Tuesday, March 31, 2009

What It's All About...


Click arrow to play. Enjoy...

Please contact me to start your own Storybooking.

- Chris

Monday, March 23, 2009

HERITAGE BLOCKS - ROCK!






There are soooo many great things about Heritage Blocks. Here are my TOP THREE...

1. 100% Toddler/Kid-Proof
- That's right! Kids can play with them and see and learn about their family too - building heritage, block by block.

2. No Frames Needed - The low cost of the print, block and adhesive is it! No fancy frames are additional costs. These attractive blocks are a great way showcase family, story, memories and legacies.

3. Great Gift for ANYONE
- No matter the person or age, Heritage Blocks are a fantastic gift that they will LOVE! Just choose or create your own design and adhere them to the blocks. Now you have a beautiful gift that will be a huge hit!


Instructions for Making Heritage Blocks:


Cut a standard 2x4 into smaller blocks then I created a template with custom vintage patterns to give the blocks a unified look. We added the photos and text then sent off to print! Kate cut the pieces out and modge-podged them onto the blocks. The Heritage Makers template I created has 2 tall blocks on one 12x12 printed page and 3 square blocks on one 12x12 printed page. You can make the whole set of 5 blocks for less than $15 - that includes the template, printing and materials!


Like the Template Shown? Contact me and I will place it in your Heritage Studio account with your order.


Need publishing credits?
Please contact me and SAVE!!!!


Jill's Story
(Template Design By Jill Means)

Here are the "heritage blocks" I created about my grandparents. My sister-in-law, Kate and I wanted to feature my grandparents in our homes, but we didn't really want to take up wall space with framed photos. We created these blocks instead. You can put them on a table, shelf, or wall ledge. People can pick them up and read them, kids can even play with them.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Heritage of a Name

What's in a name? LOTS!

Names are our own personal banners that we carry with us wherever we go in life.

First names - Perhaps we are named after someone and the name comes with a story - a heritage. That is the case with my daughter Ellie. She is named after my wonderful and beautiful grandmother who has since passed on but we are reminded of her through Ellie - and she is adding her own legacy to the name. I love it!

Sometimes, like in the case of my son Connor, it's the first name the mom and dad agree on, so it becomes a keeper. His name is "new" - and he is building a heritage for it every day - one that will become a legacy even at the mention of his name and perhaps his name will be carried on in generations to come.


Last names always come with a story. They are our heritage in the sum of one word. What the story is...well, that is part of the heritage but we are adding to it every day - for better or for worse.

I LOVE the storybook that my friend, Heidi Arave, did. It is a beautiful discovery and reminder of what their name is all about. In a few pages, it shares her family's values and what they stand for. Her young son recently made a good choice and he said, "I did that because I am an Arave, Mom, and that's what Araves do!"

This is a CORNERSTONE book - one of the four foundation books of building your family's heritage library. I can't wait to make my own.

If you would like me to transfer this template so that you can make your own "What It Means to Be A..." 8x8 Storybook, please let me know and I will transfer the template to your account. (It is a Basic template - No Premier Membership is needed).

Thanks for sharing - again! - Heidi!

You know that commercial that says, "What's in your wallet?" Well, today I am asking...

"What's In YOUR Name?" - That is something we can all decide for ourselves. Live your legacy today!

- Chris

Here is a preview of Heidi's 8x8 Storybook - please let me know if you need an 8x8 publishing credit. These are great gifts too! (Buy More, Save More!)










Saturday, March 14, 2009

Happy Birthday! - Great Ideas for Birthday BLISS

I haven't bought Birthday invitations, thank you notes or even a special gift at the store in YEARS!

I don't have to - I have Heritage Makers! Easy. Fun. Affordable and Meaningful...

From my own computer, I can use pictures that mean the most and create personal touches and MEANINGFUL gifts that are so fun to create and so priceless to give and share - and I do all of this with Heritage Studio! Take a look at some of the ways you can customize any birthday and make it one that will be remembered for years to come...


INVITATIONS
My kids have had custom invitations for their birthdays for the past few years and it has become a fun part of their birthday tradition. First, we pick a theme and then we choose a photo - or a few- from memories past that fit right in and add it to the invite. I spend just a little more than buying a generic pack at the store but the results are priceless and oh, so worth it!
























