Creating A Wedding Easel: A Diy Guide

Wedding sign stands are supports used to hold your sign upright so that guests can easily view it. There are many different styles of sign holders, including wooden box stands, metal floor-standing sign holders, wedding easels, and frames. In this article, we will focus on how to make a wedding easel.

To make a wooden easel, you will need three pieces of wood that are about 2.4 metres long, 7 centimetres wide, and 2 centimetres thick. You will also need a hand saw or power saw to cut the wood into five separate pieces, screws, a drill, a hinge, and a piece of rope. Cut the wood to the following lengths: two pieces that are 1.8 metres long (main legs), one piece that is 1.5 metres long (back leg), one piece that is 68 centimetres long (cross piece), and one piece that is 23 centimetres long (cross piece).

Lay the wood out in a capital A shape, with the two 1.8-metre pieces forming the sides and the 68-centimetre piece as the horizontal line. Secure the pieces together with screws. Attach the 23-centimetre piece at the top of the A and the 1.5-metre back leg to the hinge. Drill a hole in the centre of the 68-centimetre piece and the back leg, thread the rope through, and tie knots to provide extra support.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can also create a cardboard easel using similar steps.

Sourcing materials: wood, cardboard, or pipe

When making an easel for a wedding, the materials you will need depend on the type of easel you want to create. Here are some options for sourcing materials like wood, cardboard, or pipe:

Wood:

• If you're looking for a classic and elegant look, wooden easels are a great choice. You can source wooden planks or beams from your local hardware store or lumberyard. Consider the type of wood that would match your wedding theme and colour palette.
• For a more rustic or natural aesthetic, you could even source reclaimed wood from old buildings or pallets. Just make sure the wood is sturdy enough to support the weight of your signage.
• When working with wood, you'll need basic carpentry tools like a saw, drill, sandpaper, and measuring tape.

Cardboard:

• Cardboard is a lightweight and affordable option for creating wedding easels. You can find cardboard sheets or large boxes at craft stores or packaging suppliers.
• Look for sturdy, high-quality cardboard that can support the weight of your signage. Double-walled corrugated cardboard is a good option for added strength.
• When working with cardboard, you'll need tools like a utility knife, straight edge, and strong adhesive or glue.

Pipe:

• For a more industrial or modern look, consider using pipes to create your wedding easel. You can find metal or PVC pipes at hardware stores or plumbing supply shops.
• Black steel pipes can create a sleek and simple easel, while gold or brass pipes can add a touch of glamour.
• When working with pipes, you'll need pipe cutters or a hacksaw, as well as pipe fittings to join the pieces together.

Remember to take into account the size and weight of your wedding signage when sourcing materials, as you want to ensure your easel is stable and secure.

Cutting the wood to size

To make an easel for a wedding, you'll need to cut the wood you've bought to size. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, buy three pieces of wood that are about 2.4 metres (7.9 feet) long. The wood can be a little shorter or longer, but try to get as close to this measurement as possible. Each piece of wood should be 7 centimetres (0.23 feet) wide and 2 centimetres (0.79 inches) thick. Pine is the best type of wood to use, but you can use any type available to you.

Next, it's time to start cutting the wood to size. Use a tape measure to measure the correct length for each piece and mark the wood with a pencil. Place the wood on a solid, steady work surface and cut using either a hand saw or a power saw, taking the proper safety precautions. Cut the wood down to the following lengths:

• 2 pieces that are 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) long (these will be the main legs of the easel)
• 1 piece that is 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) long (this will be the back leg)
• 1 piece that is 68 centimetres (27 inches) long (this will be the cross piece)
• 1 piece that is 23 centimetres (9.1 inches) long (this will be the other cross piece)

Now you've cut your wood to size, you can start assembling your easel!

Assembling the frame

To assemble the frame, you will need three pieces of wood, each measuring about 2.4 metres (7.9 feet) long, 7 centimetres (0.23 feet) wide, and 2 centimetres (0.79 inches) thick. Pine is the best type of wood for this project, but you can use any type of wood you have available.

Using a tape measure, measure and cut the wood into five separate pieces. You will need two pieces that are 1.8 metres (5.9 feet) long for the main legs, one piece that is 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) long for the back leg, one piece that is 68 centimetres (27 inches) long for the cross piece, and one piece that is 23 centimetres (9.1 inches) long for the additional cross piece. You can use either a hand saw or a power saw for this task.

Now, lay the wood out in the shape of a capital "A". Place the two 1.8-metre pieces on the sides and the 68-centimetre piece in the middle, forming the horizontal line of the "A". Secure the middle piece to the sides with screws. You can use a drill for this, or a hammer and nails if you don't have a drill.

Flip the "A" frame over carefully and attach the 23-centimetre piece at the top with a drill or hammer. This will serve as an additional support for your easel.

Next, attach a hinge to the centre of the 23-centimetre piece, with the leaf pointing downwards. This will hold the back leg of the easel in place. Secure the 1.5-metre back leg to the hinge with screws.

Your basic easel frame is now assembled! You can add further details, such as a rope for extra support and dowel holes for adjusting the support bar, but the essential structure is ready for use.

Adding a hinge for the back leg

First, you will need to attach a hinge to the centre of the 23 cm (9.1 in) piece of wood, which is at the top of the "A" frame. Make sure the hinge is facing downwards, with the leaf pointing towards the bottom of the "A". Use a drill to secure the hinge to the wooden piece.

Next, take the 1.5 m (4.9 ft) piece of wood, which will be the back leg of the easel. Push this piece of wood under the hinge, so that it is touching the underside of the 23 cm piece. Secure the back leg to the hinge using screws and your drill.

Now that the hinge is attached, the back leg of the easel should be able to move freely, allowing you to adjust the tilt of the easel as needed.

For added support, you can also drill a hole in the centre of the 68 cm (27 in) piece of wood (the horizontal bar in the "A" frame) and the back leg. Thread a piece of rope through both holes, tie knots at each end, and cut off any excess rope. This will provide extra stability to the back leg of the easel.

By following these steps, you will have successfully added a hinge for the back leg of your easel, allowing for easy adjustments to the tilt and angle of your easel.

Finishing touches: painting or staining

Now that your easel is built, you can finish it off with a coat of paint or stain. This is a great way to add a personal touch and make your easel unique. You can choose any colour you like, but some popular choices for weddings include white, gold, and natural wood.

If you decide to paint your easel, start by sanding down the surface to create a smooth base. Then, apply a primer to help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish. Once the primer is dry, you can start painting. Use a brush or roller to apply the paint, and be sure to follow the grain of the wood for a professional-looking result. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding a second coat if needed.

If you prefer the look of stained wood, you can choose from a variety of wood stain colours, such as light oak, dark walnut, or mahogany. Again, start by sanding the surface to create a smooth base. Then, apply the stain with a brush or cloth, working in the direction of the grain. Allow the stain to soak into the wood for a few minutes, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Let the stain dry completely before adding an additional coat if desired.

Once your paint or stain is dry, you can add a clear coat to protect the finish. This will also give your easel a nice shine and make it more durable. Choose a clear coat that is suitable for the type of paint or stain you have used, and apply it with a brush or roller. Allow it to dry completely before using your easel.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful, handmade easel that is perfect for displaying signs at your wedding.

Frequently asked questions