Are you ready for this?…
This is going to be the LONGEST tutorial you’ve probably ever seen, but don’t fret…it’s going to be worth it! An organized classy chore chart is headed your way. Can you even guess what this chore chart for multiple kids is made out of??? Yep, 2×4’s … another 2×4 decor idea. I LOVE how this turned out because I can leave it on my counter and it matches my home decor.
We’ve included a free pdf template for the chores too! 
It also has a subliminal message for my kids to read all week, “Chores are fun”…one day they will agree…
If you missed the ever exciting tutorial on how to use a miter saw you are in luck…I just posted it earlier today. Check it out..it really is a fun read:)
Okay, on with the show:
Chore Chart for Multiple Kids
I cut with the miter saw 5 blocks of wood
4 of them were 3.5 x3.5 squares
1 of them was 8 inches long
I drilled one hole into the top of each of the 3.5 by 3.5 blocks. Do you like my band-aids? I was so glad this shot really brought out the 3 band-aids that I was lucky enough to be wearing during the making of this craft. Anyway, I used a 7/8 bit (as shown in the picture…nice shot Missy) and started drilling.
I ended up sandwiching the block I was drilling in-between 2 others just so I didn’t end up with more band-aids. A clamp would work well too! Ya, I’ll tell you in a minute why I have so many band-aids…
Then I had to put a little shoulder into it because I hit a knot and I had to make it work. Really…most of the time you don’t have to lean into it as much…I guess I’m a tad weak and needed a little oomph to get through that knot.
I finished the 3 holes in the three 3.5×3.5’s (there is a picture below).
The next hole I needed to make was a bigger one. I used a longer 2×4 because a small piece would have just spun and no hole would have been created. I was using a 2 inch bit for this one.
Here is an action shot. Look at the wood shavings fly…O and do you like my slippers:)
My bit wasn’t long enough to go through width of the 2×4 so I used my drill bit and made a hole to go through the entire board so when I flipped it over I knew where to place the 2 inch bit.
I flipped the 2×4 over and am sticking the 2 inch bit into the hole I just drilled. Giving me a guide to match up the bottom and the top. Keep reading…it gets better.
My band-aid story: I was making a sign for a friend and I was in a hurry and the drill bit wasn’t in the entire way. It slipped and caused me to wear band-aids. I wish I had some cool life saving story, but really it’s just me being in a hurry with a tool…I’m glad it wasn’t the miter saw:) Tools are great, but you have to be careful. O, I sound like my mother! I’ve been working with power tools for over 3 years and I think this is the worst of the injuries. I get hurt worse using knives in the kitchen…I will leave the cooking posts to Shelley! Really just be careful and you’ll be okay!
AHHHHHH…it worked. Honestly I didn’t know if it would work, but it did. YEA!
I had to add this picture of my little guy. And don’t worry I don’t let him out to play with the saws. He had been sleeping (hence the bed head)but as soon as he was up, he wanted to see what was happening. Look at his chipmunk cheeks…LOVE it!
Okay here is the top shot.
THREE 3.5×3.5 inch boards with a 7/8 inch drilled down a little over half way.
One 3.5×3.5with a 2 inch hole drilled through the center.
One 3.5×8 inch block under all of the above 4 blocks.
Mod podge the paper on. I used an amazingly sophisticated tool to cut a hole into the paper so the Popsicle sticks could fit down into it…a Hannah Montana pencil.
I sanded the blocks and stained the edges. For more exciting steps on perfect mod podging you can find it in our 10 steps to perfect mod podging.
Apply the vinyl (your kids’ names and chores are fun). If you need vinyl or a vinyl lady check out our vinyl 101.
You can thank Missy for figuring out how to make a template for the Popsicle sticks (they are for the thicker ones, like tongue depressors). There are 4 sheets and they are color coded. Why color coded? I was invited to go to a class a couple weeks ago on the topic of a ‘house of order’ by an amazing lady named Julie. After her class, I felt pumped up about house cleaning, dejunking, and doing laundry (really…).
