DIY Christmas advent calendar

Today I'm going to show you how to make this cute thing.  

This is an advent calendar (countdown to Christmas) with activities behind each of the windows which open.  You can see the two at the bottom left are open.  

There are activities like "string popcorn for the Christmas tree" and "watch a favorite Christmas movie" and "take a blanket or food to a shelter" and "drink hot chocolate"--but because these pages are printed using Heritage Makers, you can change any of the activities you want before you submit it for publishing.

The total cost for this project is about $9.  And it doesn't take long to make!

Okay, here's what you need for this cute advent calendar:

• Heritage Makers template 36277.  Search for this template in your Heritage Makers account, then make it your own if you like by personalizing it.
• one 12x12 tile   The one I used is called a "vinyl composition tile" and it says "commercial floor tile" on the box.  These are available at home improvement stores.  You can also use a ceramic tile--it really could be anything, it just needs to be 12"x12" and not bendable.  
• an Xacto knife  (as well as some cardboard or something that will keep you from cutting up your table)
• permanent double-sided tape (The directions given on this project's pages say to use Tacky Glue, but I've done it both ways, and the double-sided tape doesn't wrinkle like the Tacky Glue does.  Go with the double-sided tape.)

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here, including cards, magnets, dry-erase boards, and other products.

STEP 1:  get the beautiful part

Create the pages or ask me for mine.  This project is make from two 12x12 scrapbook pages, the outside part you see, and in the inside part with the words "behind the doors."  Place your order.

STEP 2:  adhere the page with the activities (the one shown on top here) onto the tile

Find the page with 24 activities on it (the one with instructions in black printed at the top).  Just put double-sided tape on the back of the page and line it up nicely on top of the tile.  Press down.

STEP 3:  cut the windows on the other page so they'll open

Using an Xacto knife (and something underneath to protect your table), cut the TOP AND BOTTOM of the windows, and cut DOWN THE CENTER.  DO NOT CUT THE SIDES.  Or you will be sad.

STEP 4:  fold the windows open using a straight edge

I just used a little wooden block, but you could use a ruler--just fold open the windows, pressing against your straight edge.  Leave the windows open.

STEP 5:  adhere the open-windows page to the page on the tile

I tore off 1-2" pieces of double-sided tape and cut them (with scissors) in thirds (in strips), then placed them around each window and door.  Taping all the way around each window and the door is important so it's strong when you open and shut the windows in the future.

If you look REALLY closely, you can see my strips of tape around the windows.  Trust me, they're there. 

Once it's all taped around the windows and door as well as around the edge of the page, just place this page on top of the page that's on the tile.  Press down to make the tape stick.

And you're done!!  Super cute, super fun, super fast!  (super cheap gift!)  Enjoy!!  

Only 48 days until Christmas!  :)

Christmas Countdown wooden blocks {a tutorial}

The last few wooden block tutorials I've posted used blocks cut from 2x4s or 1x4s.  This one is going to be different.  Although it does use one piece cut from a 2x4, it also uses two square blocks!

Cute, right?  Let's get started!!

Just like the other wooden block tutorials I've shown, these are simple and inexpensive.  This project cost me about $6.   

Here's what you need:

• Heritage Makers template 112267.  This is actually my own template--I created it!  Just click the "template gallery" link at the upper right, then type 112267 into the search field.  
• a 7.5" piece of wood cut from a 2x4 (found at home improvement stores)
• two 3.5"x3.5" blocks of wood (You can sometimes find these at craft stores pre-cut, but they come out cheaper per block if you buy a 4x4 post at a home improvement store.  Some of the ones made for fences are pre-treated and don't take paint very well.  Assuming you use all the blocks you can cut from an 8-foot 4x4 post, each block comes out to be about 50 cents.  If you're only making one set of these, though, then the ones at the craft store might be less money out of pocket.  And, as you might guess if you've read any of my other wooden block tutorials, a 4x4 post actually measures 3.5x3.5".)   
• a saw (unless you are using pre-cut blocks from a craft store.  If you are using a 4x4 post from a home improvement store, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and find a nice person who will cut it for you.  The nicest man ever offered to cut my whole 8 feet into 3.5" blocks for me.  It rocked.) 
• paint (Craft paint or spray paint; I use craft paint.  I'd recommend a cream/off-white/tan/or light brown.  Do whatever you want.)
• adhesive  (spray adhesive, Xyron, double-sided tape, Mod Podge, or UHU stick)

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here, including cards, magnets, dry-erase boards, and other products.

