Hobbies And Interests
Types
Easels are made of wood, plastic or metal. The best easels are sturdy and durable. Most easels allow a child to paint while standing comfortably. Children's art easels come in different sizes. Toddler's easels have a lower height than easels for older children. A table top easel is a small easel that sits on top of a table. A two-sided easel allows two children to work at the same time on opposite sides. Some easels have a work surface that can be flipped from one side to the other when two children are creating an artwork together. Portable easels come with a carrying case to allow the young artist to travel with her art supplies. Some portable easels have a plastic storage area to hold the art materials and a handle for carrying. One type of easel has wheels so your child can wheel it around the room.
Features
Some easels are sold with art supplies, such as paint, markers, crayons, chalk and paper. The paper can be in a pad or a roll that fits at the top of the easel. The best children's easels have trays that hold the art supplies while your child is painting, and containers for storage. Some easels have clips that secure the paper while the child is working. A kid's easel can have a chalkboard surface or a dry-erase board. Chalkboard easels are suitable for young children who are not mature enough to use messy paint. Painting easels are designed for finger painting or painting with a brush. Many high quality easels can be folded up and stored when not being used.
Considerations
You can purchase a kid's painting easel from an art supply store or a toy store. If you want to build your own out of wood, there are plans or custom kits. An easel should be the right size for the height of your child. Use nontoxic paints and art materials made for children. Some easels have small parts that are a choking hazard for children under 3. Follow the manufacturer's safety warnings.