Make your own Plein air box for less than £5

[@ArtOfDavidAmos]

Definitely making this model. With addition of magnets instead of Velcro

[@frederickwalker1521]

Great simple solution to an ever lasting problem. The wife has now found another task for me to complete ! With pleasure my dear !

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you. Good luck with the build, I hope that it gets you in the good books :)

[@mr.Drawgo]

Simple and efficient, Better than 99% of the super expensive Plein air boxes in the market , thanks for sharing

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for commenting and watching.

[@KenVincent-k6f]

I love a smart simple design! With a couple of weeks, this idea would work well for oil paints, too!

[@lisaharris7445]

That is my new summer project down here in Oz - thanks!

[@KjKlehm-ex2yo]

That shelf is brilliant. Th whole kit is an exercise in simple elegance, bravo.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you

[@Padisdragons]

Thank you Andy. My son and I made your box with one modification. We put the wood for rails in an “L” shape both top and bottle so when i close the box, it is still complete. This adds a additional benefit to the top. I can now place my pad in either portrait or landscape position and still have a base for the pad to rest on. It works wonderfully. Thank you again.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for the comment and for watching. Glad that you have been able toake your own adaptions to the design.

[@theecatalogue]

Simple and effective! It’s absolutely wild how expensive pochade boxes/ travel easels are. Thanks for keeping it real!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and commenting

[@terryreknaw6152]

Another cheap way is an empty cigar box👍

[@myrnalandersartist]

Yes! They make ugly plastic versions of this on Etsy and charge too much!

[@Kenriots]

This is the best make your own field easel video I have found. Thank you very much

[@coleorloff]

Very elegant solution. Thanks for walking through this.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment Cole.

[@crazednoob430]

No MDF anywhere so I just grabbed some woon about 1/2 inch thick. Going to get started after I mow my lawn

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

god luck with the build

[@crazednoob430]

I guess I am using expensive products cause this turned into a hundred dollar build. But I am doing it all by hand so the feeling of pride is kicking in. As a disabled veteran you have made me enjoy my days.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

@@crazednoob430 wow, well done on the build but $100? wow.

[@lynn9555]

Thank you so much for these instructions. I have made this box and used it many times, it is strong, compact, light, easy to set up and use. Wonderful!

[@cathyscaife9640]

this is the best ever Plein air box.... and you explained it so perfectly.... no way you can find something as good as this on the market.... love that you can adapt the hole if you are left handed... and thanks for explaining it.... have been looking on Amazon and............. expensive and no where the quality that you have made.... passing this on to my husband this morning.... excited to use it.... THANK YOU.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks Cathy, not only for watching but for taking time to comment. I hope that your box works out for you.

[@whatifitnt]

Brilliant 🤩💖 🤔 now who do I know that has the tools ... 😂😉

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks. maybe you have a neighbour who loves a bit of simple DIY ;) :)

[@EminePazan]

BTW you don't have to be a Wood worker to create this. If you do all the measuring beforehand, sketch it out. When you ask at the hardware store, they are willing to cut it in size for you. (Make sure to bring your tripod with you & before you go into the store let the People the employees /manager of the store know that you have your tripod with you - just in case).... happy creating 💯❤

[@lifesfluff]

I want something like this .. but to hold a sketch pad board so when im chillin watching a movie it can be like a table lol

[@kellymariapaschal740]

Thank you for the instructions. What a great idea! I asked my husband to make the easel for my birthday 🥳 So far, I’ve made one change to the easel using magnetic tape instead of velcro to keep the two parts of the box together when I don’t need the easel. I’m also looking at using the same magnetic tape to keep my pallet/paintbox in place when drawing/painting.

[@lindapowell5564]

Maybe he will make one for my birthday 😂

[@whatifitnt]

Recessed really strong magnets would work great too ... And cutting a ‘handle’ slot in the top board would help with carrying it, too... 🤔

[@raccoonlittlebear6476]

🎉Thank you Andy! Great video. I'm going to make that plein air box set up. 🖌🎨 Cheers from New Mexico!🎉🤠

[@ernieflynn5124]

PS. This tutorial was just what I was looking for. Thanks again.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for commenting

[@paul-oram]

Fantastic. Exactly what I was looking for, gonna make this.

[@smezley50]

Thanks Andy plain, simple and cheap. Will be making one the weekend.

