Sunshine Memories

Leap into a Year of Savings

2012-02-28T20:03:00.001-08:00

Now is the time for you to LEAP into a whole bunch of savings. If
you sign up for Club HM from now until 10pm February 28, 2012
then I will DOUBLE your POINTS! That is a MONTH free!

Bronze Club member = 40 extra points

Silver Club member = 70 extra points
GOLD MEMBER =150 extra points
Remember a point is a dollar at check out!

Drop me an email at doreen at blandingonline.com or
call me 425-861-0494 (leave a message).

Just think of what you can create this year with the extra points:
year books
teacher gifts
sports memorabilia
father's day gifts
before I was your mother
and the list goes on....

Scrapbook Pages: Cubes

2012-02-18T15:24:00.001-08:00

Cubes:
Scrapbook pages aren't just for the traditional scrapbooking. They are so versatile and so cheap.

This couldn't be simpler!

Using a 12x12 scrapbook page, design nine 3x3 photos or images you want on your block. Each cube only has SIX sides so one page does a cube and a half. Just duplicate your page and make THREE blocks. Here is a little hint: I make sure that the object of the image (ie: face) is clear away from the edge as I usually have to shave off about 1/8" so it will fit in the cube just perfectly.
Push publish, order and watch the mail.
While you are waiting visit a craft store and purchase three acrylic photo cubes.
When the 12x12 pages come, carefully cut them apart.
Insert your photos into the cube.
Enjoy.

There isn't a template but if you send me your email and account number I will send you my photo cube template. You could possibly use this Holiday Blocks #20500.
Of course you can change the cubes out for the season or even make them into wood blocks.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

and the gifts are PRICELESS!!!

Scrapbook pages: Wood Blocks

2012-02-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Blocks:

These wood blocks are easy to make. You can do just about any size wood block you want. I've included the instructions for the block project pictured here but it can easily adapted to whatever project you have in mind. You simply cut out the wood blocks to fit the size of your images.

Celebrate a wedding

Scrapbook pages aren't just for the traditional scrapbooking. They are so versatile and so cheap.

Items needed:

Your personalized 12x12 scrapbook page (In the photo template #12484 "Heritage Blocks by Jill Means" was used.)
Wood block (2x4 scraps are fine)
Paint to match your scrapbook pages (use your creative talents here)
Modge Podge (sold at crafts stores--I like the Matte finish)
Sponge paint brush
A hard edge (ruler, credit card, scraper, etc.)
Newspapers
Time & Love!

Instructions:

Cut the wood blocks out to size. (See below for the dimensions for the photo above.)
Sand and paint with a personalized color.
While the paint is drying carefully cut apart the 12x12 scrapbook page into the pieces needed to finish the project. You may need to take a matching sharpie marker to color the cut edges so you don't see the white paper. If you don't have a matching sharpie, try black.
Spread the newspaper out to cover your work surface.
Following the direction on the Modge Podge by spreading a thin layer on the front side of the wood.
Carefully place the cut out scrapbook image on the wood as you desire.
Follow the direction on the Modge Podge bottle to adhere your image to your blocks by spreading a thin layer of Modge Podge on the wood blocks. Add another thin layer of Modge Podge over the images.
Using the credit card (or another hard edged utensil) smooth out any bubbles in your design.
Let it dry and then put on a thin second coat making sure to remove any bubbles again.
Let dry.
Enjoy!

Cut and ready to sand.
Sanding

Painting.


Drying

For the above project you need five pieces of wood. Two 3.5" x 5.5" (the tall ones) and three 3.5" x 3.5". Remember that a standard 2x4 is really 3.5" x 1.5" finished.

A few other projects that use wood blocks:

Family #69209

Family, Faith, Friends, Simplify #17571
Family Tree # 77335
Baby Girl #18398
Block Photo Holder #21682
And with the beauty of Heritage Makers template system you can change these to be whatever you want them to be.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

and the gifts are PRICELESS!!!

