How to Build an Easel

By: Chrystle Fiedler, This Old House online

Shopping List

Supplies You Will Need

1. Three 8-foot oak or maple 1x3s

2. Two 23x23-inch magnetic dry-erase boards

3. 1-inch dowel, 3 feet long

4. Two 4-inch strap hinges

5. ¾-inch #10 wood screws and eight washers

6. 1¼-inch #8 wood screws and two washers

7. Two plastic trays or kitchen drawer organizers

8. One 2-foot-wide roll of paper

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Tools List
Tools You Will Need
- Tape measure
- Combination square
- Bar clamps
- Spring clamps
- Jigsaw
- Drill/driver fitted with 3/32-inch and ¼-inch, and ⅛-inch drill bits and a 1¼-inch hole saw
- Safety glasses
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Photo: Wendell T. Webber

Introduction
Overview
Steps:
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11

2 hours
$125

Difficulty: Easy to moderate All the parts are easy to make and fit together, but cutting and drilling hardwoods may slow things down

Age Range: 8 and up

One of the best ways to encourage your children’s budding creativity is to give them a place to practice their talents. This sturdy, portable artist’s easel is compact but holds colorful paints, brushes, pencils, markers, and more. And since it has two sides, your kids can enjoy drawing and painting with friends and siblings.

The frame is inexpensive to build, but the dry-erase boards can make the costs add up. To keep the price down, use ¼-inch plywood instead and cover it with chalkboard or magnetic paint.

Once you’re done, set the easel up in the corner of a bedroom or playroom to create an artist’s corner—and keep the mess all in one place. It’s a perfect way for your little ones to discover their inner Picasso!

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