Totally Custom TILES

As I wrote the heading for today's post, I thought of the shows that my brother-in-law loves about customizing motorcycles and cars.

Well, no long mustaches and tattooed arms here but you CAN customize a tile however you wish - and for much less money than what you would pay for one in the store. (Not to mention a lot less than a chopper!)

Hmmmm...maybe tiles deserve their own show too.

The tiles shown are in two sizes: 12x12 and 6x6. I use a Heritage Makers 12x12 page for each size because I can make FOUR 6x6 tiles from ONE 12x12 page. Now, THAT'S a huge value!

WHAT YOU NEED:



- 12x12 Heritage Makers page (contact me for discount printing)

- Design your own page or use a pre-designed template from the Template Gallery (I also have more that I can transfer to you - just ask!)

- Ceramic tile (available at any home improvement store - quality of tile doesn't matter, so you can get the really cheap ones. I wouldn't get one with two many bumps in it though)

- Mod Podge (I prefer matte for this)

- Foam brush (plate or bowl for putting the Mod Podge in)

- Paper trimmer/scissors

HOW TO:
Step 1

Design your 12x12 page and submit to publish. It will take a few days to receive it back but the quality of ink, color and paper is worth it!


Step 2

Trim the edges of your page to fit the tile.




Step 3

Apply a thin, even layer of Mod Podge to the top side of the ceramic tile.

Step 4

Lay the page on the tile and smooth out from the center to the edges. Bubbles may appear and the next step will help with this. Also, in my experience, I have found that I do what I can but the bubbles that do keep showing will flatten out after a day or two.




Step 5

Let the Mod Podge dry, then lay tile face (paper side) down on a flat, clean surface.

Put something heavy on it and leave it for awhile (30 minutes) or even overnight, if possible.



Step 6

After drying, turn tile over so that the paper side is showing again. Apply an even, thin layer of Mod Podge to the paper side.



Step 7

Let dry




That's it! Now you have a beautiful custom tile to display in your home or to give as a gift that will be treasured!

Please let me know if you have any questions.

(Template above is available. Just ask! :) )

Happy heritage making!

- Chris

Oh, My HECK!

I have to say, that is one of my favorite "Utahisms". I haven't used it myself, but it always brings a smile to my face whenever I hear it.

And I hear it when I show this amazing home decor idea - and again when I tell someone the price!



These would look great in any room - plus an amazing gift too!

What you need:

3 12x12 scrapbook pages from Heritage Makers ($9) (create at www.HeritageUnwrapped.com)

mounted on foam board ($5 each)

and a roll of ribbon from Wal Mart ($2)

total=$26 (for all 3)!!!

Okay, all together now..."OH, MY HECK!"

Contact me to get started! These are so easy!

- Chris

MORE Great Home Decor Ideas!

Heidi Arave, one of the original team members when we started this great company and an incredible friend, recently made some wonderful home decor, using Heritage Makers products!

These are fun, easy and meaningful ways to showcase and share your favorite photos, people and memories!

Thanks Heidi!!!

HERITAGE TILE


























Heidi's Story:
"This is a picture of my Grandma Fern. It has a phrase that she always said at the bottom of it: 'Slow down kid. You may never pass this way again'. It's a great reminder of her and her life's lessons for us whenever look at this great tile in our home."

What You Need:

1 12x12 Individual Scrapbook page (1 page makes FOUR 6x6 tiles - What a deal!)
1 6x6 Ceramic Tile (available at any home improvement store)
1 Mod Podge (craft glue - available at craft stores)
1 easel
Template available upon request. Comment or contact me and I will transfer the template to your Heritage Makers account.

Total cost is less than $3 per tile! (GREAT GIFT IDEA TOO!)



QUOTE TILE

















This is a great quote to have in your home and to give as a meaningful gift too! It's ready to publish "as is" or edit with your own favorite quote.

What You Need:

1 12x12 Individual Scrapbook page (1 page makes FOUR 6x6 tiles - What a deal!)
1 6x6 Ceramic Tile (available at any home improvement store)
1 Mod Podge (craft glue - available at craft stores)
1 easel
Template available upon request. Comment or contact me and I will transfer the template to your Heritage Makers account.

Total cost is less than $3 per finished tile!


QUOTE BLOCKS

































You can make these beautiful custom blocks with a meaningful message for a FRACTION of the cost than what they cost in the store!

You can edit the template to say whatever you wish or even have your or a loved one's last name, etc.

Great gift idea - and budget friendly too!
What You Need:

1 12x12 Individual Scrapbook Page (1 page makes 4 blocks! Great Savings!)
1 pre-cut 2x4 piece of lumber per block
1 paint (whatever color you wish)
1 Mod Podge (craft glue available at craft store)

Each finished block costs less than $3!

Your family and friends will love it!

Template available upon request. Just comment or contact me and I will transfer the template to your Heritage Makers account.



SPECIAL MEMORIES BOXES



















These are the perfect place for all of your favorite keepsakes:

- letters
- mementos
- hospital bracelets from new babies
- ticket stubs
- artwork
...and more!

Great way to give a gift, treats, etc. too!

Baby and Boy templates available too!
What You Need:

8.5x11 Scrapbook Page
Mod Podge (craft glue)
Craft Box (available at craft stores, Wal Mart, etc.)

Total cost for finished box is less than $5!


SHOWCASE A TALENTED SUPERSTAR!








































Create a custom poster, storybook or even a custom clock to show and celebrate your great kids or someone you love.

Sports themes also available for custom Trading Cards, Coach's gifts and MORE!

See the Template Gallery for more great ideas for posters, cards, books for Sports and other talents.

For the CLOCK TEMPLATE - Please comment or contact me and I will transfer this to your Heritage Makers account.

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.

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