Hello and welcome to the new and improved Mary Engelbreit website! There are so many things happening at the Studios that we just had to have a brand new way of showcasing them. Plus it’s always good, especially during tough times, to redecorate a little—it puts everything in a whole new light and brings fresh energy to deal with whatever situation you’re in.
And, as you can see, I’m going to be blogging on this website, talking about my work, what goes on here at the office, and asking to hear your ideas and thoughts about what we do here. Needless to say, I only want to hear about them if they’re positive and glowing. Just kidding. Kind of.
What I’m doing here right now is trying to finish my new Fairy Tales book, the third in a little trilogy—Mother Goose, Nursery Tales and now this one. It’s been a lot of fun to illustrate these stories I know so well, but that deadline is coming up fast! Already I’m thinking about the next book, The Nutcracker. Never a dull moment. And I would love a dull moment. That’s my goal after this busy summer—several dull moments in a row.
But I’m not complaining about work, certainly not in this economy. I know it’s a hard time especially for artists. Of course artists create art no matter what, just for the sheer joy of it—maybe you’d like to send in photos of what you’ve been working on and we can share them with the class. There’s nothing so inspiring as seeing other people’s work and knowing everybody’s out there, creating away. Makes you want to run out and buy paper and paint and stimulate the economy and your brain cells at the same time.
So stay in touch—let me know what you’d like to read about on the Mary Engelblog and I’ll try to oblige. Just know that we’re glad you’re here and hope you’ll come again soon!
75 Comments
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Just a note to say how much I miss your magazine. You are so right, these economic times are really tough for everyone and I hope when things improve we’ll see you again in monthly print!
Comment by yvonne gavrielle — July 31, 2009 @ 10:11 am
I miss the magazine too and I also miss the paperdoll calendars…
Comment by Paula Westbrook — July 31, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
How fabulous, a new website I know I’ll enjoy!
Comment by Annette D — July 31, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
Life has up and downs.And right now …is down-
But i love every day specially if I am around fabric,trims,Vintage buttons and Mary Engelbreit
fabric Panels.When people make wall hangings with them, i make tote bags,Handbags that is my passion.Keep up the good job Mrs Mary. I love your work!
Raquel
Comment by Raquel S Muller — July 31, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
oh, Mary! Its so nice to hear from you and see your beautiful new site! I just cried with joy as I saw myself on your blogroll! I can’t thank you enough for the boost…speaking of tough times! You have just sent me to the moon and back! I can’t wait to see what’s in store here…and I’ll definitely be in touch!! xoxo
Comment by katie runnels — July 31, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
So happy to come across your newly updated blog. Can’t wait to make this and the Home Companion blog a regular stop. I would love to see some of the features you had in HC, artist studio space, interiors, projects. Thanks for inspiring us.
Comment by {beth} — August 1, 2009 @ 7:03 am
Hi Mary,
I too miss that magazine. I have every issue published, but I have decided to buy duplicates on eBay so I can “cut out” the paper dolls and all the other neato stuff. I’m going to be redoing my computer/craft room this fall and it’s going to be a ME room.
I already have part of one wall covered with old calendar illustrations. Can ya tell I love your work? haha. Keep drawing and I will check out the website daily. Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us. Lynn 
Comment by Lynn Williams — August 1, 2009 @ 10:03 am
Blessings on you Mary. We are the same age and while I am a writer, how very, very much I love your art. Bring back the MAG. Hate to NAG.
Comment by Lolly Hughes — August 1, 2009 @ 11:34 am
i miss your magazine so much! so thrilled you are blogging! these illustrations are so lovely. i’m adding you to my daily reading roster, pronto!
Comment by jennifer — August 1, 2009 @ 12:20 pm
I cannot believe that your magazine..the only one worth reading anymore…is no longer being published!!!
Comment by christmasghost — August 1, 2009 @ 2:50 pm
I just cannot believe that your magazine is no longer being published!! It was the only magazine that I looked forward to….I really hope that you will be back publishing soon.
As an artist I can attest to how tough the times are and they are only going to get worse.
Comment by ali — August 1, 2009 @ 2:52 pm
I miss your magazine, it was so creative and inspiring. After losing my job, I decided to do what I always loved to do, paint draw, create! I also started a blog to show what I do…www.lullabybabe.blogspot.com. Glad to see you are still creating, you are an inspiration to us all!
Comment by Rita Bomberry — August 1, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Like everybody else I miss my favorite magazine, however I did pick up another this weekend and was pleased to see you on the cover which lead me here:)I look forward to hearing about your latest creations~congrats on your book and continued success!
