I was going to be traveling last week so I went to the bookstore to try and scrounge up some magazines to take with me. There were FOUR– count ‘em, FOUR– glossy magazines about DOGS. Dogs are nice, but really– 4??? Then there are all the fashion and make-up magazines. Airbrushed, size -0 girls, make-up/skincare articles that promise impossible results (which are, frankly, of no use to me at this point in my life) and ridiculously expensive clothes. Those $1200 purses are always good for a laugh, though. I especially like those columns where they have a “splurge” list and a “save” list. For example, on the “splurge” list would be a pair of shoes for $2400. On the “save” list would be a similar pair of shoes for ONLY $575. On what planet do these people live?
“More” magazine is usually good to take on a plane, but if I have to read one more article about how fabulous it is to be over 40, I think I’ll scream. Really– when the kids are grown and there’s no one waiting for you to cook dinner for them every night (although they’d grow old waiting for that at my house), are you really thinking “Thank God, now I can run in a marathon/triathlon/jump out of an airplane/train for the Iditarod/start a brand new business from the ground up”? I’m thinking about sleeping late and eating ice cream for dinner. Period.
Then I looked at what few decorating magazines are left on the newsstand. This is really the kind of magazine I want and there just aren’t any anymore. (By the way, as I write this, another magazine, Metropolitan Home, just went under!) There’s House Beautiful– my favorite– a truly beautiful magazine, a wish book, full of actually-lived-in homes that I never get tired of looking at. At the opposite end of the spectrum, in my opinion, is Architectural Digest, full of cold, badly-lit houses that look like no human being has ever set foot in since the decorator left. In between these two are a few others, some good, some OK, some pitiful. People: don’t show crafts that are right out of the Girl Scout handbook without kicking it up about a thousand notches. And don’t suggest I make my own napkins or tablecloth or wrapping paper or anything I can go to HomeGoods and buy. Who’s got that kind of time? And for god’s sake, don’t tell me how to surround an old bathtub sitting in the middle of a field with candles, fill it with hot water that you’ve somehow lugged from the house, open a bottle of wine and try to tell me that this is “romantic.” There is nothing romantic about this. It is a cry for help, AND an actual article I read in a so-called “lifestyle” magazine. Don’t show me historical houses or period houses or showhouses. I want to see real homes that people live in. I want to see the quirky, personal things they live with. I don’t want to see rooms where everything in them is brand new.
I know what you’re thinking… ”Stop complaining and bring your magazine back!” It was the best, wasn’t it? I can say that because it was our wonderful crew, led by Barbara Martin, who put that out, issue after issue– not me. But there’s a reason all the decorating magazines are closing. They are beyond expensive to produce. It’s all the traveling, styling, and photography that’s involved in every issue. And now I’m so sorry to have to tell you that it just doesn’t look like we’ll be re-launching the Home Companion anytime soon. Never say never, but until the housing and advertising markets come back, I don’t believe it will happen in the near future. Believe me, we’ve tried. We still might figure out a way on the web, but that’s just not the same if you ask me. I’m afraid it’s time to let go and move forward and be thankful for the 11 great years we had! (Obviously, I’m saying this more to myself than you. Repeat after me, “Let go, go on. Let go, go on…..”)
Lots of other things coming out of the studio, though– a constant stream of art and other wonderful things that we’ll let you know about as soon as they become available. For example, we have brand new ornaments and plenty of them at all the Michaels stores right now, plus tons of holiday notebooks, magnets, stationery, packaged Christmas cards and more. And of course, there’s the Home Companion Workshop, an endeavor we hope will continue well into the future with lots of great programs based on the wonderful people and ideas featured in the magazine. Don’t worry, we’ll give you plenty of reasons to keep checking in! As that famous philosopher, Anonymous, says, “Life is all about Plan B.”
I agree too. I have saved every issue and covet them. No borrowing.
