--- title: Deck the halls description: For some, the holidays are a time of heightened crafting – making wreaths, designing centerpieces, stringing popcorn garlands, knitting... image: https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_20161201_124035_687-1024x576-3.jpg --- # [Vita Brevis A resource for family history from AmericanAncestors.org](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. # Deck the halls [December 07, 2016](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2016/12/deck-the-halls) [Photographs](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/photographs), [Genealogical Writing](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/genealogical-writing), [Spotlight](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/spotlight), [Collections](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/collections), [Family papers](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/family-papers), [Object Lessons](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/object-lessons), [Family stories](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/tag/family-stories) [Ginevra Morse](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/author/gmorse) [![img_20161201_124035_687](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_20161201_124035_687-1024x576-3.jpg?width=604&height=340&name=IMG_20161201_124035_687-1024x576-3.jpg)](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_20161201_124035_687-3.jpg)For some, the holidays are a time of heightened crafting – making wreaths, designing centerpieces, stringing popcorn garlands, knitting warm to-be-gifted hats and scarves, and building elaborate gingerbread wonderlands. For everyone, the holidays are a time to be with and celebrate family – present *and* past. Since 2013, staff at NEHGS have combined spirited crafting and a passion for genealogy by creating special ornaments using (facsimiles of) family photographs. The ornaments adorn the tree at the Society and are taken home just before Christmas. Even among unrelated crafters, we can’t help but share the “who,” “what,” and “when” of our photos with each other. Some staff have even chosen to represent lines of descent within a single ornament (*see below*) – a family tree in 3D! From our family to yours, adopt this crafting tradition and celebrate your ancestors by creating a special keepsake ornament. When made with family members – especially children or grandchildren – you’ll not only create new family memories, but also share a piece of family history. Follow the basic instructions below or click [here](http://www.americanancestors.org/education/learning-resources/downloads/ancestral-ornaments/) for printable instructions and templates. ### **Step 1: Scan & Print Your Image** Scan your family photos, resize to approximately 3″ × 4″, and print. Be sure to scan your images at 300 or 600 dpi for best printing quality. You can resize your photo in Microsoft® Word, Adobe® Photoshop, or any number of image viewing programs. If you don’t have these resources at home, a local copy center can help. ### **[![ornaments_2016_01](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ornaments_2016_01-300x225-1.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=ornaments_2016_01-300x225-1.jpg)](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ornaments_2016_01-1.jpg)Step 2: Select Your Shape** Determine what shape will work best for your picture. Cut out that shape on colorful cardstock or poster board. This is the backing for your ornament. Use the [templates on our website](https://www.americanancestors.org/uploadedfiles/content/education/learning_resources/downloads/ornament-template.pdf), or make your own. With a pencil, trace around the cut-out backing on the printed picture. Cut out the traced shape and glue to the backing. Trim any exposed poster board. ### **[![ornaments_2016_03](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ornaments_2016_03-300x225-1.jpg?width=300&height=225&name=ornaments_2016_03-300x225-1.jpg)](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/ornaments_2016_03-1.jpg)Step 3: Trim Your Ornament** Trim your ornament using ribbon, lace, tassels, sequins, yarn, buttons, feathers – anything! A hot glue gun is needed for heavier trimmings such as buttons and bows. You can also use a tapestry needle to stitch ribbon or yarn around the edge. Add a loop for hanging using a hole punch or glue. Don’t forget to write the “who,” “when,” and “where” of the photo on the back! ### **[![img_20161201_124013_465](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_20161201_124013_465-169x300-1.jpg?width=169&height=300&name=IMG_20161201_124013_465-169x300-1.jpg)](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/IMG_20161201_124013_465-1.jpg)Step 4: Trim Your Tree** Your ancestral ornament is complete! Trim your tree and save your keepsake creations for years – and generations – to come. ### Share this: - [mailto:?body=https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2016/12/deck-the-halls](mailto:?body=https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2016/12/deck-the-halls) - - - More - - ![Ginevra Morse](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/hubfs/Ginevra_Morse_Jan25.jpg) ## About Ginevra Morse Ginevra Morse joined the American Ancestors staff in 2010 as Publications Coordinator, transitioning to the Education team as Online Education Coordinator in 2013. In that role, Ginevra developed the American Ancestors Online Learning Center: an online portal to resources including webinars, online courses, subject guides, and more. In 2014 Ginevra became the Director of Education and Online Programs. Today as Chief Learning & Interpretation Officer she oversees all education programs, including research tours and programs, seminars, workshops, online programs, conferences, group visits, offsite lectures, youth education, and community events. Ginevra previously worked in marketing for an academic, foreign language publisher, where she created webinars and other online learning initiatives for teachers. Ginevra holds a B.A. in anthropology from McGill University in Montréal.[View all posts by Ginevra Morse →](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/author/gmorse) [← Metadata](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2016/12/metadata) [Accounting for the care of slaves →](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/2016/12/accounting-care-of-slaves) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ### Recent Posts [Sailor Bill and His Forgotten Wife](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/sailor-bill-and-his-forgotten-wife) [Professor X](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/professor-x) [Part I: Malaga Island, Maine](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/part-i-malaga-island-maine) [The Norwegian folge](https://vitabrevis.americanancestors.org/the-norwegian-folge) [Research…in a Miniskirt? 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