thumbprint tree guestbook

I went to a wedding once that did this and they used different colored ink pads ... let's just say that everyone who did their print in orange looked like they ate Cheetos, it did not come off! Maybe check to make sure it says 'washable'? It didn't appear to smudge however, but that might depend on the type of paper you selected also?

I agree with the above poster, the idea sounds cool, but I think it will only work with certain themed weddings. Way to messy for most.

If you look on etsy they sell ink everywhere for a thumbprint guest book. However, I think either way you should have those little wet napkins in a basket after so guests can wipe they're hands off right away.

This is the brand of ink pads that I have read is suggested by almost everybody.

I have also seen people have a thing of baby wipes on the table so guests have something to wipe their thumbs off with. And also make sure there is a trash can near by.

As far as the thumbprint tree you got from Michael's, I think I know which one you are talking about and that paper might be tough to work with. I think it might have a laminated feel to it so the ink will not dry as fast

I used scrapbook safe ink pads for my brother's wedding tree and I provided baby wipes for the guests, which did the job even though they weren't marked as washable.

I thought about doing this as well but does seem like it can get messy instead im going to get the tree with leaves already on it from etsy and just have everyone sign there name in a leaf so i get the same family tree effect without a mess

We had a fall wedding and did the thumbprint tree. It was fine. We left wet wipes nearby so people could clean their finger. Our ink was the same brand as was just posted. We had no problems. When I get home I can post a pic

I bought a large drawing pad from Michael's instead of the board because of the finish on it.

Thank you for all the replies... I would hate to have stained fingers, but I am Going to do this project. .I will be testing the inks I suppose... hopefully don't waste too much money... and yes the wet naps was my plan as well, mayb some ink removing ones if I can find them. Thanks again

Hmm @jenniferg did u use the board from michaels?

@arborday mayb could use the tree and sketch it onto the board u are talking about.. I havent opened it yet to see what the board feels like

Okay, I'm home and on a PC so I can post. No, I didn't use the one from Michael's. I bought a custom one on Etsy. A little bit expensive, but I was very happy with it.

Here's a pic of how it was set up during cocktail hour. You can see the stamps out, the wipes and another glass people were putting used wipes in. It was left out there, until after cake cutting and the cake was taken away... then was moved into the ballroom with all of us.

I painted my own. I just drew the trunk, four LARGE branches off of that, and added the smaller branches to fill up the board.

They have thicker card stock at Michael's for around $5 and I bough acrylic paint.

2 boards, 2 bottles of paint, and little wooden letters, and a 10 pack of cheap brushes all came out to less than $10 because I had a coupon.

@jennifferg I love that, I wanted that one but on a tight budget...

@supermanbride that is great, I love the idea but I am not a artist, I cant even attempt that. And

@jc what brand are they? If u know.im having trouble finding washable ones that dont take too long to dry, I dont want smudges

I know that I am going to do the thumbprint tree. A friend of mine has already painted one for me. The wipes and trash can are a very good idea, and I also read somewhere that it might be a good idea to have some paper or something out where guests can test their fingerprint before putting it on the canvas. The only problem I'm having is deciding if I want people to sign next to their print or not. On one hand, it would be nice to see where everyone signed, but on the other hand I'm scared that it will ruin the picture. Some people have large or sloppy handwriting and I don't know how I feel about random signatures all over the place. If you have already done this at your wedding, can you please give me some feedback as to how your tree ended up or post a picture of your final product?? Thanks!

How long does it take the ink to dry for signing the print?