Sunday, August 1, 2010

Homemade Chore Chart

(click on pic for a close-up)

Well, I think most chore charts are homemade, and made out of desperation so that you don't have to keep repeating their chores every single morning. I suppose that's why I made this one.

I've been working on this board in my head for about 3 months now and there's so many components that I just couldn't get it all together. So thanks to my little sis, Ellen, who helped me synthesize my thoughts and get them out into real life.

I'm totally ecstatic with how this turned out! Not only does this thing track chores on a weekly basis, but it runs a tally of allowance and extra money that can be earned for doing crappy chores that I hate to earn money (aren't I smart?), and also good/bad behaviors and rewards/consequences for each. You can probably see why it took me so long to figure out how it would look.

The beauty of this board is that everything is removable and can be moved around. I changed my mind about vinyl and went with magnetized laminated words because realistically, I doubt this board will be in affect for more than a couple of years and maybe I can reinvent the board for Tink when she comes of age - the age when she can slave for me (yay!) As chores are completed, Bugs will just take a magnet and put it on the square for that day. I had to make all of those magnets! That was one of the most time consuming parts.

About the Naughty/Nice section, depending on the behavior, Bugs can take a Naughty/Nice dude out of the "or" box and place it in its appropriate box. When either box is full she will get either a reward or the consequence (there's only one: no TV = UTTER DEVASTATION). Do you like the Naughty/Nice dudes? Google eyes and green pom pon noses. So cute.

But here's the most awesome part of this board! I traded a friend of mine for a Cricut a few months ago and have used it a couple of times but always feel frustrated and limited by the expensive cartridges. So Ellen (yay Ellen) told me about "Sure Cuts a Lot" the software that lets you use whatever fonts you want to cut on your Cricut. So I hacked came across the software last night and spent the better part of several hours getting it loaded and figuring out how to use it. This software is amazing! And thanks also to Amanda at Fonts For Peas, I was able to use some extremely cute fonts for FREE. You need to check out her site. Tons of totally cute fonts that you can download for no cost (ok, thanks again to Ellen for telling me about it - I'm starting to wonder who I'd be without her!)

In actuality, this project ended up taking me most of the weekend so if I'm going to paint, it will be this evening, and I just might do it.

If you're interested in this project, I recommend you make a sketch of how you want it to look like. It helped it all come together. Oh - there's a dry erase marker with velcro wrapped around it that goes stuck to that little white patch on the bottom of the chart. Where did the pen go?

Happy Crafting!

p.s. If you like this board and would like the directions & supply information, please just post a comment with your email address and I'll gladly send them to you. The only caviat is that I have been inundated with requests so now I will charge for the directions. Please send $7 for the directions, supply list and word file with the templates for word strips and fonts I used although Sure Cuts A Lot is no longer available for use with the Cricut, to my utter devastation. You may Paypal to the_nielsens2000@earthlink.net. Thanks!

126 backward glances:

Anonymous said...

First, I want to say that I LOVE THIS CHART! I see that the weekly allowance is $2.00 is that only for the weekly chores? How does the fun money work...when they do those, what happens?

Also, for the Naughty/Nice bugs- does it start over every day or when it's full one way or the other?

Once again, such a great idea!

Amy said...

Thank you! I've been loving using it and it's been working out really well!

The $2.00 is strictly allowance per week and isn't tied at all to chores. Her chores are her responsibility for being part of the family. The fun money is if she feels like she would like to earn more. There are prices on the back of those chores that indicate how much more she can earn for doing various tasks. Then she moves those tasks over to the completed side and at the end of the week, we tally and I pay her the allowance plus extra tasks.

The Naughty/Nice is a cumulative thing. Once she gets all the sticks in either box, she either gets a reward or a consequence. It took her a few days to get them all in the Nice box and it's motivating so it worked great! Plus, the reasons why she'd get a naughty or nice stick are arbitrary so it's whenever I decide she deserves one. keeps her on her toes a little.

thanks again for your comment! it was crazy making it but very fun and so awesome now that it's done.

