Overstock.com

We are excited to announce that two of our Stories by Me products are now being offered through Main Street Revolution, a partnership between Overstock.com and small businesses throughout the USA.

Overstock.com is known for their good deals and they made sure that their Main Street pricing is as good as you'll see anywhere. What really makes this deal sweet is that shipping only adds a couple bucks to the order. Our products are quite hefty, making them expensive to ship. Right now Overstock is having a special deal and shipping is only $1.00. PER ORDER!

We're still trying to figure out how to be 'seen' at overstock.com. We spent nearly 30 minutes before we found our products tucked away under the category Scrapbooking Kits. We tried to get them to create a new category...something like Heirloom Products or Memory Preservation, but they're still chewing on that request.

For the time being, we'll provide a direct link here:
Memory Calendars Kits
Memory Tree Kits

We'd be oh, so grateful if you'd check them out. If you've tried our products, give them a review. Share what you're doing to tell your family stories. We'll continue to try to get our products more visible and easier to purchase!

How to display a SbM Magnet Board

We've had several requests for a review on ways to display our magnet boards. These different options work equally well with our 8x8 or 12x12 boards.

1. Easel
Probably the easiest and fastest way to get the project out and in front of your face. If you're using the easel with a Memory Tree, look for something that won't collapse while your kids are playing with the set. We offer our own version...which beautifully displays either board size.2. Ribbon
Not much to this option. The holes have been predrilled, you just need to push through the paper design. We recommend holding the board up to a light and pushing from the front to back of board. Use a thumbtack...a toothpick...a paperclip...or whatever is handy! The holes are purposely small. If you're considering thick, chunky ribbon, you might want also use a couple of metal book rings.
3. Magnets
Here's a great option for displaying your project on a filing cabinet, refrigerator front or other metal object. Just make sure to use several super-strong magnets on the back of your board.
4. Frames
We LOVE the customized look that these unfinished frames give to our different projects. We purposely sized our metal boards small enough to fit into most standard frames. Click on the links to learn how to make your own.

Collage Frame Instructions:
Fabric Frame Instructions:
There are our ideas. Hope it inspires you. Be sure to share your own creations!

Memory Tree Frame & Family Button Box How To's

We're still trying to plant our feet after an amazing weekend at Swiss Days. We are madly filling orders, replenishing inventory and preparing for several other events in the coming weeks. On Friday, we'll be at Touchpoint's annual event for Women Entrepreneurs. Next Friday and Saturday will find us at Time Out for Women. Suni will be in Pleasanton, CA enjoying gorgeous weather, family and friends and an amazing lineup of music and speakers. Lauri is heading to Logan, UT where there is an equally amazing list of activities and topics of discussion. While our main focus will be sharing our passion for preserving life's many stories we are confident that this 'Time Out' will be beneficial for body and soul, and we will come home both relaxed and invigorated!

September also starts our fall class schedule. We're excited to get out and about. You inspire us with your many ideas and stories and we can't wait to share our new projects with you.

We promised to share instructions on some of our projects displayed in our Swiss Days booth. We're working on getting pictures of the vintage fabric frame and new ornament projects posted. Here's the links to the Memory Tree frame and Family Button box instructions that were previously posted.

Click here for easy-to-follow instructions for making the Memory Tree Frame!

Click here for easy-to-follow instructions for making the Family Button Box!

As always, let us know if you have any questions!!

Sharing Father's Day Wishes

Just got a call from Jackie. Her nine-year-old granddaughter had recently purchased one of our Family Memory Tree kits at Deseret Book. She wanted to give it to her grandfather for Father's Day. She picked out each picture all by herself and carefully created each face button. According to Jackie, it was a big hit! Grandpa loved it so much that he took it to church to share it with his friends.

Next time someone asks me if our projects are hard, I'll be able to tell them that a nine-year-old did one. And did it beautifully, I might add!

THANK YOU for sharing your stories and excitement for preserving memories! We can't do everything, but everyone can do SOMETHING!

New Memory Tree designs

We've added two new designs to our 2009 Memory Tree lineup. Everyone who's had a chance to sneak a peek agrees with our assessment that they are GORGEOUS! You'll notice that there is no longer a heritage statement at the bottom of the design. For those of you who liked that feature (like Lauri), sorry! Just too many requests for "this saying" on "that design". Consider adding a frame around your Memory Tree. Add a favorite thought with paint or vinyl on the frame. We used chalkboard paint and now have a perfect canvas for a 'thought du jour."