Scrapbook Page: Tile Plaques

2012-02-18T12:31:00.000-08:00

Tile Plaques:

Scrapbook pages aren't just for the traditional scrapbooking. They are so versatile and so cheap.
Great gifts for grandma and grandpa. Great neighbor gifts, great coaches gifts or personalize that vacation home. A great way to display photos at dad's office.

Version one
Here is what you need for.

Your personalized 12x12 scrapbook page
6x6 Tiles from home improvement store (get the cheap ones)
Modge Podge (sold at crafts stores--I like the Matte finish)
Sponge paint brush
A hard edge (ruler, credit card, scraper, etc.)
Newspapers

Instructions:

Design your project, publish, order and watch the mail.
Gather your supplies.
Cut the scrapbook page and measure each cut on a dry tile to make sure it fits. Sometimes 4x4 tiles are a little shy of 4 inches. Adjust image as needed.
Spread the newspaper out to cover your work surface.
Following the direction on the Modge Podge, spread a think layer on the front side of the tile.
Carefully place the cut out scrapbook image on the tile as you desire.
Follow the direction on the Modge Podge bottle to adhere your image to your tiles by spreading a thin layer of Modge Podge on the tile.
Using the credit card (or another hard edged utensil) smooth out any bubbles in your design.
Let it dry and then put on a thin second coat making sure to remove any bubbles again.
Let dry.
Enjoy

Version two
Here is what you need for.

Your personalized 12x12 scrapbook page
Tiles from home improvement store (get the cheap ones)
Glue Stick
A hard edge (ruler, credit card, scraper, etc.)
Newspapers

Instructions:

Design your project, publish, order and watch the mail.
Gather your supplies.
Cut the scrapbook page and measure each cut on a dry tile to make sure it fits. Sometimes 4x4 tiles are a little shy of 6 inches. Adjust image as needed.
Spread the newspaper out to cover your work surface.
Using the glue stick, liberally cover the back of your image.
Place it carefully on your tile as you would like the finish product to be.
Let dry.
Enjoy

Ready to give as a gift.

Specifics

Project: 12x12 scrapbook page

Membership: either

Design: template and original

Retail: $4

Visit the template gallery for more possibilities. Search 12x12 scrapbook page.

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

and the gifts are PRICELESS!!!

Scrapbook Pages: Coasters

2012-02-18T12:28:00.000-08:00

Coasters:

Scrapbook pages aren't just for the traditional scrapbooking. They are so versatile and so cheap.These are great gifts for teachers--think coasters for their cup of coffee. Great gifts for grandma and grandpa. Great neighbor gifts, great coaches gifts and they add that personal touch to your vacation home.

Here is what you need for version one.

Your personalized 12x12 scrapbook page
4x4 tiles from home improvement store (get the cheap ones)
Modge Podge (sold at crafts stores--I like the Matte finish)
Sponge paint brush
A hard edge (ruler, credit card, scraper, etc.)
Newspapers

Instructions:

Design your project, publish, order and watch the mail.
Gather your supplies.
Cut the scrapbook page and measure each cut on a dry tile to make sure it fits. Sometimes 4x4 tiles are a little shy of 4 inches. Adjust image as needed.
Spread the newspaper out to cover your work surface.
Following the direction on the Modge Podge, spread a think layer on the front side of the tile.
Carefully place the cut out scrapbook image on the tile as you desire.
Follow the direction on the Modge Podge bottle to adhere your image to your tiles by spreading a thin layer of Modge Podge on the tile.
Using the credit card (or another hard edged utensil) smooth out any bubbles in your design.
Let it dry and then put on a thin second coat making sure to remove any bubbles again.
Let dry.
Enjoy

Here is what you need for version two.

Your personalized 12x12 scrapbook page
Tiles from home improvement store (get the cheap ones)
Glue Stick
A hard edge (ruler, credit card, scraper, etc.)
Newspapers

Instructions:

Design your project, publish, order and watch the mail.
Gather your supplies.
Cut the scrapbook page and measure each cut on a dry tile to make sure it fits. Sometimes 4x4 tiles are a little shy of 4 inches. Adjust image as needed.
Spread the newspaper out to cover your work surface.
Using the glue stick, liberally cover the back of your image.
Place it carefully on your tile as you would like the finish product to be.
Let dry.
Enjoy

Note that if you use version two, putting wet drinks on it may harm the image.

