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Family Tree Photo Frames

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Family Frames Make Great Gifts, Too!

Anyone interested in their family tree has a whole collection of photographs that they'd like to show off. Wouldn't it be nice if you could display your family tree in a frame design just for this purpose? Well, you can!

There are many family tree picture frames available. Some stand up and are perfect for a shelf or desk. Others are meant for display on your walls.

I'll show you the family tree photo frame I received as a gift one Christimas. Then I'll show you a couple examples of the other frames on the market followed by a couple of do-it-yourself and custom made options.

A family tree photo frame is a great way to display your heritage. They make great gifts for family members, too! Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa...they'd be proud to share their family tree with one of these fine frames.

The Story Behind the Frame

Finding a Cousin on the Web

I met a woman online who was researching a similar surname as me. It was an uncommon surname that was created by one of my ancestors in the 1830s. Originally it was de Mello but around 1830 my ancestors began using the compound surname de Mello Castanho. Everyone from the village of Maia, Ribeira Grande in the Azores who is a de Mello Castanho is related to me in some way.

Her ancestor's name was Engracia de Mello Castanho. We had a gap in our research between 1870 and 1900, so we weren't able to make a connection at first.

Both of us dedicated ourselves to researching the line from opposite ends. Eventually, we figured out our mystey relative and we connected her to the tree, and thus, to each other.

One day around Christmas, I got a box in the mail from this cousin. I opened it and found this beautiful family tree picture frame. I set out that night to put my frame together. It was so beautiful when completed! I loved seeing my ancestors' photographs on display in this way.

The frame holds a place of honor in the middle of my dresser. Sometimes I stand in front of it for a little genealogy meditation time. I will cherish it always!

Deciding Which Photographs to Use

Before I put my frame together, I needed to decide which photographs to use. The photographs had to be small enough so the head of the person sat correctly within the frame.

Some photographs weren't going to work. There was too much distraction around the individual or their head didn't fit in the frame. Some photographs needed a little digital manipulation before I could use them.

When you set out to do your own frame, remember that you'll have to cut the photographs up to put them in the frames. Please don't use originals or the only copy that you have. Once it's cut up that's it. Make a copy or two to work with. That way if you mess up or you change your mind you won't have ruined a photograph that can't be replaced.

I decided to go with all black and white photographs. Once I had the right mix in the right size, I was ready to put it together.

The Leaves of the Tree

My family tree photo frame comes with thirteen picture frame leaves. The leaves come in two sizes. There are four large frames and nine small frames.

You can arrange the leaves in any order that you like. You might like to arrange your tree by generations or couples. My tree in a mixture as I didn't have an equal amount of photos for each side of my tree. My parents, grandparents, and great grandparents are represented.

Filling the Frames is Easy

Once I decided what photographs to use in my tree, it was a piece of cake to fill the frames. Each frame opens easily from the back. Just slide the metal piece over then lift the black piece out.

I cut the photographs to the size of the frame on the inside. The black back piece or the clear plastic "glass" was my guide for the proper dimensions.

Once I set the photograph inside the frame, I returned the back piece to the proper position, and slid the metal piece back over so that it was secure. The I hung the frame on a hook! And, then I moved it and moved it again. An hour later I was satisfied with my presentation.

Many Different Styles of Frames to Choose From

You might be looking for something a little different. Family tree picture frames come in many different styles. Some are made to sit on a shelf or table top while others are wall hanging.

The Malden Family Tree Frame has a multi-tone finish. It is two sided. It holds 14 photographs in circular and square frames.

The Studio Silversmith Tree of Life is made of bronze metal material. It holds six rectangular frames.

The New View Family Tree Wall frame has seven photo frames that surround the phrase "Our Family Grows with Love". The tree and frames are made of metal.

The Personalized Spiral Heart Tree Picture Frame holds 16 photos. Their are charms on the tree with the words "Hope", "Love", "Family", "Wish", "Peace", and "Memories". The base of the tree has the quote ""Family Memories...and Stories Told, Are Like Precious Treasures as Dear as Gold." The heart at the top of this tree can be engraved for that personal touch.

The Metal Tree Wall Photo Frame six photos of different sizes. The tree has a bronze colored finish. Their are two oval, two round, one rectangle, and one square photo frames included.

The Uttermost Maple Tree Frame is made of hand forged metal. The color is aged chestnut with antiqued verdigris detail. The tree holds 13 round shaped frames: 10-4x4 inch photos and 3-5x5 inch photos.

There are many different family tree photo frames available. They''ll look great on your wall or make the perfect gift!
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Looking for a more traditional frame?

There are many family orientated frames that come in traditional frame shapes rather than tree shaped. These may work better for the photographs that you have.
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Make It a Project

Do It Yourself Family Tree Photo Frame

Are you the do-it-yourself type? You can create your own family tree picture frame. All you need is a computer and a picture frame!

You can design your genealogy photograph chart yourself. Or, you can use genealogy software to do it. I've used the photo chart feature of RootsMagic genealogy software to create this framable chart. (Needs a couple of more photographs before it is complete!)

You can find more decorative genealogy charts at About.com

Planning to give one as a gift?

Family Tree Photo Frames make an excellent gift. It's a wonderful way to share your love with other family members, especially if that family member is difficult to buy for!

There are many different styles to choose from, so you should think about what style the recipient would enjoy most. An elderly person with limited space, might prefer a wall hanging frame rather than one that sits on the table.

Also, you need to decide whether you'll fill the frame in with photos or allow the recipient to do it themselves. This really depends on who it's for. If you are giving the frame to a friend, they'll probably want to select their own photos. However, your Mom would probably love seeing all the photos lovingly selected for her.

Either way, this makes a great gift for family, friends, and the family historian.

More Genealogy Wall Art

Ancestor Circles Framable Photo Chart
A combination photograph and pedigree wall chart in a unique circular format
Hand Lettered Tree Project
Martha Stewart pedigree wall chart template
Family ChArtist
Create your custom made genealogy photo wall art, print online, or order your print from Family ChArtrist
Family Tree Wall Printing
Genealogy photo wall charts using your Reunion, Family Tree Maker, or MyFamily printed charts

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Thanks for visiting my lens!

  • pawpaw911 Sep 12, 2011 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    I have a passion for genealogy myself. Found this lens very interesting.
  • squidoolover76 Sep 11, 2011 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    Really lovely idea to remember our family members,great lens thanks a lot
  • Jun 3, 2011 @ 7:18 pm | delete
    Very very classic. I'll try to DIY with my child. Thanks for sharing.
  • GonnaFly Jun 1, 2011 @ 3:01 am | delete
    This is such a lovely idea. I should put more family photos on display.
  • happynutritionist Apr 27, 2011 @ 8:03 am | delete
    Love the frames - I have so much gathered information about our family to put together one day soon...started before there was so much help available on the internet and can't get over how quickly something new appears when I do searches about different family members.
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Family heritage photo frames are a great way to show off your family tree.

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