Mary, So sad, I too stood at the Magazine rack looking for Christmas/Holiday issues. One, say it again, one had a Festive cover. This Politically correct stuff is really getting on my nerves. I will not renew the two mags I get for that very reason. Your Magazine was a breath of fresh air. How I miss it…
Mary every since one day about 20 years ago i saw a card out of place in a store that had a bright beautiful bowl of cherries on it and it said ‘life is just ……..’ i asked the store clerk where it came from, there were no more like it in the store, no more envelopes, nothing and she didnt know how much it cost. it just sort of gave me a new spark in my creative heart ,the colors, the pic, the saying, the idea , i got it, i was going through, a very rough time. it made me feel better. we moved to Michigan and i saw a lady carrying a purse like that at chuch and i had to look at it, she got so ticked she said her kids bought it for her and she used everyday of her life it was her life motto bag, she said patti, if you love it that much i will start sharing my Me mags with you and it bonded us together and i was in heaven everytime she would remember to bring me one. i knew they were her treasure she knew they were mine, but she had to share the paper dolls with another family. ever since my family has tried to help me with your delightful images on cups or ke chains. tonite i sit here since 4am in some considerable pain,and once again just reading your email made me laugh. life goes on. monday i will have an mri of brain and bones drs suspect i have the same cancer that took my dad at 56 and my grandma, i am 57, the only difference is i and my husband who is has bad health are raising 3 special needs grandsons, i dont want to leave right now, even though i am ready for heaven. So for God’s precious sake i hope you are able to be allowed to find many many ways to keep your wonderful talent and gifts that lifts all our hearts all the time even in the middle of the night, when you dont know it right out here in front of the whole world to see. the most wonderful time would be seeing your magazine on the rack but mary sometimes to save your life and your family ‘s you have to let go! thanks so much for all the wonderful hours patti
I also miss your magazine, Mary, and do hope one day soon that you can start publishing it again. It always made me happy when it arrived in my mailbox. In fact, I would scream with delight when I saw it!!!
No, sorry, I’m not letting go yet. I’ve searched and I can’t find any other magazine that I instantly read cover to cover, then save to go through again. We’ve bought a fixer and it breaks my heart that your magazine isn’t there to inspire me. Luckily, I saved every issue. I want to see the quirky, personal, lived in spaces that you showcased. Your magazine gave me the permission, as an artist, to make my house my home. I feel no pressure to recreate the trends that, frankly, bore me. I’m painting my kitchen black and will probably go lime green on the walls. You won’t find that combo in a magazine these days. Thank you for all your inspiration!!!
But I don’t want to let go!! I miss your Home Companion terribly. It was a “happy” magazine with “happy” ideas, happy, creative artists, happy ideas. I never threw a copy away. I continue to review them all the time. I miss everything about it. In time I will learn to let go but maybe by then I will be lucky enough to subscribe to a new Home Companion.
I remember when I saw the first issue of Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion. I was on a weekend away with my husband, and we were browsing in Barnes & Noble in Philadelphia and–what to my wondering eyes should appear–but a MAGAZINE WITH MARY ENGELBREIT’S ART ON THE COVER??? Of course I bought it and subscribed immediately upon my return home. Seeing that magazine in my mailbox every month was the best. I will miss it. Thanks for a bunch of little thrills.
I so miss your magazine. I still have ALL the ones I received as a subscriber. Every single copy. Out of all the ones you published I think I have all but the first 2 or 3 I have a 4 year old daughter now and I cannot wait to play with the paper dolls with her. I have been saving them in the hopes she would come into my life. And she has. I am still hoping your magazine comes back. Paper is best but online would be a great second if you couldn’t produce the first version. Oh and thank you for pointing out the out of touch nature of the fashion magazines. Seriously WHY, even if you could, WHY would anybody want to carry a purse that expensive? And WHAT made that purse so stinking special to warrant that price to begin with? Who is their audience???
Hi Mary, really miss your magazine! Have you considered a television show format of your magazine?
Hang in there!
