Tree Slice Guest Book

artjrf · January 2012

Hello Ladies! we have been debating on what to do for a guest book. We aren't the type of people to sit down with a cup of coffee and look through a book of names, so a traditional guest book doesn't appeal to us.

One option we have been considering is to use a Mat for photos for our guests to sign.

An option that I have recently stumbled upon that completely fits in with our rustic theme, is using a slice (or two) of tree. My only concern is how to preserve the tree slice once the guests have all signed it so that the bark doesn't chip off and create a mess. Is there some sort of sealer or spray that we can coat it with once we are done that won't cause the ink to run or smear?

here is a pic of what I found that sparked my interest.

any suggestions, ideas, or thoughts are welcome!

TiffannieF · January 2012

Super cute guest book! I don't have an answer other than talk to a local wood crafter, carpenter, or wood shop.

TiffannieF · January 2012

Also, FWIW in 6th grade I made a "wood cookie" (name tag that was a piece of wood similar to the one in your picture but much smaller) and wrote my name with a permanent marker, to this day it's fine (14 years ago). Another idea is a wishing tree, which is what we did. I have how I did ours in my bio. I only mention this because I *personally* would have no idea where I would put the tree slice in my house (doesn't go with my decor). Just something to think about.

artjrf · January 2012

Thanks! Tiffanie, your pictures in your bio look beautiful!! I am curious about what you did with the well wishes and the tree when you were done. do you have it set up in your house somewhere?

TiffannieF · January 2012

Thank you. I have a couple ideas for them right now. We scanned some in and emailed to our photog where she is going to put into our album. The others I was thinking of making a picture frame out of it, where I would it be the border. We have a picture of everybody gathered together at the reception so I was thinking of using it for that. Or I'll just scrap book them. The little tree I had we use in our home. It's with an arrangement of flowers/orchids that I made.

FutureSchwartz · January 2012

Hi. I'm actually doing a tree cookie guestbook as well. If I were you I would not buy one online. It may be way to small and then guests who come later will not be able to sign it or it will become way to cluttered. I plan on getting my tree cookie from a downed tree. I wouldn't worry about it chipping and if it does it's natural. you wouldn't want it to look plastic. If this is still a concern paint it with a coat of mod podge (no gloss). To save the signatures of your guests I reccommend mod podging it after the ceremony as well. If you don't have a chainsaw or don't trust the FI you can ask a local tree cutting company to cut one for you. My wedding guest count is 150 people max so a tree cookie of 20 in diameter will be perfect for me. Good luck!

artjrf · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_tree-slice-guest-book?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:88d585f6-ac4f-4abc-9c0d-38eb2f837a11Post:e869757a-1ce7-455b-9e3d-de121d056bd4">Re: Tree Slice Guest Book</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi. I'm actually doing a tree cookie guestbook as well. If I were you I would not buy one online. It may be way to small and then guests who come later will not be able to sign it or it will become way to cluttered. I plan on getting my tree cookie from a downed tree. I wouldn't worry about it chipping and if it does it's natural. you wouldn't want it to look plastic. If this is still a concern paint it with a coat of mod podge (no gloss). To save the signatures of your guests I reccommend mod podging it after the ceremony as well. If you don't have a chainsaw or don't trust the FI you can ask a local tree cutting company to cut one for you. My wedding guest count is 150 people max so a tree cookie of 20 in diameter will be perfect for me. Good luck!
Posted by FutureSchwartz[/QUOTE]

<div>Our guest list is about the same size. I'm still debating. I love the idea, but to be honest Tiffanie brought up a great point...what would I do with it when we are done. I might be able to find a stand to set it up with in our apartment along with a few other wedding keepsakes I want to showcase, but not entirely sure.</div>

FutureSchwartz · January 2012

I plan on putting a wall bracket on it and just display it as a piece of artwork. However, we are a very rustic nature couple so it fits well with our decor. Whatever you decide just have fun with it. Another option is use recycled paper and bind them together. I'm sure you can find something like that online and if your crafty make it yourself, then you can personalize it as much if you want or leave it plain.It will look great anywhere displayed or not.

artjrf · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_ceremony-ideas_tree-slice-guest-book?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:10Discussion:88d585f6-ac4f-4abc-9c0d-38eb2f837a11Post:af8d5fe7-68cb-49ea-8c8d-02f573dddb9e">Re: Tree Slice Guest Book</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>I plan on putting a wall bracket on it and just display it as a piece of artwork</strong>. However, we are a very rustic nature couple so it fits well with our decor. Whatever you decide just have fun with it. Another option is use recycled paper and bind them together. I'm sure you can find something like that online and if your crafty make it yourself, then you can personalize it as much if you want or leave it plain.It will look great anywhere displayed or not.
Posted by FutureSchwartz[/QUOTE]

<div>So, I totally just had a "duh!!!!" moment! I love the idea of putting a wall bracket on it!!! Now why on earth did I not think of that?!?!?!</div>

Tree Slice Guest Book

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