Two blogs today! My holiday greeting cards and a peek at my staff making glitter birds
I was passing through the craft department at the Starrett Lehigh building the other day. It’s always fun to stop and see what magic they’re creating and on that afternoon, glitter was flying! They were working on a holiday gift for the staff of the company that manufactures the products for the Martha Stewart craft lines, (EK Success) which are available at Michael’s and at Wal-Mart. The craft department thought it would be fun to present them with a special tree decorated with glitter birds and they were happy to show how they do it. With so many wonderful colors of glitter to choose from, you’ll see that it’s rather easy to have amazing results.
A ‘Greener†Approach to Holiday Greeting Cards!
I love the idea of giving and receiving holiday greeting cards. However, recently, I’ve been focused on using fewer resources and this year, I decided to go a bit ‘green’ by sending a holiday postcard instead of a traditional folding card enclosed in an envelope. Because my mailing list is so large, this idea has actually saved a lot of time and has certainly cut down on the amount of paper that was used in the past. Please have a look at my line of Kodak Martha Stewart products HERE.
Dear Martha, Sharkey and Francesca,
Best wishes and happy holidays from Europe
Luc/Benni Raes
Posted by: Luc Raes | December 24th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hi, Martha,
The birds are beautiful!
I like your Christmas postcards, too.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | December 24th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Oh wow, what sparkly FUN!!!! Please Martha, can I have a job in your craft dept??? I can't think of anything better than making crafts all day using your wonderful products and getting paid to do it! You ladies sure are blessed. The birds are gorgeous and I love the post card idea. Too late for this year but certianly worth remembering for next Christmas.
Have a FANTASTIC and blessed day tomorrow with a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year. May you go from strength to strength. This is also for the person(s) who opens and reads all these messages first. Have a great Festive Season. Love from Robyn in Egypt.
Posted by: Robyn Kadis | December 24th, 2008 at 2:31 am
Martha, the birds are beautiful. I collected some pine cones and used your glitter to coat them and they are hanging in my windows and are just beautiful. Thanks for the wonderful craft line at Wal-Mart. The post cards are a terrific eco-friendly idea. You and Alexis have a wonderful Holiday. Pam
Posted by: Pam | December 24th, 2008 at 4:08 am
Merry Christmas Martha:
I love your idea for the "Going Green" Christmas Cards this year.
When I saw how you glitter the birds, it reminded me of how the Victorians decorate their Christmas trees. The birds you are making are beautifully decorated. I'm going to make a note and add glitter to my birds next year. Thanks for the idea.
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy Mech | December 24th, 2008 at 4:57 am
I had sent you a birthday card, Martha, back in August...I sure hope you got to see it, as I'm sure you received m-a-n-y on that day as well! I sent it from my heart.
Your simple holiday greeting card is splendid and very elegant. (I'll go to my mailbox this evening with anticipation to see if mine arrived. [giggle] ) I recognized Skylands even before I read the caption! (That's a result of following your blog - a good thing! [wink] )
Merriest of Christmases to you, Martha...I love you, my friend...
Laura and Eliad - have a wonderful Christmas with your family and loved ones! Thank you sincerely for what you do each and every day to bring our Martha to us, up close and personal.
To my kindred spirit blogger friends Jan Erickson, Trish, Pam in California, Tinay, Rowaida Flayan, Teresa Touey...God bless you all this holiday season as you're scattered about, on the map. I enjoy each of your contributions on a daily basis - learning about your lives and what's important to you! As a former post had read, what would Martha's blog be without you guys?!!
Grace and peace,
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | December 24th, 2008 at 5:11 am
I love your birds - did some with my "granddaughters" - the older ones and they loved "glittering"! A wonderful project. I didn't send out cards this year - first time ever! But I love your idea of postcards and next year - as a photographer I'll probably do postcards. Your's are so wonderful And last but not least - I've used several of your cookie recipies this year, etc. Love them! And so does everyone else! Thanks.
Posted by: Jamie | December 24th, 2008 at 5:48 am
Merry Christmas Martha!!!
