I have a quick and easy project to show you today. While Jamie was home for Thanksgiving we hit the stores on Black Friday. Jamie picked up this Home Depot Growth Chart for her nephew. The wood was unfinished. She was going to take it home and stain it, but it wouldn’t fit in her car.
I told her I would stain it for her and she could get it when she came for the Christmas holiday because they would be driving Andy’s vehicle which is larger.
It’s really cool, because it’s routed. I have made some wooden growth charts with vinyl numbers and painted numbers. They were very complicated, so I suggested she jump on this for the price!
I had to stain this indoors, but first it needed a very quick sanding outside. After sanding, I used my dust brush to clear off the debris, then I ran inside—because it was soooo cold!
Jamie and I both like dark stains, but we decided that if the stain was dark it would be difficult to see writing on it. We settled on Minwax Golden Oak.
To highlight the numbers and the lines, I used a Minwax Stain Marker Dark Walnut
. It was very quick and easy. If you have any reason to touch up a piece of furniture, this marker would work great.
After staining, I let the growth chart cure outside because of the odor. Then I braved the weather to take a few pictures.
From what I hear, the growth chart was a big hit.
So, now you can DIY your own growth chart, like the one above--or grab one on HomeDepot.com and paint or stain it as you choose.
Either way, I’ve been hearing a lot about Sharpie Oil-Based Paint Marker
, they might be the perfect way to write on your growth chart.
Which would you prefer? Cheap, and DIY? or Spend a little more money and take the easy way out?
gail
Gail Wilson is the author and mastermind behind My Repurposed Life. She is obsessed with finding potential in unexpected places and believes that with a little hard work and imagination, any old thing can be made useful again, including herself!
Gail reinvented herself during a midlife crisis and has found purpose again. She hopes you will find new ideas for old things and pick up a few tools along the way.
Tracy Shudo
I was just at a baby shower for the first time in years and there was a wooden growth chart. it had babies name on it and it was not routed Lines looked like they were painted in black, then wood was stained in med natural, it also went to 5"6"" just in case I guess. It looked awesome. We have a door jam in our house with our sons height marked on it for 12 years of his life. I first used paper thing and cant find it now. He is 6'2" my Nephew is 6"5"
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
While it's nice, it does take away sales/income from crafters that sell this type of thing.
Patricia
Such a cute gift idea! I told you... I'm perusing your pages... and going to get busy for Next Christmas... so
Cheap and DIY is how I do it!
Patricia
Kristen
I love this more than my vinyl one...I just wish they made one that went to 6 ft or higher because we like to use it for our whole family and my husband is tall as are my littles!
Catherine
Oh that is SO cool! I want one!
Catherine
cassie
so wait, hd sells them already made?!?! that is awesome! love it!
Mindi
So cute! I love how it's routed and the stain marker was a brilliant idea! I have a router I really should try and use it more. As far as the growth chart goes I already have all the vinyl cut out and it's been two years and I still haven't put it together I am totally pathetic.
TRISH
I would take the easy way out...cause I couldn't make one of these if my life depended on it. Its cold here to. Tomorrow is going to be the coldest day we have had, down to 6 degree that night.
Korrie
What a great piece! I love that it is routed.
Anne@DesignDreams
Cute idea, I love that you routed the measurements. If only I could figure out how to use my router I'd be all set!!!
xox
gail@myrepurposedlife.com
Anne,
Nope, I didn't route this, it is available online at Home Depot. I would never attempt to do this with a router, I don't have enough experience.
gail
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
You could do it, Gail!
Julie @ follow your heart woodworking
You TOO, Anne!
Robin @ Redo It Yourself Inspirations
I'd take the easy way and stain the routed one if it is really cold! Lol, but would make one if I had to. The stain, vs. paint is better looking,kind of like old rulers. Love it!
Pinned to my Growth Chart Board 😉