Anonymous said...

I love this chore chart I am going to make it for my children i been trying to find one but I could it find one that I like but I think I just found it thanks your a life saver

Shanah said...

Wow, this is such an awesome chart! I have been trying to find something that would work for my little girl. This gives me fantastic ideas. I must ask, where did you find your software? 3beats4me@gmail

Amy said...

Thanks for the comments! Shanah, the only software I used was for the fonts. And I used my cricut, using the software "Sure Cuts A Lot" so I could use the fonts on my computer to print the letters.

It was really easy. If you don't have a Cricut, you could easily just buy precut letters and apply them. Then you'd just mod podge over them to get a good solid stick.

Anonymous said...

How did you create the checker board?

Amy said...

it's just a laminated piece of scrapbook paper that I cut down.

Suzanne said...

Love this! Plan on using this fabulous idea for my daughter, she is also super excited about the "naughty or nice" guys. Thank you for sharing, I think this is really going to help us out.

Unknown said...

SOO cute! What is the back? Just a sheet of metal?

Camey said...

I love it! I want you to make me one..meaning I will pa you for it
This is Camey Sant

Amy said...

Wow - I've gotten tons of awesome feedback about this! Thankyou! I still love this chart and it's been working out great!

Camey, Oh my gosh - you flatter me! I would LOVE to make you one but sadly, right now I barely have time to do things I HAVE to do let alone things I would like to do. I'd be glad to send you the instructions and supplies but you're probably in the same boat. Let me know - I'd be glad to share :) I'm so happy about your twins - it's so great that worked out for you!

Amy said...

ps Whitney - sorry to not have responded earlier! Duh me! The back is a pre made magnet board that I bought at Roberts on sale (using their 40% off coupon) for about $25. that was the biggest expense.

NTN said...

I love this idea/board! Would love to get the how to/supply list if possible. I have been looking all over our area Dallas Texas and can't find a board like that. Hope to order online thru Roberts! Love all your ideas and blog...You're the best!

anja said...

HI, I love your chart board too and I am in desperate need of a flexible board for my daughter that went from the terrible 2's to the horrible 3's and no telling what the 4's will bring haha could I also get a supply list. I have no clue about this tyope of crafting but I am more than willing to learn!!!

Anonymous said...

This is awesome! How did you make the magnets? Are those the scrapbooking things that look like marbles?

I was Googling homemade chore charts, and your picture was the 1st to pop up--your site must get a lot of hits. :) I love the versatility that comes from doing it on a magnet board. Great idea!

erin said...

I would LOVE to have the instructions and the supplies. I am doing a craft project for our MOPS (moms of preschoolers) group and they have requested chore charts. This one is AWESOME. Can you send it to littlebitofthisandthat@gmail.com? Thanks a ton.

Lindz said...

Hi,
I found this chart by searching google.com and really LOVE it. If you by any chance have instructions on how to make it
can you send them to Heylindsey@gmail.com Thanks I would really appreciate it

shawna said...

Could you send me a supply list as well? Thanks! bmt268@gmail.com

shawna said...

Hi I LOVE this chart, could you send me a list of the supplies to! Thanks!

jewly said...

where did you get the magnet board?
jewly2@hotmail.com

lizzymomof3 said...

Love your chart! Currently I'm using one that is for all three of my kids combined (ages 11, 7 and 5), but I think I like the individuality of this one. Would love any directions/supply list you could send my way! Thanks!
barnettfamily5@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE your instruction guide for this project! Thank you so much for sharing all!

-Casey

Anonymous said...

Perhaps it might be easier for you to email the guides if I gave you my email address? :)

bookendboysplusaprincess@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

can you e-mail supply list and instructions
johnson.marie@sbcglobal.net
thank you :)

Anonymous said...

I would very much love a supply list & set of directions. I've been looking for a chart & behavior together idea that wasn't just a printout. Marinie472@yahoo.com....thanks in advance!

