I just had to share this DIY easel with you all because it was so simple to put together and yet it ended up being the best easel ever.
To make your own, start with a good, sturdy, cardboard box. Glue a set of clothespins around the top. We used E6000 glue as it hold so much better than using a hot glue gun. Let the glue dry overnight and your easel is ready for paper and paint.
We set out small paper plates with paint and paint brushes for today’s process but just like any kind of easel, the possibilities for types paint and brushes is endless.
A main attraction for this easel painting experience was being able to paint in your own space and yet still feel like you were painting with a friend. There was lots of talking with each other and the children enjoyed sneaking a peak at what each other were doing.
All kinds of painting approaches were going on depending on each child’s interest.
The children loved using the paint palette to mix up the colors as well.
We kept the DIY box easel out all week long and had lots of beautiful painting created each day. The inspiration for our box easel came from reading one of my favorite children’s book, “Not a Box” by Antionette Portis.
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This idea is wonderful! It is inexpensive but versatile. I know the children had a ball using it. The inventor is a genius.
Love this! Two questions. Do you ever feel a need for paint shirts? Are they happy to use one brush and continue to mix colors or can they get a fresh brush?
Hi Debbie,
We have paint smocks available in the paint center for the children but don’t require them to wear them. I find that some children enjoy wearing them and others feel uncomfortable putting them on.
The children also have access to additional paint brushes but none of them chose to use more than one. The children focused on mixing the colors over painting a picture. It’s very early in the school year so this is often what interests them the most.
These are cool and so much easier to use than a typical easel…. Is storage a problem?
It depends on the size of your box but ours sits nicely right inside our storage closet.
What a great idea!! Will be sharing this one!
Wow! wonderful and inexpensive. definitely trying to do in my class and will let you know the result as well. thanks for the such a wonderful idea.
The box easel is a great idea for use of space. Also, children are painting independently but with friends nearby doing the same activity. I have a question. Does the box move or slide on the table while the children are painting ?
Ours did not but it was a fairly heavy box.
Maybe putting something heavy inside the box will keep it from moving.
That would work too!