[@emmahaslam1905]

Thanks for sharing this brilliant idea 💡 👏 This tripod setup and a light milking stool with screw on legs looks like the way to go! If you use marine ply you could probably skip the varnishing part. (I don't know if it would be heavier to carry or not) Foam board is super light and can be cut with a scalpel and might work in place of the mdf but probably might not hold a screw well but I have some so I might try it. My tripod attachment has two screws so I might be a while figuring that part out😅😊

[@HannahB129]

Thank you! My husband made one of these for me following your video 😊. Tried it out yesterday evening and it works really well! We used some thin ply rather than mdf, and a slightly different sort of screw. It’s light and fits in my rucksack so couldn’t be happier.

[@dbleitch]

Wow! This is exactly what I needed to hear and learn! Thank you so very much for sharing!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment.

[@timwarner5540]

Thanks Andy great video very helpful

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching Tim

[@shivamtripathi2622]

it is A REALLY GREAT IDEA. I have been looking all over internet for a travel friendly easel but either they are way too expensive or not really travel friendly. After watching your video, I think that I will be taking it upon myself to build one as well with a few minor additions for storage and canvas capacity. THANK YOU VERY MUCH SIR! ❤❤

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for your kind comment and for watching the film. Good luck with making the box.

[@iggysixx]

That plateau that hooks onto the legs... that is very, very clever :) Currently figuring out how to make an easel like this for my mom. (I have a spare camera tripod - wanna surprise her) I'll definitely be adding that plateau :)

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you

[@crazednoob430]

How did it turn out? I am starting mine today

[@johnjhunter5185]

Brilliant! ANDY❤, I did make a tripod shelf,some time ago,but your Idea to make both,shelf and support,and fit together,is genius thinking,❤.Going to make 1 exactly like yours, and start to get out,painting Plein Air, cheers😊.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and making that kind comment John.

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

Great idea,& you can add a guy rope from the central column to the ground for windy days

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and commenting Paul. Yes, the guy rope is a good idea, either secure it around a heavy rock or take a tent peg with you to attach it to the ground :)

[@paulbutterworthbillericay]

@@AndyBeckTeesdalethe manfrotto tripod I use has a hook underneath, I hang the rucksack off it, but for camera work the wind moves it slightly but a guy rope may help, keep uo the good ideas

[@lorimfrancis1]

Thank you Andy. I am glad I found our podcast again. I had watched a different one but didn't save or subscribe so I had forgotten your name. I purchased the tripod and like it a lot. I hope to make the box you are demonstrating how to make in the near future.. Thank you.

[@plein-aircolourlight9046]

Very clear. Thanks. The cherry on the cake would be to paint it mid-tone grey, which helps judge values.

[@joannecoulton4011]

Thank for sharing! Love your design, love the simplicity!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Glad you like it Joanne

[@nataljakalasnikova4799]

Thank you for sharing this great idea. I bought you a cup of coffee. Can I get a PDF ? I failed downloading it.

[@nataljakalasnikova4799]

Can you, please, write the name for the screw you put for fixation, I haven’t found the translation for “teenut” as I heard it. Much appreciated.

[@nataljakalasnikova4799]

Oh, don’t bother, I found it in description ❤😂

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

PDF sent via email :)

[@kumardebsengupta7371]

thank you so much for such detailed instructions, I need just this type of easel for my outdoor painting.. i will make for one and let you know how it turned out..

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you. Good luck :)

[@mr.drewpaintswithyou9034]

Very well thought out, Andy! Thank you for sharing! :D

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for watching and taking time to comment.

[@trlan55]

Thank you so much for this video. This is the type of design I've been looking for. I guess it takes a lefty to understand another lefty.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Hi Terry, thanks for the comment. Don't they say that many artists are left handed? :)

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@AndyBeckTeesdale I think they do, because it's the other side of the brain that controls the left hand, and also creativity.

[@kymcrowart7876]

Excellent idea!. You just saved me 500 dollars. I think I will cut a couple of side pieces and clip them onto the board for more mixing area. I’m going to build this tomorrow

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Its great to read about how others are adapting my design. Good luck with the make.

[@Maggie-kc7yp]

Great plein aire box with simple and comprehensive instructions. I no longer have my tools, unfortunately. Will try scouting around some discount stores for finished cutting boards, so all I have to do is make the cutouts and glue the 1x1" wood. I'm with an earlier post - apply for a patent - the world is full of artists. Thank you for taking the time to make your video - best I've seen and so easily adaptable to different size pads. Bravo, Andy!

