A few years ago now, I saw a post from 517 Creations on making a Pottery Barn Inspired Growth Chart. I really liked this concept, not necessarily for the design, but for the thought that we could have a portable growth chart we could move, should we ever change Brielle’s room or if we ever moved to a new house. When Brielle was four months old, Derek and I revisited this functional nursery décor piece and got to work making one!
First up was a trip to Home Depot for a piece of wood. Derek spend some time sanding it down to make it nice and smooth. No rough edges for our baby! And yes, I know what you’re thinking. “Why is he outside sanding on two garbage cans when he has that beautiful garage to work in?” The boy doesn’t want to get it dirty! I don’t get it either! Isn’t that what it was for? Anyway, back to the project!
After two coats of white paint as a base, the blank canvas was ready for me! I spent one evening writing the measurements marks along the left edge and sketching a little scene along the right. I figured hot air balloons, kites, birds and clouds were pretty fitting for our little girl taking flight.
I used the paints left over from her canvases to keep the consistent color palette and spent a few nights on the kitchen floor dressing it up. At almost 8 months, we finally had an afternoon to hang the chart, putting it right next to her door when it’s opened.
I love how it turned out and how it serves as a functional piece of art for her room. Can’t wait to watch this little one grow tall!
Oh how tall is she, you ask? At 8 months she measured right below 26 inches. :)
See all the details of Brielle’s pink, grey and white nursery here!
UPDATE: I’ve since made two other growth charts using the same method!
An Under the Sea themed design for Hailey’s nursery
And a construction truck themed design for my nephews, also used for their name announcement prior to Jared’s arrival!
And this cute butterfly design I made for a friend!
So cute! And the nursery is adorable! I’ll have to make my own growth chart now :)
Awe thanks! I’d love to see it, if you make one!
That is such a cute idea! Love it! :)
did you use paint to mark numbers or something else?
I first drew everything out in pencil. Then, yes, I painted over them with a thin paintbrush. I’m sure you could easily use a paint pen or something that doesn’t bleed on porous surfaces.
Hi! I love this idea and am thinking of combining your seahorse/nail idea with a growth chart. Do you mind telling me what the dimensions of this chart were? I’m trying to get an idea of how wide it is. Thanks!
Sure! It’s 9.25 inches wide. I actually used one long cut of wood to make both this growth chart (https://spotofteadesigns.com/2016/03/sea-nursery-seashell-growth-chart/) and this nail art piece (https://spotofteadesigns.com/2015/09/under-the-sea-nursery-seahorse-string-art-with-free-printable/)!
PS if you do make this, I’d love to see! I’m always looking for submissions in my annual Reader’s Feature! :)
What are the exact board measurements? Also how did you hang it on the wall?
It was 9.25″ inches wide (a standard board size if I remember) and 54 inches tall. I started it at around 19″. I honestly don’t have a good answer on how we hung it. My husband did it but I know he secured it on more than a standard nail so the kids couldn’t get it off.