Comment by Christine — August 1, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I have been looking for your magazine and finally did a search on my computer. Your stuff always gives me a little smile. I will enjoy the things I collect and will look forward to the day I see your magazine on the stands again.
Comment by Dianne Lyles — August 1, 2009 @ 6:36 pm
Mentioned you in my blog today. What a gorgeous blog you have!
Comment by Judy Richards — August 1, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
Thanks so much for all the MEHC years….my heart and soul were always refreshed after a “visit” with you, and I will look forward to meeting with you and chatting often via blogs. Thank you for thinking of this avenue of communication to help ease the “Home” sickness!
Comment by Becky — August 1, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
Greetings from a fellow artist! I’m loving the new site design! Glad you are blogging as well.
Comment by Marge — August 1, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
I know you keep hearing it over and over. I really do miss your magazine. I always referred to it as my “relaxing” time because I would just be absorbed by the content of the pages and get motivated! I hope things look up so that you can return on print once again.
Comment by Anita — August 1, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Thanks for this new website. It look like it will be lots of fun!
Comment by Annette D — August 1, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
My friend and I “met” you yesterday at the CHA in Orlando. Your talk was wonderful and you are so charming. Thank you!
Comment by Brenda Sturges — August 2, 2009 @ 9:04 am
Hi, Mary. I just got back from Michaels towing a bag with some of your goods. I love your banners and just picked up another one as well as a wind spinner and your nifty little notepads. I can’t grow flowers on my balcony now because the maple trees are too thick so I’m making up for it with ME colours and banners. If it spins, waves, or makes a pleasant ring I’ve got it.
I miss your magazine. I wish you could team up with someone like Martha Stewart and could share part of her magazine. So many magazines are in trouble I wonder if sharing two loyal fanbases would help weather the current economic situation.
Love your art and your choice of colours and subject matter. Keep up the good work.
Comment by jllz — August 2, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
Oh, I’ll read just about anything you have to write!
Anyway, we all know that it’s the pictures that are the most important part.
Di
Comment by Diane Duda — August 2, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
I miss your magazine! I pull out my old ones and look at them over and over again!
Great blessings to you, Mary.
Comment by Kathy Day — August 2, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
Thank you for creating this site! I’ll be visiting often…and ditto to all who miss the magazine…it was definitely the best one out there!
Comment by Lisa — August 3, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Mary, you have no idea how glad I am that you’ve got a blog going on now! If we can’t have the magazine at least we’ll get a blog and the latest news from the ME headquarters. Thank you so much for thinking of your loyal fans.
Barbara
Comment by Barbara Moore — August 3, 2009 @ 10:15 am
I have loved your magazine for years! It was so inspiring. But I also love knowing you have a blog now. I am so inspired by your art and also by reading about other artist you wrote about in your magazine and hopefully now on your site too.
Will continue to follow you no matter what!
Comment by LeeAnn Garrett — August 3, 2009 @ 10:32 am
So glad you have a blog to reassure me that you are still around ! Does anyone remember a M.E. drawing of a girl with a necklace of charms ? It was titled “A Charmed Life”. I have looked through all my old magazines & calanders and in stores with no luck. I would really like to have a card or print for my little adopted granddaughter. Thanks
Comment by cathy swafford — August 3, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Dear Mary,
I was so disheartened to learn that your magazine was one of those to take a hit. I still miss it – all the colors and ideas and of course the paper dolls. I still have all the paper dolls. I keep hoping to spot it again in the magazine rack in my travels and if I do I’ll be sure to pick it up and renew my subscribtion. I have many of your beautiful books in my library – just looking at the pictures makes me feel good.
Comment by mimi — August 3, 2009 @ 5:27 pm
Mary, I was so sad when I heard that Home Companion would no longer be published (at least not right now). But now my spirits are lifted to see your beautifully redesigned site and to see that you have a blog! It was a joy to hear you speak at Silver Bella last year and you continue to inspire every day.
Comment by Holly Abston — August 3, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Mary-
You’re work brings such joy to everyone who visits my home and my office, but especially to me for many years. Thank you for the delight, thank you for the color, thank you for the love! Dee
Comment by Dee Thomas — August 3, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
I have most of your Ann Estelle, Sophie, Georgia and Michael dolls. We and many many others are waiting for more! We would love to have more of them in Christmas outfits. Our favorite and hard to find is “Sophie Caroling Girl”.
