ObituaryHelp.org has a whole variety of free family tree templates. I modified their 9 generation circle chart to create a simpler 6 generation chart and imported the image into my Silhouette Cameo software.
After importing, I traced the chart to prepare cutting lines and switched out my blade with one of the Silhouette Glitter Sketch Pens. Instead of cutting your paper, the sketch pens draw your design. I liked the glitter pens because they aren't overwhelmingly glittery - there is just a nice shimmer to the ink.
If you want to draw with multiple colors, you simply switch the pens without unloading your paper. I drew the blue circle chart first, then without unloading my cutting mat, switched to a green pen and drew our last name and marriage year in the center of the chart.
Finally, my chart was ready to fill in. I used a fine tip pen (.5mm) to write in all the family names. Did you notice all the blank spots in bottom corner of the first picture? I was really surprised to learn that much of the family line on my dad's side is unknown. What started out as just another Silhouette project has turned into something very personal for me, and since I've begun I have had a strong impression that these people want me to find them. I've been looking through census and immigration records for the last several days and think I've already found a family member! I still have a lot to learn about the process, but I really hope to be able to fill in all of those blank spots (and beyond).
If you are a Silhouette user and want to make this project, send me an email (homemadebyjill@gmail.com) and I'd be happy to send you my file (for personal use only, please). It is designed to fit a 12 x 12 piece of paper, but you could size it down to fit the older model. Also, I'm considering listing some of these charts in an esty shop if there is interest. What do you think?
Use my blog code, JILL, April 24th - 30th to get Silhouette's Sketch Pen Bundle Promotion.
The bundle includes:
1 Silhouette CAMEO
1 $25 download card
1 Silhouette Metallic Sketch Pen pack
1 Silhouette Glitter Pen pack
all for $269.99 (a savings of almost $75)
If you already have the Silhouette, you can get the metallic and glitter pen packs for only $6.99 each.
