Making a wooden art easel requires some basic woodworking skills, tools, and materials. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating a simple but sturdy easel:
Materials Needed:
- 2 pieces of 1×2 lumber (around 5 feet long)
- 1 piece of 1×2 lumber (around 2 feet long for the horizontal support)
- 1 piece of 1×3 lumber (around 1 foot long for the back support)
- Wood screws or nails
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper (fine grit)
- A saw (hand saw or power saw)
- Drill
- Measuring tape or ruler
- Carpenter’s square
- Hinges (optional, for adjustable height or angle)
- Finish (varnish, paint, or wood oil)
Instructions:
1. Cut the Lumber
- Legs: Cut two pieces of 1×2 lumber to a length of around 5 feet. These will be the two legs of the easel.
- Cross Support: Cut a 1×2 piece to about 2 feet long for the horizontal support that holds the canvas or artwork.
- Back Support: Cut a 1×3 piece to about 1 foot long. This will act as the back support to keep the easel stable.
2. Assemble the Base Frame
- Lay out the two long pieces (the legs) parallel to each other.
- Attach the cross support horizontally between the two legs. Position it about 18-24 inches from the bottom (depending on your preferred height for the easel). Use wood glue to hold the pieces in place, then drill pilot holes and secure them with screws or nails.
- Ensure the cross support is level by checking with a carpenter’s square.
3. Attach the Back Support
- Position the 1×3 back support piece vertically in the middle of the two legs, ensuring it is flush with the top. This piece will act as the stabilizer.
- Attach the back support by drilling holes into both the legs and securing it with screws. You can use wood glue as an additional reinforcement.
4. Make the Adjustable Angle Mechanism (Optional)
- For an adjustable easel, you can attach a hinge to the top of the legs and to the horizontal support. This will allow the artist to change the angle of the easel to suit their needs.
- Alternatively, you can use a simple wooden screw or a pin to lock the easel at a specific angle.
5. Create the Canvas Holder
- For a simple canvas holder, add another horizontal crossbar around 4-6 inches above the bottom cross support. This will prevent the canvas from falling forward.
- You can also use a small wood ledge with a slight lip, which will act as a resting point for the canvas.
6. Finish the Easel
- Sand the entire structure to remove rough edges and splinters.
- Apply a wood finish to protect the surface and enhance the grain. Choose a varnish, paint, or wood oil that suits your preferences.
- Allow the finish to dry completely before using the easel.
7. Optional: Add a Pivot or Lock Mechanism for Stability
- If you want a more professional touch, add a locking mechanism or pivot screw where the back support meets the legs. This will prevent the easel from wobbling and provide additional stability.
Tips:
- Customization: You can make the easel larger or smaller depending on the size of the artwork you want to display.
- Strengthening: If you want to ensure extra stability, use thicker lumber, particularly for the legs and cross supports.
- Portability: To make the easel portable, consider adding folding hinges to the legs so they can be collapsed for easy transport.
By following these steps, you’ll have a functional wooden art easel that’s great for displaying your artwork or using in your painting sessions.
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