These new designs aren't available on the website quite yet, but you can check them out in our Etsy store. Better yet, check them out in person! We have loaded the truck which leaves tonight for the St. George Family History Fair. Can't be there in person, but our friends at LDS Scrap has offered to feature our merchandise in their booth. Lauri will be at the Deseret Book, Fort Union store this Saturday from 1-4 and next Saturday we'll be at the South Davis Family History Fair. The event runs all day at Bountiful High School. Come by and say hi!

We've been busy!

We couldn't wait to show you what's been keeping us so quiet on the blog front... and housework front and time with friends front...

Some of the products are new and improved, some are brand-spanking new; all will be available on our website and/or Etsy store.

Let us introduce you:
Memory Puzzle Blocks - These are what got us started. And what a great start!! We'll be eternally grateful to My Mind's Eye for giving us a hand-up and helping us bring in our first boatload of puzzle kits. We've now sold more than 10k of these wonderful little kits that preserve memories in the uniquest of ways. This year we hope to introduce a Stories by Me kit version. We think you'll like (scratch that...LOVE) our new and improved Memory Puzzle Block kit!

Memory Trees - These big guys were unveiled last summer and much to our delight were an instant hit! We're thrilled that you have embraced them and made them such a popular gift item. Yes, we know that the hard part is finding pictures of all the loved ones that need to be featured in your family tree. But it is SO worth the effort! Remember that while our tree's were made to display 3 or 4 generations, you can keep making face buttons and add them to your family button box. That way no one gets left off of the family tree!

Our designer, Carol, has done us proud!! We are drueling over our new Antique Floral design and the Cream Leaf pattern goes with EVERYTHING!

Vintage Tins - These beauties were created in conjunction with our Memory Trees. We had all these fabulous vintage photographs that were begging for a more prominent spot than what the archives could offer. They have been a huge hits at our shows and our collection keeps growing, thanks to your many suggestions. Only problem is that we haven't figured out how to make them available on our website since the collection is constantly changing. We're working on adding a core collection to the website and will put other pieces on Etsy, as time allows.

Memory Calendars - We are so excited about our new Memory Calendars. We've been kickin' around the idea for nearly a year and then BAM! it just all came together beautifully. The calendar will be sold in kit form (like the Memory Trees) and offer just what you need to make your own memorable calendar. What makes these so cool is that you'll be able to customize your calendar by featuring family faces on special dates. We know... we just had to include family pictures in the project! Yeah, the picture is so tiny, it doesn't do justice to the finished project, but more pictures are coming. And, Suni is working to get this into our Etsy store.

Project: Memory Tree Frame

As promised, here are simple instructions to help you create your own personalized frame to go with our Memory Trees.

Supplies to Gather:

8"x8" or 12" x 12" wood frame

Black spray paint (matte finish)

Assorted pictures, printed on a laser printer

Mod Podge decoupage glue

Sponge brush

Razor blade

Rags - one dry and one damp

Sandpaper

Distress Ink and/or chalk

Krylon Matte Finish Spray (1311)

Step 1: We started with a simple, unfinished 12" x 12" frame from a craft store. Using black spray paint (we prefer a matte finish) paint the outside and inside edges of the frame. You won't be covering the edges with pictures so the paint finishes those edges for you.

Step 2: Layout the pictures around the frame to get an idea of where they will fit. We like to mix black and white with sepia toned pictures to give the frame variety.

Step 3: Once you have an idea of where you want the pictures, start gluing them into place. Using the brush, apply a thin layer of glue to the frame in the area where you want picture #1. Place the picture on the frame and rub it with the dry cloth, making sure to work out any air bubbles. Next, apply a thin layer of glue where picture #2 will go. Be sure to overlap picture #1 a bit. After placing picture #2, gently wipe any excess glue off with the damp rag. (Don't rub too hard or you could rub your picture off.) Use your dry rag to rub the picture into place and smooth out any air bubbles. Continue applying pictures all the way around the frame. Allow the glue to dry for a few minutes before moving on.

Step 4: You are likely to have pictures that hang over the frame edge. Take your razor blade and carefully trim the excess paper away. (BE SURE THAT THE GLUE IS DRY OR YOU RISK TEARING YOUR PICTURES!)

Step 5: Use your sandpaper to soften the edges and help the pictures blend in with the wood on the frame.

Step 6: If you would like, use some Distress Ink or chalk to add to the 'aged' look of the frame. We recommend rubbing the edges of the frame, both inside and out, to give your frame some character. Allow the ink to dry and give the frame several light coats of Matte Finish Acrylic Sealer. This helps protect your project.