THANK YOU NOTES
At the party, of course I am going crazy with the camera and taking tons of pictures (when I am not dishing out ice cream or getting cake out of the carpet). Then, we just put the pictures of guests into a custom "Thank you" note to thank them for coming and for their gift. They never get thrown away - they become a gift right back to the special guest. It also gets my kids really involved in the "Thank you" process and not just the "getting" part of the birthday.


POSTERS
Posters are a GREAT gift idea. You can showcase a collage of photo memories on a 12x18 or 18x24 poster and give it "as is" or in a frame. You can create your own design or use one of the MANY templates in the Template Gallery.

Melissa's story about how she uses Heritage Makers posters:

I have always done a photo collage for all major events. Weddings, funerals, anniversaries, birthday milestones… I used to spend hours at a Kodak kiosk scanning and printing photos, then hours of cutting and glueing to a tri-fold poster board. Often spending the night before the event up until wee hours of the morning finishing it up… even my own wedding we were glueing photos on the morning of. With Heritage Makers it takes less time to put together (especially now that I made a collage template to use), because of the shipping and production time I have to finish it early which actually takes stress of as the event gets closer and since it’s a much better quality it can be framed and becomes a gift as well for the people involved. Before when the event was over we always had to pull the collage apart and it was sort of depressing. I mean what do you do with a poster board of photos it just doesn't hold up. I did a big poster like this for my dads 60th and it now hangs in his dining room, my sisters wedding one now hangs in her apartment. Now my parents have an upcoming 40th anniversary and I am trying to think what to do, plus my moms 60th is also this year… I cant keep making them a collage or their walls will be too full.

STORYBOOKS
There are so many wonderful options for giving a Storybook as a special birthday gift. Here is a quick list to help your ideas get started:

- Compile letters of "Why We Love (birthday person)" and photos and put into any of the storybook sizes


- Life Story

- Family History


- Focus on a Special Memory

- Book of Quotes and Photos
(Remember, in your Heritage Studio account you have a great Quote Library right at your fingertips. You can just drag the quote you like right onto your page.) Just let me know if you have any questions about this. I will be happy to help!


Take a look in the growing Template Gallery for some amazing templates for birthday gift ideas - the design work is done for you! You just add your own photos and story for a priceless gift!


GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE...
You can even give a Publishing Credit for any Heritage Makers project as a special gift. I can help you set up a Gift Account for anyone you wish and you can purchase a project credit to put into it and then it is ready to go. It's a wonderful gift and a wonderful compliment - to say "Your life is worth writing a book about!" (or any type of project).

Just contact me to give this very special gift.

TREAT YOURSELF!
Give YOURSELF an early or belated BIRTHDAY TREAT - Did you know Premier Membership is ON SALE? Treat yourself to an entire year of unlimited creativity and fun!

This amazing price will save you LOTS of money - and time too!


Have questions? Need ideas or even some publishing credits? Just give me a call or send an email. I am here for you!

HAPPY Birthday and happy heritage making too!

- Chris


Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Oh Baby!

I LOVE being a heritage maker! Look at all of these great things you can make for room and home decor and they are all about preserving and sharing those special moments of your baby's story.

ALL of these things are made with Heritage Makers products AND the best part...almost all of these templates are GIVEN AWAY on my Online Workshop this month! You just add your own photos and/or story and the design is done for you! (You can edit the design and change the colors too). Look at the details below for what product is being used.

(click image to enlarge)



A. 18x24 Poster (landscape) frame. (Template available on Online Workshop)

B. 16x20 Gallery-wrapped Canvas Print

C. 7x5 Storybook

D. 12x12 Individual Page for Baby's Blocks - NEW IDEA! 12x12 page is already designed - or you can create your own design. Then, just cut the printed page and use mod podge (or craft glue) to attach pieces of page to a painted 2x4 piece of wood. (Please see below for closer look).

E. 5x5 Baby Brag Book (Storybook)

F. 12x12 Individual Page for Photo Cube - Design page with images of baby, loved ones or ancestors. Cut printed page and place images in photo cube. (Photo cubes are available at Wal-Mart).