Specifics:
Project: 12x12 scrapbook page

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $4

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

and the gifts are PRICELESS!!!

Date of the Month Club

2012-02-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

I have a love/hate relationship with Valentine's Day and this is my 23rd with my husband. With money being so tight (two kids in college) this year I needed to something unique but inexpensive. I used Cher's idea from her blog to create this wonderful gift for my husband. I did everything in Heritage Makers and if you want the templates I would more than be happy to send them to you.

Here is the low down:
I used 365 Days With You February art collection for most of the art with a February Sampler Alpha for some of the lettering. I also picked from XOXO art collection and the lips came from Love Quotes V2

Cover Page

Specifics:

Project: 8x8 scrapbook page

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $3

Description of the "club"

Specifics:

Project: 8x8 scrapbook page

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $3


The Date Card 14 date ideas


The back of the Date Card Fill in an idea for each month

Specifics:

Project: An Invitation

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $2

Front of the Kiss Card


Back of the Kiss Card

This card was attached to a bag of Hersey Kisses

Specifics:

Project: An Invitation

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $2

Three of the Valentine's Trips


Three of the Valentine's Trips

Specifics:

Project: 8x4 Card

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $.80/each

Love Tickets

Specifics:

Project: 8x4 Card

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $.80/each

If I would have paid retail (but I don't) I would have paid less $17.20 for all the pieces to my wonderful Date of the Month Kit for my husband. I used an old shipping box we had in our storage room and got some pretty wrapping paper and wrapped it all up. One of my best Valentine's Gift ever. Now I have a whole year of LOVE!

If you would like a copy of my projects, please send an email with your account number to doreen at blandingonline dot com; I am happy to share.

Family Proclamation

2012-02-17T18:07:00.000-08:00

Our 2011 Family Photos

Specifics:

Project 18x24 poster

Membership: Basic

Design: template from friend

Retail: $25

If you want this template please drop me a note at doreen at blandingonline.com

Super Storybook Online workshop Jan-March 2012

2011-01-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

One of my goals this year is to keep my clients updated with the latest information. Here are the next set of online workshops that you don't want to miss. Just click on the link and enter your information and then just sit at your computer and watch these professional women put on one fantastic workshop full of creative ideas and super short cuts. I always learn something new! Hope you join and make sure you let them know Doreen sent you!
All times are MST

Wednesday January 26, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/979334377

Monday January 31, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/775544192

Wednesday February 9, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/397383504

Monday February 14, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/136619825

Wednesday February 23, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/133884105

Monday February 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/594618624

Wednesday March 9, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/628495312

Monday March 14, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/601995960

Wednesday March 23, 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/193122417

Monday March 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m
Registration Web Link: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/748273001

Letters to Santa

2010-11-22T14:29:00.000-08:00

What's better than a personalized card from Santa.

Santa stamp is the card above (front and back)

Snowflake Stamp is the card above (front and back).

1. Pick a card (Snowflake or Santa)
2. Personalize the card (or you can use what is typed on the card)
3. Send me the child’s name (or children) and greeting you want (don’t forget the address)
4. Arrange payment $5 each card.
5. Do it by December 5th for a before Christmas delivery
6. Spread the word (you may send this to your family and friends)
7. Watch the child’s eyes light up as they open a special letter from Santa.

Here is what is typed on each card:
“Dear Jane,
I’ve been making my list and checking it twice and this year you’ve been extra nice! In fact, your name is at the very top! I have been noticing how you’ve been trying really hard to be nice to your brother, and you’ve been keeping your toy room much cleaner. You use kind words and are always willing to help whenever asked. On behalf of all the reindeer and elves, we are so very proud of you! In fact, the elves have made you something extra special and Rudolph insists that your house be the very first one we visit on Christmas Eve! The reindeer will need some food after their long flight, so please leave some carrots out in your yard for them to gobble up! Frosted sugar cookies are my favorite, and a little milk to wash them down would make me so very happy. Keep being a good girl and remember…no peeking until Christmas morning!
Santa Claus

And it comes addressed from the “North Pole” directly to your good little boy or girl.

