Oh Baby, Martha Stewart is at it Again!
Written: Sep 24 '02 (Updated Sep 26 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Visually beautiful, inspirational ideas, original How-To crafts/projects, meal/cake recipes, nursery/playroom decorating ideas, cute babies
Cons: Expensive, few issues, some time-consuming projects need special tools/skills, dads missing in issues
The Bottom Line: Martha Stewart Baby is for craft-oriented moms with young babies and plenty of time for projects. It is visually beautiful. Some projects are time-consuming; others need special tools/skills. Expensive!
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| glomarrone's Full Review: Martha Stewart - Baby Magazine |
By now we've all heard about Martha Stewart's ImClone stock trading woes. Personally I'm tired of seeing her name screamed across front-page headlines. Not only that, but the media picks the worst shots of her to print. Whether you love her or hate her, you have to admire all that she has accomplished. Martha has won 6 Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades from influential magazine and publishing societies. In June 1996, Time magazine voted her one of "America's 25 Most Influential People" and Fortune magazine, in October 1998, called her one of the "50 Most Powerful Women." She has created a billion-dollar multi-media empire. There's her Emmy Award-winning TV show, a national radio show, several beautiful magazines, a syndicated "Ask Martha" column carried by 230 newspapers, 34 books which together have sold over 10 million copies, a mail-order catalog and product lines. Oh, I almost forgot to mention her very successful Website that has over 1.7 million registered users. Yes, Martha Stewart has certainly become entrenched as a household name in America for stylish living.
So how does she do it all? Well, I know Martha is a very busy lady; she's up at 4-5:30am every day and never quits. Although, she's very creative herself and carries a notebook to write down her inspiring ideas which she never discards, she obviously doesn't do it all herself. She's formed a billion-dollar multi-media company called Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange with the symbol MSO. It integrates her four business ventures - publishing, television, Internet/Direct Commerce and her merchandising partnerships with companies like Kmart, Sherwin-Williams and others. Plus, she has plenty of creative people working for her in all these fields.
So What's New with Martha?
Besides being a guru of cooking, home crafts, decorating, entertaining, gardening and wedding advice, Martha is now an expert on kids. She launched her first issue of Martha Stewart Baby magazine in March 2000 as a one-time supplement to Martha Stewart Living magazine. The issue was such a success that it soon became a Special Issue quarterly beginning with the Fall-2000 issue. More recently, in February, 2001, she launched Martha Stewart Kids which now alternates quarterly with Martha Stewart Baby. Look for the Summer-2002 Special Issue, which may still be on some newsstands. It contains some limited childcare advice but mainly activities, ideas, and projects for kids - 3-10 years old. For this review, let's take a look inside Martha Stewart Baby magazine and decide if it is worth its high newsstand cost.
General Overview of Martha Stewart Baby
There are many baby magazines that advise mothers on baby care skills and parenting. Martha Stewart Baby is very different from them. Martha has found her own unique niche - inspirations for original make-it-yourself crafts for mothers of babies ages newborn to 3 years old. Inside issues, moms find creative ideas for projects such as: stylish birth announcements, memory quilt or book, crocheting, appliqueing, knitting or sewing baby layette items or toys, baking an unforgettable birthday cake and other party ideas. Receive decorating ideas for the playroom and nursery and advice on making accessories, dressing tables or restoring vintage baby chairs. There are special holiday ideas like baby's first Christmas stocking and an Easter bunny hat. Find occasional mom projects, too, like cloth tissue cases and a pregnancy body pillow.
There is always a baby care skills article such as recent how-to instructions on: swaddling, bathing, baby yoga poses, baby haircuts or a soothing baby massage. Other baby topics covered are caring for baby's teeth, genetics, making a will, mothers groups, safe cribs, pets and baby, tips for photographing baby and seasonal ideas for dressing baby. Find ideas for bedtime rituals, lullabies, and quiet books. Martha also has a baby care Q & A column in each issue. But these articles are not the main focus of the magazine, they just round out issues. Martha Stewart Baby is mainly about crafts and homemade meals for baby and moms. Seventy-eight pages out of 152 pages in the current Fall-2002 issue are devoted to craft topics - only 16 pages are devoted to childcare skills, advice or development topics. Issues generally run between 140-150 pages; the current issue has 152 pages.
