Easy DIY Ruler Growth Chart

I’m in charge of the Super Saturday Craft Day at our church this year, which is a big group of ladies getting together to make really fun crafts and projects. It’s so fun for me, because it’s two of my passions together—creating and talking.  ☺  One of the things I wanted to do this year was make a Ruler Growth Chart. LOVE them!! I’ve planned many of these, and when it comes to choosing projects for Super Saturday or any craft group, there are several things that I always consider:

1.  It can be totally completed in the time frame we have (what’s worse than going home with unfinished projects that are just going to sit in your closet???)

2.  It’s appropriate for all skill levels.  Not that everyone doesn’t have the ability, just may not have the experience.

3. It will have a wide appeal.

This ruler growth chart met all of those requirements, and best of all, it is SO SO easy,  Seriously.  It’s also really budget-friendly–it cost less than $20 to make!!

DIY-Ruler-Growth Chart | oldsaltfarm.com

Isn’t it ADORABLE????  I would probably made this a little differently had I been doing it on my own, and if you are, there are certainly other options available to you than the one I’m going to explain.  Instead of vinyl, you could use the negative space and stencil it on. I’ve seen people use a Sharpie and paint to make the ruler lines.  I’ve also made them with stripes–painted and stained–and the numbers in the striped section. There are a lot of options, but again, when planning for a large group, it’s a little different.

So…I went on the hunt for some really cute vinyl, because I knew that would be the easiest for everyone–for me, and for those making it.  I found a cute little etsy shop (Little Acorns By Ro) that had the perfect thing! Plus, it’s only $9.99, and she offers a discount for large orders, which is FABULOUS for our large group.

I knew I wanted a stained board for ease, and because I love the overall look. This whole project is easy, anyone can do it, and it’s DARLING.  It’s great for a one person project, or a whole group!

Here’s how I did it…

SUPPLIES:

– 1x8x6 wood board (I used select pine)

-stain ( Minwax Provincial for lighter board, Dark Walnut for darker)

-lint free rag

-vinyl (this is one I used)

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Stain your board with desired stain color, using a lint free rag, and let it dry completely. I used a water based stain because it dries a lot faster, and I’m working with a specific time frame. You could use an oil based stain, but you’ll need a couple of days to let it dry completely before adding the vinyl.

If you are doing this for a Super Saturday, they will want to stain these VERY FIRST THING so they’ll have a few hours to dry, or you may want to consider having them stain them ahead of time–have them come to your home and stain it the day or two before, just to make sure.  It needs to be dry for the vinyl to really adhere.

2.  Once the stain is dry, you can sand the edges if you like, but I didn’t do that.  If you do, make sure you remove all dust with a damp rag and let dry before continuing.  Now you’re ready to add your vinyl!! The vinyl I used was SO easy. The markings came in 1 foot strips, and it came with awesome and easy-to-follow instructions. They are great for anyone–even those that never worked with vinyl before.  My board was designed to be 8 inches from the ground, to allow for any baseboards.  That’s why you can see that there are only 4 inches at the bottom of my board. The other 8 are at the top, above the 6 foot mark, so this board will measure up to 6 foot 8 inches.

And that’s it!!!  These are perfect in a nursery, playroom, or even as decor in another room in your home.  Whether you’re doing this for a large group, or on your own, they are darling.  They also make GREAT gifts!!!

DIY Ruler Growth Chart | oldsaltfarm.com

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!!! xo

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30 Comments

  1. So cute! I bought vinyl to make this off etsy, too! It’s still sitting in my craft closet waiting on me to make it. haha! Your’s turned out great! :)

  2. So funny u posted this today because it’s been on mylist of things to make this month..now maybe I should actually get to it :) it would be so much more fun to just be at ur super Saturday with u :)

  3. very cool. I am on the committee for our super saturday and I will put this in the idea list. We do ours in Nov. I like how quick and easy it is. I am working on a personal one with a friend and it is taking forever because just trying to get together and its too cold to do the stain in her garage. But we will get there.

  4. K – Please send me an email of everything!!! you are doing for super sat. I need lots of help and ideas.

  5. I’d also love more super saturday ideas. This is the third one I’ve been in charge of, and we had a hard time coming up with ideas. All the lists I found were from 5 years ago or more, and the crafts looked like it!

    We did growth charts 2 years ago – I love mine!

  6. I’ve seen these finished at stores for a LOT of money. Thanks so much for sharing this, I’ve always wanted one.

  7. LOVE this! Heading to order the vinyl right now. :) Another adorable idea, Kierste! You are my favorite. Have fun at your super Saturday; the ladies are lucky to have you. We haven’t had one here where I live for so long. :(
    sharon

  8. Lol! I have had the board for at least a month wanting to do this project!! I will for sure get to it now! I was not sure how I wanted to do the markings!! But now I know! Thanks!!!

  9. So adorable! Quick question- did you make the locker/storage container in the picture or where is it from? I love it!

  10. Hi, Kierste! Your growth chart looks great! I’m wondering, which stain did you use for the one pictured? The Minwax Provincial or the Dark Walnut? And, do you use a Sharpie to write the kids’ measurements on there? And does it show up okay on this color? Thanks in advance :).

    1. I used the Provincial on that one. I haven’t written on mine yet, because we moved shortly after I made it, and everything is in storage until our house is built. But…I think Sharpie would show up well on it, and I do plan to use a fine-tip Sharpie when I start using it. Just make sure to start light with your stain, and add more if you want to–it’s easy to add more, but not take it away. I taught this as a class at a Craft Night, and it really varied in color, all using the same stain, depending on how much they used. Have fun!! xoxo

    1. Sawtooth hangers on the back work really well–I like to use two of them at the top, because it makes it more stable. It’s a little more tricky to get lined up with nails on the wall, but it’s worth it! Good luck, and let me know if you have any other questions! xoxo

  11. Wonderful! I plan on doing this project soon! Did you varnish or put a clear coat on at all? I assumed I’d need to do that to protect the wood. But, I’m not sure if I would do that before or after the vinyl is applied. Thoughts?

    1. I didn’t, but you totally can! I would definitely put it on before the vinyl, making sure to let it dry completely before putting it on, so it sticks.

  12. I loved this ruler, convinced my husband to do it today. Can’t wait to get it up in my house but so far here’s the blog showing what we’ve created.6 foot ruler !  pin-test | CoffewithCreamer DIY’er , Crunchy Mom
    https://bzibee.wordpress.com/2015/03/14/6-foot-ruler-pin-test/

    1. I think any kind of poly or lacquer might make it more difficult to write on, if you wanted to use it for an actual growth chart, and not just for decor. I didn’t add anything to mine, and it’s held up great!

  13. one question you said you bought the tick marks from etsy.com did the numbers come with the tick marks also or did you get those from somewhere else?

    1. The numbers came with it!! IF you click on the link about the marks, it will take you to the etsy shop and you can check it out!

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