I always have felt chores were ‘another thing’ to do on my list of ‘to do’s’ that never were crossed off because there was always something else to clean.
She gave a whole new perspective on house cleaning. She said she felt blessed when she did chores. She was happy to do laundry because it was another way she showed love to her family. She was happy to do it because she had a washer and dryer to make it easier. We are hoping to get her to do a post for us (hint…hint). I really have never heard someone so positive on cleaning and household chores.
Anyway, back to the color coding. She divides her chores up into how long they take…how long they ‘should’ take:) Then, when assigning chores, the kids get to choose 2 two minute chores, 2 five minute chores and so on until all the chores are divided up evenly.
So, we put it into an easy format for you just to print them off on colored paper and easily attach them to Popsicle sticks.
All the 15 minute chores are on one sheet and I printed them on cream paper
The 10 minute chores are Yellow
The 5 minute chores are Red
The 2 minute chores are Green
CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE PDF CHORE CHART TEMPLATE
After I printed them out I mod podged them onto the Popsicle sticks.
I sanded them down and then stained the edges. Next time I need to wipe my table off before I take a picture. The crumbs are from blueberry muffins during snack time!
The kids get to choose. I will sometimes cover the chore name so they ‘blindly’ get their assignments.
They get their own block, put their chores in it and get to work. Some of you will notice Davis’ chores…he’s two and can’t wipe out the microwave, but I had to make him one so when he can he will be given the opportunity one day:)
When they are finished with their chore, the Popsicle stick goes back into home base! It helps them keep track of what they’ve done and what they need to do. Also, it’s helped me because I know what chores to check up on to make sure they’ve been completed. I started making this as a gift for someone, but I liked it so much I decided to keep it! Another cool thing…it was super cheap…’thrifty’ to make!
And one more shot of it because there are so many wonderful pictures in this post that I didn’t want you to forget what the final project looked like!
Julianne Johnson says
I was wondering what font was used?!
Brine says
I love the chore chart made eith the 2×4 and popsicle sticks. I have 7 kids, so chore charta ate a necessity. Question though… On the chore chart for multiple kids, do you screw the name blocks down to the base board or do you leave them loose where the kids can take their own name box?
JoAnna M says
Thank you for this wonderful Inspiration!! I have four kids and have been wanting to do something like this!! But have been hesitant, seeing close to what I had in mind in my head on the screen I gave a sequel of delight!! I am totally doing this!! 😀 good Job MAMA 😀
Sharon says
I’m so excited to have found your blog! Your printables are *adorable*! I’m really excited about the summer reading ones. I don’t have kids yet, but I LOVE planning for them!
Julie V says
This is so darling! One thing I really don’t like about the chore chart thing is that I don’t like the look of it hanging around! This is something that would be nice to have out:).
Megan says
I found your site through pinterest, and acutally came for another post, but love EVERYTHING. I had to comment, not just because I love your ideas, but also because WE have a son named Davis! I thought we were the only ones out there. 🙂 Great name!!
Angela @ Honey, I Shrunk the Mom says
Well, isn’t that clever! I would love to hear more about this “feeling blessed when doing chores’. A positive outlook towards housework certainly sounds like a great idea. But I’m going to need some motivation. 😉
Brit says
I LOVE THIS!!!! I’m going to make it! What was the name of the paper you used, it’s my favorite!!!!
Angia says
This is by far the cuties chore chart idea I have seen. I will not be making my chore chart from scratch, however I will find a few small boxes I can paint myself and glue together. I will however, make the color coded popcicle sticks. Thank you so very much for this brilliant idea. I am excited about assigning chores to my three children now. I appreciate this more than you know.
Angia from Van Buren Twp, MI
Brittany says
I love this idea and that chores get switched up a little – this could be a good thing for my ADHD’er. Hmmm. I’ll have to think about that one! I’m wondering for all the ladies out there that don’t have the tools or time to do this (like me)if there is a local craft shop that might have blocks of wood already cut. Or even some wood candle holders (minus the candle) which would have a whole cut in it already? The popsicle sticks seem manageable. 🙂 Just found this site and am excited about it! Thanks!!
