Most easels are built from wood. Hardwoods are preferred materials due to their durability and lasting beauty. Aside from the lumber, construction of a wooden easel requires a hinge for the rear collapsible leg, along with screws to attach the pieces together.
Other materials are also available. Temporary easels can be made from a cardboard refrigerator box. Weight the inside, and clip your young artist's paper to the top of the box with binder clips or clothes pines. PVC makes a lightweight easel, though it is more difficult to work with than wood. Metal easels are uncommon, but also a viable option for a sturdy easel that will take a great deal of punishment.
A standard easel stands more than six feet tall at the peak. This allows an adult artist to stand while he is painting. If your child will use the easel while standing, a good rule of thumb is to build it so that the tray that supports the artwork sits at the height of the child's waist. Another option is to make a very small tabletop easel.
Easels vary widely in design. The most common type of easel is a tripod with a collapsible rear leg for storage. Another excellent selection for the child artist is a stout, four-legged easel. Two square frames hinged together at the top with a tray at waist height on either side creates a two-sided easel that folds together when not in use.
For a three-legged easel, build an a-frame with the two front pieces. This creates the plane on which the painting rests. Fasten the peak of the frame with a wooden plate. Install a cross support half-way down the legs to create a cross-beam for the legs. Hinge the rear leg to the plate at the top of the a-frame to complete the tripod. Install a small tray on the front to support the artwork and paint brushes.
A four-legged easel comprises two square sides. Join two legs to a horizontal cross-piece at the top. Install a second cross-piece at roughly the half-way mark. Repeat the process with the other side of the easel. Hinge the two sides together at the top. Attach a support tray to the functional side, or to both sides. In either case, attach a small chain or rope between the front legs and the rear leg or legs to hold the position of the easel when it is open.