Pardon me for the Steve Miller “Joker” reference, but when it comes to classic rock, I just can’t help myself.
Anywho, remember a little while back when I mentioned my total love for guestbook thumbprint trees? Well, I did a LOT of research while trying to figure out the best way to make my inspiration spring to life. My original inclination was to have the tree printed on canvas, but then I started thinking about how well the ink would actually cling to the canvas and I started to get a little gun shy about it. Also, having it printed on canvas was realistically a little more than I was willing to spend on this project, no matter how cute it would be. So, I went back to the drawing board.
And then I saw Miss Panda’s post about getting hers printed via Vistaprint, and considering how much success I’ve had with that company in the past, a light bulb went off in my head. And so, after downloading a free vector tree file off the web and adding a few extra personal touches, I uploaded my final design to Vistaprint, selected the matte 18″ x 24″ poster stock, submitted my order, and waited on pins and needles for about a week.
The day it arrived, I ran to Walmart and picked up one of those semi-flimsy, plastic poster frames and a can of silver spray paint. I gave the frame a couple of coats of shiny, silvery goodness, slipped my thumbprint tree poster inside, and voila!
A few of the fun little details? Our names and wedding date at the bottom, and a cute heart with our initials “carved” into the tree trunk:
Random fact: Whenever I see hearts and initials carved into trees I think of the live-action movie The Adventures of Pinocchio starring JTT, specifically the part where Geppetto and his sweetheart carve their initials into the trunk of the tree that he eventually uses to create Pinocchio. Anyone else remember that movie?
However, even a DIY project this simple isn’t without its hiccups. Look what I did:
Dammiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit.
So, basically, the poster frames from Walmart come with the clear plastic fronts pre-attached to the frames. This doesn’t exactly work with the whole thumbprint tree thing because the plan is to lay the tree out while it’s in the frame so people don’t stamp where their prints won’t be seen. So, I naturally tried haphazardly ripping the plastic off the frame, and it ended up cracking. (I’m kind of an impatient bull in a china cabinet when it comes to craft projects.) SLOW AND STEADY WINS THE RACE, Y’ALL.
Aside from the plastic cracking snafu, this project really is a piece of cake. All that’s left is to make a cutely worded sign to sit out with the tree that tells guests how it works and to track down a few pads of ink to help them bring our tree to life! Overall, I’m super pleased with how it all turned out.
Was there a DIY wedding-related project that was particularly simple for you to finish? Anyone else make some hasty mistakes with an otherwise easy project?
Love it.. I too am patiently awaiting my tree from vista print. I actually added my initials right onto the print originally when I edited it in word.. very cute idea.. guess I’ll have to find a frame whem mine comes too!
make sure to get archival ink so it won’t fade over time. You’ll want some alcohol wipes to get the ink off your guest fingers as well. Such a cute tree and I love your font.
I am in LOVE with this! You did an amazing job for much less than what it would cost to have someone else make it!
It looks great! Which website did you get the tree from again. I have tried googling it but can’t find this one. Thanks x
Agree with Highness, make sure you get archival ink – don’t go cheap on the ink because you will be sad if your guestbook fades over time. My parents had a ledger where all their guests signed their names at their wedding, and my mom is really sad that it’s faded because most of the guests have since passed away.
This is such a cute project! I loved Miss Panda’s and I love yours as well!
Mrs. Armadillo, Houston, Texas Age and Occupation: 23, Graduate Student Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Armed Security Officer Engagement Date: September 28, 2011 Wedding Date: March 2013 Venue: First Presbyterian Church/Bay City Civic Center About Me: I’m an oldies-loving, board game-playing, coffee addicted fine arts junkie from Southeast Texas in pursuit of her master’s degree in communication studies who met the goofy, strong, artistic, and unexpected love of her life in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas. Serendipity threw us together again and again (and again) on our college campus before we eventually stuck, but when we finally did submit to destiny, we hit the ground running and never looked back! We’re planning a religious, small town, budget-friendly, DIY-infused “winter becomes springtime” ceremony and reception to celebrate the beginning of our lives together with the people we love the most, and are pouring our hearts and souls into making sure our wedding represents us as a couple down to the nitty gritty details and balances tradition with the quirky individuality that is uniquely and unequivocally “us”!
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