Build and paint: butterfly growth chart
A friend requested this growth chart for her daughter Molly.
This growth chart has spots to mark her height as she grows and picture holes:
The butterflies are wood cutouts adhered to MDF board:
Oval picture holes provide a visual reminder of Molly at that height:
Each hole has a plastic sleeve on the back to hold the picture:
Here’s how I made the growth chart:
1. I started with a sketch:
The actual dimensions are 41″h x 7″w.
2. Using 1/2″ MDF mark out 41″h x 7″w including clouds that stick off the sides.
Then use an oval template for each picture hole:
3. Layout wood butterfly cutouts to be sure everything fits good and no picture holes are covered by butterflies:
4. Cut out using jigsaw.
Then begin cutting out oval picture holes with a spade bit making a circle hole at each top and bottom:
5. Secure each large butterfly from the back with glue and 3/4″ wood screws countersunk:
6. Then glue on the small thin wood butterflies:
7. Chaulk around the large butterflies for seamless look:
8. Prime:
9. Paint.
I used all acrylic craft paints.
10. Mark off measurements and add lines and numbers with black paint:
11. The antenna are made from colored beading wire, 24 gauge:
12. Make a hole for the wire with a thick straight pin:
13. Apply E-6000 adhesive to end of wire and insert into hole:
14. Curl ends of antenna by wrapping around a pen:
15. The photo holders are plastic 4″ x 6″ sleeves:
16. Trim off the sleeve excess and apply E-6000 glue around edge then adhere to back of board:
Then add sawtooth hanger:
Be sure to hang at the correct height off the floor for accurate measurements!
Suzanne@Meridian Road says
I think this is one of the cutest growth charts I've ever seen! You did a great job on it. I love that you added those cutouts for photos.
freckled laundry says
So cute, Jaime!
Julie says
So super cute and very well thought out! New GFC follower from The Sunday Showcase.
Hope you'll come check out my blog sometime! 🙂
http://blog.organizedtomorrow.com
Have a great week! 🙂
Julie @ The Path to an Organized Tomorrow
ellienix05 says
I would like to buy one! Don't have the time to make one! Can they be purchased? 🙂