We've seen oversized rulers as growth charts on Apartment Therapy before. Seeing other oversized measuring devices being used for growth charts is also tickling our fancy. We think they are just the right amount of quirky mixed with a healthy dose of vintage to be both a functional and fun element in a kid's space.
BUY:
1. Brimfield Growth Chart ($37) by KimsSister
2. Oversized Ruler Growth Chart ($70) by Dear Lillie
DIY:
3. Giant Tape Measure by Cathe Holden on The Stir
4. Make A Free Growth Chart With Coffee Grounds by Charles & Hudson
(Images: credited above)
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I love this trend. We did a mix of buy and DIY. I bought a vinyl decal for the ruler markings and mounted it to a wooden board and fastened to the wall with finish washers. I shared the whole tutorial for my semi-DIY version: http://www.tealandlime.com/2011/10/ruler-growth-chart-tutorial/
I just love how timeless this look is. It will always look great even as decor changes around it.
I love ours too, it's the brimfield one off etsy, but I wish I saw the DIY links first as it constantly comes out of the little slide holder at the top, admittedly usually assisted by a 3 year old, but I think they are pretty standard around growth charts. I think the length s just too much weight for the holder.
We bought the vinyl decal and bought a piece of wood. It was super fast and, for me, totally worth it. It was so easy and if I did it myself I'm sure I would have made plenty of mistakes.
I bought this one from Studio 1 a.m. a couple of years ago and love it.
http://www.studio1am.com/shop/measure_me_stick
We bought this DIY decal and followed the seller's instructions for buying the piece of wood at a hardware store. It looks excellent, was easier than I imagined, and is much cheaper than buying a pre-made wood one.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62356748/ruler-growth-chart-vinyl-decal?ref=sr_gallery_3&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_ref=auto&ga_search_query=ruler+growth+chart&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade
I do really like the Brimfield canvas one too. It would be much easier to move from one wall to another or one house to another, but I also like the warm feel of the wood ruler.
My aunt made me one for our recent baby shower... Can't wait to start marking my twin boys on it!
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/418120_10151229303025029_668505028_22865632_715914860_a.jpg
Thanks for sharing my FREE measuring tape growth chart! I've moved the PDF files to make uploading much more convenient than before. You can find them here:
http://justsomethingimade.com/2010/02/vintage-measuring-tape-growth-chart-free-download/
We have the Brimfield one too. It is lovely and came beautifully packaged. We do have the same issue as the earlier poster: It slides out of the holder. But still no regrets. It's fun and can travel with us from home to home.