G. 7x5 Baby's First Year Storybook - Template is in Basic Art section of Heritage Studio or Template Gallery.

H. 12x12 Individual Page - "Born to Be a Queen" - Design printed on trimmed to fit on 6x6 ceramic tile. Attach to tile with Mod Podge or craft glue. ("Born to Be a King" template, also available)

I. 12x18 Poster (portrait) framed - Add own photo and text (optional)

J. 16x20 Canvas Print - Template available by contacting me

K. Family Fold Out - Great way to show baby's pics on a shelf or desk


8x8 Baby's Storybook - "A New Story Begins".
This beautiful template will also be shared. It's a wonderful and easy way to share a baby's special story - and it has story writing tips and prompts right in the template! (Please contact me if you would like this template. It is also one of the giveaway templates at my Online Workshop!)

















Haven't reserved your space yet for my FREE Online Workshop this month? It's NOT TOO LATE!

Click on this link and RSVP to reserve your space for this FREE online event - you can even wear fuzzy slippers! No one will know! It's just a great time to relax, enjoy and be inspired by great ideas for your photos and stories - and you can get FREE templates and credits too!

CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR FREE ONLINE WORKSHOP


My "babies" are not babies anymore but these great ideas have inspired me preserve their baby stories and special moments - and to make some wonderful decor with their photos and our special moments - at every age!

It's never too late to preserve your baby's story. And with online publishing and pre-designed templates too there's no more guilt! You can preserve and share all of those special photos and moments in ways that will be treasured for years to come.


GREAT GIFT IDEA:
Give a Heritage Makers project credit WITH a beautiful template already in the gift account! Ask me how!

Do you have a great way to use Heritage Makers products? I would love to hear about it! Share your story and happy heritage making!

Please contact me if I can help you with anything.

- Chris

Friday, March 6, 2009

Life - Organized

Have you had an "A-ha!" moment recently?

I just had one and I wanted to share it with you.

My dear friend and fellow consultant, Heidi Arave, created an AMAZING Heritage Makers project, using the new softbound, spiral bound book.

Nope, it's not a cookbook - even though I do LOVE that idea!

But when I saw her new project - and now a template that I can share with YOU - it happened, a big, ol' "A-HA!" - like I haven't had in awhile. Yep, it's that good!

Heidi created a PLANNER!!! It has her favorite photos and she can customize it however she wants with what is important to her life and needed in her own personal and family's schedule. I LOVE IT!

Just think of the ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES you could do with this template! You can completely CUSTOMIZE it to whatever your own needs are - business, menus, school activities, exercise, journal, address book, grocery lists, recipes, inspiring quotes, personal goals, dates that are important to you and your life - it can have a space for whatever YOU need!

And the best part - it's YOUR favorite photos that can be on every page. This one planner can be a home to everything that is important to you and your schedule - your life.

Now, a "heads up" - this particular format is a quarterly planner. I like it best like that because it gives more room for writing, notes, etc. but you can customize it however you wish and you can add additional pages - up to 50 pages total. Me? I am going to publish a new one every three months and save them.

Ready to be inspired?

Take a peek and click on the play button. Thanks Heidi. You made my day.



















Want your own?

The softbound, spiral bound books are ON SALE right now! Just contact me and I will transfer this template and the credits will be in your Heritage Makers account.

The template is also going to be ONE of the FREE TEMPLATES I give away as a special BONUS on my Online Workshops! (See my calendar in the sidebar and click on the link to RSVP for an upcoming Online Workshop. They are tons of fun with LOTS of great ideas!) The templates that I am going to show are NOT available in the Template Gallery.

Please let me know if I can help you get started or with any of your projects.

Have a wonderful weekend!

- Chris

Monday, March 2, 2009

WELCOME!

I have been working on this blog for awhile - with YOU in mind.

I wanted to create a resource, a "one-stop-shop" where you can find support and everything you need for preserving and sharing the special photos and stories of your life.

This blog is to be used with my business website: www.HeritageUnwrapped.com - where you can create or login to your own Heritage Studio account and store your digital photos and keepsakes online, create as many heritage-building projects as you wish, and submit your Heritage Makers projects to publish.

However, you may want to have some added support, inspiration, information or fun along the way!

That is where this blog comes in...

