DIY Garden Easel (Elevate Your Backyard Decor)

BAMBOO Back Story | DIY Garden Easel

Because you wouldn’t believe me if I told you! So here goes!

When we purchased our forever mini ranch home in March of 2022, we inherited a large patch of Bamboo at the front of the property. At first, I thought it was pretty cool. I fondly remember, as a kid, going fishing with my Grandpa and toting those “cane poles” (finishing poles) while dreaming of the big catch. How cool would it be to make a few for my Grands?

Well, times have changed, and grandkids don’t fish with “poles.” It’s called a rod-and-reel now. Fancy stuff these kiddos have nowadays.

Well, we decided we wanted to open up our view. We have the most amazing sunsets here, and I don’t want to miss out any longer. I won’t go into the details of removing this beast of a crop, but I did manage to save some of the largest bamboo stalks for this garden art project I’m sharing with you today.

Choose Your Materials

When I decided to make a garden easel, I considered the materials options.

It’s important to choose the right materials for your garden project. The materials you select will ultimately impact the look and durability of the finished product. Here are some things to consider when choosing your materials:

First, decide on the type of wood you want to use. Cedar and redwood are popular choices for outdoor projects because they are naturally resistant to decay and insects. However, they can be expensive. Pine is a more affordable option, but it may require a protective finish to prevent weather damage. You can also use treated lumber, but it tends to warp over time.

Heck, use some old branches from a tree. Those are FREE!

I’m not opposed to using weathered scrap wood, as it can add a rustic look to your garden.

Next, consider the thickness of the wood. Thicker wood will provide more stability, but it will also be heavier and more difficult to work with. Thinner wood may be easier to maneuver, but it may not be as strong.

When selecting hardware, choose screws or bolts with nuts that are designed for outdoor use. Stainless steel or galvanized hardware will resist rust and corrosion.

Now that you have selected your materials, the next step is to measure and cut your wood.

Measure and Cut Your Wood

Before you start cutting your wood for your garden art easel, be sure to have all the necessary tools on hand. You will need a saw (either a circular saw or a jigsaw), a measuring tape, a pencil, and safety gear such as gloves and goggles. It may also be helpful to have a clamp to secure your wood while cutting.

Begin by measuring and marking your wood where you need to cut it. Double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy, and then make your cuts using a saw. If you are unsure about the best way to cut your wood, consult online tutorials or ask for guidance at your local hardware store.

Remember to take your time and work carefully when cutting your wood. Measure twice; cut once.

Once you have all of your pieces cut, be sure to sand any rough edges or surfaces. This will ensure a clean and smooth finish for your garden easel.

Now that your pieces are cut and sanded, you’re ready to assemble your easel. Get your screws, drill, and other necessary tools ready, and let’s get started on building your DIY garden easel.

Assemble Your Garden Easel

Once you have all of your pieces cut, be sure to sand any rough edges or surfaces. This will ensure a clean and smooth finish for your easel. Now that your pieces are cut and sanded, you’re ready to assemble your easel. Get your screws, wire drill, and other necessary tools ready, and let’s get started on building your DIY garden easel.

STEP 1: First, I cut all three pieces of bamboo (or wood) to the same length and laid them side by side. The length depends on how tall you want your easel. Mine are about 5 ft. Then I used a wood bit in my drill to drill holes through each piece.

STEP 2: Next, secure the three wooden pieces with galvanized wire, then twist the wire at the back to secure it. As you can see, it ain’t pretty! It won’t be visible from the back, so I’m not gonna fuss about it. I wired them loosely so that I could adjust the legs.

You can also use a long bolt with a nut if you’re using lumber for your easel. The only difference is that the boards will all be in a line.

Next, attach a support piece across the front of the easel to stabilize the front legs. Drill holes and secure with wire.

Once your frame is assembled, it’s time to add the frame that will hold your easel together and provide additional stability.

Adding A Frame To The Garden Art Easel

After the easel was up and secure, I decided it needed a frame for the artwork. After digging around in my shed, I came across a wood frame I had salvaged from a broken mirror. It was a perfect fit!

Again, I used the same method of drilling holes and securing the wood frame from the backside to create a frame without a canvas, making sure it was level and evenly spaced. My garden is my canvas!

If you want, you can attach a chain to the back of the easel to adjust the angle of your artwork. Use a drill to make a small hole in the back of the top support beam and thread the chain through. Secure the chain with a knot or clamp, and you’re ready to customize your easel.

With your easel assembled, it’s time to make it your own by adding a personal touch with paint or other decorative features.

Customize Your DIY Garden Easel

With your easel fully assembled and ready to use, it’s time to add a bit of personal flair to make it truly unique. One way to do this is by choosing a color scheme that complements a wooden easel on your patio. Or leave it natural. It’s totally up to you. Either way, having an outdoor art garden easel will surely create a happy spot on your patio or porch.

Whether you opt to add a coat of paint, a bold, beautiful color can go a long way toward making your garden easel stand out, especially if you use it on your patio to display your favorite hanging basket. I chose to leave my natural area so the bamboo would blend in with my garden, but then I changed my mind. LOL

The frame appeared to blend in with the stand, so I chose Dixie Belle’s White Cap from their SILK All-In-One paint line. I used their mini-angle synthetic paintbrush (my fave) to lightly dry-brush the paint over the wood, giving it that rustic vibe I love.

Now, the frame stands out.

Painting the frame lets you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that reflects your personal style and taste. Get creative!

No matter how you customize your easel, the result is sure to be a stunning addition to your backyard decor. So, go ahead and let your creativity run wild – the possibilities are endless!

And if you don’t have a garden and need a clever way to display your hanging basket, this works too!

I may go back and add more paint colors to my frame, but for now, I’m happy with it.

And just like that, in just a few short hours, I created a masterpiece for my backyard gardens.

So, don’t wait any longer if you love the idea of adding this charming feature to your outdoor space. You won’t regret it.

And as always, I love hearing from you, and I would love to hear how you would make this DIY garden easel your own. Let me know in the comments section below.

Until the next project… xo, Do