Outdoor Art Easel - Geeky and Sassy

I have an obsession with kids and teaching supplies.  I used to teach, so I guess it's the leftovers of that.  Anyway, I still get all of the magazines, and something similar to this came in one of them.  I can't say I invented it, but my hubby sure made if for $$$ cheaper than what was in the catalog!  (We also don't need to serve 12 kids!)

~source~

When you're done with this all that you'll need is your camera, a hose, towel and art supplies.

Send your kids out with window markers, window crayons, water based paints, whatever art medium as long as it can wash off with the hose!

No more fighting over paper or the same side of the easel!  

SUPPLIES:

• Wolmanized lumber 2x4 (3~3' and 2~6')
• Deck Screws - stainless steel 8x2-1/2 - so they don't rust
• Plexiglass ~ we used 1/8" thick(go to your local glass shop to purchase) We used 26x37" measure your own to find exact fit.
• Level/straight edge
• Table Saw or skill saw (circular saw)
• Mitre Box
• Drill (screwdriver)
• Paint
• Shovel

DIRECTIONS:
1 - Cut your 2x4s to length (use mitre box to cut to length)

 2 - Lay out your pieces.

3 - Cut 1/8" groove (the size of the blade), 1/2" deep into 1 3foot piece (bottom) using cordless skill saw or table saw.

4 - Cut 1/8" groove, 28" down from the top of both 6' pieces (legs) (on the wider side - see photo)

5 - Put one top board on one side of the top using deck screws, 2 screws per side. (this is where you need your straight edge to make square)

6 - Screw the second piece on top (the other side) with 3/16" spacer. 

7 - 27.5" down screw on the last 3' piece with the groove facing up (this is what hold the plexiglass in place.  (Again make sure that the bottom groove lines up with the side grooves - this is where the plexiglass will slide down and sit)

8 - Measure to find out exact measurement of glass.

9 - Go to the glasier and get your plexiglass cut.

10 - Slide plexiglass into the top.

11 - Paint or put finish on the wood (This will help keep the wood nice.) 

12 - Dig 2 holes into the ground to make the height you want for your kids right now.  (We planned 2' in the ground for now and then will raise it as the kids grow.)

Other options - 

• Use old fence posts.
• Put hooks on the side to hold shower caddies to hold your stuff!
• Make a base for it instead of putting it in the ground - we just thought this might be more stable - and less likely that the kids will drag it around the yard.
• Build a shelf on the bottom to hold items.
• Make cup holders in the bottom.
• Put an awning on it
• You get the drift! ;-)
• Puppet show (take out plexiglass and velcro some fabric to the bottom)
• My husband is thinking of drilling a few holes in the bottom of the channel to let the water drain out.