DIY Child Sized Wooden Caddy

Today’s Gift Trug tutorial is brought to you byJaime from Jaime Costiglio. Jaime is a talented builder. A trug to hold tools, books, utensils…  Anything goes. But in this case it’s more than likely a toy trug. The open concave curve actually makes the trug much more user friendly than the caddy.

Gift Trug tutorial

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How to build a Trug

Step 1.

Using 3/8″ plywood cut pieces:
  • 2 sides: 7″h x 12″l
  • 2 ends: 8″w x 12″h

Step 2.

Draw curve on end pieces.

  • (I used a plastic container top.)

How to build a Trug

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Step 3.

Draw curve at top.
How to build a Trug

Step 4.

Use jigsaw to cut out curved parts:
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Step 5.

Drill handle holes in end pieces.
I used 3/4″ dowel for the handle therefore a 3/4″ circular bit:
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Step 6.

Construct. Pre-drill nail holes on ends to avoid splitting the side pieces:
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Step 7.

Glue and nail, I used 1″ panel nails:
How to build a Trug

Step 8.

Cut your bottom piece out of 1/4″ plywood.  Glue and nail to bottom using 3/8″ nails:

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Step 9.

Slide handle into holes, mark about 1/4″ in from end pieces for dowel stopper holes:

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10. Drill 1/4″ hole through handle at both ends for 1/4″ dowel stopper piece.

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11. Paint.  I choose to leave the interior natural and paint the exterior and handle two coats Behr signature blue.
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12. Monogram.
Print out lettering (I used American typewriter font), position, trace letters with ballpoint pen leaving a slight indent in wood.
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13. Paint inside indent.
14. Seal with Minwax clear satin poly.
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Use and enjoy.
How to make a storage caddy
Detail of distressed edges:
DIY storage caddy
diy gift trug
How to make a wood caddy
This is a gift for our neighbor, hope he enjoys it!
DIY monogramed tool caddy
Check out our other great gift ideas!

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13 Comments

  1. Love this idea for toting things around. Now to give the directions to hubby, ’cause I don’t do wood, yet! (LOL)

  2. These are great. And so easy to customize for different people. I never thought to use the little dowel stopper thing!

  3. Great tutorial on this project. Think I will pop on over to your site and check it out…..Thanks

  4. Thanks Sandra, makes for a great day. Can you tell my son is obsessed with Captain America?

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