It is rather simple and inexpensive to make an attractive and lightweight pochade box (a box for carrying art supplies that doubles as an easel). This is a tabletop or laptop box. However, it can be modified to fit on a tripod with a metal plate screwed onto the bottom of the box. (Link listed below).
It will cost under $50 (not including tripod and adapter plate), and you do not need power tools to make the pochade box. You can purchase supplies from Amazon. (I do not represent Amazon.) Note that a basic pochade box of this size usually costs over $125. See the following supplies and Amazon links:
Darice 9157-69 Unfinished Wooden Box, 3.4 x 9.2 x 12 inches, Natural https://amzn.to/3eYWvXf
Antrader 2 Pack Plastic Adjustable Torque Position Hinge Black Door Hinges https://amzn.to/2Ow9Yw1
1 Pair Bronze Mini Swing Arm Clasp Latch Vintage Style
Minwax Polycrylic Water Based Protective Finishes, 1/2 Pint, Clear Gloss https://amzn.to/3qyyTfA
Guerrilla Painter Tripod Mount (To adapt the box for use on a tripod)
The full process is demonstrated on my YouTube Channel, “DIY Pochade Box.” Please click the following link to view this video: