How to Make a Plate Easel
A plate easel can give you a way to display a special or decorative plate on nearly any flat surface. You can place a grouping on a buffet, put a single plate on an end table or display several plates in a glass cupboard. A plate easel can also be used for displaying plaques, tiles or pictures in frames. When you make the easel yourself you can customize the size, color and design. A few tools and a little know-how can give you a way to display your plates easily and inexpensively.
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Things You'll Need
- 1/4 or 1/2-inch plywood or solid wood
- Bandsaw or jigsaw
- 2 hinges
- Sandpaper (at least 100-grit)
- Stain (optional)
- Varnish
Instructions
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1
Figure out the dimensions of your plate easel. Ten inches tall is a standard size. If your plate is larger or smaller you can adjust the size accordingly.
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If you adjust the height, adjust the width, or length of the legs as well. The legs should be about 3/4 the length of the back height. The legs have to be long enough to give stability to the height. The length of the legs will determine the angle the plate leans. If it is too upright it will fall over easily.
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3
Choose the wood you want to use. Plywood is inexpensive, but will show the unfinished edges. For a project like this you won't need much wood, so solid wood may be an option to consider.
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4
Get enough to cut out two pieces of wood the length and height of your easel. If you are making a 10-inch plate easel get a piece of wood that is at least 10 by 8 inches.
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Draw your design onto the piece of wood. You can make it as simple or decorative as you want, as long as you have three points that sit evenly on a level surface, two points to hold the bottom of the plate and one point for the back of the plate to lean against.
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Cut two pieces of wood the exact same size and shape. You may want to cut one piece out and use it as a template for the other, or create a stencil from a stiff piece of paper and draw it twice onto the wood. Use a bandsaw or jigsaw to cut these pieces, staying as close to the lines as possible.
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7
Sand both pieces of wood on both sides and all the edges, rounding the corners with the sandpaper if you want. If you don't want to change the color of the wood you can brush on a clear varnish. You may want to use more than one coat, letting it dry completely between coats.
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Attach one hinge near the top and one hinge near the bottom of both pieces of wood, placing each set of screws the same distance from the edge so the hinges are mounted evenly. The two wood pieces should be able to fold flat and open completely. The plate will hold the easel where it needs to be when it is open.
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