Chris Kringle (-:
Web: http://www.designsbyck.net
Blog: http://www.designsbyck.blogspot.com
Posted by: Christopher Klingler | December 24th, 2008 at 7:53 am
I'm sitting here in my kitchen with your latest holiday magazine and am wishing you were here to help me brine my turkey
I've never even heard of brining before but I'm gonna try it anyway 
Have a wonderful and Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Tamara | December 24th, 2008 at 8:12 am
Hi Martha,
I've been everywhere else for your products except K-Mart. Now that I know the birds are there, maybe I can get over there after Christmas and purchase some for next year.
I had fun putting the Frosty Gingerbread Family Village together; maybe you've had time to look at the picture I emailed you. It is the cutest kit and I found it at A.C. Moore Craft store. I also like your idea of the postcards; I'll make a notation for next year.
Happy and safe holidays to all who visit this blog to comment and of course to Martha, Laura and Eliad for their hard work in making our days a little brighter. I appreciate it! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 24th, 2008 at 8:16 am
This is a fantastic idea Martha.. I see schools coming up with gingerbread homes for kids and they spend all the time and energy decorating a gingerbread home with candy which is eventually tossed.. such a waste.. Next year, I will be sure to suggest this as childrens craft project for the holiday party. The kids can make a bird each and enjoy it as an ornament on the tree... Thanks again for all the lovely artistic ideas.
Posted by: Leena | December 24th, 2008 at 8:51 am
Hi Martha, Thank you for this "double blog" on Christmas Eve Day. It's another fantastic addition to an otherwise rather gloomy day here in the Puget Sound area where the skies are very grey because it has now started to rain and the snow is slowly beginning to melt away. I always go to your wonderful blog each day for a positive and uplifting start for the day and you never fail to deliver. I love the photos of the crafters at the Starrett Lehigh building and the Christmas Post Cards that Christine was addressing. The crafters do such a professional job and I'll bet the EK Success people will love that gorgeous glittered bird tree. I love the Skylands photo, also. Merry Christmas to you and all of those around you {including the animals!} and the Happiest of New Years. Best Wishes to all of the other commenters who love you as much as I do: Cindy Bricker in Maryland, Trish in Florida, Pam in California and the list goes on and on and on. Hug your kitties and all three dogs for me. Jan {South of Seattle}
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 24th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Merry Christmas Martha to you and all of your family.
Thanks for all the wonderful work you do and I love all of your shows.
May you be blessed with the best of health.
Mary
from massachusetts
Posted by: mary | December 24th, 2008 at 10:05 am
I am not sure which is my favorite: the glittered birds of your darling Christmas postcard. Well done!
May you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas full of treasured memories.
Posted by: Laura Ingalls Gunn | December 24th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
The Christmas cards turned out great this year Martha, the photo on the postcard is fab!
This year I received a ton of cards I thought with the slow economy they would drop down to a dribble but gladly and with much glee they are still coming in. I love to get cards and photos in the mail. Looks like you beat me out with your masses of cards but you reach far more folks then I lol! Many cards were handmade this year, lots of photo postcards and many Christmas letters I am so happy to see people haven't given up one of the oldest traditions we have here in America with our greeting cards at Christmas. Hello from family and friends close and afar to say hey I am still alive and kicking! It appears 1888 in London the first Christmas greeting card was sent out, maybe I have the dates wrong but it looks like London was where the first one was sent in the mail anyhow. Anyone know if Germany might have beat out London?
Trish, I saw your Martha kit gingerbread house photo posted this morning over on Martha's Television & Radio board- looks fab you did s good job, surely because you are a student of our Martha of course!
Jan E ,I heard you on the radio with Martha this past week asking about Martha's new baby Genghis Khan to be introduced to us, I have ants in my pants over the whole thing. I am as excited as a child awaiting Santa's ordeal with the chimney entrance!
Martha my dear I hope you really do RELAX for your main present to yourself this year, I won't hold you to it.
Laura and staffers I hope you made it home from the party and if not what a wonderful place to be snowed in like wow!
Thank you for keeping the Martha blog updated for us, I know it is a lot of work but you make a lot of folks happy. I check this blog before I go to bed at night usually around 2-3 AM west coast time and usually a new blog isn't up what time does this go up EST?
To all the Martha postees/ bloggers Merry Christmas to you wherever you spend it. Happy Holidays too.Cindy, Trish, Jan, Paula, Margie and the rest of the Martha gang Happy New Year 2009.