Please spread the word!

YOU TUBE

2010-03-04T14:51:00.001-08:00

Heritage Makers has its own You Tube channel. Need help and I'm not around. Maybe you can find your answer here: http://www.youtube.com/user/HeritageMakers#p/u/1/0G2xoQB8wTQ

Honoring Mom

2010-03-04T14:01:00.000-08:00

Date: Saturday, March 20,
Time: 11-1pm
Location: 18313 NE 133rd St, Redmond WA
Blanding's home
RSVP doreen at blandingonline dot come or
425-861-0494 to reserve your spot.

When my mother was alive I always agonized over finding the perfect Mother’s Day card. I never quite found the right one. Yes, they were cute, funny, even heartfelt, but there was always something missing and for my $4 I wanted the card to be just perfect for my mom because she was (still is) perfect.

Then I became a Heritage Maker and could MAKE that perfect Mother’s Day card and did! For only $2.30 I had four sides of a card that I could put the words from my heart—not someone else’s words—MY WORDS! (and photos too) I don’t want you have that same agony, so please join me on March 13 and come make the prefect Mother’s Day card for your mother. Here is the best part—it is FREE. I will gift you the card. I feel that strongly about honoring our mothers. All you need to do is put some photos in your account (don’t have one—it’s free) and bring something yummy to share because we are going to celebrate mother food (aren’t moms always making us something yummy?).

Sign up for a free account here: http://www.heritagemakers.com/201999 it is so simple. Then upload some photos—whatever photos you want to use for your card. It is so simple, but if you get stuck, call me and I can walk you through it.

Do You Blog?

2010-02-22T09:50:00.001-08:00

Do you blog?

Why not just take what you have already written about your family and put it in a book with all those great photos you have illustrated your blog with?

It is so simple! I know because I do it!

If you can write a blog you can use the wonderful Studio to create your books!

Contact me at doreen at blandingonline.com or call me 425-861-0494 and get started today keeping your family heritage alive and well!

Your kids will thank you!

Are your children jpegs?

2010-01-21T12:39:00.000-08:00

You took that photo for a reason. Why? Something made you pick up the camera, turn it on and snap it. Why? Tomorrow you may remember. In a month you might remember. In a year you will probably forget why you took it.

Photos tell a story without words, but if you aren't there to tell them then they might as well be the photos you get when you buy a frame.

What about those photos in your camera's memory? What happens when you loose it? What happens when it fails?
What about those photos on your computer's hard drive? What happens when it crashes? Will your children ever see that cool photo you took?

Need a solution?

Try Heritage Makers. With a Premier account you have unlimited photo storage (password protected) and the best part is when you download you get the same resolution when you uploaded. That solves the storage problem, but even then they are out of sight. LET YOUR PHOTOS TALK!

YOUR CHILDREN ARE NOT JPEGS!

Inc. 500 List!

2010-01-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Have you noticed that Heritage Makers made the Inc. 500 list?

We are sitting pretty at #132

Way to go! and the best hasn't even arrived!

Love these stats:

1,342.8% GROWTH

$8.5 MILLION for the 2008 revenues

And the best thing is I'm part of it!
I'm helping it grow and getting a piece of that 8.5 million dollar pie!

Come joint me; we have lots of pie!

Versatile Scrapbook Pages

2009-10-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Scrapbook pages aren't just for the traditional scrapbooking. They are so versatile and so cheap.

Here are a few ideas.

Coasters
Wood blocks
3x3 acrylic cubes
Tile Plaques
Buckets
Tri-Folds
Clocks

The possibilities are ENDLESS!

and the gifts are PRICELESS!!!

Grandpa's hearts follow up

2009-09-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

Little did I know how important the two deck of card s I made for my father-in-law would become.

