Creating a family tree is a great way to illustrate your family history. Start by researching your ancestors to find out who you need to include, then make an outline of each generation to create the family tree. You can embellish it to make it a work of art, or save your research to a computer so that your family history is available. Go to step one to get started.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Do the research on family history
Step 1. Write the names of the people you want to include
A family tree starts from your person, from which the different branches separate. Start writing the names of your close relatives, then move on to those of your parents' generation. Make sure you don't miss anyone! The family tree will be an important piece of your family history, so take care to create an accurate outline.
- Write your name, those of your brothers and sisters, and your parents.
- Write the names of your grandparents, uncles and aunts, and your cousins.
- Write the names of your great-grandparents and your great-aunts and great-aunts.
- You can stop here, but if you want you can add other generations.
Step 2. Fill in the gaps by doing research
Going back a couple of generations it will be difficult to find the names. In order not to forget anyone, do your research and check carefully, it is a great opportunity to learn more about your family.
- Talk to older people in your family for more information. Find out the names of your grandparents' siblings, their spouses and children. Try to find out as much as you can. If you're lucky, you'll learn some interesting family stories and maybe even some secrets.
- Do some research on the internet through special sites. There are many (for example https://www.ancestry.it/) where you simply have to enter your name and that of your parents. Keep in mind, though, that you can usually get some information for free, and if you want to learn more, you will be asked for a payment. If you are serious about building your family tree, these sites are a great way to find information.
Step 3. Decide what other data you want to highlight
In addition to the first and last name, you might include the date of birth (and death), the date of marriage, and so on. With these dates, the family tree will contain much more information, almost becoming a historical record of your family. You could also include places of birth or residence.
Step 4. Choose whether to put photos as well
If you have photographs of your ancestors, you may want to include a small photo of each of them. This choice is suitable when family trees are not too large, because the photos may take up a lot of space.
- If you don't have many photos, you can only put those of close relatives.
- Look for photos of as many relatives as possible. If you want to make them all the same size, you can scan them and use Photoshop or a similar program to edit them.
Part 2 of 3: Creating the Family Tree
Step 1. Start with your generation
This is the basis of the tree, which includes yourself, your parents, your brothers and sisters. Choose for yourself which shape to give the pattern. If you want it to go up and get thicker at the top, just like a tree, start from the base of a large sheet of paper. You could also start on the left so that the pattern reads easily from left to right. Regardless of the shape you want to give your family tree, start writing the following information:
- Write your name.
- Draw a line from your name to your mother's, then a line from your name to your father's. Draw a horizontal line that connects your mother and father.
- If you have brothers and sisters, draw lines from their names to your father and mother.
- If your brothers and sisters are married, write the names of the spouses and connect them.
- If your brothers and sisters have children, write their names and connect them.
Step 2. Enter your parents' generation
Add the second generation, that of your parents. Connect married couples with horizontal lines and draw lines from parents to children.
- Write the names of your maternal grandparents above your mother's name. Write the names of your paternal grandparents above your father's name.
- Link maternal grandparent names to your mother's brothers / sisters. Link the names of paternal grandparents to your father's brothers / sisters.
- Add the names of your in-laws and uncles (i.e. spouses of uncles and aunts).
- Add the names of the children of your uncles and aunts, or your cousins.
Step 3. Enter the generation of your grandparents
If your family is large, your tree may have almost reached the edge of the paper. Some people stop there, with both pairs of grandparents crowning the family tree. If you want to continue, it's time to add the generation of your grandparents. Remember to connect married couples with horizontal lines and to draw lines from parents to children.
- Add the names of your maternal grandmother's father and mother and your maternal grandfather's father and mother. They are your great grandparents.
- Add the names of the father and mother of your paternal grandmother and the father and mother of your paternal grandfather. They are your great grandparents.
- Add the names of the brothers / sisters of your maternal grandparents - i.e. great-aunts and great-aunts.
- Add the names of the brothers / sisters of your paternal grandparents - aka great aunts and great aunts.
- Enter the names of the spouses and children of your great aunts and great aunts.
Step 4. Decide how far you want to go back in time
If you enjoy researching your family, keep going backwards as long as you can. There is no limit to the size of your tree, especially if you do it in digital format!
Part 3 of 3: Making the Family Tree Unique
Step 1. Enhance the family tree
Now that the pattern is complete, consider adding an artistic touch so you can proudly share it with your family. Copy the pencil diagram onto a large sheet of drawing paper, then use ink or colors to depict the names and add vivid detail. You can use the classic tree shape or try something new and creative. Here are some ideas:
- Turn the lines into branches and write the names on the leaves. Baby names can be written on apples or other fruits.
- Create a galaxy by writing people's names on planets and stars. If you want, you can put your name in the sun.
- Create a town by writing names on houses connected by roads.
Step 2. Use software to create a computer-made tree
If you want it to look attractive, but don't want to draw it by hand, there are hundreds of online options to choose from. Search for "free family tree" and you will find automatic templates and charts that you can print and hang on the wall.
Step 3. Have an artist draw the family tree
Find an artist who can make your family tree look as good as an original piece of art. You can decide that the names are written in classic calligraphy on a beautiful background. Search the web for some artist who does these works and take a look at their production, so you can choose one whose style matches that of your family.
