+ My computer is 3-4 years old. Will I still be able to do this?
+ How much lead time do I need to make a VoiceQuilt?
+ What if I need a VoiceQuilt right away?
+ What do I get when I sign up?
+ How much does it cost?
+ How much time do I get?
+ What if I need extra time?
+ How much does it cost callers?
+ What happens if no one calls in with messages?
+ Do I get a refund if I have phone time left at the end of my project?
+ Can other people hear the messages over the internet?
Inviting Friends and Family
+ How do I invite people?
+ What if someone doesn't use e-mail very often?
+ What if someone doesn't have an e-mail address?
+ How are voices recorded?
+ Is it easy to use?
+ What should people say when they call?
+ How do I get reluctant people to call in?
Selecting Best Hits for your VoiceQuilt
+ What if someone leaves a message I don't like?
+ How do I keep track of who leaves messages?
+ What if I don't have enough messages?
+ How many messages will fit in a VoiceQuilt Keepsake?
+ If someone leaves a rambling voice mail can I edit out part of the message?
Selecting a VoiceQuilt Keepsake
+ How do the keepsakes play voice messages?
+ How does someone navigate between messages?
+ How does the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box preserve messages?
+ How long do the batteries last?
+ If the batteries die, will messages be lost?
+ How do I change batteries?
+ How is the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box manufactured?
+ Is the keepsake guaranteed?
Delivering your VoiceQuilt
+ How do I get my VoiceQuilt?
+ How much does a VoiceQuilt keepsake cost?
+ What does a VoiceQuilt keepsake look like?
+ If I select a VoiceQuilt keepsake how is it delivered?
+ Can I e-mail the VoiceQuilt to the recipient?
+ Can I get my VoiceQuilt on CD?
+ Can I order more that one of the same VoiceQuilt?
+ Can I add new messages to the VoiceQuilt Keepsake?
GETTING STARTED
My computer is 3-4 years old. Will I still be able to do this?
If you can hear the sample VoiceQuilt, you have what you need to make a VoiceQuilt. Just go to our home page and click on the "Click here to hear a sample VoiceQuilt" link (a green bubble, just below the wedding photo on the upper right side of the page).Back to Top
How much lead time do I need to make a VoiceQuilt?
It takes fewer than ten minutes to get started. You set up your VoiceQuilt account and invite friends and family to call in with messages. After that, it's up to you. We'll email you periodically to let you know who has left messages and who hasn't. After everyone has called in, just log onto your website, re-label the messages and choose the best for your VoiceQuilt.To keep the project moving, we recommend providing a one week deadline for callers. That way, everyone will focus on contributing a meaningful message right away. A quick turnaround also ensures that memories are fresh if your VoiceQuilt commemorates a special event.
Just remember that every family has at least one person that needs extra reminders!
Once you finalize your VoiceQuilt, we will ship a keepsake within 1 business day. Or you can download an electronic VoiceQuilt right away to a computer or digital audio player. You can also share it online.
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What if I need a VoiceQuilt right away?
We recommend starting AT LEAST seven days before your deadline. If timing's tight, just adjust your gift presentation: download the VoiceQuilt to a CD or digital audio player and play it at the event. Or just share it online. You can always have a keepsake delivered after the event.Back to Top
What do I get when I sign up?
You'll get (1) time in our toll-free voice message system, (2) a secure web site for listening to messages and creating an electronic VoiceQuilt and (3) the ability to download or share an electronic VoiceQuilt. For an additional fee, you can choose to have your VoiceQuilt delivered in a beautifully crafted keepsake box that plays and preserves each message.Back to Top
How much does it cost?
When you sign up, you purchase a toll-free phone package based on how many people will be calling in. See the phone packages here. When you estimate, keep in mind that most callers spend at least 5 minutes in the system, reviewing and re-recording messages.Your initial purchase includes this toll-free phone time as well as a secure web site for reviewing and approving messages, plus a FREE electronic VoiceQuilt that can be downloaded at the last minute to a computer or digital music player. The latter is ideal if you want or need the VoiceQuilt right away for a special celebration – or if you want to share the VoiceQuilt with someone far away.
For an additional $79.95 – $149.95, you can choose a beautiful keepsake "music box" that plays and preserves your VoiceQuilt for years to come. If you're collecting money from friends for a group gift and want the Classic Keepsake, assume a total price of $110. This will cover your phone time, the keepsake, standard shipping and tax. We include gift wrap and an elegant card listing your VoiceQuilt messages for FREE.
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How much time do I get?
You choose the amount of phone time based on how many people will be calling in with messages. See the phone packages here. When you estimate, keep in mind that most callers spend at least 5 minutes in the system, reviewing and re-recording messages.We've found that one hour is enough time for most groups. However, it's easy to add phone time if you need it.
