Easels, those sturdy stands traditionally used for displaying artwork, hold a lot more potential than just supporting canvases. With a little creativity, they can be transformed into unique and functional pieces for your home or even delightful gifts. So, dust off that old easel in the corner or grab an inexpensive one from a thrift store and get ready to craft.
From Easel to Chic Display:
· Photo Gallery Easel: This is a charming way to showcase cherished memories. Paint the easel a light color or stain it for a rustic look. Attach chicken wire or twine across the back panel using nails or staples. Clip photos, postcards, or artwork using clothespins or small hooks. Decorate with fairy lights for an extra touch of magic.
· Tiered Plant Stand: For plant lovers, an easel can be converted into a vertical garden. Secure several wooden shelves of varying sizes to the vertical supports of the easel. Paint the shelves and easel in complementary colors, and voila! You have a stylish multi-tiered plant stand for your favorite greenery.
· Mirror, Mirror on the Easel: Feeling fancy? Transform your easel into a statement mirror. Find a mirror that fits the size of the easel’s backboard. Secure the mirror to the backboard using strong adhesive or L-brackets. Paint the easel frame in a bold color like gold or silver, and you have a glamorous, full-length mirror that’s sure to turn heads.
Functional Fashions from an Easel:
· Jewelry Organizer Easel: Tired of tangled necklaces and lost earrings? Repurpose your easel into a practical jewelry holder. Wrap chicken wire or corkboard around the backboard. Hang hooks, small chains, or cup hooks from the top bar of the easel. This creates a designated space for necklaces, bracelets, and even earrings displayed on dangling hooks.
· Recipe Stand for the Kitchen: Keep your favorite recipes close at hand while you cook! Mount a small chalkboard or a whiteboard to the backboard of the easel. Use it to write down recipes, grocery lists, or inspirational quotes for the kitchen.
· Tablet Stand for Entertainment and Learning: Love watching shows or reading on your tablet? An easel can be a sturdy and adjustable stand. Cut a piece of wood or plexiglass slightly larger than your tablet. Attach it to the easel’s support beams at an angle you find comfortable. This creates a hands-free stand for watching videos, reading ebooks, or even video conferencing.
Beyond the Basics: Crafting with Mini Easels
Mini easels, readily available at craft stores, open a world of creative possibilities:
· Mini Canvas Art Party Favors: Plan a fun get-together with a creative twist. Decorate mini easels with paint or decoupage. Provide small canvases and art supplies. Let your guests unleash their inner artist and create miniature masterpieces to take home as keepsakes.
· Place Card Easels for Special Occasions: Add a touch of elegance to your next dinner party. Decorate mini easels and use them as place card holders. You can write guests’ names directly on the easel or use small cards with decorative clips.
· DIY Terrarium Easels: Create miniature living art pieces. Find small glass containers that fit on the mini easels. Fill them with pebbles, soil, and small succulents or other air plants. These miniature terrariums displayed on easels make for lovely desk decorations or small gifts.
Tips and Tricks for Easel Crafting:
· Safety First: If you are using an old easel, make sure it’s sturdy before using it for any project. Tighten loose screws and sand down any rough edges.
· Embrace Imperfections: The beauty of DIY projects lies in their unique character. Don’t be afraid of a little imperfection; it adds a personal touch.
· Let Your Creativity Flow: These ideas are just a starting point! Use your imagination and explore different materials and techniques.
· Think Functional: Consider how the transformed easel will be used. Choose materials and modifications that ensure its functionality.
With a little elbow grease and a dash of creativity, your old easel can be transformed into a beautiful and functional piece for your home or a thoughtful handmade gift.
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