Decide how tall you want the wooden tripod easel to stand. You may want to build several of varying heights and widths, to use for existing and future paintings.
Mark cut lines on three pieces of 1-by-1-inch lumber using a tape measure and pencil. These are the tripod legs and can be as short as 24 inches or as long as 60 inches.
Cut the legs to the desired length with a saw.
Select a drill bit the same diameter of the bolt you'll use to create the "hinge," fastening the three tripod legs together.
Drill a hole at the top of each leg, about 1 to 2 inches from the top. Double check your measurements before drilling, as all three holes must align for the easel to expand and collapse.
Sand each leg completely using medium-grit sandpaper, making each leg smooth and getting rid of splinters.
Connect the three legs together by inserting a bolt through each leg and securing the bolt in place with a nut. Tighten the bolt with a wrench.
Stand the wood tripod ease up on a table or on the floor and spread the legs. Measure the distance between the two front legs, then cut a fourth piece of 1-by-1-inch lumber with a saw to make a horizontal shelf.
Bevel cut the bottom of the legs with a jig saw or miter saw so that it stands more securely.
Sand the horizontal lumber with medium grit sandpaper and fasten it to the tripod with wood screws and a screw gun to finish.