Everyone is still in organization mode so I teamed up with Ana White to bring you this art cart. It’s perfect for storing and organizing kids art supplies.
A DIY tutorial to build an art cart and portable caddy. Make this easy storage cart for all your art supplies including the removable caddy.
We think this would be a very appropriate build for any kids space. Maybe you have the perfect spot somewhere in your home or even to build as a gift for that creative child in your life?
Cart Details
As a bonus I have included plans down below for the removable art caddy. The caddy allows kids to bring the supplies directly to their work table.
Ana made this build so simple and easy you won’t believe how fast it comes together. I choose to go natural with the finish using two coats of clear poly and I didn’t even fill in my nail holes! Sometimes nail holes don’t bother me especially on a utilitarian build like this one.
Storage Supply Shelves
The art cart alone is beautifully simple and has plenty of space for paper, markers, crayons and supplies. You could even add casters under the bottom shelf if you wanted to make it easy to move around!
Our art cart was inspired by Pottery Barn Kids art cart here (no longer available):
Their cart sells for $200 plus shipping. I built our DIY cart for $45 and I even used select lumber so you could probably build it for more like $35 using #2 stock.
Portable Art Caddy
And our removable caddy has a handle! While the inspiration version does have a removable top tray with compartments they don’t have a handle. Every kid wants a handle on their portable caddy I guarantee it.
Ana has the plans for the art cart here and I have the caddy plans down below.
Caddy Plans
Be sure to read through plans entirely and always follow all safety precautions when operating power tools.
Supplies:
- 1 – 1x3x6 pine board
- 1 – 1×6 @ 11″ pine board
- ¼” plywood scrap @ 11” x 12 ½”
Cut List:
- 4 – 1×3 @ 11″ pine board (sides)
- 1 – 1×6 @ 11″ pine board
(handle) - ¼” plywood @ 11” x 12 ½” (base)
Step 1: Attach the sides using wood glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails.
Step 2: Attach the base using wood glue and 1 1/4″ finish nails. Your caddy box is ready for the handle.
Step 3: Use a jigsaw to cut out handle piece as per sketch. I suggest a 1” forstner bit to make the handle corners then jig saw in between.
Step 4: Insert the handle and attach using wood glue and 1 ¼” finish nails through sides and base. Sand well and finish as desired.
You are such an inspiration! Very cool cart and idea. I think I will be making that caddy very soon for my kids!
Anika | http://www.littlefreemonkeys.com
Where is the link to the link. I have clicked on everything and the cart does not show up. Help.
Hi Monique, The link is in the post above. Cart: http://www.ana-white.com/2016/01/free_plans/art-storage-shelf-caddies Art caddy: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B85dRd-BoH0weVhwdUJkVDNpbnc/view
Hope that helps.