Giraffe Growth Chart

Follow a child's growth with a whimsical chart.

1"x10"x6' and 1"x4" pine boards
circular saw
jigsaw
straightedge
pencil
sandpaper
primer
latex satin paint

Steps:

1. This pattern is basically copied off the baby's comforter purchased for the room. Measure 18 inches up from the base and make a slight curve to come toward the center of the board, and then start the neck, which is five inches wide. Draw the neck using a straightedge and go up about 42 inches. Then draw the head, which measures 12 inches in height. The head is basically an oval with the antlers added on top. Cut this pattern out using a jigsaw. Make sure to go slow around curves and tight spaces so the blade doesn't bend. Sand the edges using 120-grade sandpaper.
2. Using satin finish paints, paint both sides of the body first then add simple details like spots, eyes and a happy grin with coordinating colors (match the colors and shapes used in the comforter).
3. The base is a piece of 1x10 board cut to 18 inches in length (this will be attached to the growth chart from the bottom). Cut a triangular piece that will be used as a back support for the chart. Using 1x4 about 12 to 18 inches long, cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite center. Paint both of the pieces in the same color as the body of the giraffe.
4. On the bottom side of the base, measure in from the short end the same length as the short side of the triangular back support. Here is where the giraffe will be located. Make a line to mark where the screws should be placed to hold the giraffe onto the base (have someone help to hold the giraffe perpendicular to the base along the screw line). Using drywall screws, attach the giraffe on the right side of the base with the screws coming up from underneath. Set him up and center the triangular support on the base and on the back of the giraffe. Attach with drywall screws from the triangle's angled edge into the back of the giraffe, making sure to start low enough that the screws don't come through the front. Then attach the base from underneath as well.
5. The last thing you need to make this a true growth chart is something to measure with. Purchase a fabric tape measure and attach it with a staple gun to the center of the giraffe's body and neck (put staples about 12 inches apart). Just make sure to leave enough room on either side of the tape to mark the child's height and the date.

Note: Don't be afraid to be creative and make designs of your own. How about a huge smiling sunflower for a garden theme room or an astronaut for a space theme? The options are endless if you let your imagination go.