Comment by Ann — August 3, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
Mary,
I just want you to know that I was extremely disappointed to find that my favorite magazine would not be available (for awhile!)
I have great hopes that this is only temporary; and wish you well during these trying times.
Comment by Lisa Cox — August 3, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
I have every Home Companion, from the first to the last. The collection has been used even more lately. I will be very happy when this wonderful magazine returns. Everything about Mary Engelbreit and her creations make me smile.
Susan
Comment by Susan Dean — August 4, 2009 @ 7:25 am
Mary, Mary, breit and merry,
Your magic brightens the day most dreary
How can I thank thee, Mistress Mary
For all the JOY you’ve brought me.
“Don’t look back < This way: Not an option"
Inspired me to quit drinking, and I've been sober for 22 years, enjoying Life to its fullest. Something in your remarkable style speaks to my soul in the deepest way – it's Serendipity! Nothing more to say. Thank thee.
Comment by Diane — August 4, 2009 @ 12:47 pm
carissima Mary,sono una tua ex abbonata al giornale home companiom,mi piaceva tantissimo pur non parlando l’inglese,erano sufficienti i tuoi disegni per rendermi il momento magico! Poi ho dovuto smettere perchè in famiglia non c’è pi nessuno che possa tradurmi la vostra lingua.Complimenti per la tua bravura e fantasia, sei unica……Con nostalgia…Franca dal Monferrato
Comment by Lovisolo Franca — August 4, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
What a neat idea! I too, miss the magazine so much, but I look forward to this wonderful way to share!
I got a looksee at the fabulous “Attitude” fabric, I can’t wait to see it in stores! Thank you Mary, for doing what you do!
Comment by Lynette L — August 5, 2009 @ 5:00 pm
Like eveyone else, I miss your magazine(especially the paperdolls)! Glad your website is still here!
Comment by Pam Lanser — August 6, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Dear Mary,
Hurray! Lovely new blog and so glad we can find out what’s new.
Linda
Comment by Linda Crispell — August 6, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Mary, thank you for this and for announcing your blog on FB. I will check back often. Thanks for inspiring for so many years.
Angie
Comment by Angela — August 7, 2009 @ 7:15 am
Missed you so much! Glad to see you blogging!
Comment by sarah moore — August 7, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Welcome back, Mary! I am SO glad to see you in blogland! Like everyone else, I have missed your magazine – a lot!! Thank you for coming back into our lives.
Comment by Nancy — August 7, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
Hi Mary, I’m so glad but also sad, glad that i came across this blog! but sad that your mag is not on the shelves any more,I, like so many others miss, miss, and miss your paper dolls,I would sit and cut them out and pass them around to friends and family, of coarse i would keep some for myself, but i really hope more people will submit in their own words, on how much we miss you!!as you can tell I not a writer, but i speak from my heart ♥
Barbara
Comment by Barbara Wilks — August 7, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
Oh happy day! Oh happy, happy, happy, happy day!
Comment by happy zombie — August 8, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Your new site is beautiful, and the upcoming book looks lovely. However, I’m soooooo disappointed that you eliminated most of your desktop backgrounds! Please bring them all back. It’s wonderful that you offer any at all, but I loved the variety.
Thanks!
Comment by Bea — August 8, 2009 @ 11:36 am
You are an inspiration to us all who care about smiling and feeling happy!!
I collect your work and think of life without your colorful prints, cards, dishware etc, etc.
All the best,
A fan forever!!!!
Comment by Pat Papastamos — August 8, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
Love your fabric Mary!
Comment by Shawn — August 8, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
I was so excited to read that you have a blog. I’ve been a fan for years. My hubby and I read your Night Before Christmas book every year and I add every new book of yours to my collection. I say they are for future grand children but they’re really for me. I look forward to seeing more posts from you. It will be wonderful to peek into one of my favorite artist’s world!!
Comment by Betty @ She's Sew Pretty — August 8, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
Hi Mary!!
I am SO THRILLED to see that you are blogging! It will be a great joy to visit here and be inspired and delighted by your creative endeavors, presented from a personal perspective!! As a fellow artist and blogger, it will be wonderful to see what inspires and motivates you, what you are currently working on, highlights of other creative types and their work, and just whatever makes you smile and makes you tick… It should be quite a ride!! I have my stacks and stacks of 11 years of MEHC for a lifetime of inspiration…I will cherish them always…although I lament the loss of MEHC, I know that your artwork and wit and wisdom will continue to find its way to us through a variety of creative means…never fear!