What this blog offers:

My Contact Information - I am YOUR personal publishing consultant and am here to answer your questions and help you with your Heritage Makers projects. I am happy to help you!

Heritage Maker of the Month
- Every month I am going to celebrate one of you - my amazing clients - and the work you have done as a heritage maker. You inspire me and I know your story will be an inspiration to others too!

Find Your Topic - Just click on the topic that you want to find additional support, tools and information for.

Mark MY Calendar
- My calendar is YOUR calendar! I want you to know about all of the great heritage-making opportunities that are happening and please feel free to reserve my time for your own gathering of friends. Just click on the "Open Date" link to reserve my time for that day/evening and I will join you and a group of friends to share how fun, exicting and important digital Storybooking and heritage making is.

I want this blog to be a fantastic resource for YOU and YOUR Storybooking and heritage making needs. If you can't find something that you need on here, please don't hesitate to contact me so that I can help you and have it added ASAP.

It is my pleasure to work with you!

Thank you for all that you do!

Warm regards,

Chris

MARCH is HERE...and it's a MARVELOUS month for Heritage Making!




Top o' the mornin' everyone!

Okay, I admit it. I have been counting down the days for March to get here - -and not just to "officially" celebrate my Irish roots.

I love February. I do. I have nothing against it. But March - oh, March. You bring the sounds of birds chirping, the warm sun comes back to give little "treats" and remind us for a longer stay to come. The big, bulky boots and parkas soon evolve to sweaters and even a carefree pair of flip flops every now and then. March - you bring the reminder of hope and new beginnings and of brighter days that are ours now - and that are to come.

And March brings NEW TEMPLATES, NEW SALES and NEW INSPIRATION to your heritage making.

Don't pack up those winter memories with the down comforters and mittens - they will soon be forgotten. Put them into a poster or a perfect little storybook. There are so many to choose from - even the new softbound book!
Here are some ideas for your March projects:

Mother's Day - Get those amazing Mother's Day gifts ready now, for a Mother's Day that the women in your life will treasure for years to come! New templates are already in the Template Gallery and more are coming soon! PLUS check out the Mother's Day Packages that are ON SALE now!


Father's Day - It's never too soon to start creating something special for Dad and the other special men in your life story. You can create an easy project - and even a special card! - with the templates in the Template Gallery and SAVE BIG on the Father's Day Packages!


Happy Birthday! - I don't buy invites or Birthday cards at the store anymore! I can create and give custom Birthday wishes at a fraction of the cost! You can see the great templates in the Template Gallery or join my Online Workshop (see the "Mark MY Calendar" section on the right side)


Baby Stories - Every birth has a unique story all its own and a very special baby as the star. It's never too late to preserve and share the story of your little one(s) and the Template Gallery has some beautiful templates to announce the special arrival and to share the story. Just do a search for "Baby" in the Template Gallery and be inspired! (More great Baby Story ideas will be shared on my Online Workshop this month. Please be sure to RSVP on the "Mark MY Calendar" section in the right column.


Be sure to click on the "sale" topic in the "Find Your Topic" section of my blog for amazing SALES this month - Club Premier is back!

Please visit my business blog often and I will be sure to post new project ideas and more throughout the month.

As always, please contact me if I can help you with your Heritage Makers projects, questions, scanning, etc. Thank you!

Happy March everyone!

- Chris

Heritage Makers Products













Storybooks
, Calendars and Cards...Oh My!

Did you know that Heritage Makers offers the LARGEST PRODUCT SELECTION of ANY online personal publishing system?

It's true!

And that selection just got even BIGGER!

Look, we know, every life...every story...is unique. That is why we offer such a large selection of products with unlimited options. You can find just what YOU need!

For an almost-complete product listing, please CLICK HERE.

Why do I say almost?

Check out the NEWEST Heritage Makers book style below! (Softbound, Spiral bound with 21 pages and tons of possibilities!)

Do you have a question about the products or what product would be best for your needs? Please contact me and I will be happy to help!

- Chris

NEW!!!! Softbound, Spiral bound Book!

Due to popular demand and to strengthen the mission of every story deserving a book of its own, Heritage Makers has JUST RELEASED an incredible new book - at an amazing price!

Heritage making is better - and more affordable - than ever!