STEP 1:  create the beautiful part

Create your pieces on a scrap page, then order.

While you wait the 7-10 days for it to come in the mail...

STEP 2:  cut your wooden blocks

Unless you bought the blocks pre-cut or found a nice person at the home improvement store.  In any case, you may still need to cut the 7.5" piece from a 2x4.  

STEP 3:  prepare the wooden blocks

Sand rough edges.  

Paint all sides.  Let dry completely.  (I decided to save a little time and paint this time by not painting the whole blocks.  Most of each side will be covered anyway.)

STEP 4:  cut out the cuteness

After your pages have arrived in the mail, cut out the cuteness.

Choose your weapon:  paper cutter or scissors.

STEP 5:  adhere the cuteness to the blocks

The important part here is to follow the directions.  In order to make number combinations like 14 and 27, certain numbers need to go on certain blocks.  Or you will be sad.  Each square block has six sides.  One block should have the numbers 0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 on it.  The other block should have the remaining 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 on it.  

Use spray adhesive, Xyron, double-sided tape, Mod Podge, or UHU to adhere the decor squares to the blocks.  I opted for the Xyron again.

Then stick the pieces on!  (Don't forget to stick the right pieces on the right blocks!)

 HOW CUTE IS THIS?!?

 

I SO love it.  And it's such a great #giftidea too!

silhouette nativity blocks {a tutorial}

As much as I love the Chunky Nativity Blocks for Kids that I showed last week, I love these just as much.  These are the slimmer, more grown up version of a similar idea.  This set has more pieces, and because they are not specifically designed for little hands, I don't feel the need to go to the extra steps of a Mod Podge covering and a sealant.  (Although you definitely could.)

Don't you just love the silhouettes?

These are just as simple and inexpensive as the other block tutorials I've shown.  This project cost me about $7. 

Here's what you need:

• Heritage Makers template 112226. This is actually my own template--I created it!  Then I just submitted it to Heritage Makers and let them add it to the template gallery.  Just click the "template gallery" link at the upper right, then type 112226 into the search field.  
• about 2 1/2 feet of a 1x4 piece of wood (This size is also found at home improvement stores.  I had no idea this even existed.  But I REALLY LOVE the slimmer look for this particular nativity set.  I just think it's more sophisticated than the 2x4.  Again, even though the wood is called 1x4, it actually measures smaller--about .75"x3.5".)  You'll need to cut the wood into one 5.5" piece, two 4.5" pieces, and four 3.5" pieces.
• a saw (power saw recommended), or a nice person at said home improvement store who will cut the board into pieces for you--just be sure you take the measurements with you.
• black paint (Craft paint or spray paint; I use craft paint.  I chose black because the silhouettes are black.  I think it looks really sharp.  But you can choose whatever color paint you prefer.)
• adhesive  (spray adhesive, Xyron, double-sided tape, Mod Podge, or UHU stick)

STEP 1:  create the beautiful part

Create your design (or ask me for mine), and order the scrapbook pages.
  

While you wait the 7-10 days for it to come in the mail...

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here, including cards, magnets, dry-erase boards, and other products.

STEP 2:  cut your wooden blocks

I'd recommend that you cut the blocks with a power saw, to save time and to get a cleaner cut.  

You'll notice that the wood is cut slightly larger than the scrapbook page pieces--it's easiest to have a little bit of a wood border around your pages.  It protects it a bit, and it's easier to place the pieces on the blocks without worrying about how the edges meet. 

I really love this slimmer 1x4 wood!  

STEP 3:  prepare the wooden blocks

Sand rough edges.  Paint (I'd recommend painting all sides, but I suppose you could leave the back and the bottom unpainted if you'd prefer.)  

Let dry completely.

STEP 4:  cut out the cuteness

Once you get your finished scrap pages in the mail, just cut out the pieces. 