Covers, Layout, Organization
Martha Stewart Baby magazine is visually beautiful. The large close-up photograph of the cover baby dominates every cover and it is always expressive, charming and delightful. The matte finish covers are always classy looking; you just know the interior will be just as beautiful. My impulse purchase of this issue was because of the cover; the photograph grabbed my attention. I was also curious about the cover article - "Create a Peaceful Nursery" which inside is called "Home Tweet Home." Of course, the fact that I had just learned that my daughter is expecting her first child also played a big part in my purchase. Since I was at the checkout counter, I didn't have time to thumb through the issue first, so I just bought it. This was my first purchase of Martha Stewart Baby. The other five issues I have read previously were all borrowed from friends.
Unfortunately, I had to thumb though 10 pages of ads to find the Table of Contents. I really dislike when the cover article listing is different from the inside article's title because it can be very confusing. Such articles should include a page listing on the cover for easier referencing. The Table of Contents is nicely laid out on two facing pages. Why don't more magazines do this? Usually, ad pages separate the content pages in most magazines. Pastel colors and small charming photos illustrate the listings. Articles are not organized under headings but are simply listed in the order in which they appear in the magazine. Many of the articles are completed on succeeding pages but recipes and project directions are often concluded in the rear of the magazine. Each article is neatly and creatively laid out - some against pastel backgrounds or inside soft borders. The magazine evokes a fuzzy warm feeling of softness and gentleness. If anything in the current issue sounds appealing to you, you can find the issue on newsstand until Nov 3, 2002. Back copies can be ordered online at the Martha Stewart Website.
Editorial Content
The Letter From Martha opens the editorial content of issues. In her letter we learn that Sophie, the charming cover baby on the current issue, is the daughter of her family friend. There are more cute photos of the baby inside the issue. The Editor's Letter leads into the crafts section of the issues - this issue she talks about the Halloween baby costume projects and the difficulty of holding the babies still for the shoots. Do You Know? follows with fun baby facts. I found it interesting to learn that babies have 94 more bones than adults have and that the proportion of male to female births varies by latitude.
Child Care Articles
Martha has her own advice column, simply called Ask Martha about living with baby. The questions, sent via email to her Website-edited for brevity and clarity, are all interesting. In this issue, Martha gives advice on waking baby for feedings, graduating to a toddler bed, hazards of crawling and herbal tea use in pregnancy. Although Martha has solid advice and specific answers, they aren't any different from advice column answers found in other magazines. Remember Martha is not a nurse or Pediatrician, she does, however, consult with experts.
There is more baby care help in the How-To section with visual & written instructions on holding, playing and exercising a fussy or gassy baby. I learned some good positions that I'll try with my two new grandbabies expected this spring; both my daughter-in-law and my daughter are expecting in March. Jack's First Year is a cute child development article that simply chronicles a baby's life from pregnancy through first birthday with short text and multiple adorable black and white photos. Cute, but nothing new is learned here. What I especially like is the informative article "Saving for College" about funding baby's education. It offers general, but up-to-date, information on various savings programs with comparisons and tax and financial aid implications. It concludes with "The most important thing for parents to do is to make a commitment to save; it's less important where they put the money. "...You can always adjust your strategy later." It is never to early to start saving for college. Thanks Martha for the reminder.
Craft & Projects
There are projects and crafts for moms with varying levels of skills in different mediums. Some are easy-to-do quick ideas; others are more time-consuming but still relatively easy; the rest involve special tools or require more skills and experience. Good Things has lots of practical advice, fun ideas, novel suggestions and helpful hints for simple unique baby projects. Each is described briefly and clearly illustrated with cute photos. In this issue, I especially like the clear instructions on how to make a hooded towel garment and the even easier pop-up sponge creative ideas that anyone using scissors can do. I doubt my daughter would take the time to make the baby fabric draft blocker, the door bumper or the padded hangers, but others with more time and inclination might. She did like the idea of doing the simple portable growth chart and we both agreed that the stain cover idea was terrific. Why didn't I think of it? I also liked the idea of storing baby clothes in small bundles of complete outfits for one-stop dressing - a great help for busy moms and babysitters. I copied parts of this section before I gave the issue for my daughter to keep.
"Albums and Scrapbooks" has terrific creative ideas for a variety of ways to display, save and hold baby momentos like hospital ID bracelets, booties, bibs, clothes and spoons. The 6-page article is so beautifully illustrated that even I am motivated to try one or two ideas although I doubt I'll ever actually do them. They are simple projects involving elementary sewing skills, photocopied photos, glue, acid-free paper and a simple frame but they have lots of panache. There's another short article on art ideas for babies 1-3 years of age using crayons, nontoxic paints and glues, heavy paper, colored paper or clay to make collages or decorate tee shirt, sheets and plates. The idea is to use open ended art activities. Readers learn also how to set up a small studio and cope with the mess. The fourth issue-Fall 200, has a similarly good one on music and dance activities.
