My kids' art easel is one of those things I could trash instantly when my kids are done using it. It's covered in doodles and smudged with so much paint that it's an eye sore. Then when they actually use it, I'm the happiest person on Earth, watching them create their soon-to-be-sold-by-Sotheby's works of art.
That's why I love this tutorial at My Sister's Suitcase. It's fun, accessible, and ends up pretty, and ready for all that explosive creativity. 
The choice of colors is fun and flashy, the black chalkboard is definitely so much better than sad green, but mostly for me it's the frame that takes the cake! Granted you have to have some basic sewing skills, but it doesn't seem that complicated.
• See more: My Sister's Suitcase
(Images: My Sister's Suitcase)
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This is a perfect example of good intentions gone terribly terribly awry. The poor kid who has to make art to go in that frame is creatively doomed.
I think it is super cute. Don't let the first comment get you down!
I like the simple frame too. Sorry. Blank canvas!
The easel should have stayed on the original level.next time you view artists painting or oud pictures of the same,note all the splatters of paint. That is just the natural patina for an easel. The chile will remember every mark even if you don't.
Where did the little shelf for the chalk, brushes or other materials go?
I agree with the majority here. Let the kid be the artist; not you.
Calm down. If you actually check the link, you'll see that the frame is just that. It's a frame. It comes on and off. You can choose any print you want or leave it solid. The kid makes his or her masterpiece and then you put the frame on...seriously, guys, wow.