[@journalshopcanada]

Thank you so much for sharing how you made your own plein air box!!!

[@gingkomel6070]

Fabuleuse invention Andy vraiment merci c'est très intéressant, inspirant et tellement ingénieux. Belles créations à vous cher Andy. 🙏🏻🎨🖌

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for your comment

[@demej00]

Thanks Captain Picard - very useful.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

haha, thank you :)

[@caatbrclan3839]

geweldige goed uitgelegd en super bedankt!

[@terryreknaw6152]

This is brilliant. I'm going to make one. Thanks for the video 👍👍

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for the comment Terry

[@terryreknaw6152]

@@AndyBeckTeesdale 👍👍

[@janbalistreri1433]

Thanks Andy I made my box and love it!!! Thank you so much fir the instructions. I’m a newbie teaching myself watercolor I’ve subscribed to your channel ❤

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thats great Jan. Thanks for watching and letting me know that you made the box. Have fun with it.

[@dave220966]

Best version I've seen. Dispenses with the need for hinges and clips etc. I'll definitely be make this in the next few days. Thanks very much for the idea and clear instruction.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for the kind comment Dave, let me know how you got on.

[@jessieadair]

Hello Dave. Did you have a chance to make this fine set-up? If so, would love to hear how it's working out. Best!

[@TradIrishHarper]

Absolutely wonderful. I have these materials in my shop currently and an unused camera tripod. Thank you for sharing this.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment.

[@Yerzhanart]

By the way, I really like your painting, and I'm also fond of painting!

[@V6P4R5]

Brilliant! thank you for this sharing your wonderful with your clever, simple design. I want to use it for plein air gouche and think I might put a strip on the front of the shelf to keep my bits and pieces from rolling off. Then glue the sketchbook ledge a bit above the edge to allow clearance for the shelf strip.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for commenting. The extra strip idea sounds good. Let me know how you get on.

[@craftykat]

This is brilliant; I'm going to ask my Dad to make this for me. Thank you.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching. I hope that he does a good job for you :)

[@jameslabs1]

Thank you Captain Picard. This is very usable. Star ship out.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Haha, thank you James :)

[@wmolijn8637]

Hello Andy, I came upon your wonderful diy plein air easel and thought, YES! I can do that. Studying my camera tripod's attachment clip and screw (precisely the same as yours) I hummed to myself (as a techy metalworker) hmmm, not very sturdy, one little screw connection, can't lean on such a thing, etc. I have made, from hardwood, an exact solid replica of the tripod's clip (without the screw of course, because all we need are those side angles /___\ to clip in place), glued and screwed this securely to the board. Works a treat. Regards, Wendy from New Zealand

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Hi Wendy, thanks for watching and for commenting. You have made an interesting adaption of the idea. Personally I have never had any issues with the connection as I tend not to put too much actual weight on the easel section when I am painting. But good luck with your make though.

[@markdmaker3173]

Brilliant! Going to make my own now. New subscriber.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and commenting Mark. Good luck with your make. Let me know how you get on.

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

Wow that’s a wonderful simple idea! Thanks for sharing this wonderful information & design with us. I am definitely going to have to give this a try. ❤

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Glad that you liked it. Good luck with the make

[@pamelaatwell523]

Very clever and very well explained! Thank you for sharing. (And even "translating".)

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for watching and commenting Pamela. Glad that you liked it.

[@annbell3864]

Thank you for the calm, clear instructions. Very helpful.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thnak you Ann

[@notafan1275]

Brilliant idea! Thank you very much for these detailed instructions! They are perfectly clear :)

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks. Kind of you to watch and comment.

[@SCArtandGrafts]

Awesome idea. Really clever. I should make one myself. Thanks sir.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment

[@Lanternamagika]

Very clever, sir, and perfect instructions. Thank you!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment.

[@williammedford5891]

Excellent instructions, very clear. I have found my perfect solution. Thank you.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Glad it helped!

[@Paul-su3qh]

Hi Andy, thanks for this video re simple two part Plien air Pochard system with tripod. Excellent presentation with clear and precise instructions. I would also like you to know that as a practical tutorial, though this video is over a year old, it is still available on youtube and well worth watching for artists performing En Plien Air. I am now going to make one of these for myself Andy. Thank you for this wonderful idea.