Beth says
I just came across this last week and with some improvising made one similar. I hope it works to keep me and the kids organized when it comes to chores!
andra says
hi there… do you have a list of chores you could send me? I LOVE LOVE this idea… I have a hard time finding chores that are age appropriate. The chores I could see looked awesome!!
Thanks so much!
Bonnie says
Any way to make the templates so they could be edited? Just to add own personal chores (also change spelling of mopped)?
Mary @ A Productive Endeavor says
I’m not into woodworking but I love how this looks and think I could do it with boxes or something! Thanks for sharing! So pretty!!
Shawna says
I love this idea!! Hopefully, my tweens will too. Thanks for sharing! <3
Jessica says
how do you get the edges of the wood to look like that. i cant wait to make this. thank you so much
Alison says
I just used a bit of stain:)
Brittany says
I love this! First baby on the way so I think when I need something creative to do on maternity leave, I’ll do this! (After the baby’s born, of course.) And there’s absolutely no reason that mom and dad can’t be put on there with the kids as well. Then the kids will know that you have your share of chores too!
Stephanie says
This is such a great, and super cute idea!!!
Laura says
I have to tell you, that I have not made this project, yet…but my kids went wild for the chores laid out like this…I just cut the strips of paper from the template and they went to town… cleaning for 4 hours, no joke, without being nagged…actually the only fighting going on was when two of them wanted to clean the toilets…WTH…SO I went to work making the blocks…need to hit the craft store for more paper, nothing I have will work.
LauraLee says
My children are too young to read the popcycle sticks… Any ideas on what I could do instead??
Amy says
I am wondering if the vinyl you talk about is able to be printed in an inkjet printer?
Shelley says
No. The Vinyl we use is either from a personal craft cutting machine (silhouette, cricuit, etc) or you can buy it pre-cut directly from a vinyl supplier. 🙂 Hope that helps.
Georgia Hall says
I love your website and your weekly newsletter. I get a lot of inspiration from you guys. I put a link to your blog on my blog and a picture of the 2×4 chore chart. Thanks for all the great ideas and for being willing to share them.
Lisa says
For those who want to make this but not do the hard core carpentry – buy a set of wooden pencil holders or chipboard boxes, and screw them to a wooden base. Hey presto!
Shelley says
Brilliant!!
Spelling Nazi says
You spelled Mopped wrong. Moped is a motorized scooter.
Shelley says
ha ha. thanks. 😉
Amy says
This is so cute! I hate the paper charts that hang on the refrigerator, this works great and is decorative too! Love it! Cant wait to make it and show it off to my friends they will be so jealous!
Andrea says
Ok.. so I totally wanna do this… I’m not crafty and don’t have a Michael’s to wander thru… we have a Hobby Lobby, so that will have to do, but what kind of paper is it? is it scrap booking paper? OR???
MaryAnn says
Hi there! On the pdf template, I didn’t see the 2-minutes chores. Could you post them for me? Thanx!
Alison says
Check again. They should be there:) If not there is a blank page and they were designed for filling in the blanks:)
Alison Ward says
Thanks so much for this great tutorial! With permission from Alison, I will be selling finished block sets of this chart in my Etsy shop, http://www.allysatticcrafts.etsy.com Colors, names, and jobs can be customized. Head on over if you’d like one! 30$ finished. Thanks HowDoesShe!
Trisha says
What about unfinished? How much would it be just for the wood, I can podge it myself.
Kit says
This is great. We recently started using the Nurtured Heart Approach with our parenting so instead of color coding the time for each chore, I will color code the corresponding reward for each chore then whomever chooses to do it will get that many credits at the end of the day! Thanks!!!
Maria-Isabel says
LOVE this idea! What a great idea.
Ron J says
If you have an iPad, there is an App that can help with organizing kids and their chores. Also has a checkbook window that gives them some accounting training! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ichores/id398902259?mt=8 iChores
Ron J says
If you have an iPad, there is an App that can help with organizing kids and their chores. Also has a checkbook window that gives them some accounting training! http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ichores/id398902259?mt=8 iChores
ryobi says
That is simply marvelous.You look like a professional chore chart maker.You should think about making it a career means as a business.You have got the potential.
