I have been a long-time fan of Mary Engelbreit. When I was a kid, there was a sticker and stationery store at the nearby mall. It was my favorite stop. The one day I was allowed to choose any sticker from the sticker wall, I went home with a 2.5" circle sticker designed by Mary. It featured a girl in a wide straw hat with glasses and bobbed hair, the classic Mary character. It was signed "ME" at the bottom.
I didn't know who "ME" was at the time. But as I discovered "ME" on more and more products, I connected the dots, asked around, and learned that "ME" was the delightful, talented and prolific Mary Engelbreit.
Her perspective and aesthetic have withstood the test of time. For decades now,
Mary's
artwork has adorned millions of greeting cards and everything from
calendars and best-selling children's books to gifts, crafts and home
accents.
About six years ago, I had the privilege to work with Mary's team at Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion magazine on the cover-story for the April/May 2008 issue. Such a great magazine.
In fact, Mary unknowingly connected me with one of my good friends. When I put a general call out for help on the Home Companion photoshoot, Jona volunteered. This is how we first met. I later learned that she was an uber Mary-Engelbreit fan and had counted her lucky stars for the opportunity to come to the shoot. She had collected every single issue of Mary's magazine, except for the first issue.
Through
the magazine's editors, Barbara and Kathy, I was able to set Jona up
with a signed copy of that first issue—to complete her collection.
I have yet to meet Mary in person. She was at Quilt Market a year or so ago, but I couldn't get free to wait in the enormous line of fans eager to shake her hand. This woman is popular! I have been delighted to get to know her through Instagram though, of all places. And I look forward meeting her one day.
Though I am sure she has weathered every storm and sunny day an art-licensing business brings with it, Mary has maintained a joyful and engaging point of view—a sweet, humorous and uplifting spirit that continues to win fans worldwide.
I'm honored to announce that Mary herself is offering today's giveaway prize—a big box of Mary Engelbreit calendars for 2014. Calendars of every shape and size. A $90 value.
Keep up with Mary on her EngelBlog—and on facebook, instagram and pinterest as well. Shop her amazing variety of products online at MaryEngelbreit.com or at retailers virtually everywhere.
Today's giveaway will go through the weekend and close at 11:59pm PST on Sunday 8/25/13. Watch for the winner to be announced within the week at the bottom of the post. For more info on my August giveaway party, click here. Please share the word. Check back every day.
Good luck!
xo—Heather
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INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY: Follow @heatherbailey and #HELLOgiveaway. Share today’s giveaway on Instagram (see Heather's feed today for an image to repost) & you’ll be entered to win a $15 gift certificate to HeatherBaileyStore.com. Be sure to tag @heatherbailey and #HELLOgiveaway24. (The number there at the end will change each day.) Today's IG giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on Sunday 8/25/13. We'll announce winners within a few days.
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UPDATE: Congratulations, Jeanie ("Yay!! I'd be happy with one ME calendar!! With 4 daughters, and one beautiful daughter-in-love, a whole box full is even better!! I love that I found Heather through ME's site! Awesome together!!!" Lucky #107)! You win today's HELLO Giveaway (Mary calendars!). We will email you with next steps. And congratulations to Nellie (@nellsbells79 on Instagram) for winning our Day 24 Instagram giveaway ($15 gift certificate). The giveaway is closed, but you can still join the conversation and comment. xo—HB
