Giant Ruler Growth Chart Tutorial :: Via The Photographer's Wife

I recently received an email request for one of our giant growth chart rulers who mentioned seeing a great tutorial on The Photographer's Wife blog.  Without hesitation I ran aka typed really fast to check it out.  

The first thing I noticed when I got there was that I had been there before looking at other project in the past.  How awesome that we are now a part of the wonderful tutorial posts there!?!

Below is a cut & paste (with permission) of the wonderfully done tutorial post. Please be sure to also go pay The Photographer's Wife blog a visit and check out more tutorials and great parenting posts.

----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*----*



We liked the idea of tracking Trent’s height growth throughout the years, but since we might not be in this house forever, we didn’t want to track it on a wall that we would have to leave behind if we moved.

So we decided to make our own growth chart ruler that can go with us wherever we go! And it fit perfectly with our theme for his nursery, too!

Brett searched “growth chart ruler” on Etsy and came across a custom vinyl decal from Ten23Designs. [you can also go to her website to order it HERE] 

The decal is 6 feet tall and can be ordered in a variety of colors. When we ordered, there were different measurement options, so we made sure to specify that we wanted it in inches. Personalization is free, so we specified in the comments of the order that we wanted his name, Trent, printed too!

The decal arrived in 4 separate sections. Brett purchased a 6 ft. tall x 9 in. wide x 1 in. deep piece of wood…no need to cut it.

Place the decals where you will end up sticking them, making sure that your measurements line up. Only a half a foot will be at the bottom, since you will end up placing the bottom of the ruler about half a foot off the ground when you hang it on the wall.

It may be easier to cut the decals into smaller sections, so they are easier to work with. Peel off one side of the decal backing and stick the decal onto the wood and press down firmly,smoothing it out.

You may also benefit from a furry DIY helper nearby.

Slowly peel back the other side of the decal backing, leaving just the decal itself. By peeling slowly, you can catch any wrinkles before peeling too far.

Do this for all the sections and the name!

Spray several coats of clear coat onto the front and sides to give it that somewhat shiny, finished look. We used Valspar Clear Sealer Gloss. Let dry between each coat.

 

Screw on a mounting hook to the back of the ruler towards the top.

Place two felt pads on the back of the ruler towards the bottom, so it will rest firmly against the wall.

Hang onto the wall, making sure to line up the measurements from the ground (the 1 on the ruler will measure 1 foot off the ground).

Now, you’re ready to track your child’s height and don’t have to worry about leaving those memories behind if you move!

Workshop Conversion Project :: Part I

My husband and I have been slowly working on our workshop conversion project.  Parting ways with something things I have been holding on to was a little hard at first but once I saw the potential of the workspace and how much each it made organizing the wooden monogram and custom laser cut orders it was all worth it.

This morning we hung up peg boards and hooks to hang the wooden monograms and laser cuts.  Of course I had to paint them our signature lime green.  Organizing them but size, type and rush orders will really help the work flow.  I am exciting about what else is to come.  If you know of any other good workshop organizing ideas, feel free to share below.

{Introducing} Quartrefoil Pattern Vinyl Wall Decal

I have gotten enough custom requests for quartrefoil pattern vinyl wall decals that it's time to add it to my product line and post on my website.  I have seen uses such as wedding reception flower vase wraps, wall paper and lining cabinets... and I've loved them all. 

Last night, in honor of celebrating the new product to the collection, I decided to do my own quartrefoil vinyl decal project... which just happened to be on my DIY home decor project list for over a year now.

I've been wanting to do my kitchen back splash for quite some time now and last night, the opportunity of 20 minutes of free time presented itself.

BEFORE

AFTER

 

I have always said that a small decal can make such a BIG impact on a room and here is a prime example.  I just love it.  I even smiled when I walked into the kitchen this morning and saw the quartrefoil pattern vinyl wall decal greeting me.

To make it easy to install myself, I just used 3 pieces of the quartrefoil pattern vinyl wall decal and lined them up on the wall.  That way I wasn't working with one huge, harder to manage piece.

So what do you think?

Monogram Boots... Yes please!

I think Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon said it best, "if it's not moving, monogram it!"

During the month of February, and all times thereafter, I am adding monogram decals to all things still... starting with my boots!

Next up... my car! My car? Yup, my car!! Stay tuned!!

