We are always keeping our eye out for creative kid/toddler gifts that aren't toys and clothes. Things that the parents won't hate you for getting (lights and sound toys....those are the worst) but are still technically for the kid. I think this canvas growth chart is perfect for a 2 year old, because they still are more excited for the box than what is in the box...but Lorelai loves little things like this. They get to be measured, told how "big" they are-- and have something new to hang in their room.
If you've sewed a pillow, you can make this canvas grown chart. If you haven't you can still make it, no problem!
Here's what I love about this one, the portability and durability. I've seen large wood ones (where are you storing these??) I've seen paper or vinyl sticker ones which are screaming to be broken/torn. Growing up we measured our growth in the doorway of my closet, which is so cute, but of course had to paint over it when we moved from the house that we lived in for 20+ years. How cool would it have been to have this when I was little, and then I could have measured Lorelai against my own growth. I like that it can be generational, moved, and rolled up for storage. Plus you can get creative, write facts, draw pictures or even safety pin little momentous to it.
Supplies
1. Fabric Paint - $1.50
2. Sponge brushes - $1
3. 2 yards of fabric (a canvas, duck fabric is ideal. I've seen this with burlap as well) - Mine was $6 for 2 yards
4. Number stencils- $3
5. Matching thread ($1)
6. Yard Stick or tape measure
7. Ironing board and iron
Total cost for 2 charts: $12.50 ($6.25 each)
Depending on the width of your desired growth chart, you can easily make 2 of these. You'll see that with ours I made one fat and one skinnier one.
What did I do? Basically make a giant long pillow. Two strips of fabric that you sew around the outside, leaving enough space at the bottom to flip inside out. Then flip inside out and iron it really well to make it flat. Ta-dah you have your base of the ruler.
If you have a cutting machine (cricut etc.) now is the time to use it! You can cut out your stencils for the numbers, but also I would have loved having the stencil for the tick marks too. If you make a foot of tick marks, you can move it down the line as needed, which would make it look awesome and prevent you from measuring. I took a tape measurer and marked in pencil each of the marks, then black fabric paint and your stencils...and you're done!
I measured about 6 inches off the ground, which means I started my tick marks at 6 inches. I didn't plan on this reaching all the way to the ground due to molding. So when you go to hang, you'll measure 6 inches from the floor then line up the bottom of the growth chart and hang.
Comments