Although I'm dreaming up many bigger projects, that I'm sure Chris would have a heart attack just hearing about, I've been working on fun little smaller projects in the meantime. Pinterest is perfect for that. As Christopher would say....It's so pinteresting (<-- cue="" himself="" laughter="" made="" p="" that="" up="">
To the project...
I have wanted to do some sort of fun growth chart for Sloane but I will admit I have an irrational dislike for putting things on my wall that I don't consider art. Doesn't ask, because I don't have an answer.
So when I saw these fun rulers I had to have...
I loved how these rulers could be as kiddish or classy as you wanted to make it. They are tiny and slim and could fit just about anywhere. I also loved the natural/industrial feel to then, that would blend perfectly with other decor in the house. Challenge accepted, I will make my own.
Here's how it all went down...
Tools: Wood Plank (6'x1'x1/2"), Saw, Sandpaper, Stain, Brushes, Stencils and Tape
The wood I chose was aspen because I wanted something with a little heavier grain. The board was 6' and after mounting it off the floor it would have been over 7', have you met me or Chris for that matter? If Sloane hits six feet we would need a DNA test. So I needed to cut 6" off to make the ruler more proportional.
Here's the board after my first coat of stain. I have never stained anything before, so it was defiantly a trial and error process. Thankfully...there's this thing called the Internet where you can read about how to do just about anything!
Because I'm cheap, I printed, cut and made my own stencils out of card stock. This did not give a nice crisp edge as a professional stencil would have, but since I used spray paint it gave this kind of cool misty, distressed edge. As it turned out, I was a big fan. Couldn't repeat it if I tried. I free handed the hash marks. Longer lines for the foot marks and shorter lines for the inch marks. This was so simple. Laid out a tape measure and used pencil to mark the inches. Then added two pieces of tape, one out further for the foot marks and one in about a 1/2 inch for the inch marks. Painted the inches first, skipping the foot, pulled the tape on top, then went back and painted the foot markers, pull tape, done!
I originally was not going to add any writing, but after finishing the number and hash marks I felt it needed something more. I searched for an actual ruler brand logo that I could perhaps copy with using whatever words or name I wanted to, instead of their brand name. But, no luck. Instead I bought a stencil set and setup the letters myself. I wanted to stick with the whole random company thing. Hence...Casey Family & Co. est 2009
Here it is up on the wall! Love! This spot is between Sloane's bedroom and the guest bedroom. it was an awkward spot for any piece of art because of the random light switch. It's a perfect fit though for a growth chart, out of the way, yet visible right when you walk up the stairs. I heart it.
Last step of course was adding Sloane's heights! Our little lady grew 9 1/2" in the first 6 months!! Insane! We can't wait now for 18 months to come around so we can add another height!
Speaking of...I hear squealing coming from upstairs... nap time is over, fabulous!
