Please check these questions before contacting Mary Engelbreit Studios. It’s not that we don’t want to hear from you, we just get so much mail that it’s hard to keep up! If you do not see the answer to your question here, please contact us through our website. We do read and attempt to answer all questions as quickly as possible. Thanks!
About Mary
ME Products
Maryengelbreit.com and “From ME To You” E-newsletter
Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion
The ME Store
Donation and Permission Requests
What art supplies does Mary use?
Mary uses Berol markers and Strathmore 500, Bristol 3-ply paper. The markers fade over time, so we spray a fixative on the images to help preserve them. We frame them with UV-protective glass and hang them out of the sunlight. Through the years, even those precautions don’t stop the fading, so the images require re-coloring.
Can I get something autographed by Mary?
Because of the quantity of requests we receive, it is not possible for us to respond to individual requests. On occasion, the ME Store Online has some signed books. Please contact them for more information. The stores that host Mary’s signing appearances often take mail orders, so even if you aren’t able to attend one of the appearances, we would recommend contacting the store to purchase an autographed item.
Where can I learn more about Mary Engelbreit’s life and career?
The best source for learning more about Mary is the book, Mary Engelbreit: The Art and the Artist, published by Andrews McMeel Publishing. This wonderful book (available in hardcover and paperback) traces, in large, full-color format, the life and work of Mary. It includes early sketches from Mary’s childhood notebooks, as well as some rare glimpses of the typical pencil sketches that precede each finished illustration. Also see the About Mary section of our Web site.
Can I get some advice from Mary on how to get started as an artist?
Mary is always excited to hear about new artists keeping the field fresh with ideas! Unfortunately, she is simply not able to give individual business advice. We do have resources and information for up-and-coming artists of all kinds in the “Advice For Artists” area of Mary’s website.
Can Mary review my portfolio, or can I send my manuscript to Mary to illustrate?
Your interest in these questions is truly a compliment! However, because of the demands on Mary’s art and business schedule, and issues with copyright conflict, it is not possible for her to give individual advice to other artists. We work with our publishers to determine her illustration schedule, so if you have an idea for a card, calendar or book, please send your ideas and manuscripts to their acquisitions departments.
Does Mary ever make public appearances?
Yes, she does! Her appearances are generally timed with the launch of a new book or collection of products, so the number and frequency of appearances varies. The most current schedule is always available here.
Does Mary ever sell her original artwork? Yes. You can find more information about purchasing Mary’s originals here.
I lost or broke my favorite ME item. Can I get it replaced?
All ME currently available products can be purchased from the ME Store Online. Because of our manufacturers’ procedures, most products are only available for about a year at the most. Therefore, if you purchased an item more than a year ago, it is likely no longer available.
However, not all hope is lost! If you loved the product because of the illustration it featured, dozens of Mary’s illustrations are available as prints, posters and greeting cards from the ME Store Online. If you don’t see your favorite image, it is possible that it will be available again in the future. Because Mary has created literally thousands of illustrations, it is simply not possible to keep all of them available at all times! You may also find “vintage” or retired ME products on collector’s sites such as eBay.
How can I carry Mary’s products in my retail store?
Mary is a licensed artist and works with dozens of manufacturers who are licensed to make and distribute her products. You are more than welcome to order from them! Please the list of our licensees. The list includes information on the categories carried by each company so that you can identify who to contact for the products in which you are interested. Also, be sure to sign up as a retailer for our e-newsletter, as we periodically send new product announcements and programs to this special mailing list!
Why can’t I find the alphabet letters any more?
Unfortunately, the alphabet letters have been discontinued due to an unrelated issue with the manufacturer. We hope to manufacture and re-release the letters, but do not know when that will be possible. We recommend signing up for our e-newsletter, as if or when the letters are re-released, we will make the announcement there.
Can I get information on a collection of products I started many years ago? (i.e. ornaments, teapots, teacups, etc.)
We appreciate customers’ interest in retired products. Unfortunately, because of the way our records are archived, we are not able to offer information on retired products. If you are trying to determine the retail value of your pieces, we recommend using eBay and similar collectors’ sites for reference.
Where can I find Mary’s ceramic gifts, such as teapots, canisters and mugs?
Unfortunately, we do not have a manufacturer for traditional ceramic gifts at this time. We assure you that it is one of our top priorities to find a company that can meet our quality standards so that we can produce more of these items. Mary still feels very personally committed to the gift market, and wants to be sure that all gift products bearing her name meet the design and production expectations of our customers. We hope to announce new products in this area as soon as possible!
Do you have a mail-order catalog?
We do not have a printed catalog, however, all of the products available through our online store can also be ordered by phone. Please call 1-800-443-MARY (6279) for more information.
I saw some of Mary’s cute little products for $1 at Michaels, but they did not have enough in stock. Can I order more?