STEP 5:  adhere the cuteness to the blocks

Use spray adhesive, Xyron, double-sided tape, Mod Podge, or UHU stick on the back of each of the pieces of scrap page.  I used double-sided tape for my decorative tiles, and Mod Podge for my Chunky Nativity Blocks for Kids.  This time I am trying the Xyron...which I have never used before!

It's so easy and fast!!  You just put your pieces in the machine and turn the handle.

Keep turning the handle, and when they come out the other side,

they are essentially a sticker!  Just peel it off and adhere it to the corresponding size blocks.

I loved the Xyron for its ease and speed.  The only thing I didn't like was that the edges of the piece are sticky, so I had to rub off the excess.  I liked it so much, though, I'd definitely use it again.  Feel free to use whatever method you prefer to adhere the pieces to the blocks.  You can spray with a sealant if you want, but I didn't.

Next Step:  Wait for the compliments!

That's it!  You've just made a simple, classy, crafty ($7) nativity!!  Show off in your home or give as gifts.

Save and share by Pinning this image to Pinterest!

chunky nativity craft blocks for kids {a tutorial}

Here's another idea for craft blocks using Heritage Makers.  This one is a little different than the last tutorial ("thankful" blocks; click here for the link).  These are just as simple and inexpensive, but these are for Christmas!  Also, these are made for kiddos. 

Anybody who has children around the house and nice nativity sets know that these two things don't go together.  From personal experience, I highly recommend some hands-on, kid-friendly nativities.  And that's what I'm going to show you how to make today.  

To make these blocks more kid-friendly, I'm going to use Mod Podge to adhere the pages to the wooden blocks AND put a coat of it on top, too, as a sealant.  This should prevent little ones from being able to pick off the decorative part of the blocks.

Aren't those ADORABLE?!  I think this art is sweet.

This project cost me about $5 total.  It took more time than the Count Your Blessings blocks because the Mod Podge takes longer, but I love this set so much that I don't mind. 

Here's what you need:

• Heritage Makers template 112122.  This is actually my own template--I created it!  Then I just submitted it to Heritage Makers for them to add to the template gallery.  Just click the "template gallery" link at the upper right, then type 112122 into the search field.  
• less than 2 feet of a 2x4 piece of wood (found at home improvement stores; remember that 2x4s actually measure 1.5"x3.5".  I know.  Whose idea was that?!  You want one piece cut 5.5", one piece cut 4.5", and three pieces cut 3.5".)
• a saw (power saw recommended), or a nice person at said home improvement store who will cut the board into pieces for you--just be sure you take the measurements with you.
• dark brown paint (Craft paint or spray paint; I use craft paint.  I chose dark brown because the little border around each piece is dark brown.  But you can choose whatever color paint you prefer.)
• Mod Podge.  You could use other methods (spray adhesive, double-sided tape, etc.) to adhere the decorative pieces to the wooden blocks, but I'm going to use Mod Podge this time both to adhere the pieces to the wood AND to then cover it, sealing the paper to the wood.  This should prevent cute little kiddo fingers from pulling off the decorative papers. 
• a clear acrylic sealer (optional but suggested)  (I just used a spray can of this.  You can find it near spray paint.  I just got mine at WalMart.)

STEP 1:   the beautiful part (the print)
As I mentioned, I created this design myself, and now it's a template that you can use.  Or you can create your own design from scratch.  You can also change things in my design if you want--background colors, borders, whatever.  You'll place the template into your account by doing a search for it in the Template Gallery.  Once you find it, click on it.  Then click "personalize."  

While you wait the 7-10 days for it to come in the mail...

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here, including cards, magnets, dry-erase boards, and other products.

STEP 2:  cut your wooden blocks

I've put directions right on the Heritage Makers scrapbook page, so when it's printed, just follow the directions for the wood.  Measurements are listed above.   I'd recommend that you cut the blocks with a power saw, to save time and to get a cleaner cut.  The blocks will end up about 1/4 inch larger than the paper pieces all the way around.  This gives a nice little wood border around your HM pages so that you don't have to line up the edges exactly or worry about them getting bent or anything.

STEP 3:  prepare the wooden blocks

First, sand the rough edges.

Then paint all the sides of the blocks.  Let the paint dry completely.  