Best Wishes,
Christine
http://thetincancottage.blogspot.com/
I too miss your magazine and am glad I kept the back issues I have. I miss the houses and the studios–and your personality. I’m glad for this blog. Perhaps you could post pictures on here of some of those spaces, or do a book on artist’s studios. I also like the suggestion of a quarterly magazine. And you can raise the price. It looks like people will pay more. Especially if you are the only decorating type magazine on the rack worth anything.
With the economy in the dumps, we need MEHC all the MORE! It was a bright spot in our days, and always inspired ideas for taking it up a notch right at home. I do sincerely hope there will be a way to publish it again. Sometimes you have to let go, but really? This? To this one I say, “Never give up.”
I hope you will consider a quarterly or seasonal publication. Please do!
I have saved many of your magazines. I love the articleas about artist, flea markets – the home stuff – okay. The style – terrific!! Aside from carving magazines, it is all I subscribed to. There is nothing like it.
Started collecting japanese lustre because of some of your wonderful photos and also japanese bathing beauties. They all have such beautiful colors and the bathing beauties such attitudes on their faces.
What a lot of fun my friend Julie and I had on our hunts.
Time goes by and things change, lovely memories stay.
Thank you for your love of color and the warm feelings your art brings to all.
Home Companion was a source of great inspiration for me as a struggling artist – I loved the artist’s studio segment of the magazine. I also longed for a home of my own to decorate and saved every issue for ideas when that day would come – it finally did just as Home Companion came to an end. I’m so glad I saved all my past issues. And I still enjoy with a cup of coffee and my favorite ol’chair. Who knows what’s ahead. But I’m sure it will be something wonderful and inspiring. Thank you ME and the people who work with you!
it is so sad how many great magazines went under all around the same time…i almost hate to go to the ‘home decor’ section anymore. it’s just depressing…i miss you & i’m not giving up hope either
hope for color & real & true life…meanwhile, i’m happy to get to read you here…
How I miss the joy of opening my mailbox and taking out the usual and then there it was… My passport to dream and smile and devour each beautiful page of your magazine. I am sorry, I like the feel of a real hunk of paper in my hands! I do not want to say goodbye to things that bring joy and inspiration. I forgot how much I really loved reading and absorbing the glorious art, the field trips and other artists studios! What can replace perfect? Thank you for reaching out to all of us…we must carry on in our cold digital world…buttons on a phone or gorgeous glossy pages of ME Companion…no contest!
One of my favorite quotes from MEHC years ago was on creativity – how it grows when it is shared. I’m so glad to have found the blog which will still keep my creative juices bubbling as I see what others are up to. Such an inspiring message for the new year – Go On! You never know what is beyond the next hill.
Oh Mary. I miss your magazine so much! But I also understand completely and I’m just glad you’re still in the loop through the internet and I can still find your products out there. I was a follower of yours before I even knew of your stuff, if that makes sense. It’s in my DNA to love bright colors and quirky things and when I stumbled accross your work and your products years and years ago I remember thinking, ‘great! finally someone who gets me!’ So yes, let go. And keep moving forward because there are still beautiful things for you to create and much to be said. Your blog is great and I smile and nod every single time I read it. Your friend, (and unknown kindred spirit), Valerie
Mary, this post had me laughling out loud! You are truly a very funny lady…and oh so real. One of the coolest parts of this post is reading that you, like the rest of us real people, read about a $1200 purse and the $545 one be consider a real bargain and wonder what planet these people live on! I mean, really, who is wearing these $1800 skirts and $900 blouses to work??? Or around the house???
I LOVE your art….keep it up in whatever format you can!
Hi Mary,
I truly hope you are reading these comments and you understand that we join with you in your frustration. I was so sad (disheartened) when I realized I would no longer be receiving your magazine and yes, I love the email updates, but it is not the same as setting aside some quiet time and leafing through your mag. PLEASE figure something else out! NO, I am not yelling but emploring…
As a decorative artist, I am trying to find ways to continue in my chosen field and still help support our family. I have taken a second job and still paint on my “days off” and weekends. I am holding on until those who still have money decide it is safe to spend it on themselves and their homes. In the meantime, I have saved a bunch of money by hand painting many Christmas gifts and downsizing our expectations for gifts.