A Date To Remember...

Lately I have been seeing so many cute DIY Family Birthday Boards on Pinterest.  Being that I have an awful memory, especially with dates, I just knew I needed to make one.

I bought a 5.5" x 24" board from Home Depot and spray painted it black.  Next I added a vinyl decal I made with "Dates to Remember" and the months... and then took a pack of wooden circles I painted various colors and added the special dates to.  I attached all of the circles with jump rings and hung from an eye hook at the bottom of the wood.

Easy Peasy!!!  Want to make one?  I can supply the decals... you supply the hardware and time.

Now it all makes sense...

No fireplace? No problem!! Elves Only Access Doors explains one of life's greatest mysteries... how does the elf get in the house?

A Place For Everything...

...and everything in it's place.

I am still working towards my goal of being completely organized. Yesterday, I saw this great pin on Pinterest and adding to my project list to help me on my organization mission.

Here is my own take on the project... with decals of course!

I took a solid black bucket, a chevron pattern decal I cut and the word MAIL, also a decal I cut.  Before I go any further, let me first tell you that the most difficult part of this project was selected the font for the word MAIL.  

I added the chevron pattern decal first...
 

Then added the MAIL decal...

 ... and viola!!!

  

 I think it makes a nice touch... what do you think?

Trunk or Treat 2011 :: Angry Birds Edition

...another trip down the Halloween memory lane...

The time: 2011

The place: The Donia (our church)

The setting: Trunk or Treat

The game :: ANGRY BIRDS

Let me start by saying that I seriously think my son (13 at the time) and I had as much fun putting this all together as the kids had playing it.

The game was completely interactive with the ANGRY BIRDS bouncing all over the place.  It was a lot of fun.

We used small "kick balls" for all of the green pigs and Angry Birds to launch.  I cut all of the Angry Birds on display out of poster board.  The "wooden" pieces are all spray painted boxes that I later actually used to ship orders.  We don't waste around here!

A Spooky Halloween Upcycle Project

Salsa, pasta sauce, alfredo, dressing... oh my!!  Not such a great combo. Unless of course you are upcycling the jars to become a fun Halloween Spooky project!!

{Two years ago}

My son and I (mostly my son), added colored tissue paper to the OUTSIDE of the jars using mod podge.  I then added the spooky decal faces and the candles inside.  They have a fun glow to them.

{Custom Decals :: Party Edition}

A good friend of mine was throwing her soon to be 2 year old a Sesame Street birthday party at the hands on museum.  She found everything she needed except for the favor bags... decals to the rescue!!!

Count Your Blessings

Last October I wanted to make some sort of "blessing" board.  I wasn't sure what exactly I wanted to do but I knew I wanted to do something and have it ready by November... Well October rolled on by... and then November. 

I went with the dry erase method by using a glass frame.

It was pretty easy to make and has a lot of meaning... I like those kind of projects.

I started off with a 14" x 26" photo collage frame... and removed the collage mat from behind the glass.

I picked up some nifty beige burlap (I think that is what this is called) from the fabric store... with some extras to make a few extra and some cool decor projects.

I put the burlap behind the glass... which was the most challenging part of this project.

I cut a decal with "Count your Blessings" with numbers 1 - 10

And viola!

 

You can also replace "Count your Blessings" with another saying if you wish (ie; My Favorite Things, What's for Dinner?)

Someone recently asked me if I decal everything I come in contact with. To which I replied, "Of course not... but I do try!" 

I found this cute pair of rain boots at a kids consignment sale this weekend.  They were marked $4.50 with 50% off.  I just couldn't pass us the $2.25 deal... especially when they were just yelling, "Please decal me!"

I added a monogram decal to for my toddler daughter and even found a cute shirt that coordinates with them.  Now I just have to make her a personalized rain umbrella with these colors and she will be all ready to splish and splash in the rain!

If you have a pair of rain boots that you want to monogram, I would be happy to help you with a set of monogram decals. Just send me an email with the size you need, color and monogram (First, LAST, Middle)... and if you would like a matching personalized umbrella, of course I would be happy to help you with that too!

 

 

Project : 7 of : 23

I have been working on this project for some time now... I had to do it little by little when I had time. The sad thing is, in total, it only took about 30 minutes of my time from start to finish.  With my son growing SO quickly, I had to hurry up and get this one done!

