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 Black Walnut with some interesting knots and lighter sapwood details on display on its ends and curved sides. It is a narrower tote than usual, made to fit the material available. The ends have arched feet and have straight edges leading up to the white oak handle wrapped in matte black leather with natural thread. The oak handle has a reversed arc from my other Artisan totes, an experiment that succeeded greatly. Many people say this is their favorite tote I’ve made. The handle is held in with black-stained poplar pegs.
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 Black Walnut with some interesting knots and lighter sapwood details on display on its ends and curved sides. It is a narrower tote than usual, made to fit the material available. The ends have arched feet and have straight edges leading up to the white oak handle wrapped in matte black leather with natural thread. The oak handle has a reversed arc from my other Artisan totes, an experiment that succeeded greatly. Many people say this is their favorite tote I’ve made. The handle is held in with black-stained poplar pegs.
