Let's talk about Mary...

I can't really write this post without gushing. I can't help it. I've tried to be cool about it but I can't keep up that ruse...

Mary Engelbreit is in my magazine! 

I really can't believe it. I've pinched myself all over and never woke up so I'm not dreaming. But really, what a dream come true!

Thank you, Mary for making that really sweet elf for me to share with everyone.

p.s.
If you're having trouble viewing the magazine, click here. You should be able to see it there without problems. My favorite way to view it is "magazine view" "full screen"...you can find those controls at the top left of the page. If you'd like to view it more like a pdf, select "paper view". You can print each spread by clicking the print button at the top left. This is a good way to print out just the instructions of the projects you want to make without wasting paper. Trust me, 172 pages is a lot of paper. I printed it once and it looked like a whole ream of paper! This issue is not available for download.

p.p.s.
And I've had a few requests to see the last issue...click here for the Autumn issue.

thank you, thank you, thank you

Thank you so much for all the magazine love. I'm so glad you are enjoying it.

I'm not going to lie--it was an insane amount of work. For weeks now, I've worked on it from early in the morning before anyone awakes until late at night when everyone is asleep, taking breaks to feed people or empty the dishwasher or read a bedtime story.

For that reason, I want to say thank you first to my sweet Rich and Alfredo. Thank you for being so patient. Thank you for oooing and ahhhing. Thank you for understanding when I say "I'm just going to finish this one little thing" might mean another hour. Your support and love mean the world to me.

Thank you to my friend Pam who spent nearly as many hours poring over this issue as I did. She dedicated her time to making beautiful photos and proofing pages. When I ask Pam for her opinion, I know I'm going to get a thoughtful answer. Thank you, Pam, for putting your life on hold for days at a time.

Thank you to my friend Charlotte for all your support and encouragement. 

This is starting to feel like an acceptance speech...so maybe I should wrap it up.

Thank you to all the contributors who made the most incredible projects ever. I had a rock-star list of artists who donated their time and love and this magazine wouldn't exist without it.

Thank you to the advertisers for supporting this little project.

And thank you for your enthusiastic response. Please link to the magazine on your blog and tell everyone you know about it. My goal is 75,000 readers in a week. Help me get there! (Feel free to grab the cover graphic above for your blog post)

p.s. And for those who want a printed version, I hear you. Let's see what I can do...

Inspired Ideas, The Christmas Issue...

I'm so proud to present...

The Christmas Issue.

(Now I'm going to go have a lie-down)

(and possibly a drink)