* Softbound
* Spiral bound
* 21 pages (expandable to 50)
* Coated cover (easy to wipe off spills)
* Full-color
* Tri-fold cover, folds out
* 6"x8.75"
* Pre-designed templates or design your own



So Many Uses

- Child Author books
- Super hero books with child as hero
- Gratitude books for friend, host, bride, etc.
- Vacation Memories
- Life Story
- Family Cookbook
- "Just Because"
- Business Marketing
- Teen Author/Artist books
- Girlfriends Cookbook
- Dog Club
- "I Love You Because"
- Teacher Appreciation
- Class Yearbook
- Community/Office Directory
- Children's Cookbook
- Wedding Story and decor

...many, many more!


So Many Reasons

Mother's Day
Father's Day
Family Reunion
Birthday
Christmas
Anniversary
Graduation

...many, many more!

Retail price is $24.95 BUT it's ON SALE NOW!!!

Click here for SALE details and please contact me to place your order and to get started.

Publishing credits are good for an entire year from the date of purchase.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Using Templates














Not only are templates a wonderful and quick way to create your heritage making projects - you can edit the actual templates too!
- Add your own photos - Add your own text - Change design - Change color

...and more!

You can do it all and use the template as a great foundation to get you started!

The following recorded tutorials will help you create your own Heritage Makers project, using one of the online templates.

Using a Basic Template (if the template does not have "Premier Membership" noted next to it in the Template Gallery, it is a Basic template).


Using a Premier Template
(Premier Membership is required to use the Premier templates)

Getting Started

"I am ready to get started! What do I do?!"

Not to worry!

That is why I am here for you as YOUR personal publishing consultant!

You are just a few clicks away from starting your own Heritage Makers project:


1. Getting Started Guide - PRINTABLE - Download and print this very user-friendly guide to start and create your Heritage Makers project.

2. "Introduction to Heritage Studio" VIDEO - These 8 minutes are well worth your time before you start your Heritage Makers project. (This is NOT the tutorial in your Heritage Studio website. This tutorial is more detailed and I highly recommend it.)



And of course, feel free to contact me for personal assistance. I am happy to help you!

chris@heritageunwrapped.com or 1.801.310.7504

- Chris

Story Writing Tips

















"I can't wait to get started! I just don't know how to write the story!"


I have heard this time and time again and I am here to put your mind at ease and to help you every step of the way!

First of all, your Heritage Studio account is packed with great tools to help you get started with writing your story.

STORY MAPS
- Are available in a variety of themes. You simply download and print the Story Map that you want to use and you answer the questions for each page. The answers become your story! You can take the Story Map with you to interview loved ones in person or over the phone or just to put pen to paper for your own thoughts. I like to include a Story Map, if I am giving a credit as a gift.

Additionally, I have these great tools that may be helpful to you...

STORY WRITING TIPS - Here is a little "support system" that you can review and use the tips to help you write your special story.


COLLECTING ORAL HISTORIES
- Wonderful advice and insight from Robin Foster McClure in collecting oral histories from others.

Make a Living as You Make a Difference















In a time where companies and businesses are seeing incredible challenges and even bankruptcy, Heritage Makers is growing at a record rate with record sales! Help is wanted! We need more consultants to meet the tremendous growth and interest in what matters most - strengthening home and family.

Heritage Makers is a ground floor business opportunity with exciting opportunities for growth and incredible rewards and fulfillment. Heritage Makers consultants are not only getting additional discounts on our own personal publishing, we can make several hundred to several thousand dollars a month - as we set our own business schedules and goals and make a difference in our own lives - and in the lives of others.

CLICK HERE
to find out more about the Heritage Makers business opportunity.

As a consultant on my team, I am dedicated to help you meet your goals as a consultant and you will have a dynamic team of consultants and home office to work with, who will each be a wonderful resource of support, ideas, answers and inspiration.

Would you like more information? Check my calendar for an online Business Opportunity presentation and/or CLICK HERE to receive an FREE Consultant Information packet.

In your email, please let me know what your interests are - a hobbyist to create your own projects at an additional discount, a part-time consultant to earn several hundred dollars a month or a full-time consultant interested in leadership possibilities and earning several thousand dollars a month. Whatever your needs or goals, this incredible business opportunity has something for YOU!