How to Make an Easel for Chalk Art

Chalk art easels are more stable with four legs than three.

If your child loves to make chalk art, practicing with an easel is a good way to comfortably sketch out ideas before trying it on pavement or a chalkboard wall. The basic four-legged structure is something many artists learn to make themselves. Building an easel is a simple construction project that doesn't require a lot of materials or time, and results in a custom-made easel for someone special and even has a functional back for a friend or sibling.

Things You'll Need

• 2 strap hinges, 4-inch
• 4 wood boards, 4x3-foot
• 4 cross braces, 24x4-inch
• 2 side brackets, 14-inch
• Drill
• 3/4 inch wood screws
• 2 ledges 24x3-inch
• 2 plastic trays
• 2 lumber boards 24x24-inch, 1/4 inch thick
• Chalk board paint

Instructions

1. Mark two of the 4 x 3-foot legs as your front legs and two as the back legs. Cut 1 1/2 inches off of each back leg.

2. Cut a 15-degree angle at the top of each leg.

3. Line the front and back legs on the work table side by side. Measure 24 inches from the bottom of each leg and mark with a pencil.

4. Drill a 3/8-inch hole at the middle of the mark on each board.

5. Use a screw and drill to connect a 24-inch cross brace to the two front legs, 5 inches from the top.

6. Connect a second cross brace 30 inches from the bottom.

7. Connect the remaining two cross braces to the back legs in the same way. The cross braces will ensure stability for the easel and enable a second child to make chalk art on the other side of the easel.

8. Lay the front legs against the back legs so opposite ends; line them up at the 15 degree angle and attach the hinge at the top. It helps to have a helper to hold the legs while you drill the hinges in place.

9. Attach a side bracket to the two right legs, and the other to the left legs. Line up the side brackets to the 3/8-inch holes you drilled and screw them into place.

10. Hammer the ledges to the legs. First, hammer the 24x3-inch ledge to the front legs 24 inches from the top. Then, hammer the other ledge to the back legs.

11. Cover the 24 x 4 lumber boards with chalk board paint.

12. When dry, place the chalk boards on you easel. Hook the plastic trays to the ledge and fill with chalk.

References

• Tommy Ates: Art Easel for Kids
• This Old Houe: How to Make a Kids Easel
• Build Eazy: Making an Easel

Resources

• Free Artist Easel Plans