Emily Caraballo says
Love this, so cute! Can I share with SonicScrubbers facebook fans?
Shelley says
of course! Thanks.
Jen says
I LOVE this idea and am planning on doing it in the morning! My one question: did you glue down your 3.5 blocks to the base board? It looks like it’s a no on the ones with the names, but what about the flat one? Thanks for the great idea!
Alison says
Nope I didn’t. I give them the block with the sticks in it and they walk around the house with it so they can stay focused. They have to return it when they are finished…that way I know they are really done.
J says
Can the jobs on the template be changed? I have other jobs and some aren’t on there or I dont need those. how do I change it, it wont let me delete what is there to create my own words.
Mom and Pop says
I love this idea!! Totally going to make this ASAP!
Thanks so much for sharing.
.-= Mom and Pop´s last blog ..Eight is Enough =-.
Aliessa says
Aaaaah!! So, so, so cute!! I wonder if it being so cute will encourage my children to do their chores?:) Thanks so much for this post it is a fantastic idea – I will definitely be making my own!
.-= Aliessa´s last blog ..Teacher Gift Class =-.
Karen says
You should consider making these and selling them. I would totally buy it from you and know many others that would too. If you ever decide to do that let me know.
Andromeda Jazmon says
I love this idea! But I don’t have the tools or wood and it’s Sat. morning and I am inspired. I think I’ll try making it out of plastic cups & popsicle sticks and let the kids decorate them with markers. Maybe hot glue the cups onto some type of platform so they don’t get knocked over… Love the idea of sorting chores by the time they take. Makes it a challenging game, right? Great fun!
.-= Andromeda Jazmon´s last blog ..Autumn Psalm =-.
Lisa Jackson says
That looks cool but way too hard!
Kermit says
I’m not a crafter, but my friend came up with, and we executed, a slightly different spin on your great idea:
http://www.themuppetfamily.com/2010/09/02/day-233-organized-crafting/
Thanks for the inspiration!
Julie says
this link isn’t working either. 🙁
Angie says
Can you explain to me how to do the chore template?
Thank you.
Alison says
Just print it off. Cut around the Popsicle stick outlines and then glue those on to your Popsicle stick:)
Clorissa says
Wow! I love it!!!! You are very talented….thanks for sharing! I hope to make this soon.
And your son is ADORABLE! 🙂
Clorissa
Maria says
GREAT project!!! What a fun way to really get people involved! Plus it looks GREAT sitting out too.
.-= Maria´s last blog ..There really isnt anything wrong with me- =-.
clarissa says
what do you give them if they do all there chores
Alison says
Give them a big hug and kiss!
lauren says
This idea is amazing! So much better than a traditional chore chart. I live with my boyfriend and his friend, neither of which truely “help” with anything. I get the, “Oh, don’t do the dishes, I’ll do them in the morning” line, day after day. Needless to say, they just pile up until I decide I am tired of waiting, lol. I know this is sort of mom-ish of me, but it’s better than wanting to rip my hair out every day. So, I thank you!!
amber:) says
I am having so much fun with this project! I never knew how much fun power tools could be- I always thought that was men stuff. So I have a silly question: do you sand your blocks before or after you mod podge the paper on?
Thanks for you help- I heart your blog! Keep the 2×4 ideas coming, my mom gave me an entire box full of 2×4 scraps she didn’t need anymore. Lots of possibilities!
Alison says
Thanks for the kind comments! YAY for power tools…I am so excited for you. We want to see your creations though:) I sand them down after. I like easy projects.
Kelly says
I love this idea! Do you have a template that is blank so we can fill in our own chores?
Amy says
I second that request–if it isn’t too hard. I love most of your ideas, but there are a few I’d like to change for our family.