The $1 products at Michaels are promotional items that are available for a limited amount of time. Our manufacturers produce and sell them directly to Michaels, so unfortunately they do not have additional stock available. We recommend asking the manager of your local Michaels store to check if additional stock is available from other stores.
I don’t like the change to my favorite calendar format.
Will you change it back?
We work with our calendar publisher to evaluate the calendar formats each year. We absolutely take customer feedback and suggestions into consideration, so please do send your thoughts to us via our Contact Us page. We may not be able to respond to each message individually, but we do read and appreciate all of them! Please note that because of the publisher’s planning schedule, they may not be able to implement changes for the next year’s calendar. For example, by the time the 2010 calendar is published and we receive your feedback on it, it is too late to make changes to the 2011 calendar, so any suggestions would not be implemented until 2012.
How can I replace a defective or damaged product?
First of all, we apologize for any inconvenience! As Mary’s licensing studio rather than a retail or distribution center, we simply do not have enough product on hand to offer replacements, though we are happy to help! Please return the item to the store or website where it was purchased. If you have any difficulty doing so, please contact us and we will do our best to put you in touch with the product’s manufacturer.
Where can I find a store that carries Mary’s products?
Because our manufacturers distribute our products for us, unfortunately it is not possible for us to keep an accurate record of local stores that have Mary’s products in stock. In general, Barnes & Noble Booksellers carry a wide selection of Mary’s greeting cards, calendars and books, and occasionally also have other stationery and gift items. Michaels Stores carry a variety of Mary’s craft products, as well as garden flags and value stationery items. Photo cards are available from Walgreens.com and in Walgreens stores nationwide. Dillard’s department stores carry the ME Baby line of infant apparel and gifts. Many Hallmark Gold Crown stores also carry Mary’s products.
How can I change my email address or unsubscribe from the e-newsletter?
Please visit our subscription page to update any of your information or unsubscribe from Mary’s e-newsletter. A link to this page is also at the bottom of every e-newsletter.
I am having trouble downloading coloring pages and/or a desktop background from Mary’s website.
The most common problem people have is that pop-up blockers keep these pages from opening in a new window. Please turn off any pop-up blockers, then click “refresh” and try again. If you continue to have problems, please contact us.
What happened to my Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion subscription?
The former publisher of Home Companion suspended publication as of the December 2008 / January 2009 issue. We are truly sorry for any inconvenience and disappointment this has caused, as we dearly loved the magazine as well! We hope to partner with another publisher to bring it back at some point in the future.
Can I get information on a product or person I saw in Home Companion?
Unfortunately, because the MEHC editorial offices are closed, the records regarding products and people featured in the magazine are not currently available. If you still have a copy of the issue in question, information on most photos and features is listed in the back of the publication in a section called “Getting The Goods.” Are back issues of Home Companion available? A limited number of issues are available for purchase from the magazine’s former publisher, Belvoir Media. They can be reached at (203) 857-3100. You may also be able to find older issues on eBay or other resale and collectors websites.
Who can I contact with a question about my Mary Engelbreit Store Online order?
Please call 1-800-443-MARY (6279) or select “Question about a new or existing ME Store Online order” on the Contact Us page.
How long does it take to receive a product after I’ve placed an order?
Please see the store’s shipping policy for detailed information. Holiday shipping deadlines will be updated annually.
Can I visit an “official” Mary Engelbreit store?
Unfortunately, the Mary Engelbreit Stores have closed and we do not have any plans to re-open at this time. While we truly loved being able to interact with our customers so closely, operating a retail division simply became too complicated and distracted Mary from drawing and ME Studios from bringing quality products to the largest audience of people possible. We are constantly striving to serve as many customers in the best possible way! The full selection of products is now available from the ME Store Online.
How can I request a charitable donation from ME Studios?
Helping those who serve others is very important to Mary and to ME Studios. At this time, we are focusing our charitable efforts on a small selection of organizations. These relationships allow us to dedicate our resources and make more substantial contributions. As a result, we must decline requests from many other worthwhile organizations. We are able to assist a few additional organizations each year, though, so please send your request through our Contact Us page, with information about your organization, complete contact information, and the date by which you would like the donation.
I’d like to use Mary’s art on crafts I sell through eBay / Etsy / in a craft booth. Is this allowed?
Legally speaking, Mary’s artwork is intended for “personal use only.” “Personal use” is generally defined just how it sounds – for your personal use or display or as a gift. Mary’s work, like all copyrighted material, is not intended for resale or reproduction. We appreciate your interest in Mary’s work and respect your desire for a creative pursuit. However, it is our responsibility to ensure that Mary’s work is protected and used appropriately in a way that does not conflict with copyright law or our contracts with our manufacturers. Therefore, they cannot be re-sold or reproduced by anyone other than our licensed manufacturers. While we sincerely appreciate your desire for a creative pursuit, it is simply not legally possible to give such permission. We appreciate and encourage giving them as gifts or donating them to fundraisers.