Pam from California
P.S Love the photo you chose for your cards Martha maybe you might allow us to vote for next year's that would be such fun then still chose what you prefer in the end you always do!
Posted by: Pam from California | December 24th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I love the glitter birds!! Merry Christmas to all!!
Posted by: Barbara @ Southern Lady's Vintage | December 24th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Merry Christmas Martha!! And a Merry Christmas to the regulars Cindy & Jan. Right after I read Martha's Blog I am drawn to look for your responses like a moth to the light. What would a blog be without you girls? How wonderful the Internet brings total strangers together for a few minutes a day. Merry Christmas to you all and your animals.
Posted by: Mark | December 24th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
Martha,
I LOVE your glitter! It is so fine and the colors are wonderful. My daughters and I have glittered so much this season beginning with beautiful black spiders for a Halloween card, glittered ice skate gift tags to the roofs of the townhouse cookie boxes to be used as ornaments on our tree! We save the excess and it is amazing how little is actually used for each project. Thank you for your high quality products and endless ideas. Merry Merry Christmas to you!!
Posted by: Susan Raisch | December 24th, 2008 at 2:24 pm
This was my first year that I was able to have a tree up in my condo after being married for over 16 years. I'd bought an inexpensive artificial tree about 3 weeks ago and decorated it. Last weekI came home from work only to find it had fallen over. I was heartbroken. I lost all but 2 of my collected glass ornaments (Old World Christmas Ornaments).
I ended up buying a replacement tree last week. Now came the task of replacing all of the ornaments. I ended up going to Michaels and spotted the glitter and plain glass ornaments, and have been glittering ever since. I only wish our local WalMart and Michaels carried more colors and larger assortment packs. After I put the first ornament up, I decided that all of my ornaments would be glittered. How spectacular they look. I'd love to be able to have all the colors. I'll look to do the birds next. Thank you so much for creating wonderful products, and for the inspiration! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Vicky Fox | December 24th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Merry Christmas Martha!!!
I'm heading to Kmart to check on some after christmas sale of your ornaments.
Got all ur glitters - all ummm 27 of them. I think.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las Vegas | December 24th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Thanks to Martha and all your staff for making my teaching easier. Every year I use so many of your crafts for the last week of school. I call it make-it take-it week, so students have presents for family/friends. Most of my students are economically disadvantaged. Some used this year were: Goldfish soap, ribbon candy ornament, and glittered ornaments/birds. They all made a centerpiece for their tables. We usually get more done, but this year we were out for 3 ice days during the last week.
Praying all of you have a blessed, safe, restful and Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Sharon Key | December 25th, 2008 at 2:01 am
Dear Martha,
I want to wish you a Merry Christmas!
I enjoyed your show today. You look so radiant and beautiful, more so then usual.
"Tis the season for a gentle horseback ride along the woods and then return to a warm fire,and warm cider."
Bill
Posted by: Bill Harclerode | December 25th, 2008 at 10:29 am
Martha,
A very Mery Christmas to you,your daughter and still beautiful mother. And a grand holiday for your two fantastic dogs. It is always a pleasure to see them on the show or in pictures on the web. Thanks to you for what you have done for our military men and women and their families. My son in law is serving as Captain in the Air Force, and has but a few years until retirement. We are extremely proud of him.
If I have mistakes in this email, please forgive it, I am disabled, then had surgery on my should which is healing very slowly. I am back to hunt and peck with a pen in order to write to anyone.
If you have time and can address it,I have a relevant question concerning laundry. I told my husband if anyone could give me an answer twould be you. I was at the nail salon,dropped a full bottle of OPI polish (having oly one hand to use that was easy). Needless to say, it went everwhere, and, all over a brand new pair of jeans. I have sprayed them and washed them several times,to no avail. However, they have not been placed in the dryer. Do you have any idea how I can get the polish out of my favorite jeans. As you know jeans are quite expensive these days. Thank you so much for yor great show and the best of magazines, and the very best website.
Thanks again
Terry
ukwildcat49
The Very Best of the New Year to come for you and your,
Posted by: ukwildcat49 | December 25th, 2008 at 6:05 pm
hi,
could someone advise where i can buy the christmas tree where the crafters hung the birds? i would like to get one for my daughter who would love to have one in her room. thanks a lot!