STEP 4:  cut out the cuteness

When your blocks' decor arrives in the mail (and you're finished with your happy dance), cut out the pieces.  Use a paper cutter or scissors--whatever you'll be happy with.

STEP 5:  adhere the cuteness to the blocks using Mod Podge

First, I painted Mod Podge on the back of each decorative piece.  I'd never used it before, so I'll admit I was a little scared.  But it was fine.  Just use a paint brush or a sponge to cover the backs of the pieces.  

Then place them on top of the blocks.  Smooth out any air bubbles.  Let dry completely.  I turned them over (face-down) and placed some other heavy wood on top of them while they dried.

STEP 6:  apply Mod Podge on top of the cuteness (two coats)

I will admit, this was a little scary.  You get these darling little pieces of cuteness, and then you paint over them with goo!  But the Mod Podge does dry clear, so don't worry.  

What I did was paint the Mod Podge in sort of a heavy coat around all the edges--where the paper meets the wood.  This IS thick paper since it's printed on a scrapbook page, so it's cardstock-like.  Anyway, I did a heavy coat around all the edges, then went back and covered the whole thing using a light-to-medium coat.

Given the protection you get from these Mod Podge coats, I would highly recommend this method, particularly as this is designed to be a children's nativity set.  Mod Podge does make for a less "clean" look.  It does leave some brush marks and such if you look closely, but again I like the sealed edges, and I really think they end up looking good.  

You can see the progression of how the Mod Podge looks as it dries.  I did the camel at the bottom first, then the shepherd, then the angel last.  

I found since this set has five blocks, by the time I was done putting Mod Podge on all the pieces like this, the first one I started with was dry by the time I finished.  So I just started over and went back and put a SECOND COAT on each piece--again, a thicker coating around the edges where the paper and wood meet, and then a light-to-medium coat over the rest.  The second time, I did the brush strokes the opposite direction.  Whatever you like.  LET DRY COMPLETELY

STEP 7:  spray with clear sealant (optional but suggested)

The package says that Mod Podge will leave a little tackiness (stickiness)--not what you want for something that's intended to be handled--and suggests that you finish your pieces with a clear sealant.  I honestly didn't notice any stickiness, but I'm all for a little extra protection on these pieces, so I sprayed them with clear sealant.  And that's it!!

I just love it!!  I think it's darling, and I think it would be a great gift for little ones, too.  (And only 5 bucks!!)

easy hanging decorative tiles for Halloween {a tutorial}

I am learning all sorts of new ways to craft with Heritage Makers scrap pages!  This is so fun!  

The way I'm going to show you today is RIDICULOUSLY easy.  I made Halloween signs, but you could really make ANYTHING you want!

Here's what you do.  First, create (or find in the template gallery) something cute you want to hang on your wall (or front door!) at Heritage Makers.  Submit it for printing and wait10 days for it to come in the mail. 

Here's what I made:

(Sorry.  Images from my cell phone don't self-right in blogger.)  

I have to say, my favorite is "Well-behaved children welcome.  The rest will be made into pies."  I'm not Grinchy at Christmas, but it comes out a little at Halloween!  

Again, your design could be anything at all.  The only important thing is that it's a 12x12 individual scrap page.  

Next go to the tile section of your local home improvement store.  You're looking for a 12x12 self-adhesive VINYL tile.  The color/design doesn't matter because you won't see it.  The top tile there in the photo is the front of the tile, and the bottom one in the photo is the back, showing the paper partly peeled off the self-adhesive part.  

My friend gave me a heads-up--get a tile that is light-colored on the back.  Some of the darker/black ones show through the scrap page some.  

These tiles should be around 69-99 cents.  (I know.  Score!  This project cost me less than $5.)

The next step is to place the scrap page face down on a hard surface.  (That's the white square at the bottom of the photo.)  Peel the paper off the tile.  Place the tile on the scrap page, lining up the edges as best you can.  Press down a little so it sticks.  (But it's pretty sticky--you don't have to press hard.)

Then turn it over and push out any air bubbles so that your page is adhered well to the tile.

Next you need to punch holes to string the ribbon (for hanging) through.  I was a little scared of this, but it wasn't bad.  You take a phillips-head screwdriver (and I used a ruler to make sure the holes were even on each side), and you gently but firmly twist and push it--boring a hole in the project.  

