DIY Growth Ruler

This past weekend, Adam and I actually got to work on a project together!  It was so much fun to work together and create something beautiful for our home.  The kids cooperated and we were able to finish up what Adam started a little while ago.  We now have a gorgeous growth ruler to keep track of Archer and Lyla's heights as they grow up.

When Archer and Lyla were born, Adam quickly realized he wouldn't have the time he used to have to work on projects.  At least not until they get a bit older and more self-sufficient.  You know, when they are teenagers and want nothing to do with us.

But until then, we settled on working on a project that wouldn't take a lot of time and could be something for the kids.  We decided to make a growth ruler to keep track of how much Archer and Lyla grow each year.

The first step was to find the perfect board to use as our ruler.  So back in November, we took the kids to Metro Hardwoods to pick out a board that would work for the project.  Adam loves this place because they have all kinds of wood, both generic and exotic.  He was very happy to introduce his babies to the wonderful world of lumber.

After perusing the store we ended up picking out a piece of hickory.  We chose it because it was less expensive than other boards since only two sides of it were finished.  The other two unfinished sides just gave the piece a little more rustic charm, which is what we were after.  It had some pretty knots and the grain pattern was nice.  We loaded the board up in our car and took it home.

When Adam had some free time, he sanded down the board to take down some of the roughness.  Then he planed the board with a bench plane to smooth it out even more.  The final step of preparing the board was a final sanding.

Once the board was prepared, Adam used a General Finishes Gel Stain in Nutmeg.  We wanted a finish that was a rich color and would let the wood grain shine through, yet be light enough for the ruler marks to show.  Nutmeg did the trick.  So Adam put one coat of the Nutmeg on and let it dry a nice long while, as in months, before moving onto the next step.

Adam researched several different methods for putting the ruler tick marks and numbers on the board.  One method involved taping off the parts you wanted tick marks and numbers and then spray painting it.  Or another method involved using a Sharpie or painting on the tick marks and numbers.  I vetoed the taping method because it looked like it would take forever.  And we both agreed using a Sharpie or paint wouldn't result in a very professional finish.  So we took the route of ordering a vinyl kit from a company called Little Acorns.  We chose the Traditional Style in Jumbo Numbers.

Once the kit arrived, we looked over the directions and things seemed to be pretty straightforward and simple.  The directions were very clear and helped you figure out where to start the measurements on your board while also keeping how high off the ground you will be hanging your ruler in mind.  Basically, you just peel off the paper backing, stick on the vinyl transfer paper, rub the paper with a credit card to get it to adhere and then peel off the transfer paper.  Simple as that!  

So we brought the board into the entryway to work on the project inside.  Adam put down a canvas drop cloth so we wouldn't have to worry about the floor or the board getting boogered up.  Of course Jazzy had to come scope out the project and make sure we were doing things up to her high standard.  

Once the board was inside, we worked on laying out the measurements so we would know exactly where to apply the vinyl.  The tick marks of the ruler came in foot-length sections.  This made it easier to work with the vinyl and keep things just so.  There was a little bit of eye-balling involved and Adam had a hard time with this idea, being the fan of precise measurements that he is.  But I managed to talk him through it, as I am a pro at eye-balling during projects. 

Once we had our measurements marked on the board, it was time to add the vinyl.  We laid everything out before we started to make sure it would all look right.  After all the vinyl was laid out, we noticed that our board was longer than the kit provided measurements and numbers for.  Bummer!  We threw around a few ideas.  We could of just cut off part of the top of the board, but that would involve restaining the portion that was cut and then waiting for it to try before hanging it up and all that jazz.  We talked about adding an "A & L" to the top, but vetoed that idea since we would have to paint it and didn't want the paint to look sloppy next to the clean lines of the vinyl.  So I happen to look at the website we ordered the kit from and noticed that we could just order another foot of tick marks and the number 7.  Sold!  So I ordered it and was happy we solved our problem so easily.  

In the meantime, we decided to add the vinyl that we did have and hang it up.  We didn't want it laying around in our entryway while we waited for the new order to arrive.  So we followed the directions to add the tick marks and numbers.

It was super satisfying to peel off the transfer paper to reveal the tick marks and numbers stuck to the board.  I was in charge of this portion of the project and loved it!  Adam kindly pointed out how the number 2 is ever so slightly crooked.  Good eye, Adam, good eye.  But the vinyl was not going any so, c'est la vie.  I told him it just adds to the charm. 

Once the vinyl was stuck on, it was time to hang the ruler on the wall.  Of course the place I wanted it to hang didn't have any studs to attach it to.  I wanted it to hang on this little sliver of wall on the opposite side of the dining room wall.  But Adam was able to attach it using some drywall anchors.   

He did his careful measuring to figure out the perfectly centered place for it to hang.  He held it in place while I drilled it into place.  We decided to just drill straight through the board into the wall.  It's pretty heavy and we didn't want to risk it falling, especially when the babies start pulling up on things.  The drywall anchors worked like a charm and that sucker isn't going anywhere!    

Once the board was up on the wall, I used a little black acrylic paint and a tiny paintbrush to paint the screws black.  The black screws look better with the black vinyl than the shiny chrome screws would have looked.

We worked on most of the project while Archer and Lyla were napping.  But when they woke up, they were happy to help Jazzy supervise.  

Once the extra foot of tick marks and number 7 arrived, I put them on the top of the ruler.  Now we are covered in case our kids grow to be 7 feet tall.  

The final step was to decide how to mark their heights on the board.  We opted to use an arrow with their name and the date.  It was a little scary writing down their birth heights!  I had to use a Sharpie and didn't want to botch our beautiful new project!  But luckily I had a steady hand and Adam held a ruler so I could get the arrows straight.  Our plan is to record their heights on their birthday each year.  

I love this project so much!  First of all, it means we have two beautiful babies whose heights we get to record each year.  Secondly, Adam and I got to work on a project together, which is something we love to do and haven't gotten the opportunity to do lately.  I think it turned out beautifully and definitely makes me smile whenever I pass by it in the hall.  

Keep on growing, Lyla and Archer!