✥ Family Tree Word Art {Tutorial} ✥

So, Christmas is the most wonderful time to show your family just how "GANGSTA" you are with DIY. I had to come up with gifts for the type of people who have enough "DOUGH" to buy whatever they need/ want! Perfect time to "SHOW 'EM WHAT YA GOT!" I saw this type of family tree and thought it was just perfect for my family, minus the $50 price tag.

via

I love how it looks more modern than traditional family tree art- and how from a distance it looks all abstract tree-ish but then up close and personal you can see the names of several generations of your family! My most favorite part- how each tree is unique, not just because of the individual names, but because the shapes are all different when the trees are done.

I am pretty sure you make these with Photoshop- but of course, I don't have Photoshop- so it's Microsoft Word Publisher for me!! It will take you more time to do it on Word, but I can

share the steps to make your own  if you're interested- It will probably still involve some trial and error on your part.

HERE ARE THE STEPS TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER CHRISTMAS THUG;-)
1] Get your family names and dates- they can be found at places like: Family Search {that's what I used}, Ancestry.com, Roots Web

2] Open a new document- Select "Word Art." I used a few different shapes to create varied branch shapes.

3] Once you like the shape of the name- DRAG it onto your desktop-I know it sounds crazy,  but you won't be able to manipulate the placement of the branch unless Word reads it as an image- instead of text. {Majoy bummer, right?}

4] Open the word you just dragged onto you desktop, save it, copy it, and paste into your document.

5] Now you can manipulate the name's placement: change its size, spin the angle, and place it where you would like it on the document. {Now just do that 5 million times}

6] The leaves and and hearts are images I grabbed from freeshare sources. 

 7] Print- it would be pretty on scrapbook paper, burlap, linen paper...

Oh- the order of the names! Well, that was a little tricky to figure out- so here's cheat sheet I made for you! This outta save you some serious time! {I know, you're welcome, you're welcome! ;) }

Obviously this project was time consuming with all the copying and dragging, but it was also free. Such is the life of a "HARD BALLER"

So, if you're a compulsive DIYer and can't stand to pay for something you can do- then this project is for you. Otherwise, go ahead and click on the link for the nice gal's Etsy shop- and you'll have you're self a family tree!

I think the fam was pretty happy with the results- in fact I'm getting some requests for more. You know, when I have a spare DAY to work on it! Ha! P.S. Listening to Christmas carols and Ol' School 90's gangsta rap contributed to this theme.

Looking for places to link up your projects? Check out my Party page.

I'm also linked up here.