Fingerprint Tree: Easy and Memorable DIY

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Are you wondering how to make a fingerprint tree? With just a few supplies you can make this super easy and memorable DIY.

I love making things that bring my family together.  I am always looking for ways to preserve our kids growing up and the family we have made.  This is a craft the whole family can create, and a cute way to have a fingerprint keepsake. It’s as easy as finger painting and a fun way to get younger kids involved in creating something special.

What is a fingerprint tree?

It’s an artwork piece that is created and designed with one or many family members involved. We will cover the steps to create this artwork.

Fingerprint Tree Materials Needed:

• Art Canvas – I purchased mine on clearance from Big Lots for $4
• Folk Art Acrylic Paint in a variety of different colors.  I decided to use fall colors.

How do you make a fingerprint tree?

Fingerprint Tree Instructions

Prep the canvas

For this first canvas, I left it plain, but you could opt to paint it which you’ll see in the second tutorial option.

Draw or Paint on the Tree Trunk

For this first fingerprint tree, I used a black Sharpie and drew on a tree trunk, and I left a space in the middle for the heart.

If you are not comfortable drawing a drunk you could download and print a base trunk and glue it onto the canvas. There are several free templates out there for this.

I dipped my thumb into the red acrylic paint and made a heart shape in the center of the tree trunk.

Add the Fingerprints

How do you make fingerprint leaves?

I put several fall acrylic paints onto a paper plate. I let the kids dip their fingers or thumbs into the paint and then we pressed the finger or thumbprint onto the canvas.

We started with one color and they did as many as prints as they wanted to with those colors, and then we added the second color, and continued until all of the colors were made.

These prints could be done by one person, your family, the guests at an event, etc.

I love how this turned out. Now I have artwork created by my family, filled with love, and preserved their fingerprints.

Fingerprint Tree – Second Option

I’m using Dixie Belle Paint

Using the Dixie Belle Paint Blue, I painted the canvas for a light sky color.

Let that dry completely.

Once the background is dry you can begin painting your tree trunk and branches with the Chocolate paint. If you are intimidated by this, you could use a brown Sharpie and color it on the canvas. Optional – I left a white heart shape in the tree trunk. Let this dry completely.

I filled 3 paper plates with Dixie Belle Paint – Daisy, Honky Tonk Red, and Florida Orange. I used my thumb dipped in the red paint to create a heart in the tree trunk. My kids had a blast using their fingertips dipped in the different paints to create the leaves. They filled it until they liked the look. I let it dry 24 hours, and then I lightly sprayed it with acrylic sealer to protect it.

Here is the light up piece I made during Hometalk’s Live DIY…

You can see my other Art Pieces Here:

• Personalized Light Up Canvas Art
• Easy Light Up Canvas Art
• Family Heirloom Light Up Canvas Art
• Christmas Light Up Canvas Art
• Valentine Light Up Canvas Art
• Fingerprint St. Patrick’s Day Mug
• Family Heirloom Fingerprint Art Projects

Shop any of these stores and I receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Fingerprint Tree Q & A

What do fingerprints symbolize?

Fingerprints are symbolic in various ways depending on the context and culture. Here are some common symbolic meanings associated with fingerprints:

1. Uniqueness: One of the most widely recognized symbols of fingerprints is their uniqueness. Each person’s fingerprints are distinct, and this symbolism often represents the idea that every individual is unique and has their own identity.
2. Identity: In many cultures and contexts, fingerprints symbolize a person’s identity. They are used in forensic science and biometrics as a means of identification because of their individuality.
3. Personal History: Fingerprints can symbolize a person’s life journey and experiences. They are formed during fetal development and remain unchanged throughout a person’s life, reflecting their individual history and path.
4. Connection: In some contexts, fingerprints can symbolize a connection between individuals. For example, fingerprinting is often used in the context of family records or identification of loved ones.
5. Security: Fingerprints are used for security purposes, such as in fingerprint recognition systems for access control and authentication. In this context, they symbolize security and trust.
6. Legal and Official Documentation: Fingerprints are often used in legal and official documents, such as passports and identification cards, symbolizing the authenticity and validity of the document and the individual it represents.
7. Art and Creativity: Fingerprints can be used in art as a form of expression. Some artists use fingerprints as a medium for creating unique and personal artwork.