Thanks for the lifetime of inspiration! I’m thrilled to see what all will come of these new ventures!!
Blessings,
Becky at Just Bee ‘n Me
Comment by Becky Schultea — August 8, 2009 @ 9:27 pm
Thank you Mary for communicating! Ditto on all the above comments- missing the magazine, loving the fabrics, papers, books, designs, etc. all so motivating. I especially loved being able to see other artists studios.
I’m surprised the fabric stores don’t connect and support you and your efforts. Your creative ideas have spurred me directly in my artistry; causing me to buy many tools, paints, fabrics, stamps. etc. My buying dropped significantly when the magazine stopped.So glad you are blogging, and looking forward to the new books!
Comment by Mary Pokorny — August 9, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
I am beyond thrilled that you are blogging. Love the new website. I have resorted to rebrowsing all the old HC issues (I have saved all of them since the beginning) to get my “fix”. Can’t wait to see whats ahead!
Comment by Pam — August 9, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Mary,
So glad to find your blog but miss the magazine so very much. I am glad that you are doing well and remember that only new opportunities await. Thanks for all that you have shared.
Comment by Darlene — August 9, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Ohhhhh….so glad I found this link on Twitter and found you! What fun! I too miss your magazine. I have several past issues that I love going over and over again. =o)
I’m going to add your link to my blog!
Sunshine & Blessings! *Lori
Comment by Lori Davis — August 9, 2009 @ 8:58 pm
I’m so happy to see your blog
Comment by Vickie Snow — August 10, 2009 @ 9:52 am
So happy you’re blogging! I miss Home Companion so much. It was my favorite magazine. So exciting to find it in my mail box. It is very tough to be an working artist these days, but the joy of creating art is a gift. I create whether there’s a job or not. I can’t not create!! I’m looking forward to your posts and I hope to attend the HC Workshops next year. It’s also a great excuse excuse to visit my hometown.
Here’s what I’m up to http://www.CreativeWhimsies.blogspot.com, http://www.PixieBears.com, http://www.LauraZarrin.com
Comment by Laura Zarrin — August 10, 2009 @ 11:26 am
hi mary i have long loved your art.i think it was back on the christopher lowell show on discovery channel that i saw your style.i love bieng an artist i just hope one day i will get good enough to market my self for public publishing,i have neen painting for 14 years and still know the best of my abilities are not here yet.i will keep on making art i think as long as i can.i hope to meet you some day love gina
Comment by gina badeaux — August 10, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
I’m so excited to see the new book! Yours are treasured favorites in our home!
With love,
Amy
Comment by Amy Powers — August 12, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
I have put off commenting on the absence of the Home Companion magazine…hoping it would come back. Now, since so much time has passed, I figured you could add my name to the many who miss you. I am just thankful I kept passed issues!!! Please come back!
Comment by Jodie — August 14, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
So glad to have found your site! I miss your magazine very much. I read all the shelter mags, and yours was my favorite.
Comment by Beth — August 14, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
Mary,
I’m so happy that you’ve started a blog where we can keep up with what you’re working on. The books sound wonderful and I can’t wait to see the finished product. I really do miss your magazine!
Catherine
Comment by Catherine — August 18, 2009 @ 9:11 am
I am excited about your new blog, considering you have been my inspiration for years. I appreciate how you know the artists heart and we keep creating and plugging away even if nobody else is seeing it. It’s not about the fame and fortune of it all, it’s the creating. Thank you so much for the continued inspiration!
Smiles,
Teresa
http://www.teresaksheeley.typepad.com
an artist in training. always learning, never stopping
Comment by Teresa Sheeley — August 18, 2009 @ 9:29 am
….Thank you …thank you!…I have every copy of MEHC….So glad you are out here!…looking forward to following your Blog!…..Colleen
Comment by vintagehome.colleen@blogspot.com — August 19, 2009 @ 11:45 am
HI! MARY!!! YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
SO GLAD TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR NEW “ENGELBLOG!” I’LL BE CHECKING EVERYDAY. CAN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING!! I MISS MY HOME COMPANION, TOO!! IT WAS MY VERY, VERY FAVORITE MAGAZINE AND I AM IN MOURNING OVER IT!! I HAVE EVERY ISSUE, EVEN WHEN THERE WAS ONLY ONE PRINTED EVERY ONCE-IN-A-WHILE! HAPPY CRAFTING!
Comment by KAREN — August 19, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Loving your page redo. Looking forward to keeping up with Your blog. Your Art makes Me smile! I love your fabric. Just had a giveaway on my blog of a kit with your fabric.
