Living Easel

**Ellise** · 03-28-2003, 08:30 AM

I want to try to make this so bad. I think it would look pretty on my front porch during Summer and even prettier in my bedroom during winter.
What do you think?

What You'll Need

3 small limbs 8' long and 1" to 1-1/2" in diameter.
(We used cedar for this project. Never cut down a living tree to complete this project. We encourage you to use fallen limbs).
(1) 1/4"X 4" carriage bolt 2115-357
(2) 1/4" washers 2190-827
(1) 1/4" nut 2147-769
(10) 1-1/2" wood screws 2173-579
8 feet of 1" X 6" pine (for planter box)
8 feet of pine chair rail (to make picture frame, or use a ready-made frame)
1 lb 2" galvanized nails 2132-748
3/8" drill bit 1214-064
Planer 1043-061
Mitre box 1038-139
Screwdriver 1055-609
Hammer 1030-565
Saw 1063-262
Drill 1240-188
Wrench 1155-074

Shave down the top 8" on both sides of the back leg and one side of each front leg.
Drill a 3/8" hole through the leg 2" down from the top. Insert the bolt through using a washer on both sides and tighten with the nut.
Spread the legs of your easel to their finished stance.
Cut three branches from the limbs to the appropriate lengths. Screw the front brace in place at the bottom point where you want the picture frame to be placed. The remaining two screws are screwed under the front brace and through the back leg.
To make the frame:

Decide on the width and height of the frame you are making. From the 8' chair rail, cut four pieces at 45° angle. Glue and nail corners. Finish frame as desired. (We used a crackle finish on the frame in our project) Screw through the frame into the legs of the easel to hold in place.

To make the planter box:

Decide on the length and cut three boards to desired length Nail the two sides flush to the bottom. Cut two end pieces (approximately 5" long) and nail in place. Drill three drain holes in the bottom. Set box in place behind the picture frame and screw through to connect the side braces.

Fill with potting soil and plant with flowers and mini birdhouses.

This project first appeared in the Home at Home Summer '99 issue. Home at Home is Home Hardware's consumer magazine for people who love their homes. If you would like to receive your free copy four times a year, visit your neighbourhood Home Hardware or Home Building Centre and ask to have your name added to their mailing list.

**Heather** · 03-28-2003, 09:05 AM

Oh, THAT is so pretty!!! Go for it, I think your ideas are great for the porch and bedroom!

**Ellise** · 03-28-2003, 09:14 AM

HEHEHE DH said "why not make two"? One for indoors and one for outdoors. Woo Hoo, he must think I'm Martha Stewart or Carol DuVall. LOL I am going to try to make them though well at least one!

**simplemom** · 03-28-2003, 09:27 AM

That is so beautiful! I want one too!

**Mom23boys** · 03-28-2003, 09:38 AM

That is beautiful. I bet it would look great on your front porch.

**Ellise** · 03-28-2003, 02:59 PM

Now I have to look at my trees in the back and see if any of the limbs I can reach are long/strong enough for it. Anyone got tree branches I can use? LOL I bet Voodidit or Readermom do. And they are nice and close to me.

**captclearance** · 03-30-2003, 01:50 AM

I love that !!!!!!!!!
Thanks for posting it, I can't wait to try it !

**mrscornbread** · 09-19-2003, 10:21 AM

I have always wanted one of these.

**Missy** · 09-21-2003, 01:03 AM

OOOOOOOHHHHH I want one!!! How pretty!!! I have the perfect tree to get the limbs from. The limbs haven't yet fallen but they don't put out leaves anymore!!

**frugalmel** · 09-21-2003, 09:48 PM

ooh! did you ever make this? It is sooo pretty!

**graci42** · 09-21-2003, 09:55 PM

I want to make one! But I think I'll use artificial plants and Ivy so that I can leave it on the porch year round!! That doesn't look too difficult and I have a picture frame...

OHHHHH...wouldn't it make a wonderful Christmas gift??