Fence Picket Gift Tote

Set the miter saw to 5° and cut the two end pieces — both ends angled, NOT parallel, so each piece is a slight trapezoid measured long point to long point. Cut two identical.

While the saw's out, drill the rope hole near the top of each end piece, centered, sized to your rope.

Trace a gentle curve along the top edge of the front piece — a paint can or dinner plate gives a fair arc. Stack the front and back together and cut both at once with the jigsaw so they match exactly.

Sand the curves and both faces of every piece now, while everything is flat and reachable.

Glue and brad the front and back to the tapered ends — the taper makes the sides lean out slightly, which is the look. Keep the bottom edges flush.

Measure the actual opening, cut the bottom to fit, and glue and nail it to the sides and ends.

Thread the rope through the end holes and knot it inside each end. Set the handle length so a hand fits comfortably under the rope with the tote loaded — test with the wine bottle you're probably giving.