[@michaelwhite8482]

Awesome idea Andy, easy for anyone to do, you are very generous, thanks

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Not a problem, thanks for commenting

[@susanyoung1600]

Andy, I've looked at a lot of easels on the market and this is the simplest, most compact and efficient design I've seen. You must be an engineer. If my husband hadn't had a stroke, I would have him make me one. Maybe you should consider a patent.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Hi Susan. Thank you for that kind comment. I wonder if you could get a handyman locally to make you one?

[@martaescobar7625]

You can do it Ms. Susan....I'm a 70yr. old granny, the hardest part is getting the template right:) Have a go......BTW....I think it would be difficult to make a one size fits all easels tray. There are some trays out there but........this is brilliant!

[@myrnalandersartist]

This is wonderful, thank you for sharing your knowledge! I was going to try and make a James Gurney style one with the hinges, but i think this is better! Well done!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for watching and for making that very kind comment.

[@davidupton3186]

Genius. Thank you so much for posting.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Hi David,thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@sylviaeder4639]

Hello Andy, thank you so much for your easy and well-explained instructions. I finally have a pochade box to carry with me. I put some photos on facebook and mentioned your name. A lot of Australian ladies visit my page, so they might be buildung one, too. Mine doesn‘t look as perfect as yours (my cuts are not as precise), but I managed quite well. Love your calm way of teaching without nerve-racking voice. Thank you again!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for the kind comment Sylvia, I am glad that you found the film useful. Enjoy your box :)

[@stephaniecornell1128]

Please tell me how to find you on Facebook. I’d like to see how yours turned out! Thanks!!

[@annkretzschmar5085]

Great idea Andy. I shall look at your book with different eyes now. One suggestion as a pastel artist would be to leave out the hole as water not needed but add a an extra lip 1 inch in on the shelf to stop pastels rolling off - possibly even in front of the shelf/tripod slot too. Thanks for the idea

[@steveknight6329]

Great Instructions.. many thanks.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Glad that you found it useful

[@chrisgregore359]

This is brilliant! 😍

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you Chris.

[@Lotus_Stateless]

Brilliant idea, the best easel for plein air I have ever seen.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you.

[@carleckhardt4701]

Nice design Andy, thankyou.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks Carl

[@TheLiznz]

Thank you, it looks great

[@stuffstuffstuffyay]

this is perfect! I think I might give it a go, you made it look very easy.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for watching and commenting. Sometimes the simplist ideas are the best.

[@windyrhodes3453]

that is perfect! Thanks for sharing❤

[@Michelle-hg3sv]

Brilliant!!! I made myself a box similar to the Daytripper, with a mast but it's too bulky for overseas travel. This is absolutely perfect!! Thank you so much for sharing this, Andy.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and commenting Michelle

[@drbettyschueler3235]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing it. I can't wait to make one.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you for watching and for taking time to comment.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Hopefully you will find this film helpful if you want to make your own plein air box. Maybe you have ideas for how this could be improved or maybe you have made you own? Let me know, just leave a comment below. HOT NEWS! The full instructions as a PDF are now available to download here: www.buymeacoffee.com/andyH1/e/129679

[@recoveringsoul755]

This is brilliant. If someone is right handed, all they would need to do is flip the bottom piece around so the water cup hole is on the right, and THEN glue on the edge rails so the paintbrush holes are on the left. You could partner with a woodworker and make these in multiple sizes (for multiple size blocks or sketchbooks, right or left handed, etc) and even sell them. I like how the two parts come apart so the paint won't accidentally spill on the painting.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

@@CranberryCranefly Thanks for the kind comment.

[@mikedameron602]

@@AndyBeckTeesdale liked the box, put a comment below, laid out the design for a 9 X 12" (approx. 23 X 30.5 CM) spiral bound WC pad. Realized that if I added 1/4" (6 mm) to the thickness, I could carry my collapsible silicon bowl, travel paints, and a zippered bag with pencil, travel brushes, eraser, etc. all inside. Wastes no space. I can't add photos but it looks like yours, except I used 1/4" Masonite with dry erase finish on one side and black chalk board finish on the other. Anxious to try it. Meeting son and family tomorrow in Tampa, may get some time. Incidentally, consider making travel brushes using spent felt-tip pen barrels. Cut the pen tip off, epoxy a cut down brush handle into the casing, spacing the brush to be covered by the pen cap. Perfect protection in a "fly-away" kit. Respond with an email if you want photos.

