. Paint the interior one coat semi-gloss white.

7. Paint exterior one coat BM wedgewood grey:

8. One coat Behr sage:

9. Sand with 120 grit to distress.

10. Stain with Minwax special walnut.

11. Seal with clear satin poly.

Love.

Fill with your favorites.

And some detailed pictures of the minis.

(The mini caddies measure 10.5"l x 8"w x 7"h.)

And the blue mini:

I will definitely be making more of these.

I'm linking up to: