It's been a while since I was asked to create custom growth charts and I've missed them. I love creating these small projects and especially ones that I know will be treasured for years to come! I know that personally.....our growth chart in our laundry room is somewhere all the kids love to gather and see how much they've grown. It is my hope that these particular growth charts will offer the same sense of nostalgia for other families. I also hope that you will be inspired to create one of your own...maybe like these castle growth charts.
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The Design Plan!
Today's growth charts are based around the fairytale vibe....and my inspiration for both started with the fairy door by WoodUBend. One is for a little girl and is clearly feminine....and the other is for a brother and a sister (my own grands) so I aimed at keeping it neutral.
Castle Growth Chart Prep
I purchased the boards at my local Home Depot and they are the 6 in. x 6 ft. size. I primed both boards with a single coat of Boss White....just to make sure the pine knots didn't seep through the paint over time....because they will! I then glued on each fairy door at the base of the boards......using Tite Bond wood glue (which takes just seconds to adhere)....and my heat gun. I then coated each board in a single coat of DB Silk paint in Salt Water.
PRO TIP: If you don't yet have your hands on Dixie Belle's silk paints, the comparable color in the chalk mineral paint would be Fluff.
Gray Castle Growth Chart
I drew my large cobblestone bricks by hand with pencil. I then began shading each brick with a small brush and Silk Wharf (the deep gray) and Endless Shores (the off-white).
Note: The color match in chalk paint would be Manatee Gray and Drop Cloth.
I used Wharf to paint the fairy door. I then shaded around the door in Best Dang Wax Brown.
Pink Castle Growth Chart
I used a stencil that had the smaller formed bricks/damask pattern and used Silk in Conch (pink), Endless Shores (off white), and Wharf (gray) to give the mottled brick appearance.
Note: The chalk paint match would be Tea Rose, Manatee Gray, and Drop Cloth.
I then painted the door in Conch and added the adorable crown for that princess punch!
What I did next is my favorite part! I had a large bag of broken WoodUBend pieces that I've been saving.
PRO TIP: Keep your broken WoodUBend bits! There will be a time where you can use them all together in a wonderfully creative way.
I pulled them together to create a growing vine up the side of the pink castle wall!!
I painted them in Salt Water....heated and glued them in place.....and gilded them with the beautiful Gold Gilding Wax by Dixie Belle.
I also used the gold gilding wax to highlight the door and crown as well.
I wanted numbers that were 4" in height and I did not have a set of number stencils that size. And no.....I don't do the Cricut thing.....just don't have the patience.
So I printed out a set of numbers that matched the font I liked....and were 4" tall. I then used this old fashioned copy technique that works wonders for "simple process people" like myself!
I traced the back side outline of the number with a pencil. I then laid it where I wanted the number....and used my pencil to color on the front side of the number. I then lift the paper and the outline of the number is there!!! I then just painted the number!
See more of my tips and tricks for adding beautiful and creative fonts to your pieces in my Hand-Lettering Tutorial HERE.
I painted the gray castle numbers in Silk Anchor (black)....or chalk paint match is Caviar. Pink Castle numbers are in Wharf (gray)....or chalk paint match is Manatee Gray.
I used these same respective colors to paint the names on/above each door.
And that is it!!!
There is no need for a top coat as Silk has a built-in topcoat. Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints also self-seals in 30 days....so if you choose to use the chalk colors you don't need to topcoat either. But if you'd like to......I'd recommend the Clear Coat in Satin.
I am so pleased with both of the castle growth charts!
They have been passed on to the families.....and are being adored and enjoyed as I type this blog....and that is such a good feeling!
More Growth Chart Inspiration
This isn't my first growth chart rodeo! I have been making these over the years and it's such a joy to customize for each child. Here are other growth charts for inspiration. You can click on any link below for additional photos and detailed instructions. Don't miss my favs... llama growth chart and the ostrich growth chart!
Llama growth chart - bright fun boho vibe
Two growth charts in one blog - but of course...you need an regal flamingo AND cooky ostrich!
See you next week!
XOXO,
Tracey
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