DIY Oversized Ruler Growth Chart

First, let's start with a quick update. Haddie is rotten. Nothing new. She continues to grow, learn, and amaze me each day. The saying that "the days are long, but the years go quick, " could not be more true. Life is good lately. Summer is here. New relationships help the heart and the sanity. A fellow named Chris is responsible for that. And we can't forget Haddie's new best friend, Bristol, the golden retriever. I see a happy future in the works!

Alright. You know I love a great DIY! I love it even more when it's been forgotten on the to-do list and someone makes it happen. I had mentioned while cruising around Pinterest that I loved this project, and Chris took note. Haddie (and Chris) got me a board for Mother's Day. :)

I love the idea of this growth chart. It is charming enough for a kid's room, but sophisticated enough to display in the living area of the house. (Which is were mine is located). Plus, it is portable! We will not be living in our current location within a few years, and I don't want to lose those growth markings that would typically be on the door frame. And if you are stationed in your home permanently, then no worries about painting over during touch up or a remodel.

Before I got started, I chose a design and style that I liked. Some go for what looks like an actual giant ruler and some use colorful paint and decals to decorate the board. You can find many variations on Pinterest. I combined several components that I liked and created my own. I knew I wanted a rustic/distressed look, but I wanted a white surface instead of stained wood for better visibility on the markings. You will also need to decide how to number the measurement markings. Some different ideas include paint (my choice), vinyl, mailbox numbers, etc.

Based on my design plan, my supply list included:
a board (1″x8″x6′)
dark walnut wood stain
white paint
a multi-grit sandpaper pack
paint for measurement marks and numbers
number stencils
various sized paint brushes

I am the world's step by step picture taker, but the process is pretty easy. First, sand the board to make sure it is nice and smooth. I made sure all of the dust was blown away and stained the board using an old burp cloth by following the direction on the stain can. I did two coats because I wanted the rich color to come through for the distressed look. I let it dry overnight.

Next, I did one coat of white paint. I covered the entire board, but I didn't obsess over brush marks and complete coverage because I was going for a worn look. Because of the blistering heat and a single layer, the paint was drying fairly quickly. I decided to keep working. Using sandpaper, I began distressing the board. I focused on the edges and sides. Going with grain, I also chose a few interior places on the board. I went back and forth between sandpaper grit numbers. I sanded just enough so that the layer of paint was coming off and the stain could peek through. I think it is a good idea to work a little and then step back, so that you don't get too carried away.

Next, I made my measurement marks by laying the measuring tape down beside the edge of the board and placing a pencil mark for each inch. I used different sized marks for the inch, 6 inch and 12 inch measurements. Don't forget to leave off some room for the bottom. I began marking off my board at 9 inches because I wanted my board to have an 8 inch clearance from the floor. After all the pencil marks were made, I went back over the pencil with a dark brown paint. Once again, I wasn't going for perfection.

Next, I chose and downloaded a free font from DaFont. I created a word document and entered numbers one through six. I increased the size until my numbers were about six inches tall. Then I printed the document and cut out the numbers to make stencils. I like to think that may spatial awareness skills are pretty good, so I just eyeballed the placement of the numbers on the board. After some adjusting, I traced the numbers using pencil. Once the stencils were traced and removed, I painted in the numbers using the dark brown paint.

After the numbers were dry, I went back over board with sandpaper a few more times to give the measurement marks and numbers a worn look, as well. Then, I nailed a hanging bracket to the back and BOOM. I have yet to put any marks on the board. My plan is to measure her every six months. I am going to double check her measurements with the pediatrician at her next checkup before they are written in stone.

Not only are these great for your own home, but this would also be a great baby shower gift :) Thanks for stopping by!

One "Thrifty" Mama : JBF - Consigning

Check out the website here!

Hopefully, I piqued your interest with my last post about JBF. As promised, I have the inside scoop on how to get involved and make some extra cash. Who doesn't love a little extra money?!

