Growth Ruler

So, I know this isn't all that original, but I've seen this "ruler" floating around Pinterest and I've decided to make my own. It's a 1 or 2x6 that is painted with numbers and tic marks to look like a ruler. But it is about 6 feet tall, and mounted on the wall and can be used to creatively chart your children's growth and stages. Some have mounted 4x6 framed pictures on the wall beside the ruler of the kids @ each mark/stage. It's a clever sort of timeline.

I found a 2x6 that was 7 feet long, cut it down (using a combination of a miter saw and hand saw) and pulled out the sander. I had found some cans and samples of "mis-tint" paint at Lowes for $5 and $1, respectively, and used a nice light grey to cover the wood. If I had stain, I might have used that, but I don't. I just finished painting the base coat when it was time to pick up my Kindergardener from school.

So, I set up the tape measure and marked the inches from bottom to top, paying special attention to the 1/2 foot (6") and each foot mark. Starting from the bottom, I painted the tick-marks, making the 6" and foot marks more bold than the rest. Now, here is the part you have to pay attention: I placed the 1' mark @ 6"s from the bottom, and continued from there. The reason being that I can hang it 6" off the ground- for spatial/visual aesthetic, room for floor moulding, or what have you. So, the ruler will go from six inches up to six feet, six inches. Make sense? I am in the process of putting the numbers on, so I will post more pictures when I finish.

Home decor