Posted by: carolina Hausjah | December 26th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Dear Martha,merry christmas and happy newyear,y loook to your program every week on a belgium broadcast tv vitaya,her in belgium,
greetings willy
Posted by: Borgwald Willy | December 27th, 2008 at 7:13 am
Martha,
I can now watch your program everyday(thanks to tevo)!! As a result I've learned so much. One of my favorite segments was the one about various websites, blogs and blogging!! Thank-you for enlightning us "digital immigrants".
I have a request for next Christmas. I would like to "do" a department store Christmas tree next year. However, putting on the garland (ribbon and bead) always defeats me! Could you possibly do garland 101 for those of us that are challenged in that area?? I know with your expertise you could make it easy, simple and fun. That way we could all have a little bit more of Martha, in our lives, during the holiday season!
Posted by: Belen Ortiz | December 27th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Thank you for the many pictures of your farm. I greatly appreciate the stories and pictures that are focused on it. More so than the city pictures and stories. It's so peaceful, there (and lovely, of course). I also like pictures showing the seasonal changes. Your description of the different plants, foliage, and vegetation really makes them more interesting.
It's nice the way that you appreciate the people that help you with the many tasks that must be attended to each and every day. (Not only on the farm but also in the city.) It's just as interesting to learn about these people.
In any event, thank you for the pictures of your farm, the grounds, the animals and the people . Many more years of success to you and yours. Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Monica Johnson | December 27th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Hey Martha,
I can't wait to get started on my holiday post cards. This year I started ahead of time and was trying to save on $$ and decided to buy blank cards in bulk, with colored decorative paper for backing and an inside white slip to write on thinking that the next person could remove the slip of paper with my writing on it and put theirs on it instead for the next year, kind of a recycling idea BUT not everyone likes to recycle!!!
So I love the post card idea! I'm going to spend the next couple of months taking pictures of my city in snow, I live in Canada.
Cheers!
Posted by: Constance | December 27th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Martha, I have a lovely collection of hand hemmed and embroidered handkerchiefs from around the world(some are old and lacey).I would love to have an idea on how to best display these beautiful linens. Any ideas?
Posted by: Olive | December 28th, 2008 at 7:24 am
A bit late but I wish you and yours a wonderful and happy holiday season. Ours was fantastic with 10 adults, 4 children ages 3, 4 9, 11, four cats and one long haired chuachua-great times and memories for all. Loved your holiday stamps, I use them for mailing also as they are a scene from our favorite vacation spot, Yosemite National Park. Best wishes to all for the New Year.
Posted by: Sue Thometz | December 29th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Happy New Year Martha!! I just got to do some catching up on your blog, always so enjoyable. I'm wondering why you did not use 27 cent stanps on your postcards, as that is the rate?
A most Beautiful picture at Skylands. Perfection.
Posted by: Kathy H | December 31st, 2008 at 9:21 am
Happy 2009, Martha! Love your greeting card. I'm going to imagine getting one in my mailbox soon!
Posted by: sarah | January 7th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Dear Martha, Christmas 2007 I wanted to decorate my tree with birds. To my dismay when I went out looking, I found that I could not afford to buy the birds in stores. They were beautiful, and I was sad. But then I got a bright idea. I can make birds, and I did. They turned out to be the most wonderful craft project I have ever done. I started and I couldn't stop. I have lots of different ones from my imagination, and also birds that are copies of real birds. I just recently made two Inauguration Birds and I call them Barack and Michele. I filed for a copyright, because everyone I've shown them to love them. If I could lisence them out, it would be my dream come true.
Posted by: Venita Gilchrist | January 25th, 2009 at 6:26 am
Years, and I do mean years ago, Kmart had Martha Stewart Days of the week kitchen towels. I got two sets and also got a pattern to make Christmas stockings out of them. Since then I still have the towels but not the pattern. Any place I got find the pattern again????? Thanks!
Posted by: Angela Hamilton | July 17th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Hi,
I went looking for the kitchen towels with the days of the week on them in K mart and they no longer are available. Does anyone know where they can be purchased? Thank you
email me at djobie@verizon.net
subject d o the week towels
Thank you
Posted by: Dale Biagiotti | October 3rd, 2009 at 8:42 pm