Anonymous said...

Super Cute Chart, please send me directions: smcottrell21@yahoo.com
thank you so very much

Anonymous said...

Hi! I just ran across your blog via Tip Junkie. I have 3 kids & would love to make 3 of these charts for them. Would you mind sending me info with directions & supplies? I would REALLY appreciate it!
Thanks!
Michelle
sullygirl810@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to make something like this for my 3 year old son. Can you send me a supply list and directions? You are very crafty!

Anonymous said...

Would love the directions and supply list.

robertjesscox@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Can I please get the directions.

cghilton@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Can I pleas get the instructions thanks julietoddakoda@msn.com thank you

Just Us said...

Hi there....what a gret chart...LOVE IT!! Could you please send me a supply list and direction as well. I am looking forward to getting started. Thanks for sharing.
afwiechert64@Hotmail.com.

Just Us said...

Hi there....could you please send me the instructions and supply list for this awesome chart please. Really appreciate it.
awiechert@peoplesmortgage.com.

SweetJules said...

I would love to learn the details about making this board.
julie.a.bj@gmail.com

Vince and Jaclyn said...

Hi! I would love to make this for my girls. Would you please email the details to me as well? Thank you!

bramble1996@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

This is my first time visiting your blog. Like some of the others, I googled home made chore charts and yours was the first to come up. As I read your entry, it was as if you were reading my mind and putting my thoughts onto paper. (Even down to doing chores because they are part of the family.) I bought the same board from Robert's last summer while we were visiting Utah with the intention of making a chore chart. I hadn't done anything with it yet because I wasn't sure how I wanted to execute it. Anyway, thank you so much for this post. Would you mind sending me instructions and a list of supplies? brookecastle at gmail dot com. Thank you so much!!

Anonymous said...

Hi, this is my first time to your site, and actually the first time to "post" on a blog. I am not sure that it went through when I tried to do it a minute ago...it asked for a gmail account? Anyway, LOVE your chore chart, exactly what I have been scheming in my head but didn't know where to start. Can you send me directions? thanks so much.
Amy Stouffer
ajstouffer@sbcglobal.net

Billie Jo said...

This is an amazing looking chore chart! I would love to have the instructions and supply list for this. I have 3 kids 10, 6, and 4 ugg and i have a great idea for how i would like to change the weekly chart to make it for 3 kids. my email address is strube98@yahoo.com im very excited to start this craft!

Brandy Bailey said...

This is so awesome!!! I would love to have the supply list and instructions! This is by far the best chore chart I have seen!!! My email is brandywbailey@gmail.com. Thank you so much!!

Anonymous said...

I love the idea and am having a hard time finding the products and I searched Roberts website as well! Please send me info: johnandkatiebrown@hotmail.com
Thanks!!

Saxon said...

I am absolutely in love with this idea!! I want to make this so bad and change it a little bit for a boy and for a younger age!! Can you please let me know what materials you used and where you got them!! Email me at saxongw@yahoo.com Thank you so so so much!!! :]

Anonymous said...

I loved your idea!!!! Will you please send me the instuctions also.
Thanks for sharing. dalessiogirls@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

please also send the directions to sashels@hotmail.com
Thank you!

A Mom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
A Mom said...

I love the versatility - well done! Can you send me a list of supplies and instructions? Thank you.

white_3rd@hotmail.com

Amy said...

Oh wow! This is what I need for my kids! Can you please send me the directions and what you used?
This is so awesome! Great job on creating it. you have such a great blog.
amymarlow26@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I would love to have directions and supply list. pamdalford@gmail.com

Sharing the Light said...

I would also LOVE the directions for this! It is exactly what I have been looking for. Thanks! sharlasnow@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Can you please send me the instructions and supply list. Thank you very much. It looks great!!!! Stielow34@bresnan.net

Emily said...

This is far better than any pre-made chore chart that I've come across. I'd love to get the supply list and directions. Thank you very much for sharing! Emilymjensen@gmail.com

k_hoffman said...