Another fun simple project is making "Mobiles made from Paper." I didn't really like the circus theme one, which includes a glossy cutout sheet of performers. I did like the quick ideas of using simple cocktail umbrellas, Japanese lanterns or even making simple pin wheels but I just know my daughter will want a cute soft cuddly store bought one instead that will match her nursery decor.
If you're looking for creative homemade Halloween costume for baby, look no further. Your baby will look just adorable in one of the 6 striking bird designs modeled by babies 6-10 months. They are fairly easy to make because each starts with ready-to-wear snap bottom tees, tights, caps and socks. Details are constructed mainly from simple felt pieces in a variety of colors. Follow complete instructions, which include multiple photos and source buying information. You won't save any money over the cute store bought cloth baby costumes I recently saw at my local baby store because the deeply colored tees and leggings are $15-$22; caps are $8; and socks are $5. Even the felt pieces sound expensive: $7.95 for each 18" piece; $28 for each 36" piece. You'll need 3-6 pieces in different colors and sizes to complete a costume plus a few additional less expensive supplies. The costumes seem very time-consuming to make but moms really won't need much sewing skills since the felt details are put together with simple creases, stitching and snipping using scissors.
The costumes are, however, very elaborate with plumage, wings, beaks, tails, wattle and crests-one even needs batting stuffed between two tees sewn together at the neck and cuffs. They seem like a lot of work for one wearing especially if you need to dye a cap beforehand. They won't impede baby's movements and the snaps make for easy on/off dressing. But, I wonder if many babies will feel comfortable wearing these for any length of time without getting fussy or else messing them. I have my suspicions that some may not hold up well to baby's creeping and crawling. But, without a doubt, your baby will be a hit this Halloween dressed in one.
What about some kimonos for baby? This issue has many great sewing ideas using one simple pattern for babies 0-3 months that can easily be enlarged on a photocopier for older babies per instructions. Some sewing ability is needed to complete these. The fabrics and designs used are limited only by your imagination. There are lots of cute photos and detailed visual and written instructions.
I was disappointed in the project ideas for the Shaker-style nursery. This was the reason I purchased the issue. Perhaps the look will appeal to you; it is very sparse and utilitarian. There are only brief instructions for making the wooden animal mobile and better instructions for the window shade, linen rack and crib canopy. I doubt most moms would be able to do the fine work required to complete the house night light project. Some experience in cutting wood plus experience and skill using a drill with a paddle bit and jigsaw is needed to cut the tiny openings. In addition, you need a space to work in and have the necessary tools on hand. The magazine suggests you ask the lumberyard to cut the 8 plywood pieces for you - yeah, sure! Let me know if they have the time to help you. You'll also need a hammer, finishing nails, glue, paint plus painting supplies and a porcelain light fixture attached to a cable with a switch and bulb. Without the necessary skills, this project will end up looking "like you know what." Personally, I feel this project is best left to Dad and his workshop, unless mom has the necessary skills and tool experience. Other nursery projects are easier to do but didn't appeal to me.
I did like the simpler ideas in the 8-page "Vintage Planters." This craft idea starts with small animal shaped planters found in flea markets, florists or arts and crafts garden centers that are really meant to hold flowers or houseplants. Add small whimsical touches such as tiny kerchiefs, ribbons, paint details etc and use them to store cotton balls, swabs, diaper pins or baby's hairbrush. Those with more time can turn them into adorable bookends, night lights and other nursery accessories.
Detailed instructions for major projects are found in the Workbook sections. The Guide, which ends issues, contains complete source information for all the specific supplies needed to complete projects and crafts. The Guide lists the titles of the projects, sources and prices by page numbers of the projects for easy referencing. It also contains templates.
The Recipes
The magazine always includes lots of interesting recipes of homemade meals for baby and moms too. Many of them revolve around a particular ingredient. For this issue it is winter squash. The Spring - 2002 issue has excellent ones for banana treats; the Fall-2001 issue centers on apples. The recipes include buying tips and other helpful information. All recipes for the dishes/meals found throughout the magazine are listed in The Recipe section located in the back section of issues. There are clear step-by-step directions, hints, and cooking times; but, strangely, there's a lack of nutritional information. I find this odd because most moms who take the trouble to make baby food from scratch do so for nutrition reasons. Most require common ingredients stocked as staples in most kitchens. Fresh produce is also often used such as string beans, carrots, celery, apples and squash which are needed for this issue's recipes.