Felicity says
Thank you SO much for this inspirational idea. I’ve posted it with a link to your blog on my site today and am off to start the project for myself. I really hope that you can encourage, bribe, wrangle the ‘fun chore’ lady as a guest blogger she sounds like she has a lot to offer. x
.-= Felicity´s last blog ..Serendipity shared is serendipity doubled =-.
Julie says
What font did you use for this AMAZINGLY cute idea??
Amy says
THANK YOU!!! I needed something JUST like this! Bought the stuff today. One question- What font are you using for the popsicle page?
I am sooooo happy I found this site. Will definitely be sharing it with all my friends. AND won’t my husband think I’m sexy with my safety glasses and drill in hand? Taking crafting to a whole new level in this house!
Cheers!
Alison says
🙂 I used peas bonnie font
Amy says
making this right now and LOVE it! posted a pic on facebook… precious idea. Thanks again!
Cindy@SimplyServe says
I love this – it looks so professional, fun and is useful to you and the kids.
Also love the slippers…that is so ‘me’. Drilling/sawing in slippers…too funny.
Cindy
Jaime says
I lovvvveee this! what a great way to stay on track and organized.
Emilie Daly says
Hello!
So, I am trying to customize the chores to fit my families needs and I was wondering what font you used……that way I don’t have to go through and change EVERYTHING!
Thanks!
Alison says
Pea Laura:)
kathy says
love this…what font did you use, i want to do this with my kid’s names…
Alison says
It’s called: pea laura
🙂
Megan says
Someone PLEASE make these and sell them on ETSY. There is no way I’m going to make it, but love love it!
Cynthia says
I’m DEFINITELY making this, and I already have several friends in mind to gift it to!
One thing…with my kids they tend to think they ALWAYS get the same chores over and over and their siblings NEVER havce to do “that chore” so I’m going to have them put their initial on the back each time they complete their chore. That way they see everyone is doing ALL the chores equally. I’ll obviously have to make the sticks again at some time, but I figure after awhile they’ll need to be replaced or the chore changed anyway, right?
Amanda says
Everything you make is fabulous, and this is no exception.
Amy says
I forgot to add this advice – DRILL PRESS!! They really aren’t that expensive and would make you work A LOT easier!! (and it’s something your hubby would think cool to have in his garage!)
Scotti O. says
I linked this to my blog…hope that is ok! If not please let me know!
Here it is!
oxfordfam.blogspot.com/2010/03/wanna-make-it-wednesday-0317.html
Amy@ New Nostalgia says
This is so great.
I’m not too good with a saw,(I’d end up with a bandaid on every finger) but, I may try to make your pretty sticks and use mason jars as the holder.
(I have a thing for mason jars:))
Jenny says
that is WAY cool 😀
Lana Austin says
Oooh….this is great! And for multiple kids….even better!!!!
Wonderful! Hugs, Lana
Alicia says
Wow, those are works of art! We do a very simple chore stick activity that I posted here: examiner.com/x-/x-23788-Mankato-Attachment-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m11d10-Chore-sticks-make-chores-fun-for-kids
I mix in wacky chores and fun stuff, so the kids want to keep pulling chore sticks. It works pretty well for us. They keep asking to do more. 🙂
Julie says
i tried your link & it couldn’t find it. ?
Julie says
oh here it is: http://www.examiner.com/attachment-parenting-in-mankato/chore-sticks-make-chores-fun-for-kids
Alexandria says
This is so cool! If I were a kid, this would make me want to do some chores, but maybe I’m a dork!
Jennifer says
Love, love, love… You guys are beyond talented! This is such an amazing idea!
Rachel says
Oooh I love this! Thanks so much for the great idea, I’ll be linking.
Laura says
What a great idea – definitely on my to-do list! Can you tell me more about the house of order class? Sounds like I might need it too!
thatgirlblogs says
On the chore chart template, you’ve spelled mopped with only one “p.”
Shelley says
There is no time for spelling with all of that wood flying everywhere! 😉
thatgirlblogs says
OK I have 5 kids, that thing will take up my whole counter, but I still want one!
