How to Make an Easel

If you love to paint, you'll need brushes, paint, paint thinner and an easel. An easel is a three-legged frame that holds a canvas while an artist paints. If you're crafty enough to build your own easel, these steps will help. You'll wind up with an easel that fits you specifically and walk away like you do from a painting-with that feeling of self-satisfaction that results from creating something.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 2 inch by 3 inch boards
• 4 foot 2 inch by 4 inch board
• 3/4 inch plywood sheet
• Circular saw
• Bolts, nuts and washers
• Measuring tape
• Drill
• Nails
• Wood glue
• Eye screw
• Rope
• Safety goggles or glasses

1. Cut two front legs 82 and 3/8 inches long and the rear leg 81 inches long using 2-inch by 3-inch boards. Cut a 15-degree angle on the top of each front leg.

2. Drill a hole 78 inches from the bottom on each front leg through the widest side of each leg and two holes through the widest side of the rear leg: one 39 inches from the bottom of the leg and the second hole 74 inches from the bottom.

3. Lay the legs on the ground with the rear leg between the two front legs. Line up the uppermost holes and slide a bolt through them to attach the legs. Spread the front legs 45 inches apart and tighten the nut on the bolt.

4. Use the 4 foot 2 inch by 4-inch board to make the horizontal cross member. Bolt the cross member to the two front legs 38 inches from the bottom of each leg. Make sure the legs stay 45 inches apart.

5. Place one longer edge of the cut 48 inches by 33 inches plywood sheet to be used as the backing board against the cross member and rest it against the front legs. Attach the board to the front legs with glue and nails.

6. Attach an eye screw into the center of the back of the cross member. Stand the easel up and spread the legs so the easel does not fall over. Thread a rope through the lower hole of the rear leg and tie it to the eye screw to keep the easel's legs from spreading any farther apart.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add an upper cross member and a 2 inch by 3 inch support running vertically between the upper and lower cross member to hold canvasses that are smaller than 33 inches wide.

• If you wish to stain the easel, cut all the parts and stain before assembling the easel.

• You can add a tray to hold paint brushes and other supplies to the face of the lower cross member, if desired.

• Always wear safety goggles or glasses when cutting wood.