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What if I need extra time?
Adding phone time is easy. You can add 30 minutes for $7.95 or an hour for $12.95 and two hours for $22.95.Back to Top
How much does it cost callers?
Since your purchase includes toll-free phone calls to the voice message system, there is no charge for callers in the U.S. If one of your callers dials in from abroad, we won't charge them for the call. (They may incur charges from their local phone company, however.)Back to Top
What happens if no one calls in with messages?
Organizing family and friends to make a simple phone call by a specific date can take some persistence - but it's well worth the effort. You and everyone who participates will be delighted by the final result. With that in mind, be sure to e-mail and talk with the people you've selected to participate. Keep in mind that it may take more than one reminder. Some may feel a bit of anxiety or "stage fright." Others may not be able to think of anything to say. They'll need your encouragement and ideas to get started.But don't worry - we've worked with many different kinds of families and groups and our expertise is available to you. We've provided plenty of tools and ideas via e-mail and our web site so that managing your project will be easy.
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Do I get a refund if I have phone time left at the end of my project?
No. The toll-free phone time you purchase is non-refundable. However, we've found that one hour is generally the optimal amount for most families; each caller spends roughly five minutes in the system, reviewing and re-recording their message before hanging up. We recommend purchasing a block of 120 minutes if you're inviting more than 20 people to call in with messages.Back to Top
Can other people hear the messages over the internet?
No. Only you have access to the secure, password-protected VoiceQuilt web site where you can review and approve messages. If you like, you can order additional keepsake "music boxes" to share the VoiceQuilt with other family members. However, no one but you has access to the messages until the project is complete.Back to Top
INVITING FRIENDS AND FAMILY
How do I invite people?
After sign-up, purchase toll-free phone time that enables family and friends to call in for free. Then, invite everyone instantly using VoiceQuilt's email tools. You can also invite people in person, give them a call or even include dialing instructions with party invitations. Choose what works best for you.If you're already mailing out party invitations, simply include VoiceQuilt instructions inside. Visit to the VoiceQuilt Idea Center to get ideas.
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What if someone doesn't use e-mail very often?
Just give them a call, tell them about the project and ask them to look for your e-mail. The e-mail will include their unique Invitation Number and step-by-step instructions for using the toll-free phone system.Back to Top
What if someone doesn't have an e-mail address?
If they don't use e-mail at all, just call them up and provide two pieces of information: the VoiceQuilt toll-free number and a "no e-mail" Invitation Number. This special access code is at the bottom of your sign-up confirmation e-mail. You can also look it up online when you are logged into the VoiceQuilt Message Center.Back to Top
How are voices recorded?
After dialing the toll-free number, your callers hear a brief message requesting the Invitation Number from their e-mail invitation. After entering the number using their phone keypad, they will hear a greeting from you, the Organizer. Your greeting will set the mood and prompt them to leave their voice message.Back to Top
Is it easy to use?
With our phone-based message system, it's easy for everyone to participate. If your invitee can dial a phone and enter a five digit number, they can record a voice message.- To include children, simply ask parents or caregivers to dial the phone system. Some of our best messages occur when parents call on the fly - during those spontaneous moments when toddlers sing or chat to themselves.
Cast the net as wide as possible so that your VoiceQuilt includes lots of people. Quite often, relatively distant acquaintances show up when least expected and contribute a vital piece of the finished VoiceQuilt.
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What should people say when they call?
Voices warm the heart most when words and mood fit the occasion. With that in mind, we provide sample Thought Starters and scripts for a variety of situations so that it's easy to leave meaningful messages. To view some Thought Starters, click here.Back to Top
How do I get reluctant people to call in?
Every group has its procrastinators, and every VoiceQuilt has a few callers who need extra encouragement. We've found that the best way to get results is to pick up the phone. When you provide a firm deadline and a few message ideas, you usually get results. For especially shy invitees, you might need to stress that leaving a message is all that really matters - what they say and how they say it is secondary. It truly is the thought that counts.Back to Top
SELECTING BEST HITS FOR YOUR VoiceQuilt
What if someone leaves a message I don't like?
You can delete messages you don't like or simply omit them from your VoiceQuilt. You can also ask callers to record again. The final VoiceQuilt includes only the messages you've chosen.Back to Top
How do I keep track of who leaves messages?
When you invite friends and family using VoiceQuilt e-mail tools, each invitee receives a unique Invitation Number. When an invitee calls, their message is automatically labeled with their e-mail address and caller ID information. (We recommend re-labeling "VoiceQuilt worthy" messages with something more personal. It's easy to do.) We also send periodic e-mail updates so that you always know the status of your project.Back to Top
What if I don't have enough messages?