So without further adieu, Project : 7 of : 23

I started with a raw piece of lumber from Home Depot and painted it white. (I took a photo of the wood before I painted it but accidentally deleted it AFTER I painted... can't go back and start over on this one.)

I brushed 2 coats of white paint with a white paint brush.  I wanted to the wood to look kind of aged, but not distressed.

I have NO idea why this photo keeps posting sideways... so just tilt your head while looking at it.

Next I designed the ruler markers on the computer and cut them as a decal.

I used a tape measure next to the wood as I applied the decal just to make sure I was staying on track, even though I designed the decal with exact measurements.  

 

...and viola!!! A giant ruler in my hallway.  I anchored a wall between the kiddos rooms.

As soon as I stepped back from it after putting it up on the wall, my 2 year old ran over and stood in front of it with her back against it.  How she knew what it was for was beyond me... and when my son woke up this morning and saw it, his first instinct was to measure himself too.   Gotta love it!

Project : 4 of : 23

I am really knocking out projects with my project of projects, Project :: 23

Who would have thought that me posting this idea on my blog would keep me so motivated.  Maybe I should start posting all my to-do list type stuff on here.

Today I knocked out Project 4... although I have been working on it for several days here and there.  I am planning on turning a wall in one of my hallways into a mini museum with my children's artwork. My son is now 13 and I have a large storage container filled with his toddler - kindergarten artwork.  My 2 year daughter is also a little artist.

One thing I thought about adding to the museum wall was some information about them. I decided to make a "stat plaque" for each of them...

 

So without further adieu, Project : 4 of : 23

 

Project : 2 of : 23

I am steadily working on my project of projects, Project :: 23

This morning I completely Project 2 and it was super easy and even cheaper than easy! I saw this great project on the Choose to Thrive blog back in may and new I wanted to make my own this Autumn.  

So without further adieu, Project : 2 of : 23

The project only cost me a couple of dollars... and that was for the vinyl lettering I made. My neighbor was ever so kind to supply me with the brown bottles and the straw looking stuff was picked from a bush outside. I was going to use wheat but wanted to try this first... being that it was FREE. 

The niche it is sitting in is such a shallow shelf that I usually have trouble finding things to fit it.  I think this is just right for the season.

Project : 1 of : 23

Last week I decided that I am going to spend this year (from my birthday October 23rd, yesterday - to October 23rd 2012) with a goal... to complete at least 23 DIY projects. I have dubbed this challenge,  

Project :: 23

So without further adieu, Project : 1 of : 23

I picked up this metal sign last year just after Halloween. It was about 75% off along with the rest of the Halloween clearance at Joanns.  I painted over the seasonal sign with black craft paint and then added the verse (vinyl decal I made).  I bought the 2 frames and painted them black too.  Then printed the photos off on the computer.

The ribbons came from my stash. I glued the black with white trim ribbon to the olive green ribbon to give it a little more character. I made the two little bows and glued them to the frames. After I added the ribbon bow to the top, I let me 13 year old son decide where it should be hung on the wall. He picked a space near the hallway where his room and his sister's room it.

Project : 1 of : 23 - COMPLETE!

{Real Wedding} Getting Married ---> This Way!

Creative clients are always fun to work with.  They come with all types of ideas and projects that even make me excited on being a part of the project.  A very creative client of mine, Ina, came to me a few months ago with a few great home decor projects (will get to those on another post).  After those, she came back for more decals for yet another project... for her wedding. 

She made these two signs by adding our decals to wooden arrow signs.  They turned out great!

Counting Down...

I love a good countdown. Those last few numbers always bring such a fun rush.  The only thing I can think of that is more fun than shouting out a countdown, is being able to see the numbers decreasing!  Hmm... I think we need a countdown board.  But to countdown what... to countdown just about anything and everything! 

5

4

3

2

1

Introducing our new countdown decal kits. Each Countdown Decal Kit includes 1 chalkboard circle, 1 "days until" and 1 line

 

Kits are currently $3 each OR 4 for $10 however this pricing is for a limited time.  Why am I offering them for so little? Because the more countdowns the merrier and these would be great holiday gifts.  Oh and don't forget about the teachers.  How fun would it be to do a countdown to summer vacation?!?

Email me @ designedbylauren@yahoo.com to order