Maybe Home Companion can reflect that same kind of home-spun, real people live here feel, show what down sizing mean for real, creative people. I have no idea what it costs to publish a magazine but maybe with less travel, less fanfare (not that you had too much) – who knows?
I just know that you have been an artistic inspiration to me for years and I miss your professional and personal encouragement.
Thanks for listening…
Nancie Chopp
Art of the Home
Of all the magazines I’m missing, your’s is the one I’m missing the most. I agree that there are no good magazines left at the newstand! UGH! I guess I will have to continue to find you here and see what happens one day at a time. Hope you haveawonderful New Year’s day.
I’m chiming in a little late here, but I couldn’t agree more with everything you have to say. What a breath of fresh air! Realize I know absolutely nothing about the logistics of publishing–is there any way to do even a once a year special Home Companion? Could you pre-sell it with online orders or something? I’m clinging to my old issues!
Why not make your magazine a quarterly?
Like many others I have to tell you that I’ve saved so many of your wonderful old Home Companions. Along with my 40 something reading glasses, the magazines keep me company on the chilly evenings…while my household full of men watch guy movies.
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
I truly miss your magazine and share your laments at the current offerings. I appreciate you “never saying never” and hope to see it re-launched..someday..when the time is right. By the way- a couple of my very favorite recipes came from your magazine when it had the food features and the loss of that feature was one of the reasons I dropped my subscription. It seemed to be becoming more a craft magazine. Still…even with all that, I LOVED every issue I purchased and still peruse them . Which reminds me…..time to brush up on your January issues in preparation for the new year-
Fine! So the time may have arrived for MEHC to let go & go on (stifling a sob)-but really?! Noooo magazine at all? One of the best things I loved about MEHC as it evolved over the years was the variety of artists, creators, and designers. I used your magazine for 8 years to show my high schoolers’ parents the answer to the question, “That’s really nice, but what can (s)he DO for a living with an art degree?” GAH! And you gave us soooo many studios & options! Isn’t there a magazine left in ye? Something that continues to speak to the creative spirits & their outpourings? Some place I can turn to for understanding when I put my scissors down and have my tea? It’s time for a new magazine from ME ink! Pleeeeeeeeaaaaase!
(ps-i know the tub article of which you write. and i second that.)
I miss your magazine the most. I used to buy piles of magazines every month. Now I just buy one or two recipe mags. Sad, sad, sad. I still look for your magazine, then remember, its not there. But maybe one day….
Does anyone else feel like women our age are being disenfranchised?
Mary,
One of my favorite features in your magazine was your artist spotlights. I always love “behind the scenes” but especially loved seeing the gorgeous, colorful, imperfect studios of so many talented and inspirational people.
Best of luck with your future endeavors.
I miss those colorful issues of your magazine in my mailbox. They would be like good friends that show up when you need some fun and inspiration. Although letting go is a painful process, a person does evolve and often change can bring about good things. So as you drive along the road in the letting go car, look around at the scenery. Your next venture is probably just around the corner and I can’t wait to see the postcard you will send to all of us. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world. God Bless.
That’s a healthy attitude. I personally believe that all those people that are buying those empty magazines, searching for the latest and greatest of ‘this or that’ will find that in the end, there is no meaning in what they are buying, selling, etc…..no representation of who they are as an individual or what that money spent fulfills in their lives. Those magazines do not offer encouragement or inspiration. They offer false hopes of things that most of us can never realistically obtain or achieve. They offer fairy tales period……which unfortunately seems to be what lots of folks are looking for these days to divert themselves from reality.
I miss that rush of excitement when I’d see the latest MEHC issue! My daughter misses her most coveted paper dolls that would keep her busy while I disappeared into bliss devouring your latest collection of precious inspiration. We cherish every issue as gold now.
Every MEHC issue to me brought encouragement, guidance and creative counsel to take artistic endeavors to the next level. After art school, life lessons and even being a lifelong avid crafter, it was your magazines that made me actually realize that I am, in fact, an artist. That sounds trite, especially since it’s been my profession for the past two decades. MEHC made the always-present room full of clutter, endless trips to the flea market & craft stores, and sometimes marital-strife-causing madness called ‘creating’ all make sense. (I’m an artist! Say it loud and proud, right?)