Just a few weeks after the end of the family reunion my father-in-law had a massive coronary and passed away. As the family gathered with friends and family the cards came out and were passed around. Uncles, aunts, cousins and friends who haven't seen the young grand children were able to see a photo of "Grandpa's Hearts". They laughed and cried while remembering the past. It was a sad pleasure to stand back and watch.

I had one brother-in-law wrap me in a bear hug and express his thanks to me. It truly was my pleasure. Yes, I spent hours scanning but it wasn't a sacrifice as I did it because I wanted the photos. They just get the benefits of my labor.

I'm so thankful to Heritage Makers for those few precious days. The day Grandpa opened them and looked through them, laughing and remembering. Then the few sad days when family and friends remembered good days long past.

Thank you!!!

Grandpa's Hearts: A Card Game

2009-09-01T14:54:00.000-07:00

click here for an update

Our family loves to play the card game Hearts. Every time we visit Grandpa Blanding we pull out two decks of playing cards and play a round (or two).

I decided that I would use the template #1131 "Basic Playing Card Set 3" to make a thank you gift for his generosity at our family reunion. I had spent the better part of 2010 scanning all my husband's family's photos. I used pictures of his children in one deck and pictures of his grandchildren for the other deck. I made the backs the same so we could play our double deck of Hearts.

To view the kids' deck click here
To view the grandkids' deck click here

My favorite cards were the four jokers (two each deck). They were "blackmail" pictures of him (but I won't show them). Of course the other two favorite cards were the Queen of Hearts--Grandma B.

He loved them so much he wouldn't let us play with them. Don't blame him--they are precious photos.

Now here is the clincher. I didn't think it would cause a stir but it did. I think I saw a tear in both the eyes of my father-in-law and my mother-in-law. I think they were genuinely touched. Other family members were touched as well as they looked through the deck of cards. They laughed as they realized their dad did once have hair or look at their aunt in a silly pose or what about that ...... oh the stories that came out!

I was overwhelmed at the response. I almost felt guilty because the cards were so easy to make. I think I made both sets in an afternoon. I just changed the photos--someone else designed the cards. Oh, the beauty of templates and the treasure of Heritage!
Man I just love Heritage Makers!

Specifics:
Project: playing deck of cards
Membership: Basic
Design: Basic Playing Cards Set 3 #1131
Retail: $25/each

But this project was truly PRICELESS!
worth every minute spent scanning, planning and swapping pictures.

I Call her Mom

2009-02-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

I have started this book over and over and then deleted it. I didn't know how to go about writing a book about my mother. She already wrote a lovely book that is full of stories. I love that book. I've read it many times and can quote some of the stories. But it is was missing some of my favorite pictures of my mom. Of course being born during the depression and then being relatively poor during her child hood and early mother hood there aren't many photos of her. Then of course when she became the mom she was behind the camera. So I took almost every photo I have of her as a child and young mother and put them in this book. It was hard to tell her stories, but the photos begged for their stories to be told. "Photos without stories are memories lost."

Specifics:

Project: 12x12 scrapbook

Membership: Premier

Design: original (used #271 as a inspiration)

Retail: $70 (plus four pages)

PRICELESS check it out and see if you don't agree!

Take Time: Poster

2009-02-23T14:45:00.000-08:00

I love what Heritage Makers posters do to my drab walls. This one hangs in my room to remind me that I need to "Take Time." The text comes from a talk by Pres. Thomas S. Monson.

Specifics:

Project: 18x24 poster

Membership: Basic

Design: original

Retail: $25

My Valentine's Day gifts

2009-02-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

Every year my kids get a deck of playing cards from the Valentine's Day Fairy. She happens to heart attack their doors during the night and leaves them something sweet and a small gift, usually a deck of playing cards. Well, after years of doing this and throwing out half decks of cards because no one will claim them AND having too many decks of playing cards the Valentine's Day Fairy hit upon a great idea! This year she (not sure if she is a she) is going to give them something that won't get lost and if they don't know whose it is--it will be obvious. Take a look for yourself and see if you can't tell who might "own" these cards!

