The carpenter's tote is an iconic symbol of an older, slower time when frugal people made their own furnishings. These simple "boxes-with-handles" were created out of necessity and practicality, and usually with whatever scraps were laying around. I built my first tote as a boatwright apprentice 25 years ago. While that first take was fairly hideous, I fell in love with the shape and possibilities of the thing. The totes I make now hearken back to that slower time, but are designed and made to be fine heirlooms that last generations.
The Artisan tote’s defining characteristics are outward-tilted ends, construction in primarily Michigan hardwoods and a baby-soft waxed finish. All Artisan totes are one-of-a-kind and are intended to be used indoors like fine furniture.
This tote is made from a single board of Northern Michigan spalted maple and grain on the ends and bottom is continuous from end to end. The ends have arched feet and the bottom is set up slightly so the tote sits only on the ends.
The sides are book-matched from a singular and gorgeous plank that displays the best of what spalting does to maple wood. The colors mix from yellows, to cream to tans and sharp black lines between. The top edges of the sides are dramatically curved and faceted to counterbalance the handle’s shape.
The tall ends swoop up to the handle which is laminated and shaped white oak and wrapped with thick matte black leather using waxed black thread and held in with dyed black pegs. The sides are embellished with galvanized cut nails manufactured on machines built in the 19th century.
The carpenter's tote is an iconic symbol of an older, slower time when frugal people made their own furnishings. These simple "boxes-with-handles" were created out of necessity and practicality, and usually with whatever scraps were laying around. I built my first tote as a boatwright apprentice 25 years ago. While that first take was fairly hideous, I fell in love with the shape and possibilities of the thing. The totes I make now hearken back to that slower time, but are designed and made to be fine heirlooms that last generations.
The Artisan tote’s defining characteristics are outward-tilted ends, construction in primarily Michigan hardwoods and a baby-soft waxed finish. All Artisan totes are one-of-a-kind and are intended to be used indoors like fine furniture.
This tote is made from a single board of Northern Michigan spalted maple and grain on the ends and bottom is continuous from end to end. The ends have arched feet and the bottom is set up slightly so the tote sits only on the ends.
The sides are book-matched from a singular and gorgeous plank that displays the best of what spalting does to maple wood. The colors mix from yellows, to cream to tans and sharp black lines between. The top edges of the sides are dramatically curved and faceted to counterbalance the handle’s shape.
The tall ends swoop up to the handle which is laminated and shaped white oak and wrapped with thick matte black leather using waxed black thread and held in with dyed black pegs. The sides are embellished with galvanized cut nails manufactured on machines built in the 19th century.
