It’s been about 2-1/2 months now since our last visit to the Scrap Exchange where I bought a metal structure that I planned to turn into an easel. So with a new school year close on the horizon and many a nature study planned, I worked on the easel today!
It sits in a tiny nook in my living room, very near to my purple chair. I can just envision our naration and nature reading and water color painting. Behind the easel is our nature and science bookshelf.
And underneath the easel is a basket of paints and Peter Rabbit holding our brushes. My sister was with me when I found this ceramic Peter Rabbit watering can, and she said, “Wouldn’t it be cute with brushes in it?” She was so right.
I sanded the metal frame and painted it black. Then I was lucky enough to find a cheap, large picture frame with an excellent, sturdy backing. I removed the backing and it became the front of our easel. I had thought of putting a ledge of some type on the easel, but one piece of metal wraps around the front and makes just enough support for the board to sit on, and a couple of metal clips to reinforce are all we needed.
The board itself is Mod-Podged with all sorts of nature scenes. When we are ready to paint, all we need to do is clip on our paper with a couple of clothespins.
I love all the little scenes.
The pictures are good for inspiration, and then they are covered up with our large white paper when we draw or paint.
Are you wondering about her yet? At the top of the easel was a hook that was actually rather sharp. I twisted a wooden bead onto it for safety and then drew on a clever little face and some curls. We hot-glued a little hat into place, and I feel like Miss Mason herself is perched atop the easel helping us with our lessons.
My to-do list has just a ton of stuff on it. I made some curtains today as well, from a duvet cover I found at the thrift store awhile back. I received two new books in the mail today for our Ambleside lessons. My list also reminds me that I’m supposed to be reporting to my readers about the history of the American diet from the 1700s to the 1800s. 
I may be slow, but I will get to it.
Happy Wednesday Evening,
Lynn
for you to leave a comment, but you can also e-mail me at lynn AT thehealthyhomeschool.com
Very clever! Miss Mason looks great!
I love the idea of putting something pretty on the easel for when it’s not in use. We bought one recently and it’s always “in the way.” Now I see how it can be turned into something that can be out and useful all the time. I think I’ll put our Calendar/weather chart on there (my kiddies being younger…) Thanks for the inspiration!
Will you please come to AL and rub off on me a little bit? You are so creative!
Shauna, thank you! I like Miss Mason too.
Rachael, I love that too! I think it will be great even to put up sample math problems, art prints, anything! When not in use, I like just looking at the nature scenes. They are so sweet!
MamaHen, I’ll be right there, but I bet you’re really creative too. It’s easier to make and do things as the children get older.
Lynn
Love Miss Mason watching over you like that – she’ll keep you on your toes!!
The easel looks beautiful – I’d hate to use it for anything else.
Good Morning Lynn,
What a joy to share your creative adventure. I get so excited when I am able to repurpose something and use it in another way. The easel is awesome! What a great piece. I can’t wait to see the artwork to be created. I’m a bit envious of your Scrap Exchange store. It looks like a ton of inspiration under one roof.
I have just started a new blog site. It currently is still under construction but take a minute to go and see the enormous catfish we found on our vacation. I promise it will put a smile on your face and make you giggle!
tidbitstidingsanddailydoodles.
blogspot.com
Have a wonderful Wednesday,
Diane
very clever!!!
Dear Lynn,
Oh, how sweet! The spirit of Miss Mason, never far away
. What an inspiring project. And Peter is doing a great job at holding still for you, I see!
Love,
Marqueta
p.s. Yes, how DID the American diet change? We’re aching to know.
I love the Peter Rabbit Watering can. Where ever did you find it? If you come across another one at a good price I will buy it from you.
Love your blog, it makes me feels so good to keep intouch with family.
Jeanne, I had to make a trip to the grocery store yesterday afternoon, and when I came back Michaela had been painting. There was her first painting on the easel!
Diane, I enjoyed my visit to your new blog. Great start! You are right that the Scrap Exchange is a wonderful resource.
Tonya, thank you!
Marqueta, isn’t Peter Rabbit being very careful with our brushes? Not running off or anything!
Vicki, isn’t Peter Rabbit cute! I found it at a really good thrift store near Andee’s house when we went to Yorktown together. I like keeping in touch with you!
how neat!
I really love Peter Rabbit :O)
Happy Homeschooling Days,
Deanna
Hi, Deanna! I love Peter Rabbit too. Happy Homeschooling Days!