Comment by Melody — August 19, 2009 @ 7:43 pm
I, too, miss my ME Home Companion. I was so happy to run across your blog. Looking forward to checking back oftenl
Comment by Terry — August 26, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
I have been recently looking for your magazine in the local bookstores and have not found one so I looked up your website and was sad to find out that is has been discontinued! I am so glad that I have kept the past issues! Just to let you know that I have many of your wonderful items and have been decorating my sewing classroom at school and was excited to find ME borders for my bulletin boards. Thanks!!
Comment by Karla — August 29, 2009 @ 10:50 pm
I miss your magazine too!! I have many old copies that I have hung onto for over 10 yrs., my favorites were the ones with your artwork as the cover. Please publish again. Thanks for the great ideas!!
Comment by Alison — September 12, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Dear Mary,
I also miss your magazine. It is the only one I bought and actually read! Times are very hard now indeed! I have collected tea pots for several years and find they brighten my day. I am making a plan to redo my kitchen and want to make it all Mary! I will be making my own curtains and painting. I will be watching your new site for inspiration.
Comment by Sylvia Fletcher — September 13, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
Mary you should know how far reaching your wonderful work is. Recently a friend’s mother died. Her name is Pat and she loved to ice skate when she was young. I painted a pair of ice skates using your idea from your book Crafts to Celebrate the Seasons. In sparkles I painted her name on the heels. This lovely momento of Pat’s life so touched her daughter’s heart but mine too as I work thru my own grief with my Dad’s passing. You gave me Art Therepy without even knowing it. Thank you soooo much. HUGS!!!
Comment by Abigail — October 2, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Thank you so much for the many years of great reading. I am not much of a computer user, but will love checking out your site from time to time. I was so stunned when I lost your magazine that it never occured to me to look on your web site until now. I hope you go back to print. It is so much more tactile and satisfying to hold and re-read and enjoy a magazine, to say nothing of the excitement of getting it in mail.
Comment by Gloria Sinclair — October 14, 2009 @ 8:37 am
Hi Mary,
I too miss your magazine. In fact when you changed the “look” of the magazine a few years ago to make it more modern, I cried. I loved the old school Mary Engelbreit magazine (yes, I don’t like changes)! However, I love your work and continue to support you and your family by buying anything ME I can, especially your fabric.
I am not a blogger but because of you and your beautiful talent, I will follow your blog.
Welcome back!
Comment by Robin Sullivan from The Woodlands, TX — October 16, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
Hi Mary…I have been a “Mary” fan for years. I do miss your magazine, but I stay logged on to your website to keep you connected to my life. I have accumulated as many “Mary” items over the years that I can acquire, like vases,tea cups,cake plates,flags,a Madame Alexander doll, even PJs that I treasure, and I love that Michaels carries your stationery products… I have most books you have published…and a calendar is a necessity and a daily page turner…you and your products make me smile every day, every way…I hope I get to come to St. Louis one day. Keep it coming and thank you for being you!
Comment by Diane Lane — October 25, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Hello Mary,
You have always been my decorating inspiration! I met you at your lovely store in Bellevue, WA and we exchanged stories of your Scottie, Henry and my Scottie McDougal. Now we have a new Black Scottie named, Gilligan. Souls are made for endurance and I’m so glad you continue to inspire despite all life’s challenges. You take care and I look forward to your blog.
Artistically Yours,
Lisa
Comment by Lisa Mulcrone — October 25, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
Hi, I just emailed the Contact Me by mistake so I will do this again..I, like everyone, MISS your magazine soooooo much…I have been under the weather, but going through all my old issues brighten my days, and I just love all my ME magazines….I kept all the paper dools for my grand daughters and they love them!!! I sure hope the magazine comes back!! will it ever?? It was the only magazine I subscribed too….thanks for all those wonderful years…Please bring it back!! thanks, Diane
Comment by Diane LeGros — October 30, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
Hello Mary,
We have just finished the Vol I and III Mother Goose fabric books, but having much difficulty finding Vol II fabric. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I would love to have a complete set for my new grandson Ethan. Thank you for any information.
Robin
Comment by Robin Brockney — January 3, 2010 @ 9:53 am
Hello Mary,
We have just finished the Vol I and III Mother Goose fabric books, but having much difficulty finding Vol II fabric. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I would love to have a complete set for my new grandson Toren. Thank you for any information.
kathy
Comment by kathy — January 9, 2010 @ 11:42 pm