Voila! You now have your own family frame which is a perfect way to display your Memory Tree and add to the stories that you have to share.

Memory Trees FINALLY on Website!

Here's an exciting piece of news. We can finally announce that our new Memory Tree kits are available on the website. Thanks to our extremely hardworking, and might we add, talented programmer, Mark has gotten these pages ready just in time for holiday shopping! You can access these pages by either clicking on the tree pictured on the home page, or by looking for the Memory Tree menu item under Products.

Keep watching for our vintage tins. They're coming...honest, they are!

Project: Button Box

Several people have asked about our Button Box - a place to keep all of your extra family faces when not using them on the Memory Tree. We have put together a step by step tutorial to help you create your own Button Box.




Step 1: Gather Materials

You will need a wooden box, Mod Podge glue, a foam brush, a damp cloth, a dry cloth, a variety of family pictures printed on a laser printer, a razor blade or exacto knife, sandpaper, Krylon Acrylic Matte Finish spray and distressing supplies, if desired.

Step 2: Layout and Attach Pictures

Before you start gluing, it's a good idea to have all of your pictures trimmed. Get an idea of where to place each picture by laying them in position on the box. Once you have a plan, use the foam brush and apply a thin layer of glue on the wood box. Apply just enough glue to cover the space where the first picture will go. Use the dry cloth to rub the picture flat, making sure there aren't any air bubbles. For the next picture, again apply a thin layer of glue where that picture will be placed. Be sure to place glue over the first picture where the second one overlaps. Place the second picture and LIGHTLY wipe around it using your damp cloth to remove any excess glue. Then use the dry cloth to smooth the picture and remove any air bubbles. Rub gently. If you rub too hard you will rub the picture off. Continue for all sides of the box until the box is covered with your pictures. It's a good idea to have a variety of picture sizes available to fill in spaces as you work through the project. We also like to print our pictures in a combination of black/white (gray scale) and sepia for visual interest.


Step 3: Trim Edges

Trim any overhanging paper edges using your razor blade or exacto knife. (Make sure that the glue has dried before you trim! Otherwise you will just tear your picture.) If you have glued a picture that covers both the lid and the box, take your razor blade and cut along the seam to separate the picture.


Step 4: Sand and Distress Button Box

After all of your pictures are glued, trimmed and dry, sand the edges of your box using the piece of sandpaper. We like to soften the corners to help 'age' the box. Rubbing distress ink or chalk on the edges will also give the project an authentic 'old' look. Let the ink dry before giving it 2 or 3 coats of the Matte Finish Spray. This seals your project and protects the pictures.

Now you have your very own Button Box! What a great way to enjoy your family pictures and store family faces.

Good things coming!

Lots of you saw our Family Tree at Swiss Days. We showed several different ways to display the finished project. The framed version was a big hit! We promise to tell you exactly how to finish your frame, but we're still madly trying to get out a few remaining Swiss Day orders, not to mention all the store orders.

We hope this picture will help you envision the finished project. We proudly display our tree surrounded by the Irish Blessing: "May the Roots of your Family Tree Grow Deep and Strong".

Start looking for an unfinished frame with an opening that is 12x12 inches. The wider the frame, the better. This one has a 3 inch edge. We picked up it up at Roberts for about $15.00, minus our 40% off coupon, of course!

Suni is itching to create her own frame and we'll be sure to take pictures of the different steps so you can see how easy the project is!

Canvas Family Tree

Poking around on the web uncovered this beautiful family tree. It really doesn't seem too complicated and the end result produces a great visual of family names connected through the branches of the tree. The contributor is obviously a talented artist, but I think it would be equally eye-catching to let your kids design the background and add the leaves to their masterpiece!

It's About Time!

We are finally ready to unveil our Memory Tree Magnet Boards. They have been a long time coming! We are so excited about this new product and can't wait to share it with everyone.

Pick your favorite pattern (we offer several) and start hunting for family pictures! We provide enough materials for you to display 3 or 4 generations. Two sizes are available: 12x12" magnet boards for a powerful family representation and a portable 8x8" version for families on the go.

Personalize the magnets with your family faces and create a dynamic memory of your heritage! It's a great way to learn your family lineage, or an equally fun way to mix things up.

Our Memory Tree Kits aren't online just yet, so if you are interested, please email us at sales@storiesbyme.com.

Here's our 12x12 patterns. Clockwise: Steel Swirl, Gray Diamond, Peach Dot and Green Leaf. 8x8 versions are available in Peach Dot or Green Leaf. Douple click on the picture if you want to see a bigger version.