Growth Board

When I had my first son, I wanted to start documenting his growth, but I didn't want to start marking the wall because I wanted to be able to keep the measurements if we ever moved to another home.   We actually did end up moving, and it was the best decision I made to make my own growth chart.  There are so many versions of growth charts out there, but I wanted to make one that matched the decor of his room (at the time) and that wasn't expensive.

There are so many ways to make this growth board, so just let your imagination and creativity run wild!!

What you need for this project:

6' wood board (I use pine)

Paint

Plastic tape measure

Scrapbook paper

8- Chip Board Animals (or ones to match your theme)

Letters (stickers, vinyl, stencils, etc)

Coordinating Ribbon

Hot glue

Mod Podge

To start this project, be sure that you pick a nice piece of wood that is not bowed or has many knots.  Once you select your wood,  you will want to paint the board at least 2 coats on the front and back.  I used left over paint that we used for the baby's nursery, however, you could use an acrylic paint or pick up a small container of paint from your local home improvement store.

While the paint is drying, select your papers that you will want to use on the board.  I usually try to find a book of scrapbook papers that match my theme so all of the papers are coordinating. 

Select the papers that you want to use and cut 14- 4"x6" pieces.  

Prior to gluing the the papers to the board, arrange the papers on the left side of the board until you are happy with the pattern and design.  Remember that some of the papers will have a wood design on them, so be sure to organize the papers accordingly.

When you are satisfied with the design, glue each page to the board using paper mod podge.  You will want to overlap the pages slightly to avoid the board peeking through each page.  Once all papers are glued to the board, apply a coat of mod podge on top of the papers to seal them to the board.

Now it is time to attach the tape measure.  Start the tape measure at the bottom of the board and line it up along the right side of the paper border.  I have attached the tape measure with mod podge and also with hot glue.  I would personally recommend using hot glue for a quicker and stronger attachment, but either medium works well.  After the glue is dry, apply another coat of mod podge to seal the tape measure and papers together.  

Once dry, measure two pieces of ribbon to wrap around the board with a small overlap at the back of the board.  Using hot glue, attach ribbon to the bottom of the board and at the top of the paper border.  Be sure to cover up the end of the tape measure with the ribbon.

Make letters with either vinyl, paper, or paint with stencils to spell out a saying or quote that you want on top of the board.    I like to use See Me Grow or using a name.  I then attach one of the wood designs above the ribbon with hot glue.

Now it is time to attach the remaining wood designs.   Again, place them on the board prior to gluing in order to arrange them in a way that you like.  Place the designs on every other paper as some of the designs may cross over to another paper.  Once you are happy with the design, attach the designs with hot glue.

Allow the entire board to dry for 24 hours prior to use in order to allow the glues to dry and harden.  You can then either attach the board to the wall or just let it sit against a wall.  

Now you have a growth board that can move with you and matches your baby's nursery!

Blessings,

Jennifer