Ruler Artwork & Family Keepsake

I love today's project. I found the idea/inspiration on Pinterest (shock, I know) and knew that I could make it for less than the hefty price tag on it.

My kids are growing like weeds. I swear the boy has grown 4 or more inches since the summer, the girl has grown a bit too and I'm trying to capture as much of their growing as possible. We move around a lot, so the whole tradition of scratching into a doorway's trim their height and dates isn't a feasible option to keep track of their growth. Also, they are very competitive with "who's taller?" even though they are 3 years apart in age, so this project is perfect. :)

Here is the inspiration here and she found them here. So, an idea popped into my head, I can make this myself for a whole lot less- and get a piece of art for the wall with the bonus of capturing the kids' growth. :) Yay!

Here it is. My version of the previous two links. I love the way it turned out.


Ignore the dog's food bin in the picture- we have a 200# mastiff, and this is the only thing that he can't get into and eat his food! ;)

The cost for this project was about $10- but you could do it for less if you have some of the supplies on hand; which I did, so it only cost me $6.

What you will need:
1) 1" x 8" x 6' board- I bought mine at Home Depot for $6
sandpaper
stain- left over from Oregon Art project
paint
brushes for stain and paint
sealer
stencils (optional)
picture hanger- bought these at Hobby Lobby- left over from Oregon Art project


Step 1: Sand your board- if desired. Mine had some rough edges and a stamp on it from the manufacturer on the side I wanted to use for my ruler.

Step 2: Stain board to desired depth of color. I ended up doing 2 coats for mine. Let cure. Mine took a couple of days because the weather was cold/rainy/damp for a few days after I began the process.

Step 3: Since my board is 6' long (Actually measured it at this point and it was 73" instead of 72"- so measure your board in case yours is off too. You could cut off an inch or so to make it 6' or you could leave it. Either way, it works.) I decided to make my tick marks at 2" intervals.

Step 4: I began my measurement with the bottom of the board is 6". The reasoning behind this, is because I will hang the ruler 6" from the ground, so starting from 0" would be unnecessary. So, the first tick mark is 8", second 10", third 1', etc.

Step 5: Decide on length of tick marks for varying heights. I ended up making my full foot measurements 3 3/4" long, 1/2 foot was 2 3/4" long and the remaining were 1 3/4" long. If this isn't clear, check the picture. :)

Step 6: Stencil in your numbers for the full foot measurements. Or you can skip this step if you are going to just paint them free-hand.

Step 7: Paint your tick marks and numbers. Let dry.

Step 8: Seal with acrylic sealer. Do this in a well ventilated area. I ended up with a headache from this and I did it in my garage. If you can do this outside- I would recommend that. :)

Step 9: Position your wall hanger on the back of your ruler, 1" from the top of your board.

Step 10: Hang on your wall- if you are using a 6" one that is actually 73" like mine is, I put the nail in at 6'6" so it lines up correctly.

That's it! :)

Enjoy your new art piece that will capture your kids' growth throughout the years- maybe even your grandkids too. :)

Dough Ornaments

Today's project was inspired by the cookie baking going on in our house. :) This project does have quite a bit of "down time" between steps; so it can easily be done over two days or early in the morning and then finished later that afternoon.

The dough can be eaten but it tastes really yucky, and I don't think your child will swallow any little bit that may happen to get in to their mouth.

Supplies:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup iodized salt

1 cup water

1 tablespoon canola oil (vegetable oil can be substituted)

Wax paper

Ribbons

Paints

Acrylic Sealer spray

Tools:

Rolling pin

Cookie cutters

Drinking straw

Paint brush

Pre-Heated oven at 200 degrees F

Step 1: Mix flour and salt together, until well combined. I used my stand mixer with the paddle attachment. If you don't have one, you can use a large bowl with a regular electric mixer or you can do this by hand.

Step 2: Slowly add oil to mixture of flour and salt.

Step 3: Slowly add the water to the flour, salt and oil mixture. It will start to look like little peas, and then it will bind together and make a big mass.

Step 4: Let the dough rest in the fridge for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Place dough between wax paper and roll to 1/4" thick.

Step 6: Use your cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes.

Step 7: Use your straw to make a hole at the top of your shape to hold ribbon later. (You can also use the end of your paintbrush.)

Step 8: Bake ornaments in oven for 2 hours (or until completely dry- will depend on your thickness and size of ornament.)

Step 9: Let ornaments cool completely.

Step 10: Paint your ornaments how you like! :)

Step 11: After ornament's paint is completely dry; spray with acrylic sealer to preserve ornament.

Note: An adult should do this step because of the fumes. Please do this step outside or in a well ventilated area to prevent injury.

Step 12: Thread ribbon through hole at top and tie knot for hanging.

That's it!! :)

December Blog and Challenge

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday filled with family, friends, good food, and memory making!

My goal for the month of December is to post at least one new craft idea each day up until Christmas Day. So you will have lots of choices for your holiday and many options to create a present that can be both a keepsake and memory for your family. :)

I welcome any and all questions from you; if something isn't quite clear, or if you would like to ask "what can I/you make with these items I have around the house?" then pass them on to me. I will try to answer all of your inquiries and questions as soon as possible, if I get too many, then I will answer them in the order I receive them. :)

Have a great day, and I look forward to sharing ideas with all of you this holiday season! :)