Both my daughter and I were excited over the current issue's squash recipes. We both plan to try Autumn Pudding, Penne with Squash and Ricotta and Spaghetti Squash and Meatballs. We decided to start with the delectable Acorn Shepherd Pie. After we go apple picking this fall, I plan to try the healthy-sounding baked mini doughnut recipe made using apples, wheat germ and brown sugar. The treat is found in the Good Things section of the magazine. Adults will enjoy all these dishes, as well.
There is always a decorated special occasion cake - usually for birthdays. Moms will need special equipment such as a rotating turntable, bench scraper, cookie cutter, offset spatulas, piping bags, pastry tips, couplers and parchment paper. I hope you have the time to try one since they always look delicious. I think, however, most busy moms will find it difficult to find time baking and decorating these elaborate creations. Maybe grandma will, but don't count on it these days!
Ads, Photography
The most annoying parts of this magazine are the ads. It isn't the fact that there are an unusually large number of them - just 48+ out of 152 pages, which are less than many other magazines. It's just that they are mainly grouped in the first part of the magazine; 15 out of the first 21 pages are ads - mostly for Baby Gap. Baby Gab has 8 full-page ads even before you get to The Table of Contents and another five soon after the content pages; in addition Gap has 4 maternity wear ads clustered together near the center. It looks like Gap and Baby Gap sponsor the magazine. A few other companies advertise like Fisher-Price, Baby Guess, Nestles and Huggies. In addition, there are a few babies Websites ads. The remainder ads belong to the various Martha Steward enterprises. The Marketplace is a 2-page advertising section in the back of issues consisting of many smaller ads by small specialty baby companies. All magazine ads are directed at moms with young babies.
One fun part of the magazine is all the many cute baby photos. Who can resist them? The photographers are very talented to be able to get so many great shoots of small babies. Other illustrations are just as adorable and contribute greatly to the magazine's overall appealing look and feel. There aren't any dads depicted in any illustrations.
Publisher, Website, Subscriptions
The publisher of Martha Stewart Baby is Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. Although the magazine was a quarterly, it now alternates with the new Martha Stewart Kids magazine so it will publish only two Special Issues yearly. There are so many projects and crafts in each issue that moms will be kept busy until the next edition is published. Each newsstand issue cost $4.75. Neither magazine is available by subscription since so few issues are published yearly.
The magazine does not have its own Website as most magazine do. Visit www.marthastewart.com for information on issues but again remember there is no subscription available. In fact, you'll find very little about babies and kids other than the products offered for sale in the store section of the Website. Don't even bother visiting it unless you desire back copies.
My Final Comments
There isn't too much of a Martha presence in the magazine besides her introductory letter and Ask Martha column. This surprises me since the magazine bears her name. I know Martha is very busy with all her other enterprises but an occasional special craft article from her would make the magazine seem more like her personal creation. Also, Martha, where are the dads? I know this magazine is marketed to young moms, but dads are an important part of baby's lives, too. You've eliminated all of them from your magazine. The current issue has nary a word or photo of any dad.
Although I like many of the crafts and projects, I just don't have the time to make them nor do many busy young moms I know. Perhaps pregnancy women awaiting delivery will have more time for them. Maybe the magazine should offer some of them in unfinished kits that include all the needed materials so readers can at least eliminate all the shopping around for supplies. I think the higher skilled projects or those requiring special tools will lend themselves best for kits.
Since the magazine is mainly about crafts, there are few substantive baby care articles. If you are expecting them, for the most part you'll be disappointed. There are a few in every issue, but the same information can be found in greater detail, less expensively in other baby magazines.
Although I marvel at the sheer beauty of the magazine, I doubt I'll purchase another issue for my daughter or myself. She says she doesn't have time or the desire to make most of the crafts and projects. She does like the interesting recipes as do I. However, there aren't enough of them to warrant the high cover price. And, If the cost were less, I'd be more inclined to recommend Martha Stewart Baby for the many original crafts. If you are crafts-minded and have the time, inclination and skills necessary to do these projects, then I suggest you thumb through the current issue. If you find some you'd like to try, buy the issue. Have fun and let me know how your finished projects look.
Recommended:
No
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glomarrone
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Location: Cocoa Beach, FL
Reviews written: 167
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It's been fun for 2-1/2yrs. Now it's time to say goodbye. I'll miss you all!
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