Love this!! Would love if you could e-mail me the info: krishahoffman.mk@gmail.com. Thank you!

Heather B. Farley said...

love this can you email me the instructions. heatherbfarley@gmail.com Thanks so much. This is perfect.

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy, Love this chore board. I have 3 boys and would love to make this for them. Can you please send me the instructions & supply list. I would like to get started on this by tomorrow. Thanks. nstly72@yahoo.com.

Anonymous said...

Amy, you are awesome!!! I love it. I am going to have to make 2. I have a girl and a boy. Or do you have any ideas on making one for both kids? I would love it if you could send me the instructions and supply list. My email is ginnyfitzhugh@yahoo.com

Smiles,
Ginny

Anonymous said...

I also love this idea!! I'm hoping to make one for my 4 kids.. May I get a supply list please? Also do you think I would need to make it bigger or add more things to it for all my kids? Thanks. ashleebgray@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy!

I love this board and would like to make one for each of my girls. Please send instructions :)

ddgermany@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I love this could you please send me the information to make this

Anonymous said...

Could you please send me the information to make this. It's what I've been looking for. Thank you.
Swissmiss832@msn.com

Anonymous said...

I would LOVE the supply list along with directions!

gadavefan@yahoo.com

lis said...

I would love supply list and instructions! Thanks :) summer2081@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing your fabulous ideas!! Please send supply list / directions to deborahstraka at gmail.com. Thank you!! :)

Anonymous said...

I just happen to be searching chore charts and came across this blog. I would LOVE a list of the supplies and directions. My kids are ages 7, 11, and 13. I have tried chore charts for years and none of them worked. If I don't at least try something very soon I am going to go insane. Do you have any good suggestions for the consequences? Do you have consequences for not getting daily chores done or just for things like not behaving, fighting with siblings, being rude (13 year old), etc.? any help would be so appreciated! My email is lindy.roberts@insightbb.com

Brandy Frazier Photography said...

I'd love to have your directions and supplies list! This looks like one that may actually work!! :)

Thanks!

momj3 said...

I would love a copy of how to make this chart!

Anonymous said...

This board is so amazing and individualized! I have 2 kids (boy and girl), would you keep this in their room or in a common area in the house? What are some examples of her regular chores and examples of her earning chores? I would love to have the supply list and directions on how to make this project. Thank you for such a creative solution!

Anonymous said...

Oops, I forgot to give my email address. kimberly.alvisi@gmail.com

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Awesome board! I'm crafty as well and prefer homemade things. I would love to see your instructions and supplies for this board.
Thanks! Amy
amyhalls@ymail.com

Tiffanyp3 said...

please please give me all directions and pieces you bought for this adorable chart! It's amazing!

Tiffany.park@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've had a chore/behavior chart in my head for 5 years. This has everything I've been wanting for a chart. Thank you so much! Can you please send me the detailed instructions? My email is dmgaran@cfl.rr.com

Brandi Pittman said...

Hi! I guess you are still reading these comments?? I would love the instructions for this chore chart!
brandi.a.pittman@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I've been searching the web for quite some time for a chore/behavior chart and I love your idea of his one :O) I know your are terribly busy, but if you could find it in your heart and have a spare moment, could you kindly e-mail me the supply list and instructions??? Thank you very much.
Naomi Alvarado

naomi_alvarado@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I am not sure if you are still checking in on this blog but I would so much appreciate the supply list for this project. I have been trying so many different chore charts and systems and I believe this is the one that would be great for our family. Thank you for such a great and creative project. Email: kimberly.alvisi@gmail.com

Farrer Family said...

I would love the supply list for this project! bargainshopper05@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hey,
oh my gosh i absolutely love this idea and want to make one for myself i wanted to just find out what you used for the heading? and also did u use a stencil for the sidelines in blue?

Anonymous said...

Awesome idea !! I would love the how-to please. Email is crystalwainio@yahoo.com. Thanks !!

Julie R. Cook said...