I have so much respect of your stance against the meaningless marketing that fuels most of the “creative” magazines these days. I could always count on MEHC to not take part in the dishing out of such mainstream rubbish that is quickly thrown into the round file with no real re-purposing use whatsoever.
I am faithful that MEHC will be back. Until then, we are thankful to “stay connected” through your blogs! Thank you Mary!
Oh how much I miss your magazine! I’m sure it get’s old hearing from all of us “Mary junkies”… But no matter what I was doing, I would stop, get a cup of coffee and sit down to devour and “study” each issue! I have yet to find another magazine that captures my attention and imagination so fully.
Mary, It is to your honor that we miss the magazine so much! Your introducing us to ‘women who create’, your paperdoll’s and your whimsical eye on the world always brought my spirits up and sent my creativity soaring.
I’m moviing on but will always miss you! Have a fabulously delicious Christmas!
i have to agree you with you wholeheartedly. i love a good realistic decorating magazine and truly enjoyed yours. but also the artist tips and all the ideas you provided made yours unique.
one thing you very seldom see in the decor magazines is the basic ranch style that alot of us live in and are always looking for ways to make unique.
Thank you for voicing my thoughts so perfectly! The few magazines still out there do not inspire nor encourage me to use my creativity and beautify my home.
I miss you!!!!! I was smart enough to keep every copy I ever received and still put them out to smile over again.
I was SO sad when Home Companion was discontinued! And I know I’m among so many that enjoyed your WONDERFUL magazine each month. That’s one thing my kids will ‘inherit’, as I can’t bring myself to part with any of them! : ) I still get inspiration from them, no matter how old the issue! To me, they’re just timeless! If MEHC returns one day, I’ll be one of the first to subscribe! And your boxed calendar is ALWAYS on my Christmas list…for me and my mom-in-law! I love this blog…’let go…go on’ has lots of meaning for me too. Best wishes, Mary! And Christmas blessings!
No, don’t let go, please. Believe it can be done!
Mary,
Like everyone here that has left comments I miss your magazine. For years I collected each issue as if it were a precious gift and to this day I have them in my studio in magazine holders and love to look back through them. Your article here was fabulously written and its so true that there just aren’t any really good magazines like there use to be. I am enjoying your email newsletters and love the blog post!
Thank you
PS the ME ornaments from Micheals look wonderful on my Mary E. Christmas tree!
Mary, I too am not quite ready to let go. I loved your magazine SO much and would pay a lot for a subscription… I know you have looked into all options but independent niche magazines like Bust, certain art magazines, etc. make a go of it somehow and I am hoping it is someday possible to adapt one of those models (or a totally new model) to get Home Companion back on the shelves. Your magazine was highlighting art, crafting, and decorating with truly beautiful, unusual design long before Etsy or other currently successful promoters of underground, independent art existed. It’s almost like the magazine was way before its time. I mean, I know people have always loved warm, beautiful, lived-in homes, eclectic folk art, and artisan crafts, but it seems like lately those things have found a widespread outlet for distribution and a place in the mainstream of pop culture that they haven’t always had. It’s so sad that the economic crisis happened when it did because Home Companion fit in perfectly with this “trend.”
Anyway, I would love to think that someday there may again be a place for Home Companion. In the meantime, have a wonderful holiday and keep up the great work.
Yes, I miss your magazine terribly and I totally agree about what is in the magazine troughs at Borders. I have all of your magazines, and I refer to them often…for ideas and encouragement.
If you ever do a magazine again, you can come take a picture of my “real” studio. It is full of wonderful projects and my sewing machine is up 24/7 ready to make that special thing.
Attic Heirloom in Wichita, Ks is a wonderful store of ribbons, lace, and Julie is so gifted with her stitching. She offers classes and her
shadow boxes are the most beautiful I have ever seen.
