How to Make a Tripod Easel

There are professional and amateur artists everywhere. There are people who paint for money and some who draw for fun. To complete and display their individual works of art, many of these people use a tripod easel. These useful tools come in many sizes, forms, and colors, and are made from many different types of materials. The problem is that it can be quite expensive to purchase easels, especially for the budding artist who has already spent a large amount of their budget on supplies and canvasses. But, with only a few dollars, a couple tools and a small investment of time, you can build your own easels to create and display your artwork.

Things You'll Need

• 4 boards (1 inch x 1 inch x 4 foot)
• Hacksaw
• Drill with 1/2 inch drill bit and Phillips head bit
• Carpenter's square
• 1 bolt (3/8 inch x 4 inch)
• 1 wing nut (3/8 inch)
• 1 lock washer (3/8 inch)
• 2 washers (3/8 inch)
• 4 decking screws (1/4 inch x 3 inch)
• 2 washers (1/4 inch)
• 3 foot length of small light gauge storm door chain

Instructions

How to Make a Tripod Easel

1. Place three of the boards on top of each other with their thin sides showing and their wider edges together. Line them up side to side, top, and bottom. Drill a hole through all three boards at a point 1 inch from one end.

2. Slide the bolt through a 3/8 inch washer, then through the hole in the boards. Flip the boards and pull the bolt the rest of the way through the hole. Slide the other 3/8 inch washer onto the bolt, then the lock washer and thread on the wing nut. Do not tighten the assembly yet.

3. Flip the boards so that their small edges are up. Grab the outside boards at the end opposite the bolt and spread them gently apart. Lay the last board on top of the assembly so that its wide edge rests on their thin edges. Place the horizontal board 18 inches from the top of the bolt end of the assembly. Use the drill and Phillips head bit to secure the horizontal board to the outer, angled boards of the assembly with a deck screw into each board.

4. Slide a screw into one of the 1/4 inch washers, then through one end of the chain, then into the side of one of the outside legs of the easel. Attach the other end of the chain to the side of the middle leg of the easel in the same manner.

5. Stand the easel up. Pull the middle leg back so that the chain is taut. Tighten the wing nut so that the lock nut clips shut. Use the hacksaw to trim off the sharp ends of any screws that may be showing. Add a canvas, set up your supplies, and make some art.