{DIY Easy Kid’s Easel}

This was a quick little project that I’ve been wanting to do for the kids ever since the snow melted. We’ve barely entered spring here (not even any green out there yet!) but that sunshine calls to us nonetheless, and we are eager for new ways to get out and enjoy the beautiful outdoors again after a long, cozy winter.

Ever since I took up painting again (after a long decade away raising farm and kids), the kids have been asking to do it too. This momma won’t let them paint with any hardcore paints in the house— but outside, that’s a whole different story. These easels were the solution to that (along with the pure joy I feel at seeing them create while surrounded by nature *happy sigh*). Adding some inexpensive craft acrylics and a few dollar store supplies has made it an awesome little endeavour that they have been doing almost daily ever since!

Supplies Needed (for 1 easel):

  • 3 (2″x 2″ pine) leg pieces cut to 3′ length

  • 1 (2″x 2″ pine) ledge piece cut to 2′ length

  • 3 1/2″ machine bolt w/nut (for top hinge)

  • 12″ length of chain or rope

  • wood screws or nails (suggested: two 2 1/2″ and two 1″)

Directions:

  1. Cut a 15° angled cut on two of the 3′ pieces. (See image below)
  2. Lay out your 3 tripod pieces so the tops are together, and mark (1 1/2″ down) down from the top straight across where the bolt will go through. Drill hole through each piece where just marked, using a drill bit sized slightly larger than the bolt you will be using to fasten them with (so they will slide open and closed easily).
  3. Slip bolt through and fasten tripod together. Lay down flat and attach the ledge piece 12″ up from the bottom on both outside legs with 2 1/2″ screws or nails.
  4. Attach one end of the chain to centre back of the ledge with a 1″ screw or nail. Attach the other end of the chain about 15″ up the centre tripod leg with 1″ screw or nail. And there you have it!

If you have supplies for these, plus access to a few basic power tools, it really doesn’t take long putting them together. And you could certainly adjust the leg lengths to make them taller for standing if you prefer– however something about sitting while painting feels ideal to me. (Who knows, I may even snag my own turn with one of these.) Happy building!