When you send out e-mail invitations be sure to include people from your friend's or loved one's neighborhood, religious organization, work, schools, clubs, etc. If you don't have those e-mail addresses, ask friends and family to forward on their invitation - each Invitation Number allows multiple phone calls.We've been amazed at the power of messages from relatively casual acquaintances. These stories often add a vibrant and unexpected swatch to the final VoiceQuilt.
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How many messages will fit in a VoiceQuilt Keepsake?
Our keepsakes will hold up to 245 messages or roughly 4.5 hours of recording time.Back to Top
If someone leaves a rambling voice mail can I edit out part of the message?
We'll soon provide easy-to-use tools that will enable you to edit messages. In the meantime, we suggest placing longer messages towards the end of the VoiceQuilt. That way, your recipient can skip forward or backward to other messages if a message is too wordy.Back to Top
SELECTING A VoiceQuilt™ Keepsake
How do the keepsakes play voice messages?
The VoiceQuilt Keepsake operates like a music box. When you lift the lid, messages play automatically. Inside, there are easy-to-use buttons for selecting previous message, next message and volume level. There is also plenty of room for photos and special mementos. Check out our beautiful keepsake boxes here.Back to Top
How does someone navigate between messages?
It's very easy. Click here to see how simple it is for anyone to enjoy a VoiceQuilt.Back to Top
How does the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box preserve messages?
Messages are stored in a digital format on an MMC memory card, similar to those found in many digital cameras. This form of memory can last many years -- even if batteries lose power.Back to Top
How long do the batteries last?
VoiceQuilt Keepsake boxes are designed to provide up to 8-10 hours hours of continuous use from 2 AA Alkaline batteries. That way, you can play messages over and over again. You can even lift the keepsake lid and let messages play continuously while you do other things.Back to Top
If the batteries die, will messages be lost?
No. Messages are digitally stored in a stable format that will last for years to come even if batteries lose power.Back to Top
How do I change batteries?
VoiceQuilt Keepsakes are powered by two AA batteries which provide up to 8-10 hours hours of playback time. Battery replacement is simple - just open the battery hatch located behind the controls.Back to Top
How is the VoiceQuilt Keepsake Box manufactured?
We work with several long standing keepsake manufacturers that specialize in high quality craftsmanship and classic design.Back to Top
Is the keepsake guaranteed?
Yes. But, like any precious object, it should be treated with care. VoiceQuilt Keepsakes utilize the same technology as digital music players. They should not be submerged in water or treated carelessly. For details, click here.Back to Top
DELIVERING YOUR VoiceQuilt
How do I get my VoiceQuilt?
Your initial purchase includes toll-free phone time, a site for playing and selecting messages, and a FREE electronic VoiceQuilt that can be downloaded and played on most computers and digital music players.For an additional fee, we provide heirloom-quality keepsakes for playing and preserving VoiceQuilts. These range from $79.95 to $149.95 in price, plus tax and shipping. Our goal is to preserve your messages for years to come so that they add context to photographs, letters and other mementos.
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How much does a VoiceQuilt keepsake cost?
Currently we offer a variety of beautifully crafted keepsake boxes that range from $79.95 – $149.95. If you're collecting money from friends for a group gift and want the Classic Keepsake, assume a total cost of roughly $110. This will cover one hour of phone time, the keepsake, standard shipping and tax. We include gift wrap and an elegant card listing your VoiceQuilt messages for FREE.Back to Top
What does a VoiceQuilt keepsake look like?
Our elegant keepsake boxes are beautifully crafted. To see them, click here.Back to Top
If I select a VoiceQuilt keepsake how is it delivered?
We will ship your VoiceQuilt keepsake to any location in the continental U.S. via standard UPS ground delivery. If you live outside the continental U.S. or you'd like your VoiceQuilt to arrive more quickly, simply select expedited delivery when you finalize your choice.Back to Top
Can I e-mail the VoiceQuilt to the recipient?
You can email an URL or web site link to the electronic VoiceQuilt. You can also download the VoiceQuilt at the last minute and play it during a group celebration. Then, if appropriate, you can send a keepsake at a later date as a memento.Back to Top
Can I get my VoiceQuilt on CD?
For $16.95 (plus shipping and handling) we deliver an audio CD that can be played on your car stereo or any other CD player. One of our members created a VoiceQuilt for her mother's 70th birthday. On the way to the family celebration she played messages from people who couldn't attend the party. That way, her mother heard from everyone that evening - even those that couldn't make the event.Back to Top
Can I order more that one of the same VoiceQuilt?
Yes. You can order multiple VoiceQuilt Keepsakes and CDs.Back to Top
Can I add new messages to the VoiceQuilt Keepsake?
No. After your VoiceQuilt is finalized, no new messages can be added. Our goal is to preserve memories associated with a particular person or event. Together, the messages take the recipient on a sentimental journey, bringing back the joy associated with a special occasion.Back to Top