See the hole below?  The screwdriver is pointing to it.

Do one on each side, again measuring to make sure they're even, and then thread ribbon through the holes and tie in the back.

Sorry about the non-self-righting thing.  But isn't that so cute?!  Hang it on a wall or door.  It takes about 5 minutes and $5 to make!!!  

Have fun with the possibilities!!

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here.

"thankful" craft blocks! {a tutorial}

So I feel pretty confident making decorative tiles from Heritage Makers individual scrapbook pages.  In fact, I think it's pretty great.  I'm sure you've noticed that from my recent posts.

But now I've branched out!  So proud of myself.  ;)

Today I'm going to show you something I just learned to do:  craft blocks.  

These are very simple, can be made to fit your own style or match your own home decor, and are inexpensive.  Like all Heritage Makers products, they can be very personalized.  You just use a Heritage Makers individual scrapbook page (or 11x14 print for larger projects), some wood blocks, and some adhesive.  So let's go!  

Here's what I'm going to make:

Yeah, sorry for the flash reflection.  This was the fourth picture I took, and it was deemed Good Enough.

This measures about 18 inches wide when it's finished.  This project cost me about $7.

Here's what you need:

• Heritage Makers template 98402, "Count Your Blessings Blocks."  You can see it in the Heritage Makers template gallery--just type 98402 into the search field.
• about 4 feet of a 2x4 piece of wood (found at home improvement stores; 2x4s actually measure 1.5"x3.5".  Tell me I'm not the only person who thinks that's weird.)
• a saw (power saw recommended), or a nice person at said home improvement store who will cut the board into pieces for you--just be sure you take the measurements with you.
• black paint (This project takes more than half of a 2-oz. bottle of craft paint.  You could try spray paint if you prefer.  You could also try a different color if you prefer)
• adhesive of some kind, such as double-sided tape, Xyron, Uhu stick, spray adhesive, or Mod Podge.  

STEP 1:  create the beautiful part
You can always create things from scratch in Heritage Makers, but for this project I wanted to use a template since I have never done blocks before.  I used template 98402, "Count Your Blessings Blocks."  This one was nice because it had directions on it as well.  This was made on an 11x14 print.  

Once the template is in your account, you can open it for editing.  You can change those background papers or the font if you'd prefer a different style.  Or the font color.  Again, ways to do that are covered in that tutorial, or you can just ask me!  

I actually changed the sizes of the block pieces, so if you follow the template exactly, it will look a bit different than I showed pictured at the top, but not too much.

Once you're happy with your design, you'll need to preview it to see exactly how it will print, then you submit it for publishing.  

You'll get your project in the mail in about 7-10 days.  The waiting is the hardest part.  (Thanks, Tom Petty.  ..But it's true.)

STEP 2:  cut your wooden blocks

Remember that 2x4s actually measure 1.5" x 3.5".  This is important to know so that you make sure your Heritage Makers design is the right size.  You can go ahead and cut your blocks while you wait for your Heritage Makers order to come in the mail, or you can wait just to double-check sizes.  

This particular project, because it's a template, actually comes with some instructions and size information right on it.  If you are doing something from scratch, you'll have to actually measure out the blocks sizes yourself.  You don't want the blocks exactly the same size as the Heritage Makers pieces--it's easiest to have a little bit of a wood border around your HM pages.  It protects it a bit.  I'd recommend that you cut the blocks with a power saw, to save time and to get a cleaner cut.

STEP 3:  prepare the wooden blocks

First, sand the rough edges.

Then paint them.  I'd suggest painting all sides of the blocks, but you don't have to.  Let the paint dry completely.  

STEP 4:  cut out the cuteness

When your blocks' decor arrives in the mail from Heritage Makers (and you're finished with your happy dance), cut out the pieces.  Use a paper cutter or scissors--whatever you'll be happy with.

STEP 5:  adhere the cuteness to the blocks
There are many ways to adhere pages when you craft.  I've heard suggestions of UHU stick, spray adhesive, Xyron machine, Mod-Podge, and double-sided tape.  

For this particular project, I'm going to stick with tried-and-true double-sided tape.  On my next project, I'll venture out.  I know with Mod-Podge you can use it as an adhesive on the back of the page, and then use it on the front as a sealer.  Some people don't like the look you get with the Mod-Podge put on the front, but others do.  See what you think.

