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Ruler Growth Chart In Progress

DIY Giant Ruler Growth Chart

January 18, 2013 Sarah Coggins
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Having left the vinyl giraffe growth chart in our old house, we were in need of a new one. I had eyed a fun oversized ruler style in the PBK catalog well before our move and had it on my future ‘to do’ list. Thanks to help from my friend, Stacey, who rocked some stencil creations with her Silhouette and shopped for the boards, we now have one!

Ruler Growth Chart In Progress
Sunbathing while the sealer dried (yay for unexpected 70 degree Jan days!)

Stacey & I spent a few hours together on a Saturday afternoon while our boys played and husbands watched football. I forgot to take photos, but the idea is pretty straight forward and if you google “giant ruler tutorial” there are plenty of examples.

Basically, after deciding on a stencil for the lines (thickness and lengths) and a font size/style (Century Schoolbook), we used Sharpies to trace and color them in. Next we stained the boards using Minwax American Walnut stain. Having run out of time, we each sealed ours separately later. I used Minwax Polycrylic spray leftover from painting my bedroom furniture.

To hang the ruler, I purchased a pack of keyhole picture hangers. The wood was soft enough that I was easily able to attach the hangers to the back of the board using the included screws without pulling out the drill.

Ruler Growth Chart: Keyhole Hangers
Help from my little assistant in positioning the hangers.

Honestly, the hardest part of this project was choosing the spot to hang it. I finally selected a wall in the playroom that’s also visible when you enter the house through the front door and it has great natural lighting for photos.

After measuring and placing the screws, Trent helped me get it on the wall. Lining it up with both keyholes at once took some effort – I kept hitting one and missing the other. Then he watched the level at the top while I added heavy duty velcro under the bottom. This assured it was straight (I’m a tad OCD like that) and keeps the ruler secure. I don’t want an accidental bump during play to knock it off the wall.

Ruler Growth Chart: Complete
Complete!

Firmly attached, we’re ready to start measuring just in time for our son’s “half birthday” tomorrow.


13 Comments

  • allison c @godansker.com January 18, 2013 at 9:35 am
    This has been on my to-do list forever! I talked to Stacey about stealing the stencils and then having you gals show me how to do it. I love it!
  • Stacey January 19, 2013 at 8:52 am
    Beautiful! I still need to hang mine! And I think we need to have a Build-A-Ruler workshop because Lauren & Alicia also want to make them!
    • Sarah Coggins January 20, 2013 at 11:22 am
      Absolutely! Sounds like a fun afternoon. Now to squeeze it into all our calendars.
  • Jessica January 19, 2013 at 11:18 am
    That turned out great! I love the look of it, wonderful job.
  • Melisa - Mommy This & That January 19, 2013 at 9:40 pm
    If you do a Build-A-Ruler workshop, PLEASE let me know! This has been on my to-do list forever now and will be just what we need in the new house...when we find it!
  • Melisa - Mommy This & That January 19, 2013 at 9:40 pm
    By the way..it looks FANTASTIC!!
  • Laura January 22, 2013 at 2:44 pm
    I love this! this would be really cool to do for Cam. :)
  • Janet January 29, 2013 at 12:07 am
    Oh, my gosh...love this! It would even be cute in a craft room!
  • ter@waaoms March 15, 2013 at 8:44 am
    awesome!! I love it.
  • Shannon Meeks May 25, 2015 at 10:27 am
    Hi! I love your Giant Ruler - this is exactly what I have been looking for... I found similar ones on Pottery Barn but not this. Do you make them?
    • Sarah Coggins May 25, 2015 at 5:06 pm
      Thanks! I think PBK stopped selling their version around that time. It has become such a common DIY project, I doubt it was worth their effort to sell anymore. This is the only one I have made, but it is really very easy. You just need a 6' long board, template, Sharpie, stain, and hardware to hang with. Search the idea on Google or Pinterest and you are sure to find hundreds of tutorials.

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    Sarah

    Hi! I'm a DIY and craft obsessed mom to 2. I have my hands covered in sawdust or paint any given day. My husband and kids join me in many of our projects. When we aren't creating at home, we're creating memories in our many adventures. Join along! Read More

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