Has anyone else traveled that path down memory lane, filling in gaps in the family history and learning things about your ancestors that you are proud of and never would have expected? About ten years ago my sisters and I started and still find it fun and fascinating to discover new things about so many different branches of our families. With the new online databases for people’s history, census information, birth and death records, etc, it has gotten much easier to sleuth out missing family members (Plus we have an Aunt that is talented at searching through the vast amounts of info and finding the details). However, cemetery visits should never be ruled out, those adventures provide great entertainment and memories because as Forrest Gump says, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”
I’ve been thinking about family tree wall art since the beginning of that journey and here’s a round up of some simple and beautiful pieces as well as the informational and graphic. I’ll start with my favorite (middle image) since I’ve been thinking about it for years and just can’t get it out of my mind. From a Martha Stewart magazine years ago, you can now find the template and instructions on her website. The graphic fan appeals to my love of geometry (visuals, not the actual practice) and I think you could hang it unfinished and add information over the years.
The left piece is also a Martha Stewart family tree. The shape is made of family members names. This will probably be the one that wins out in my home. I think you could add branches however you see fit. Think about how fun it would be to create a forest of these directly on the wall (or as custom wallpaper)! Each tree could be a different branch of the family. Yes, I used that cheesy pun.
The right work is a custom order piece from Luvin Every Minute on Etsy. Fun mod artwork, you hardly realize it is a family tree. I think this would make a welcome and thoughtful anniversary gift.
These next pieces are a little whimsical and might not be as flexible for different spaces but I can think of individuals in my life that each of these pieces fit their personalities.
On the left is a hand drawn tree in pencil from Story Tree on Etsy. The touch of cut initials in the tree trunk is sweet and you can almost imagine this being drawn by a loving relative.
In the middle is a fun tree from Uncommon Goods. I have some nieces and nephews that might enjoy this creative project. They could capture images of family members at the next function and have a craft time cutting out faces from the printed photos. It would be a completely customized tree just for them.
On the right is a simple representative tree from Red Envelope. Anyone surprised they don’t have an owl version? This would make a satisfying choice for a DIY gift version. You could change up the colors, leaf shapes and even the bird type (species?).
Have any of you made your own family tree wall art? I think the closest we’ve gotten in our brood is the door jamb full of penciled in heights and ages of the grandkids. But since that only depicts one generation, I suppose it hardly counts for a family tree.
Roxanne D
A self-employed home renovator and interior designer, Roxanne is living in her third 1920s-era home in one of Tulsa’s oldest neighborhoods. A small-town Oklahoma girl at heart, she has also lived in Australia, which helped inspire her love of design. Roxanne loves sewing, knitting, crocheting, repurposing furniture and salvaging architectural pieces. She loves to tackle a do-it-yourself project, no matter how small or large. As our very own “granola girl”, Roxanne dreams about designing everything from dresses to gardens to her day, whatever comes across her path.
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I got a Martha Steward version years ago that has been sitting in my closet. Since my husband and I are not passing on our tree to another generation I hope to find someone that will use it for their family. I love beautiful family trees!
Such a pleasant surprise to see my Family Trees mentioned in your blog! Thank you for the “shout-out”. The more I peruse your articles, the bigger fan I am becoming. Lovely taste! Thanks again!