I hope to come to your workshop in April and just smother myself in art!
Merry Christmas,
Sharon
So sorry about the magazine. I have each and every issue and also go through the old ones. It is still and always will be the best. Mary, you have always seemed like one of us. I’m with you as I can’t believe they think the prices on a purse of $500 is great. I don’t even pay $50.00 maybe $5.00 at a garage sale! I really loved the article in the WHERE WOMEN CREATE. I am a real ME groupy!When I am at the bookstore I look for anything with Mary Engelbriet articles! Maybe that is what you should do. LOL I do hope to meet you some day as I have loved your cards since the beginning. I was just going through my stash the other day from Sunrise. Thanks for making me smile. Merry Christmas Diana
What I like most about your magazine was that it made me feel that I am not alone in my design and art preferences. It felt real and comfortable. When I look at the new magazines and new design shows, I feel like maybe I’m becoming a dinosaur…going extinct. But like the other commenters, I don’t know anyone who actually shops or decorates like that. And don’t even get me started on those bathtubs at the end of a pier!! ;0P
Oh Mary, you are a REAL person! I loved this blog segment which spoke to me at many levels. I so do miss your magazine, of which I have every issue. I will try to move on..have no choice, like growing old. It happens whether we want it to or not. If you do publish a web magazine, it will be a success and have many subscribers. Maybe that is just the way of the future, whether we want it to be or not. In any case, for those of us who don’t live near St. Louis, or can’t avail ourselves of your fun workshops, the web is the next best thing. Go Forward..I’ll be waiting to tag along!
Don’t make me cry again!! My friend in Oregon and I both greived with each other at the end of Home Companion. Thank goodness I have my old copies and a bad memory so I can reread them and pretend they’re new. The only one left I buy is Somerset Studio and hoard them with the hope one day I’ll get to doing Altered Art. I did discover Atomic Home about Mid Century Modern. I don’t like ezines or whatever they’re called, because I like to hold the paper and smell it. Weird, I know. This is a part of life I wish wouldn’t slip away. I feel like part of my life is going away never to be retreived. Miss you, Mary–Home Companion was one of my favorite pleasures!
Oh Mary,
I was a home dec magazine junky but I agree yours was totally unique. I still have every issue and page through often. Of all the one’s that are gone yours is the one I truly miss. The only bright side is that I am saving a ton of money each month,so I am saving for a $1200.00 pair of shoes and purse, tee hee. I hope a new book is in the works. Loved those too and still refer to all of them. For now I will content myself with the website. Take care, Pam
My friends and I blogged on our blogs talked in person and plain old mourned the loss of ME Companion, Country Home and more. As an artist these magazines inspired me. Even if all I walked away from them was a paint color or to see that something had come back into style. Not only have we loss the magazines we have loss the little ma and pa gift shops and some antique malls. It is hard to be inspired these days. It is becoming harder and harder to be a working artist. We are working twice as hard for half. It worries me that things will never be the same…
Each and every trip to Barnes and Noble I check the magazine area just in case your wonderful magazine is there thinking I might have missed the news of its return. Please try to bring Home Companion back…..it definitely was the best out there. I can’t let go just yet!
Losing Home Companion was the worst, and though I love every old issue over and over again, I will wait patiently until you come back! My first thought when I read that “decorating magazines are going down,” was that I always considered yours to really be an ART magazine. That market seems to be doing well (at least the Somerset empire), can you come back with that slant? From my once-upon-a-time completely ME kitchen, to my current ME studio, to all of my art classes using you as an example for my students, your art has inspired and enriched my art-life, and I will continue to pass all those other magazines by until Home Companion is again in my mailbox. Never say never – we need your kind of peace, beauty and whimsey in this hard world.
Mary you are our inspiration and dear friend,your blog was delicious, how about another serving soon. I believe in you and your team,…of course I still believe in Santa too. Merry Mary Christmas, ole friend.
Mary. Couldn’t you do a quarterly, annual, semiannual, or holiday special issue?
Sorry, having trouble letting go of this one.