Ta-Da!!

It would look darling in your house, but it would also make a cute AND inexpensive gift!

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial below shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here.

decorative tiles! {a tutorial}

I'm such a big believer in capturing memories as they're made (i.e. creating photo albums, digital scrapbooks, tribute books, life stories, etc.) that I have yet to fully appreciate Heritage Makers used a different way:  CRAFTING!  

But I'm starting to...

Crafting is very popular, and if you go to the Template Gallery at Heritage Makers, you can see examples of how people use Heritage Makers for crafting--just type in "blocks," "banner," "tiles," "clock," or "advent."  (I'm sure there are others I haven't thought of, too!)

I did my first craft project using Heritage Makers about a year ago.  I was going to be at a Heritage Makers booth at a very large event with some other Heritage Makers consultants.  We decided to make some giveaway prizes for the new clients we'd be meeting.  And so, I was first introduced to Decorative Tiles, the Heritage Makers way!

You may have seen decorative tiles in homes before.  Here's one I made with Heritage Makers that I have now sitting in my kitchen:

All you really need to make a decorative tile is:

• a tile (your desired size)
• a print from Heritage Makers (use an individual scrapbook page)
• a stand of some kind to display your finished product (available at craft stores or framing stores)

You can always create things from scratch in Heritage Makers, but I most often use templates for tiles.  Either way, you can personalize anything at all.  

In the template gallery, you'll see templates like this:

and like this

They are both made on 12x12s, but you would then cut apart the one with 4 on it.  The bigger 12x12 can be put on a 13x13 tile.  For the smaller ones, I have seen 6x6 squares put on 6.5x6.5" tiles (ONLY available at Lowe's, for some reason), and 5.5x5.5 squares put on 6x6 tiles.  I know some people make smaller ones, 4 inches, but I'm not sure if the paper is 4 inches or the tiles are.  At any rate, you want the paper a little smaller than the tile, no matter what you're using.  It gives you a little border, as you can see in my first photo above, and then you don't have to mess with having the edges meet perfectly.

For the 6x6 tiles, each one comes out to less than $2 (tiles included), so they make really lovely little gifts.  The 12x12 individual scrapbook pages can also be framed instead of placed on a tile if you prefer.  Also a very nice gift or home decor item for yourself.

So let's get started!

STEP 1:  THE TILES
Go buy your tiles at a home improvement store.  I suggest doing this first so that you know what sizes are available to you and then you will know exactly what you want your Heritage Makers decor to be.  Don't worry too much about the color of the tile--most of it will be covered.

STEP 2:  CREATING THE DECOR
As with all Heritage Makers products, you can either design something from scratch or use a template (something someone else has already designed).  

When you receive it in the mail (a happy day!!), cut the pages into squares as needed.

These are just some of the tiles I've made.  They're not in the template gallery, but I can transfer them from my account to yours--just ask.  

2023 UPDATE:  Heritage Makers became YPhoto under Youngevity (which purchased Heritage Makers in 2013).  YPhoto uses only templates, so the creativity showcased here is no longer available there. Best-in-the-industry quality and permanent cloud photo storage with guaranteed privacy are required for anything recommended here by Photo & Story Treasures, so we highly recommend Forever.  

Using Forever's Artisan program for digital scrapbooking, you can make items similar to those shown here.  This video tutorial shows you how to craft with high-quality scrapbook pages, and this one shows you how to use Artisan to create something unique and then print at home (for instances in which you need thinner paper, sticker paper, etc.)  You can see just a few examples of crafting I've done using Artisan here.

STEP 3:  ADHESIVE
There are a few different ways you can adhere the scrap pages to the tiles.  I actually just use double-sided tape!  You can also use a spray adhesive.  I've heard of some people who use a Xyron.  I know of others who use Mod-Podge, and they also coat the top with Mod-Podge as well.

STEP 4:  FINISH UP and ENJOY!
Once your page is adhered to the tile (and dried, if necessary), you can put it up on a stand, or wrap it up for gift-giving.  I just use clear cellophane bags and ribbons.

Makes a fun, beautiful, personal gift, and really great home decor.