All you have to do is sign up to be a consignor and start tagging. You can find all the details and become consignor on the JBF website (link is posted above). I am going to give you the quick and dirty version. I have a method for tagging that seems to work well. If I was a little less of a procrastinator, it would be even better!

As soon as Haddie outgrows something or I swap her closet over due to seasonal change, I put it in the consignment pile. I have two tubs: fall/winter and spring/summer. Some items can be sold in both sales, so those things go in the upcoming season sale pile. Because I do this, I don't have to hunt down or sort clothes once it is time to tag. Another thing I love about JBF is that you can enter tags at any time! In a perfect world, I would tag as I go. But in the procrastination that is my life, I wait until the last minute. Once your tags are entered, simply print them out. I place items on a hanger or in a ziploc bag, attached the tag, and place the items back in the bucket. All done and ready for drop-off!

A couple additional tips: ALWAYS save hangers. I find that if I save the hangers when I buy new clothing or after shopping at consignment sales, I don't need to buy any to prepare my items. Another tip is to check your clothing in a couple different types of lighting. I have taken things to consign that were covered in stains that I couldn't see in my home lighting.

Once your items are tagged, you wait for Drop-Off. There is usually a two day drop-off period. During Drop-Off, your items are inspected for quality. Inspectors are checking for holes and stains. They are also checking to ensure that your items have been properly tagged so you get credit for all your items that are sold. Recently, JBF has started a Perfect Consignor program. If you pass inspection with three or fewer unacceptable items and everything is correctly tagged, you get to bypass inspection during Drop-Off at future JBF events!

After Drop-Off, all that is left to do is sit back and wait. You can track items sold by logging on during the sale. You get a percentage of the total amount of all your items sold. This percentage can be increased even more by volunteering during the sale! At the end of the sale, you can pick up any unsold items or donate them to charity. Once the sale is over, it only takes a few days before time to pick up your check! Boom.

What could you do with that extra money? I plan to stock up on some great deals at JBF! I am on the hunt for some great play clothes, PJs, and an Easter dress.

Drop-Off for the Spring/Summer event ends tomorrow. But the great news if you can starting tagging for the Fall/Winter event now! Check back in a few days to see what deals I find!

  

One "Thrifty" Mama : JBF

Visit the website here!

If you haven't heard about Just Between Friends, affectionately known as JBF in the Consignment Mommies circle, then let me share! I pride myself in being crafty, but I am equally proud of another adjective: thrifty. One of my most favorite ways to be thrifty happens twice a year.

Just Between Friends (JBF) takes place at Camp Jordan in East Ridge, Tennessee. It is a week long consignment event where you can find gently used items local Moms have gathered up and are selling for GREAT prices. They have everything that you need to help you along your journey through motherhood from maternity clothing to school-aged children items. Clothes, toys, carseats/strollers, bedding, etc. You can find name brand and boutique items for almost 1/2 price!

 There are several ways you can get involved: shop, sell, and volunteer. There are great incentives for volunteers and consignors! I love to volunteer because it allows me to shop before the public. But most importantly, I get a preview of all the goodies! Consignors also get an early pass to shop. And who doesn't love making some extra cash?! The system for consignor tagging is very user-friendly and allows you to track how much you have sold throughout the sale.

I think my favorite thing about JBF is definitely the deals I get when shopping! I never worry about getting Haddie stocked up for the next season. I have found so many great deals, I can't even keep track. I think my favorite so far was last year's Easter dress. I found a beautiful Children's Place linen dress and I only paid $6! Score.

If you are someone you know has children is expecting a little bundle of joy, you don't want to miss out on these deals! If you want to make some extra cash, drop off takes place on Wednesday, March 12th and Thursday, March 13th. The PreSale for consignors and volunteers takes place on Saturday, March 15th. The Sale opens to the public on Sunday, March 16th through Friday, March 21st. On Saturday, March 22nd, many items go to 50% for even better deals!

To get involved with JBF and more detailed information about the Sale, make sure to check out the website here.

Check back in a few days for my post on how I make some extra bucks by consigning!