Can you email the suuply list and how to information? I love this its great!Thanks Julie Cook julie.ck1@gmail.com

Lorrie said...

I have been trying to figure out how to make a personalized chart and I love the one you made! Please send me the supply list and directions. Thank you so much and happy holidays!

Lisa said...

What an awesome idea!! Can you please email me the "how to" info: jlsky09@gmail.com
THANK YOU!!!

Anonymous said...

Like everyone else, I have been looking for a chore chart just like yours! Thank you for sharing this project with us moms!
lynn2125@yahoo.com

Allie said...

totally making this for my kids can you send me the instructions/product list? Thanks!! alliemcgrew@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Hi, could you please send me the supply list and instructions. Love love love this!

Thanks so much!
pamelaslane@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

Love this! Can't get enough! Can you please share your brilliance?! :)

hgmccormick@socal.rr.com

Katy said...

Along with all the other posts, I think this chart looks amazing. I would love the directions and supply list. Thank you.

Katy@domstenfamily.com

Mandy said...

Could you please email me the Instructions??
I love this. MandyM117@aol.com
Did u have an idea for two kids?? I saw some others
Asking. Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE this chart! My daughter and I are going to attempt this together!
Could you please send directions and supply list to
liannereid@eastlink.ca
Thank you a bunch! So excited to try this out with her!

Jann Gardner said...

I would love to get the instructions.
jgardner.jg@gmail.com

Thanks1

Anonymous said...

I would love the supply list and instructions for this chart! I love it! Thank you!

Mmfreidinger@gmail.com

Maddie Polito said...

I would LOVE instructions!!! maddiefly17@yahoo.com

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Roxanne said...

I love this chore chart! Could you please send me instructions and supplies? Thanks so much!! Blondbabeb83@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I wanna make this so bad.. I also would love the instructions and supply list for this.. awesome idea..
Babylove_0206@hotmail.com

Joy said...

just came across this and would love your instructions! TIA
johnsonmommy4@gmail.com

Kim and Sean said...

I just cam across this and love it could you send my the info for it. Do you have a list of the extra chores and the money value? Thanks you are amazing! Work well done. kimsport10@hotmail.com

Kristin said...

Love this!! Can you please send me instructions and supply list? Kjordan3@maine.rr.com. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Your board is wonderful. I would love the instructions/supply list too. heather@alljacksonville.com

Thank you!

Rochelle Waite said...

I would love your instructions please
info@kidsonkeys.com.au

A possible suggestion for a cheaper magnetic board is the backsde of a cheap $2 baking tray. I've used these in the past.

Cheers
Rochelle.

Amy said...

Due to the overwhelming response to the requests for instructions, I will no longer be able to supply them free of charge. If you are interested in receiving the instructions and a word file with all of the banners, etc. and the fonts I used, please paypal $7 to the_nielsens2000@earthlink.net with your request. I would be happy to supply you with everything you will need to get started. Thank you!

Heidi said...

I LOVE this chart! Can you send directions? My email address is heidi.barbee@us.army.mil Thanks so much!

Elizabeth said...

Hi Amy. I came across this chart last summer, and have finally gotten around to creating a very very similar one. I began implementing it, and my 6 year old asked me a question I wasn't sure how to answer. She asked if you have some in the "nice" box and some in the "naughty" box what happens when there are no more sticks to move? Can you move a stick out of the "naughty" ever? I love this idea, but my brain isn't thinking through the logistics of this very well. Can you explain more in detail how you use it, or answer my daughter's questions? (I do realize this was an old blog of your, I hope you see this!) Thank so much!

Amy said...

Elizabeth, good question! So what we've been doing is that the sticks can go either way but they have to make a stop in the middle box along the way. For example your naughty box and nice box are both full and she is super nice to her sibling or helps you without asking. You may move a stick out of the naughty box into the middle box and from there, it can go in either direction. That way, it's more motivation for them to continue earning nice sticks but also not super easy for them to go right from nice to naughty which can be dispiriting. I'm glad you made the chart elizabeth! Hope you're enjoying it. We are still using ours! As I originally designed it for, it continues to be useful as our chores evolve. Thanks for the note!

