Inspiration: Vintage Martha Stewart

While rummaging around at an estate sale this morning I came upon two bundles of Martha Stewart Living magazine from 1993 and 1994.  Real vintage Martha Stewart! Wow! Today was the third day of the sale, so everything was dirt cheap, and I knew I had to have these. I realize I'm giving away my age here, but in 1994 I was 13 years old.  I was just a tween when these magazine issues came out, but I was already a huge Martha fan. While my friends were obsessing over bands, I was fixated on centerpieces.  Typical.

The mid '90s have to be my favorite Martha era.  It was before the huge corporation, before all of the merchandising, and way before the 'drama' (you know what I mean!)  These were the years of glowy Turkey Hill, good things, and the impeccable presentation of a dream life. I think a lot of people resented Martha at the time for not revealing her humanity, and presenting something so pristine that it seemed hard to reach.  I never felt that way - I think you have to have something you admire, and I liked that she placed the bar up high.   You have to remember: Pinterest did not exist in 1994, so in those days you had to set your standards via print. I remember being enthralled by the styling and photography, and it was hugely influential for me.  It's no wonder I ended up studying photography, and doing what I do.  Some of the photos in the magazines just make me drool. Gosh:

I am so excited to explore these old back issues of the magazine.  There are definitely some projects that will come out of it.  I was never too into the cooking and baking parts, but the crafts...well, obviously. Obsession: this tree covered in birds and fruit. Amiright?! Maybe I'll have to have a 90s Martha Christmas this year.

There are definitely some pictures and projects that I recognize, and you can find some of the older stuff on marthastewart.com, but it's those lost features and rarities that I'm most excited about digging into.  I would love a complete digital Martha archive, wouldn't you?

From Martha, I learned to appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and the value of doing something the right way.  Looking back at these magazines I'm remembering what it was like to wish I could make things beautiful.  Now, I make things beautiful every single day.  Connection? I thinks so. Inspirational reading!  I can't wait to share the ideas that come from it.