How to Make Children's Easels

Drill Fastener Holes

• 1

  Drill two 1.4-inch holes in each of the 44-inch lengths of wood. One hole should be 2 inches from the top of the wood, and the other hole should be 24 inches from the top of the wood. These are the front legs.

• 2

  Position the hinge at the top of the 36-inch length of wood. Drill small pilot holes in the positions of the mounting holes on the hinge. Attach the hinge securely with wood screws. This is the rear leg.

• 3

  Cut one 1/4-inch string hole 16 inches from the opposite end of the rear leg. A thin rope will fit through this hole and connect to the front vertical piece to stop the easel from opening too far.

• 4

  Drill three holes in the 32-inch length of wood. Drill one hole 4 inches from one side of the wood, another hole 8 inches from the same side, and the last hole 17 5/8 inches from the same side. This is the front vertical piece.

• 5

  Cut one 1/4--inch string hole 2 inches from the opposite side of the front vertical piece.

• 6

  Drill three holes in the 24-inch length of wood. Drill one hole 4 inches from each side of the wood. Drill the third hole directly in the center of the wood. This is the front horizontal piece.

• 7

  Drill three holes in the 1-by 6-inch wood piece. All three holes will be drilled 3/4 inches from one long side of the wood (the 12-inch side). Then drill one 1/4-inch hole 6 inches from each edge. Drill two more 1/4-inch holes 3 5/8-inches to each side of the first hole. This is the top piece.

• 8

  Drill another 1/4-inch hole 3/4-inches from the opposite side of the top piece, in the center of the wood, 6 inches from each side.

Assemble the Easel

• 9

  Lay the top piece flat on the ground.

• 10

  Lay the front legs on the top piece so that the top holes in the legs line up with the holes at both sides of the top of the top piece. The top is the side with three holes.

• 11

  Lay the top vertical piece on top of the top piece so that the remaining top holes align.

• 12

  Insert a quarter-inch bolt into each hole through the front legs and top vertical piece. Secure the bolts with washers and nuts. Tighten the nuts with your finger -- tight, so they are attached, but not completely tightened.

• 13

  Place the horizontal piece on top of the front legs and front vertical piece so that the remaining holes align. Secure these pieces with bolts, nuts and washers. Insert the bolts from the same side as the upper bolts and secure them tightly with a wrench.

• 14

  Tighten the upper nuts attaching the front legs, front vertical piece and top piece with a wrench.

• 15

  Turn the easel upside down and center the free side of the rear leg hinge on the lower edge of the top piece. Drill small pilot holes through the hinge holes, and then secure the hinge with wood screws. The ear leg should be positioned so that it folds in toward the front of the easel.

Finish the Easel

• 16

  Spread the rear leg to an appropriate distance, and then thread a rope through the string holes in the rear leg and front vertical piece.

• 17

  Knot the ends of the rope so that the rear leg cannot spread further than the length of the rope.

• 18

  Attach plastic containers to the front legs or front vertical piece with screws. These can hold crayons, pencils and other supplies.

• 19

  Rest a large drawing pad, whiteboard, canvas or other art medium on the front horizontal piece.