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Martha by Mail Revisited





I know a Good Thing when I see it.  Over a decade ago I came across Martha by Mail and instantly became captivated by the beautiful & exclusive product line offered in that catalog.  Shortly thereafter I began to collect passionately many pieces of glassware, earthenware, copper cookie cutters, etc., from Martha by Mail, not only to beautify and enhance my home, but to create, share and gift many Good Things for the people I love most.

Little did I know at the time that Martha by Mail would one day cease to exist, but alas, in 2004 the catalog came to an end.  Many of the beautifully designed products became instant collector's items in a matter of months.  I have witnessed many pieces increase in value and desirability since the catalog's closing.  Truth be told, certain items are beyond my reach now, but nevertheless, I cherish what I do own.  I also use and take very good care of my collection from Martha by Mail.  It is my wish to share with you, not only pieces of this very personal collection, but also the many items that were produced for the exclusive catalog.

Look at this new page dedicated to the Martha by Mail label as a source and as a guide.  For the admirer, designer, baker or cook, it may inspire you to create something new.  For the discerning and avid collector, I certainly hope you find it informative & useful.  I think once you revisit Martha by Mail (later called The Catalog for Living) you will agree with me that for the years it was available and in production, it indeed was a very Good Thing.

Comments

  1. It was a VERY good thing. I use the Danish Fern dishes all fall and am always sad when I put them away they are so beautiful. But having said that I am always frustrated when I use them because I was able to get serving pieces and service for 16 but was waiting to purchase the flatware that she showed with the dishes in the catalog and alas it went kaput before I could save the substantial amount of money to purchase. The other day I was use my beautiful ceiling brush from MBM and realized that it was falling apart and so I will have to quit using and I cannot make myself throw it away. Thanks for the post.

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  2. The Danish Fern china is beautiful, I'm glad you own it. I wish I had collected it because I'm sure it makes very nice tablesettings during the fall. I think I know what flatware you're talking about, I don't own that set either! If only right? Yes, the Martha by Mail items we do own are to be treasured for years to come. I understand your sentiments.


    Enjoy what you do own!
    David

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  3. Hey Jojo, do you ever check ebay for the Danish Fern pattern? It's a good place to look.
    Link:
    http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313&_nkw=danish+fern&_sacat=0&_from=R40

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  4. I've got a grilling tool set from Martha by Mail that comes in a neat french striped canvas fabric storage roll with a brown ribbon tie. Does anyone have the catalog that listed this item for sale? If so, could you please share the catalog page? I can't recall when I bought it or how much it cost.

    I've recently discovered this blog and love it.

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  5. I'm glad you're enjoying the blog Michelle! That grilling set sounds familiar. I'll have to see what I can find out for you!

    Happy 4th!!

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  6. David, I, too, lament the loss of the Martha by Mail catalog! When I discovered it had gone out of business, I spent weeks scouring eBay for all the kits I'd admired, but hadn't bought while I was in grad school. As a result, I have tons of cookie cutters, the pie kit, cookie and cake decorating kits, sugar sanding kit, hors d'oeuvre kit, and the craft kits too- metalwork, lip balm, snowglobes, flocked cards, etc. Love, love, love that catalog. I wish they would make them again!

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  7. Susan,

    Those kits were wonderful to have and I'm so glad that you own a lot of them! I too miss the catalog and its beautiful items.

    Wouldn't it be nice if they were made available again? Something to think about....

    David

    ReplyDelete

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