Post # 1
Member
286 posts
Helper bee
I have been seeing/loving the thumbprint trees that I’m seeing everywhere.
I’m NOT loving the 200-300 dollar price tag that comes with them so I made one myself, but as always am very critical of my own work an need to see if its okay.
I made it with a canvas and acrylic paint (which I already had making this a free diy for me).
So, is it okay? DOes it look cute or lame? If you saw this at a wedding would you think ‘wow this bride diyed too much’ or ‘wow I woner who made this for her and would they make me one?’
Thanks Bees!!
Post # 3
Member
2481 posts
Buzzing bee
My dad is an art teacher so I’ve grown up aroudn painted trees my entire life-
I have a few things to say about yours.. I think it looks a little fat and it might be hard to put the thumb prints on such small bracnhes :S I’m sorry =[ I’d honestly try again with skinnyer whispyer branches.
also mabye use a stincle for lettering ( I have to re do this on my own painting!)
I do LOVE the swing! and the heart in the corner is perfect!
how ever if you are happy with it ! go for it!
Post # 4
Member
1841 posts
Buzzing bee
I think it is super cute! I agree with the previous commenter that it might be hard to put a thump print on every branch but there are two ways to fix this, either keep the branches the width they are and just make some of them longer (the small pointy parts extended a bit) OR use fall colours and make it a fall tree so people can put thumb prints on the ground too! super cute and great work!
Post # 5
Member
1318 posts
Bumble bee
I don’t think you should pay outrageous amounts for one, but I think maybe try this out again. The main branches take up too much space and don’t leave enough space for the cool thumbprints. You’ve got a great idea and you’re soooo close! I love the swing, btw!
Post # 6
Member
1391 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: February 2017 - Seattle, WA
I love this tree, but am not loving the letters. i second the stencil idea, maybe even in small letters running across the bottom of the canvas. and maybe in a lighter color so as not to take away from the main focal point of the tree. nice work! 🙂
Post # 7
Member
1391 posts
Bumble bee
- Wedding: February 2017 - Seattle, WA
oh and also, i think a small “T + A” in the tree trunk would be super cute!
Post # 8
Member
484 posts
Helper bee
You can find them much cheaper than the price you mentioned on Etsy. BUT, since you are so close to having such a great DIY success, I second the PPs and say give it one more shot!
Post # 10
Member
2481 posts
Buzzing bee
this was my first draft- I need to add some more too it and fix the lettering up for sure
Post # 11
Member
4012 posts
Honey bee
I think yours is adorable OP!!
If anyone is interested in a free tree guestbook, theres one on WeddingChicks! They have a bicycle one as well!
http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/wedding-signs-labels/free-printable-tree-thumbprint-guestbook/
Post # 12
Member
515 posts
Busy bee
Visually, it’s really nice. I agree with those who say it’s a bit too fat and doesn’t leave enough room for the fingerprints. I definitely think one that you DIY will be great and I can’t imagine that anyone would say anything negative about it.
Post # 13
Member
420 posts
Helper bee
I don’t know what a thumbprint tree is for, so I have no idea how it’s “supposed” to look, but I really like your painting. 🙂
Post # 14
Member
2239 posts
Buzzing bee
@AllTheGoodUsernamesAreTaken: Thumbprint trees are a guestbook alternative. Basically, the bride and groom set out ink bads and wet wipes…and guests ink their thumb and print it on the tree therefore making a leaf. =) So the tree is fully covered by the end of the event as long as everyone “leaves” their print behind =)
I think it’s cute! I’d just make the branches skinnier — don’t pay for this! You’re on the right track
Post # 15
Member
237 posts
Helper bee
I think that’s a great first try, but I agree that it might need some refining. If you end up not liking yours at all, here’s another great free one: http://styleunveiled.com/wedding-fingerprint-tree It’s hard to see from the computer, but it’s kind of water-color-like. Very beautiful and detailed. I’m using it with a rustic wood frame.
Post # 16
Member
420 posts
Helper bee
@SuperDuperBrit: That’s a really cute idea! 🙂 There’s so much on the bee and other sites that I’ve found during this crazy wedding planning process that I have never heard of before lol
@Mrs.C.to.bee: Now that I know what a thumbprint tree is for I feel like I can give you better advice on yours. 🙂 I think it’s beautiful and I personally wouldn’t change a thing about it. I suppose what PP have said about making the branches longer, skinnier, or more spread out does make some sense if you’re having a lot of guests. I don’t know how big your canvas is or how many guests you have so I feel like I really can’t say if it looks like there’s enough space on there for everyone’s thumb prints. Even if you decide not to go with this particular one, I think you should remake it rather than buying one. It’s beautiful and I think it’s lovely to have a personalized guestbook like this. I also see no reason to spend a ton of money on one that someone else made, unless you’re really feeling like you need a new one but don’t have time to make another copy. Honestly, even if you do think you’d need a bigger one or one with more space, I still think this one would be better than using one somebody else made. You could just have the “leaves” overlap each other a little bit if needed, which I think would look great. Hope this helps! 🙂
ETA: It looks like an oak tree to me and oak trees are supposed to have thick branches, and lots and lots of bushy leaves all around, so I think it might even look better to have the thumb prints overlapping some on this one. I think it’s great, don’t change it at all is my vote. 🙂