[@EminePazan]

@@CranberryCranefly you don't have to be a Wood worker to create this. If you do all the measuring beforehand, sketch it out. When you ask at the hardware store, they are willing to cut it in size for you.

[@stray35p]

This is so genius, thanks for sharing it sir

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

no problem,thanks for watching and for taking time to comment

[@sheilasinghal2922]

I have moderate woodworking skills (very out of practice!), but this looks dead-simple to make. Thank you!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks Sheila, it is pretty simple to make. Good luck.

[@veggiemom5]

Brilliant idea!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you

[@ShirleiBarnes]

I love this! Perfect, simple and easy to make. Thank you so much ☺️

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for taking time to comment Shirlei

[@BrunaCubbins]

Omg this is amazing! Loved it.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you Bruna

[@kascialelonek8757]

Fantastic! Clear instructions, cheap materials and very useful. I’ve subscribed.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you Kascia

[@luckyhiker3434]

Really nice explanation of this handy tool!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you

[@bridgesart]

Thank you for these clear instructions.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

You are welcome!

[@dksculpture]

Nice job! Explained well too. 🙏

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching and for the kind comment

[@KinnanB]

Such a clever idea 👍. Thanks for sharing.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you, gald that you enjoyed it.

[@fredkuxhouse8939]

Thanks Andy! A really awesome diy!

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you Fred

[@sanjeevanichaudhari4375]

Thanks Andy. That was very helpful. I tried searching the market but could not find something that is simple and useful. Love your DIY idea. Planning to build it this weekend. Thanks :D

[@fieldwhisper]

Definitely inspiring me, as I need one. Simple and perfect. Thanks.

[@graciehart1001]

Thankyou so much for sharing I love this and going to give it ago 👏🏻

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks, thats great, good luck

[@ColourWithKami]

Thank you so much, this is fantastic idea! Going to make one. I bought mdf, but feels a bit heavy, I’m looking to find something a lighter weight now, if I won’t find anything then will use the mdf.

[@marywilliamson2559]

Thanks for this clear inexpensive solution to plein air watercolor painting...you've motivated me to make one for myself

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

My pleasure 😊, good luck with the make

[@sylhayes8152]

Thank you, wonderful explanation, great idea

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

thanks for your comment

[@coreyhardinart]

Thanks for the video i can't wait to make one

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

no problem, thanks for watching and commenting. Good luck with the make.

[@youtubewatcher34536]

I'm not a watercolorist (I do oils via a pochade box) but it seems to me that if you shorten the 1" x 1" stock on each side of the tray closest to your body by a length of 2" or 3" each and add it to the wc block holder above, it would all still fit together but give some support on both sides of the wc block so that it cannot slide off to the left or right.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks watching and for taking time to comment, it is appreciated. I love hearing different ideas to ways that the box could be improved. Yours is a good idea to add stops to the board. However, I have never had an issue with the pad moving like that, maybe others have. A couple of bull clips would help to secure the pad/paper. One reason for not adding the stops as you suggest is that on occasions I open a sketchbook fully to produce a wide landscape across 2 pages. The stops would not allow this. Thanks for your thoughts though, maybe someone else will adapt that idea.

[@youtubewatcher34536]

This is a very clever and well designed wc box and a credit to you. I would like to make one but I already have three pochade boxes for oils, all of which were put together or re-designed/adapted by me. PS Keep your eyes open for Foggy, Cleggy and Compo if you are anywhere near Holmfirth, ha, ha.

[@manuelfranco4205]

Thank you Andy . It was a pleasure to discover your channel. It is a real joy to watch your videos. I'm learning a lot in a practical way and you're helping me a lot. Manuel from Spain.

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thanks for watching Manuel

[@marinadolga8761]

Thanks! It seems pretty easy to make and ill definitely should make it for myself

[@deborahtrusson5170]

Hi Andy... Thanks for the instructions I made mine big enough to hold a 12" x 15.5" canvas... I spent the afternoon making the box... my tripod legs are an odd shape, a cross between a cylinder and square. Using a template worked well. and will use magnets to hold the two sections together... Tomorrow, I will vanish the two sections... I am looking forward to using the setup soon as the vanish dries...

[@IgorDanicArt]

Simple and very interesting. I will try to make one

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you. Good luck.

[@joelhenry4643]

Absolutely brilliant. This answers all my questions..... thank you

[@AndyBeckTeesdale]

Thank you Joel