DIY Growth Chart

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I wanted to make a portable growth chart for my little guy and any future children. I really liked the over-sized ruler growth charts, so I set out to make one just like that. While searching for some inspiration, I came across Taryn’s Rustic Growth Chart at Design, Dinning and Diapers. I loved the finished look of her project!   You can check out the tutorial here.  I followed her steps to create one of my own.

The Tools and Supplies

Here’s a list of some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create my growth chart:

• Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint (Ironstone)
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Stain (Dark Walnut)
• ECOS Paints WoodShield Interior Varnish (Satin)
• Charles Neil’s Pre-Color Conditioner (to prevent blotching)
• 1x6x6 Pine board
• Metal Rim Key Tags
• Screw Eyes
• Command Large Picture Hanging Strips
• Silhouette Portrait
• Paint brushes
• Painters tape
• Sander

Creating the Growth Chart

I had a left over 1×6 pine board from a previous project.   Prior to applying the finish, I gave it a really good sanding.   Next, I applied a layer of Charles Neil’s Pre-Color Conditioner to prevent blotching.

Staining

Once the pre-color conditioner dried, I applied a coat of ECOS Paint Woodshield in Dark Walnut.   This is my first project using WoodShield and I am I really pleased with the results.  I think I have finally found a zero VOC stain that I will stick to.  (I have since purchased 4 more colors of WoodShield.  Stay tuned for projects using the new stains!)

Applying the chevron stencil

Once the stain dried, I covered the board with painters tape. (I taped length-wise, but removing the tape would have been easier if I taped width-wise.)  I purchased the Chevron Banner cut file from the Silhouette Design Store, adjusted the height of the chevron to 6 inches and used my Silhouette to cut out a stencil for my growth chart.

Once I finished marking the sections with the stencil, I grabbed a straight edge  and began cutting along the lines. (This part was super tedious.)

Painting

Next, I was ready to paint!  This project was the first project I used milk paint.   I used Miss Mustard Seed’s Milk Paint in Ironstone. I used one fourth cup of the powder to paint two coats on my board.

Applying the numbers

Once the chevrons were painted, I was ready to add numbers.  I was going to create stencils of the numbers and then paint them as Taryn did with her growth chart, but I took a short cut.  Instead of painting the numbers, I used my Silhouette to cut the numbers from white Contact paper and stuck them on my chart.

I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.   I applied one layer of Mod Podge on the numbers as a precaution.  Once the Mod Podge dried, I applied two coats of ECOS Paint WoodShield Satin Varnish.

Adding the Key Tags

 

I wrote down the date and height of my kiddo from each of his check ups on some of the key tags. Next, I attached a screw eye to the board and added the appropriate key tag.

Hanging the Chart

I used two large picture hanging command stripes to attach the growth chart to my walls.  I like damage free hanging!

The Finished Growth Chart

The growth chart was a pretty simple project and I am happy with the final result!