Kally says
Everything you do brings me joy! My sister and I have already made a few of your cute crafts and I’m sure this one will go on the list! Last weekend we sanded like 5000 blocks to make your stuff! And now we’ll have to sand more! Thanks for another darling wood craft! Keep them coming!
prior says
LOVE! I could see this working as job helper charts for school, too. Lezlee
Cynthia says
LOVE that idea!! What a perfect (and original) teacher’s gift!!
Beckie says
You guys have mad skilllzzzzz with 2 x 4’s. I stumbled you! Loves to you DAHlings!
Rhonda says
This is fantastic – can you come over to my house to do all the woodwork?! Can’t wait til my girls are old enough to try this…
Jeannie says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!! So cute! Also, I NEED to find this Julie! My marriage may depend on it!
Tina says
Uhhh can you just sell me one, for real? I love it!!
Ellen says
sigh… i love this site. craftiness AND power tools?!! awesome.
Mari says
Wow! I was thinking of this very same idea with Popsicle sticks and jars…but this project turned out much better and now I don’t have to work so hard on it! I plan to add a different color for those projects that are extra which allow the kids to earn some cash. Thank you!!!
Molly says
That is precious. I just made a chore chart of my own which I am pleased with, but I had a hard time coming up with chores! I know, I know, I probably do too much FOR my kids…thanks for the pdf with all the chores listed. That was a great help! (My kids may not be so thankful!)
Ellen says
What a great way to hand out chores. I have four children and this is so much nicer then the traditional paper charts that clutter the house. Thank you for your beautiful inspiration!
kristi says
Love it – I can’t wait to make one!
Kristi
Punkin Seed Productions
Christa says
Could you be more creative? I don’t think so. This is beautiful and amazing!! You have so much talent I’m astonished!! Great, great idea! I’m way to intimidated be wood cutting but I may have to go ahead and make my own version of this. Great idea.
Alison says
OOO these comments are making me smile!!!
Suzanne says
I love this idea. We have been looking for a new one. Guess I better get busy with a saw!!
kimbo west says
So so so cute! My kids need any encouragment they can get…and I think they would totally love trying to get all their sticks! love it.
sadie says
These are great. We have a lot of 2×4 & 4×4 left over from building our fence…so I tried my first one yesterday. Turned out great plus Michaels is having a sale on their paper you can tear/sand this week 5 sheets for $1. I did the sucker holder for a cute gift to give to a friend for St. Patty’s Day. I didn’t have any vinyl so I mod podged some scrapbook sticker letters. thanks for your posts– awesome!
Alison says
Good idea…thanks for sharing!!!
shelly says
I seriously was about to paint a chalkboard on my kitchen wall last night!!! (But it wasn’t what I realllly wanted for a chore chart). Your’s is perfect!!! Not right out there -in your face-board of torture…cute and how cool to use the sticks!!! I think I might color coordinate with my (3!) boy’s names so that all can see what they’ve done and what they need to do!!!
You’re awesome—sorry about the booboos. 😉
Michelle says
That is too cool!!! I have got to get out some 2 x 4!!!
Tasha says
This is fabulous!!! I LOVE it. Thanks for such a fun idea. I need to invest in more fun tools like you too!
Tylynn says
Oh my this is a darling idea. I feel the same way about chores as you do and have gotten motivation to get things done and keep up with chores and not get far behind. This is such a fantastic idea and will be making one for our family! Thanks so much!
Gretchen says
Where can I buy this? There’s no way I can make that but I love it!
Alison says
🙂 I don’t sell them, but thanks for asking…it made me smile!!!
Amy says
Another AMAZING idea! I am half way out to my garage to make this right now!!
Missy says
Love it ! Wish I had those tools so I could [attempt] make it !
Natalie says
I love this, especially the part about helping you remember what needs to be done. I am so making this! Thanks! Now just to make it for 4 kids.
Pam @ Design Fanatic says
So cute and practical. I find it teenagers do the chores that I ask them to do when I give them a tangible list instead of just telling them what to do. Your idea would work great for all those “honey do” items too. Sometimes that list gets long, but one 5 or 10 minute chore a night seems much easier.