I wanted a record of my changing bump during the course of my pregnancy, so I’ve been taking photos every two weeks. My original plan was to just photoshop dates over each picture, but I couldn’t get my camera to focus on a blank wall while I set the self timer (and I’m usually too impatient to wait for Mr. Tricycle’s help), so I needed a focal point.

To solve the problem, I made a bump sign.

10 month bump sign

ADVERTISEMENT

I wanted one that met this criteria:

  • Cheap
  • Easy to change each week
  • Something more solid/heavy duty than paper

So here’s what you’ll need to create something similar:

  • A picture frame with a mat and an 8×10 opening. Scavenge your house – you’ve probably got one you can use.
  • 2 or 3 sheets of scrapbooking paper. You’ll want more than one in case something happens to the paper during the next 40 weeks. You can buy 8.5″x11″ paper or cut down a square piece to size. I like something with subtle texture, but feel free to give a pattern a try. When you’re picking paper, think about the color of the wall you’ll be standing in front of and your wardrobe. I always take photos with my yellow dining room wall as a backdrop, and my closet is stuffed with bright pinks and blues, so I choose aqua paper.
  • Wooden or paper 3D numbers. Mine are about six inches tall. I choose to take photos on even weeks so I had to buy fewer numbers – I think they were around $1.00 each. To do even week photos, you’ll need eight numbers: one 0, one 1,  two 2’s, one 3, one 4, one 6, and one 8.
  • Masking tape
  • Removable mounting putty
  • A can of spray paint – I used a leftover can of brushed nickel, but go with whatever color you think works best with your paper and your wall.
  • A helper to spray paint for you

1. Get someone to spray paint your numbers for you. Spray paint has lots of VOCs and the fumes are not pregnant lady friendly. Mr. Tricycle helped me out here. I only had him bother with one coat, as you can’t see the edges in the photos. Leave the painted numbers outside for a day or two to off gas before you bring them indoors.

Spray painted number

2. Meanwhile, remove everything from the frame. Use the a masking tape to attach one piece of scrapbook paper to the back of the mat.
3. Return mat to the frame. The “right side” of your paper should be facing out.

Paper taped to back side of mat

4. Put the glass BEHIND the mat and paper. You want the stability it offers, but don’t want it covering the paper.

Frame with glass behind mat and paper
5. Add any additional backing that came with the mat.

6. Put a couple of pieces of mounting putty on the back of your numbers and position them inside the frame on top of the scrap booking paper.

Removable putty on back of wooden numbers
7. Hang frame, take photo!

Completed bump sign

8. You will want to carefully remove your numbers after each photo shoot, as it’s harder to get the putty off the paper the longer it’s on there. It can also leave an oily mark if you let it sit. Now that I think about it, it might work just fine to put the glass in front of the paper (the traditional set-up), because then your putty would just be sticking to the glass, and you wouldn’t have to worry about it harming the paper. Just not sure if it will glare in photos – try it and let me know!

Mrs. Tic Tac Toe used a chalkboard sign to record her weeks. Did you make a bump sign? What did you use?