Elizabeth said...

Perfect Amy! She's very satisfied with the answer. I told her the middle box is "base." She agreed, and got excited that she knows what reward she wants when she gets to all "nice." I really took a combination of your chore chart, an old reward system I was using, your nice & naughty sticks, and the uh-oh jar. It's all located on a "family central" chalkboard wall I made. Hoping this combo works for a while! Thanks again!

whiteg said...

Hi Amy, I was wondering if you could please send me the instructions for this chart, I love it! It has all that is needed for the kidos to learn responsibility. This is my email gpigiz@gmail.com

Jessica said...

I would love the directions on how to make this if you still have it. My e-mail is LonnieandJess@gmail.com

Thanks

happymom said...

Okay, so my 4 year daughter said she didn't like chore charts until she saw yours :) Now she wants a chore chart of her very own and is excited about it... Mommy Heaven!

We would love the directions on how to make this if you're still sharing them. Our email address is
christyjohnsonn@gmail.com.

It's absoluetly darling, thanks for sharing!

HollyDolly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

I love this chart! Could you please send me a supply list and instructions! Im in need of one for my 2 year old! Thanks! My e-mail is acathey2010@yahoo.com

jamie said...

I am just curious as to what the total size is?

Thanks

jamie said...

I am just curious to what the overall size is?

Thanks

Anonymous said...

I love this chart as well! Will u please send me supply list and instructions. :) n_ryan20@hotmail.com

Roxanne O'Brien said...

I'd love the supply list. I'm also interested in making one chart for both kids though. Ideas? They are 7 and 2-1/2. This is the best chart I've found. :) robrien77@att.net

Staci said...

I would love a supply list and breakdown of this chart! It is super cute! Thanks for sharing it! :-)

threesampsons@hotmail.com

Jaime Scott said...

I LOVE this idea and it's so cute! Can I please have the supply list and directions? My email is: jhart1013 @ gmail.com (no spaces). :)

Thank you!

Amy said...

Hi guys,

I'm so sorry but I'm now charging for these instructions due to the high demand. Perhaps it's not written well in my post but I added that to the bottom of the post awhile back.I was getting like 10 requests a day so I had to request payment for the instructions.If you still want them, please follow the instructions above to paypal me the payment. Thanks so much!

amy

Anonymous said...

Please send me a list of supplies and the directions... sabrinachernichenko@yahoo.com

Van Leuven said...

Please send me the directions. To davidandshells@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I found some sheet metal at the hardware store for $7. It looks like its the stuff they use to make the heater vent shafts for a house. Lots more metal for much cheaper.

Anonymous said...

I would love to know where you found your supplies! Awesome concept... mz_anonimuz@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Just came across this...soooo cute. Could you please send me a list of supplies and if possible the chores that were included daily and the extra ones for money? Thanks,
amy_dawn2dusk@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Love this chart!!!! Could you please send me supply list and how to put together directions.
jenniferlongstreet@yahoo.com
Thank You!!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I love your chart!!! Could you please send me a supply list and directsions on how to put it together? LuisaERivera@yahoo.com
Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

Hello, I'm wondering if your still sending out instructions and supply list? If so can you please email me at lovely_donya3@yahoo.com

I can send payment as soon as you let me know if your still willing to share your wonderful craft :)

Unknown said...

Hi...I absolutely love this! Are you still sending out a supply list? I would love one please tamaralmond@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

Hi...I absolutely love this! Are you still sending out a supply list? I would love one please tamaralmond@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

You want us to pay for you to type up directions...well, copy and paste directions. There are a ton of chore charts and we can easily see what you made and come up with our own. How greedy. I can understand if you make and want to sell them. But $7 for a list of items? Get real.

Anonymous said...

Are you still giving out directions for your chore chart? Thanks!

trigirlcinders said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
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