How Can I Make a Family Tree Look Like a Tree?
Researching and building a family tree requires patience, luck and a lot of effort. When the hard work is done, many genealogists will use the information, documents and photos to produce family history books, charts and photo albums. In addition to these family heirlooms, you can also use the info for crafts. Children, in particular, will enjoy seeing their family history take shape as a tree. This project can be completed in less than an hour.
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Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- 8-by-10-inch sheet of brown card stock
- 8-by-10-inch sheets of green card stock
- 8-by-10-inch sheet of white, off-white or tan card stock
- Scissors
- Calligraphy pen or fine-point permanent marker with black ink
- Craft glue
Instructions
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1
Write a list of up to 20 family members. If desired, include birth dates with the names.
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2
Draw an 8-inch tall tree trunk with branches on brown card stock. Cut out the design.
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3
Place a sheet of light-colored card stock in a vertical position and glue the tree to the sheet. Allow to dry.
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4
Draw 20 oblong leaves that are 2 1/2 inches long on green card stock. Cut out the leaves.
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5
Write the name of each family member on a leaf using a calligraphy pen or permanent marker. Separate the leaves by mother's family and father's family, then arrange by birthday, oldest to youngest.
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6
Glue the leaves to the branches with the eldest members on the top of the tree and the youngest on the bottom branches. Place members of the mother's family on one side of the tree and members of the father's family on the other side. Slightly overlap each leaf. Leaves without names can be used to fill out the tree, if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
You can substitute any leaf shape for the oblong leaves, including maple and oak. Should you wish to include more than 20 family members, you can either reduce the size of the leaves or use poster board to make a larger tree.
For those who aren't artistically inclined, you can print a template of a family tree and write names in the blank boxes (see Resources). The project will have an antique feel if you print on paper that has a parchment design. Add color to the tree by using green and brown colored pencils or markers.