The symbolism of fingerprints can vary across different cultures and contexts. Overall, they are often seen as a symbol of individuality, identity, and uniqueness.

How do you make fingerprint leaves? (using ink pads)

Creating fingerprint leaves is a fun and creative craft activity that you can do with children or as a DIY project. To make fingerprint leaves, you’ll need some basic supplies:

Materials:

1. White or colored paper
2. Washable ink pads in various shades of green, brown, and other leaf colors
3. Small paintbrushes or cotton swabs
4. Water and a paper towel (for cleaning fingers)
5. Pencils or markers (optional for adding details)
6. Reference images of leaves (optional for inspiration)

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make fingerprint leaves:

1. Choose the Paper:
   • Start by selecting the paper you want to use. White paper works well, but you can also use colored paper for a more vibrant background.
2. Prepare the Ink Pads:
   • Lay out your ink pads in various shades of green and brown to mimic the colors of leaves. You can also use other leaf colors like red or orange for autumn leaves.
3. Clean Your Fingers:
   • Before you start, make sure your fingers are clean and dry. You can use water and a paper towel to clean your fingers between colors.
4. Create Fingerprint Leaves:
   • Dip your fingertip into one of the ink pads, making sure to coat it evenly with ink.
   • Carefully press your inked fingertip onto the paper to create a fingerprint. This will be the basic shape of your leaf.
   • Repeat this process using different shades of green and brown to create a variety of leaves on your paper.
5. Add Details:
   • Once your fingerprint leaves are in place, you can use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to add details to your leaves. For example, you can add veins, stems, or other leaf patterns using a contrasting color.
6. Let it Dry:
   • Allow your fingerprint leaves to dry completely. Depending on the type of ink pad you use, this may take a few minutes to several hours.
7. Optional: Add More Details:
   • If you like, you can use pencils or markers to add additional details to your fingerprint leaves, such as leaf edges or more intricate patterns.
8. Display or Use:
   • Your fingerprint leaves are now ready to be displayed as artwork, used for greeting cards, or incorporated into other craft projects.

This activity is a creative way to make unique and personalized leaf art, and it can be adapted for different seasons or occasions by choosing appropriate colors and adding additional decorations as desired.

What events are fingerprint trees made for?

Fingerprint trees are typically made for special events and occasions where people come together to celebrate and leave their mark. These events often involve a sense of community, commemoration, or celebration. Some common events for which fingerprint trees are created include:

1. Weddings: Fingerprint trees are a popular alternative to traditional guest books at weddings. Guests can leave their fingerprints and sign their names on the tree as a symbol of their presence and well wishes for the newlyweds.
2. Baby Showers: Fingerprint trees are sometimes used as a creative way to celebrate the impending arrival of a baby. Guests can add their fingerprints and messages, creating a keepsake for the parents-to-be.
3. Family Reunions: Fingerprint trees can be a meaningful addition to family reunions. Family members can add their fingerprints to the tree to symbolize their interconnectedness and shared heritage.
4. Memorial Services: In some cases, fingerprint trees are used at memorial services to remember and honor a loved one who has passed away. Attendees can leave their fingerprints as a way of expressing their condolences and shared memories.
5. Anniversary Parties: Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries, such as 50th or 60th anniversaries, may use fingerprint trees as a way to involve guests in the celebration and create a lasting memento of the event.
6. Graduation Parties: Fingerprint trees can be used at graduation parties to commemorate the achievement of the graduate. Friends and family can leave their fingerprints as a gesture of support and congratulations.
7. Special Milestones: Fingerprint trees can be used for various other milestones and special occasions, such as retirement parties, milestone birthdays (e.g., 50th birthday), and housewarming parties.

Fingerprint trees provide a visual representation of the people who come together to mark significant events in a person’s life or celebrate important occasions. They serve as meaningful keepsakes and reminders of the shared moments and connections among individuals.

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