The Wall Ruler

Create a visual keepsake of your growing children. This is easily removable if you relocate and can fit in with any decor.

Step 1: Get a Good Ole' Piece of Rustic Wood

Of course you could use new pine at the local big box store, but I love the rustic look. I found this door at the landfill and brought it home. I took it apart and used one of the planks for the wall ruler.

Step 2: Decide How High You Want to Place the Ruler on the Wall

You want your measurements to start exactly on the floor, since your child will be standing on it. :) Chances are, you won't be able to get the ruler all the way to the floor, as baseboard and heaters can get in the way. So, measure up the wall to where you want to start your ruler, and that is where you will begin writing the measurements on the wood. For example, I placed my ruler 4" off the floor. So my ruler markings started at 4".

Step 3: Add the Ruler Markings With a Permanent Marker

For this step, you need a ruler, carpenter's square, black paint and a permanent marker. I decided that my "feet" markings were going to be 2.5" long, my 6" markings, 2" long, 3" markings 1.5" long, and all other markings 1" long. Decide for yourself how you want your "ruler" to look. Next, I took a ruler and made pencil markings every 1" up the side. When finished, I used a carpenter square and marker to draw in my lines at their appropriate length. To add the numbers, I just printed them on paper, rubbed charcoal pencil on the back, and traced over them to create and outline. Fill them in with your marker.

Step 4: A Keepsake for Life

My little guy is happy to have a visual of his growing height. And I love the rustic look. It's a win for everyone. :)