With Christmas fast approaching I am busy finishing making my holiday gifts. As a personal touch for some of the purchased items I decided to make little crates to hold the gifts. I used 1/4" poplar craft boards and made them in about half an hour. My dimensions are to fit these spices that I bought for gifts in the Caribbean when I was visiting my sister last month, but the design is so simple that you can easily modify it to fit whatever gift you are giving.
Cut List:
1 - 1/4x4 @ 7-1/2" for bottom
2 - 1/4x4 @ 2-3/4" for ends
4 - 1/4x1/2 @ 7-1/2" for side slats
6 - 1/4x1/4 @ 7-1/2" for side slats
To start use wood glue to attach a 1/4 x 1/4 slat to each edge of the bottom piece. Next, use more glue to add both ends to the crate.
Attach a 1/4 x 1/2 slat on each side, aligning them with the top of the ends. Fill in bothe sides with the remaining slats, putting another 1/4 x 1/2 slat centered in the middle with two more 1/4 x 1/4 slats in between.
In addition to the wood glue I used my brad nailer to hold each of the slats and the ends together and make it a little sturdier. If you don't do that be sure to clamp the crate until the the glue has fully dried.
To finish, I filled the holes with wood putty, sanded everything smooth and gave the crates a coat of navy blue spray paint.
I think the crates turned out great and can be used by the recipient for small storage later. Quick, easy and cute!