Monday, October 31, 2011

Growth!

Before I even begin, I have to say, this is a great project for renters! A portable growth chart.

Honestly, I wish I'd thought of this sooner. Actually, I saw something similar on a blog, didn't mark it, but it stuck in my brain and I could never find it again. If it was you, let us know. :)
 
What's up with all the rambling today? I sure wish I'd just get on with it. ;)


Okay. After we bought the house, Matt wanted to mark the kids' height on the wall. So he did. This is what it looked like.
Um, yeah, kind of messy.


Sort of drove me nuts. But it was in pencil because we were never in full agreement as to where it should be done. That means it was easy to change.

This is jute webbing.


Used in upholstery.
I just held it up and decided how long I wanted it. I think I used about 2 yards. Maybe 2 1/2. I bought 3 to be on the safe side. It only cost $.99/yd. at Hobby Lobby.

On the top edge, I folded it over just a bit and hot glued it down so that there would be a little pocket for the hanging string.

On the bottom, I just folded it over and hot glued it flat.

I suppose you could add trim if you wanted. I like it simple.

I tied my string to a chopstick and threaded it through the pocket.

Untied it from the chopstick, tied a regular knot, then shifted it around so the knot and ends were hidden inside the pocket.

One little nail at the top for hanging, but then the end was all wiggly.
So one finishing nail at the bottom holds it down, and you can't see it unless you are looking.

Other options: use a little dowel in the pocket, or use a pretty ribbon. Instead of nailing the bottom, you could glue metal washers to the back at the bottom to hold it down.

So, then I just transferred the last measurements onto the jute. (We will do new measurements in January.)

We make the mark, then find out the measurement and label the mark with name, date, and height.


I used metal washers. I had intended to use the little tags with the metal edging, but I kept forgetting to buy them when I was out and about.


I love the washers, but I did add a couple finishing nails to the top since they are heavier than paper tags. I used floral wire to attach them.

If we move, we can take these memories with us. All we have to do is hang it up again, checking that one of the heights mark is at the right level.

And lest you think I get things right on the first try:


Front and back, lots of mess ups until I was satisfied.

This post may be linked at the following parties (for their Blog Buttons see my Link Love page): (M) C.R.A.F.T., Amaze Me Monday, Sumo's Sweet Stuff,  (T) A Little Birdie Told Me  Stories of A to Z, The Blackberry Vine, How To's Day , Type A, Amaze Me August, , Show Me What Ya GotOur Country Road (W) Wow MeBlue Cricket Design, What I Whipped UpWicked Awesome Wednesday, Sweet Peas & Bumblebees (TH)   Creative Juice, Thrifty 101 , Smilemonsters , Everything But the Kitchen Sink, Shabby Chic Cottage, Thrifty Thursdays, House of Hepworth's,  (F) Fingerprints on the Fridge, Furniture Feature Friday,  Lovely Crafty Weekend , Remodelaholic, For the Kids Fridays, , Craft Goodies, (Sat) Tatertots and Jello , Anything Goes , Funky Junk Interiors (Sun) Creative Blog & Hop, Sundae Scoop, Under the Table and Dreaming

7 comments:

  1. I love jute webbing! What an interesting use for it! Found you at CRAFT.

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  2. such a good idea! and you can keep it if you move! love it. thanks for partying with me!

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  3. Great idea...thanks for the specifics on where to get the jute...I had no idea!

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  4. Very neat idea!! We are renters and havent been able to measure kids lately.

    I'd love to have you link up to my party as well, Pinterest Tuesday. http://ourcountryroad.blogspot.com/2011/11/pinterest-tuesday-its-november-edition.html

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  5. Such a cute idea!! I love that you can take it along with you if you move

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  6. What a great idea - a growth chart that actually looks really good. Thanks.
    If you would like to join the link party while Our Country Road is having a break please join us at TODAY AT PLAY, from your newest follower in Australia.

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