need cheap desk size easels

gina · **need cheap desk size easels** 07-03-2009, 05:38 PM

I would like to do some small oil paintings with my grade 6 class, but I need to be able to make some inexpensive easels that would sit on the top of their desks. Does anyone have ideas or patterns?
Thanks in advance.
Gina

Marilyn B. · **Use foam board** 07-03-2009, 05:52 PM

Foam board is a polystyrene material used in framing pictures and making architectural models. Scraps can be cut with a utility knife, and used to make small easels for displaying work. Since the foam material is covered on both sides with paper, it can be easily painted and glued.

You can get scraps of foam board or foam core from picture frame shops. They throw away the smaller pieces, but they may do well for your easels. If you want to see an example, copy, cut and paste this address: http://www.kid-at-art.com/icons/easlside.jpeg

artsyladee · **hmmm** 07-04-2009, 08:51 AM

Perhaps could you fold corrugated cardboard into a triangle with some type of clips to hold the artwork to the board? This is a horrible description...I apologize, my brain is not working well at all.

playpower · **easel** 07-05-2009, 06:45 AM

I wonder if plate displays would be sturdy enough?
Do you know what I mean? People that have collector's plates put them on these displays?

I saw some at my local $ Store very cheap and at Goodwill. They were wooden and wrought iron (imitation I'm sure). I've also seen a similar contraption that holds cookbooks upright.

Good luck!

gina · **folding** 07-05-2009, 10:39 AM

No! This is a great idea! I can see the math in it already. Thank you for your great suggestion!
Gina

gina · **plate displays** 07-05-2009, 10:40 AM

Plate holder are only a dollar at the local $ama. They will work great for smaller paintings. Thanks!
Gina

TLC · **Good for art shows** 07-06-2009, 09:19 AM

I have the cardboard ones.
Fold the heavy card board in half. Then draw a sort of L shape with the vertical portion of the L along the fold. Then give the horizontal portion of the L a little lip at the outside edge. That one inch lip will keep the canvass from sliding off the front when you perch a picture. They work very well for display, but I have never tried them during the painting process.

Lottalove · **Could you get a local pizza place** 07-06-2009, 01:09 PM

to donate pizza boxes? Or may be have a few places donate a few each?

You may need to tape their rulers inside to stablize it.

gina · **awesome awesome** 07-09-2009, 02:40 PM

What great ideas!
Thank you all.
Gina