Easy School Crate

This is seriously the easiest wood project you can do. All you need is 1x4 wood or whatever wood you have at home, your favorite Bernzomatic torch and some paint. While the kids are busy with online school or play at home, this will help corral all their writing instruments in one spot. Here's how to build your own Easy School Crate.

Directions

1. Use small mason jars to hold markers and colored pencils. If you don't have mason jars, you can use glasses or plastic cups you already have at home. Remember, this project is about using what you already have.
2. Measure the length of your mason jars. You want to build the box so that it's long enough to fit the number of containers. This box is about 14 inches long.
   
3. Cut three pieces of wood to the same length, sand the cut edges and use a brad nailer to attach the sides to the bottom.
   
4. Measure and cut two pieces to fit the ends of the box. Drill two holes on both end pieces. These holes will be where you'll create "handles."
   
5. Use the Bernzomatic TS8000 and MAP-pro to torch the wood on the exterior and interior of the box. Sand and then wipe down with a cloth. Note: old t-shirts are great to keep for projects like these.
   
6. Optional: Add some thin strokes of your favorite color paint for a nice distressed, antique look.
7. For the handle, you can use any extra hardware lying around or beads. For a beaded handle, take your beads and thread on to twine to create a handle. Use a small tool to push the twine through the small holes. Make sure your twine is long enough so you can tie the ends together. 
   

Done! These markers and coloring pencils could easily be swapped out for fresh flowers and displayed as a centerpiece. It's easy to carry around and holds all necessary supplies.