Does anyone keep tabs on Martha's crafts of the day? We've looked over a few of the possibilities in the past, many of which seem like things we'd never do (most are geared at the most enthusiastic of crafters, the promise of something engaging, but not always with much of a need or realistic use).
A family tree is one of those things we've always hoped to put together. Martha's version is a pretty straight forward project (see below); other suggestions for creating the "I'll-get-around-to-it-someday" family tree are welcome!
Martha's fan chart design and instructions date back to 1999...take a look:
Click here for the full how-to, including download-able template.
Chart How-To
1. Download and print the template onto 8 1/2-by-11-inch paper. For a bigger chart, copy it onto 11-by-17-inch paper at 175 percent. For a 16-by-24-inch chart, copy half of the 11-by-17-inch chart at 125 percent; repeat for other half. Carefully tape enlarged halves together to form template. Go over the template's lines with a permanent marker; then trace them with pencil onto a sheet of paper thinner than card stock (you could tape the template to a window, center the paper on top, and lightly draw lines with a pencil, using a ruler if necessary).
2. Begin by calligraphing your name and birthdate; then proceed to your parents, grandparents, and so on, incorporating dates when you can. Don't worry if you make a small mistake; if you want to undo any calligraph, gently scratch it away using a utility knife or a razor blade. Be careful not to cut through the paper.
3. Frame the finished product with colored paper behind it to create a decorative border, or take it to a frame shop.
This only works if you've never had multiple divorces/marriages in your family line. Otherwise your fan looks more like a rorschach test
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I made one of these for my dad for Christmas years ago (after reading about it in MS Living). I drew the chart on good paper with an architect's compass, and it really looked beautiful. My only advice for someone who wanted to do one would be to order a nice chart from a geneological company. Photocopying and taping it together looks chintzy, and drawing it out is really fussy and pushed the limits of even my OCD.
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