My daughter's favorite thing. A just my height toddler chalkboard that also works with a roll of craft or freezer paper to become a easel.
It is that time of the year. Time to think about gifts. This year, I challenge you to handmake at least one gift for someone you love. By putting your time into a gift, you not only give a treasured present, but your loved will feel even more loved knowing you made with your hands their gift.
And if you just so happened to know a toddler that needs a chalkboard (under 4 is recommended), this might be that gift. Also shown, Clara's Table and the Four Dollar Stackable Chairs.
And with the addition of a cheapo wood dowel and some good ole freezer paper, this little guy turns into an art easel too!
Complete with a little tray. Is this the one? If not, expect lots more smaller, giftable projects in the next month or so.

Preparation
1×2
1×4, 24 inches
2″ screws
3/4″ screws
wood glue
1/4″ hardboard scrap (I used the backside of scrap paneling)
chalkboard paint
finishing supplies
2 – 1×2 @ 20″ (Tops and Bottom of Frame)
2 – 1×2 @ 36″ (Frame Legs)
1 – Chalkboard (made my own out of hardboard paneling and chalkboard paint) @ 23″ x 19″
2 – 1×2 @ 23″ (Back)
2 – 1×2 @ 31″ (Back)
1 – 1×4 @ 23″ (Tray)
1 – 1×2 @ 23″ (Tray Back)
2 – 1×2 @ 15″ (Tray Sides)
1 – 1×2 @ 24 1/2″ (Tray Front)
3/4″ wood dowel @ 28″ (Paper Holder)
Comments
Shawn (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 01:57
Adorable Anna, you are an
Adorable Anna, you are an inspiration!!!!
Erica (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 02:20
Can't wait to get started!
Can't wait to get started! Is that, by chance, the new sofa plan you are working on in the background??? If so, Christmas definitely came early!
Estela @ Weekly Bite (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 02:34
I just forwarded this post to
I just forwarded this post to my husband! Its now on his honey do list :)
michelle (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 04:13
Love this. I may have just
Love this. I may have just found my first project and a holiday gift for my kiddos!! I'll have to see how big the big one is, though.
But in the meantime, does anyone have any ideas about the modifications that would be necessary to make this flat-folding for storage? I'm thinking a hinge at the top of each back leg where it hits the front frame and some washer/bolt combination where the tray attaches to the back legs. Also, then some type of peg/ledge/stop on the front legs to rest the tray on?
Maranda (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 04:42
I wonder if that could be
I wonder if that could be made double sided. I have two toddlers that would absolutely love this. I've been wanting to get them an easel anyway. What a perfect gift for Christmas!
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 05:57
I don't see why that wouldn't
I don't see why that wouldn't work!
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 06:01
Michelle, thought and worked
Michelle, thought and worked on this, but you pretty much have to loose the tray to make this one flat folding :( But if you use blolts, you could make it so it's at least easy to foldup.
michelle (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 06:09
Thanks - I figured you had
Thanks - I figured you had thought it through. And, actually, I guess FOLDING is really my goal - not necessarily completely flat, just more compact than the "in-use" position. Thanks for the input!
Rachael (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 07:26
I'm completely new to
I'm completely new to building stuff, can anyone give me an estimate of how much this would cost to do?? Thanks everyone! <3!
Laurel Kramer (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 08:14
I was so hoping you would
I was so hoping you would come up with a child's easel plan for Christmas. Thanks a bunch.
Laurel