Specifics:

Project: Play Cards

Membership: Premier

Design: original
Retail: $25/each

"She" also decided not to make them face cards, because we have enough of those in the house but just cards. Hopefully the people in the house will realize there are 52 weeks in the year and 52 cards. (Well, there are 54 cards--if you count the jokers--and of course I--I mean she--couldn't resits making 54 cards!) Can't wait to see what she does next year! Now of course she hasn't delivered these since it is still only the 13th of February, but she let me in on the secret early. ~smile~

Take a look at these projects:

The inspirational thoughts are mixed up from deck to deck so no one person will have the same thought on the same weeks as someone else--well at least that was the plan, we'll see how well the Valentine's Day Fairy really did.

Also, Steve's cards are a bit different. They are reasons why I love him. I'm so giddy with anticipation--CAN'T IT BE MORNING ALREADY!

What I've been up to: SCANNING

2008-11-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

I've been scanning all our family photos. I've made some 20,000 photos now digital. I'm still finding photos that need to be scanned and a few that need to be rescanned. I'm so relieved to have that project out of the way.

For those clients, family and friends who are close enough, please think about your peace of mind and get those photos scanned. I have one of the finest scanners available. I have the Kodak S1220 that scans 30 photos in less than a minute. I kid you not! It is hard to keep up with it. It also crops them to the edges of the photo so you have very little retouching to do, if any!

The price break down is:

0-99 scans $.39 a scan

100-499 scans $.29 a scan

500+ scans $.10 a scan

What a deal! You truly can't beat it. I guess if you have your own flat bed scanner but it will take you HOURS to scan what I can scan in minutes. It takes 6 hours to scan 100 photos on a flat bed, and I can do them in only 20 minutes! Think of the time saving and I'm sure your time is more valuable than that!

Drop me an email at doreen at blandingonline dot com or call me at 425-861-0494 and set up your scanning appointment today. You can drop them off or stay if you like.

Deck of Card

2008-06-30T07:07:00.001-07:00

Oh the Places We've Been

I loved how this project turned out.
Take a look!

Specifics

Project: playing deck of cards

Membership: Premier

Design: original

$25

What is a Blanding? 8x8 book

2008-06-04T19:46:00.000-07:00

I just got my book today and it turned out fabulous! You have to take a look!!!

It may take a moment to load, but it is worth the wait!

You too can create a book like this--it is really simple! I did this one in a weekend.

Is the viewer a great tool? Just thumb through my book and take a look. Call me and let's get one started for you and your family after "Who are you?"

Specifics:

Project: 8x8 storybook

Membership: Premier

Design: original

Retail: $50

Watch Lives Change for the Better

2008-03-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

Last night, Matt had a horrible day and after dinner he just sat in a puddle on the couch. As he was there he noticed the “My Heroes” book and started reading it. All of a sudden I caught him smiling and then laughing. He got up and gave me a hug. Of course I played innocent. He said, “Thanks mom,” and then hopped off down the hall way. Later I heard him tell Chris, “Mom loves me because I make her laugh.” Chris asked, “How do you know?” Matt’s reply, “I read it in her book. Go look for yourself.” This morning I had to go get that book from their bedroom. I might just have to purchase another one—or maybe six of them.

Welcome Home

2008-01-30T14:54:00.001-08:00

"Photos without stories are memories lost."

Welcome to Sunshine Memories! There is where your stories and your photos come together to be found and discovered. Take a quick peek at what you can do to be the Heritage Maker in your home.

Back in 2006 my dear friend Penny told me I needed to see this new company. I made my first book and I was hooked. I said, "Sign me up!" I've been a Heritage Maker ever since.

I have been able to accomplish so much. Before Heritage Makers I had EIGHT scrapbook pages. One wedding page, one honeymoon page and six birth stories (I have six kids). I have since done over 340 projects (most of them books).

Why not join me as a client or even better a consultant? I promise the journey is easy, freeing and so worth it!