I went to a taping of the Martha Stewart TV show today. The studio is in Chelsea and Martha was kicking off “Scrapbooking Week” in this episode, which will air on Monday, May 7. I didn’t bring my camera, so I don’t have any photos, but I thought I’d share the experience for those of you who are curious.
We were instructed to show up at the studio by 12:30pm. The show would tape at 2pm. What to wear: “Dress your Best! Cute jeans, chic dress, or a fun outfit – bright colors photograph best, and we ask that you refrain from wearing white. Men- polo type shirts or a button up shirt are best, with or without a blazer or jacket- it’s your call. No hats, t-shirts or sleeveless tops, please.” We were also told to bring a government ID and our scrapbooks.
So I did.
Once you pick up your ticket, you wait in a line outside. Once inside, you go through a metal detector and they search your bag. You can then check your coat and have a seat in the holding area. There are enormous photos all around. One is of Martha with two dogs and the rest are fuzzy cats and puppies with big eyes.
I sat with some lovely ladies from the Manhattan Scrapbook Meetup Group. We shared our scrapbooks and ate some of Martha’s chocolate chip cookies. They were fine. Nothing particularly ethereal or amazing. But, they were cookies!
After a while, anybody who wanted to share their scrapbook on air was asked to show their books to some of the production assistants. We did. They were rushed and clearly looking for something (and someone) in particular. About an hour into sitting around, the audience fluffer (probably rightfully called the audience warmer) came out and gave his spiel about clapping and having a lot of energy. I liked him. But, I changed my mind when he became extraordinarily patronizing during the course of the show. (“Did you take that photograph? And you glued it to the page all by yourself?”)
They called the tickets in small batches. We were instructed to remove our scrapbooks from our bags (“easier for seating.”) After most of the audience was seated, they moved all the young, thin women into the front. This is TV afterall, right?
The studio was very cool. Tons of lights (can’t I take one or two home to Milk Can’s theatre?) and various “areas” such as the kitchen, craft room, potting shed, etc. It was fun to see because on TV, it really looks separate. But, it’s not.
Martha taped seven segments with us. My favorite was with chef and cookbook author Patricia Wells. She has a new cookbook that I was thrilled to receive as a giveaway! 
It’s called Vegetable Harvest. Now, I haven’t had time to look through the book, but the three recipes she cooked on air looked easy and delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
The one thing that really soured me on the whole experience was Martha’s crafting segment. She made a sort of family tree shadow box. Now, I understand that Martha Stewart is a business woman and a figurehead and is not sitting at home coming up with all the “good things” and project ideas. Duh. But, I was really offended when she didn’t know the names of her own tools!!! She instructed us to use “construction paper” to mat our photos. Any scrapbooker knows that this is not what she meant (construction paper is non-archival). She then referred to foam adhesive as “sponge like things” and later as “feet.” Finally, she called the paper punch from HER OWN SCRAPBOOKING LINE “a paper cutter.” I mean, the thing even says “paper punch” on the box!
Now, you may think I’m completely overreacting, but I thought it was rude to not even take the time to learn the names of the things you’re marketing. I guess the article in the Wall Street Journal this week titled “Dowdy Craft Business Gets Martha Stewart Makeover” is part of the reason. The thing is, Martha touts herself as an expert. I know it’s fake, but I feel really let down.
After the taping, Martha answered audience questions. I have to say, she was wearing some amazing high heels: gold platforms. Pretty hot.
We were let out of the studio around 4pm. I went to visit my favorite quilt shop (The City Quilter), since I was in the neighborhood. One of the gals who works there, asked me if I got anything free. I showed off my cookbook (yay!) and some Martha Stewart scrapbooking supplies (to make the family tree shadow box) we received. She told me some people from the morning show had come into the shop earlier and were deeply disappointed to have received nothing. Made me feel very lucky.
Funny anecdote: On my way out of the studio, a man with a postcard of Montel Williams stopped me. He was standing in front of a limo. “Do you want to go to a taping of the Montel Show? We’re taking everyone over in a limo!” I was bowled over. They’re so desperate for an audience, they’re trying to steal them from other shows?! Bizarre.
Very interesting to read your experience. Whiel I’m not at all a fan of her as a person, I hate to admit that I love her new scrapbooking stuff. I feel conflicted over whether I’ll actually buy any of it or not.
My Mom watched her show the other day and Martha made a Shaker lemon pie…my parents are big history buffs and the Shakers are one of their areas of interest. She was annoyed that the only thing Martha said about the Shakers was that they didn’t procreate…there are so many other great things about that group of people that she could have shared.
I don’t think she is much of an expert at anything…she just has tons of experts around her to make it appear that way IMO.
Very interesting to read your experience. Whiel I’m not at all a fan of her as a person, I hate to admit that I love her new scrapbooking stuff. I feel conflicted over whether I’ll actually buy any of it or not.
My Mom watched her show the other day and Martha made a Shaker lemon pie…my parents are big history buffs and the Shakers are one of their areas of interest. She was annoyed that the only thing Martha said about the Shakers was that they didn’t procreate…there are so many other great things about that group of people that she could have shared.
I don’t think she is much of an expert at anything…she just has tons of experts around her to make it appear that way IMO.
Very interesting to read your experience. Whiel I’m not at all a fan of her as a person, I hate to admit that I love her new scrapbooking stuff. I feel conflicted over whether I’ll actually buy any of it or not.
My Mom watched her show the other day and Martha made a Shaker lemon pie…my parents are big history buffs and the Shakers are one of their areas of interest. She was annoyed that the only thing Martha said about the Shakers was that they didn’t procreate…there are so many other great things about that group of people that she could have shared.
I don’t think she is much of an expert at anything…she just has tons of experts around her to make it appear that way IMO.
Very interesting to read your experience. Whiel I’m not at all a fan of her as a person, I hate to admit that I love her new scrapbooking stuff. I feel conflicted over whether I’ll actually buy any of it or not.
My Mom watched her show the other day and Martha made a Shaker lemon pie…my parents are big history buffs and the Shakers are one of their areas of interest. She was annoyed that the only thing Martha said about the Shakers was that they didn’t procreate…there are so many other great things about that group of people that she could have shared.
I don’t think she is much of an expert at anything…she just has tons of experts around her to make it appear that way IMO.
wow – interesting experience. I am not a fan, but I sure would have hoped she would know the names of her own products…just makes me think even less of her. So, did you get to show your scrapbook?
wow – interesting experience. I am not a fan, but I sure would have hoped she would know the names of her own products…just makes me think even less of her. So, did you get to show your scrapbook?
wow – interesting experience. I am not a fan, but I sure would have hoped she would know the names of her own products…just makes me think even less of her. So, did you get to show your scrapbook?
wow – interesting experience. I am not a fan, but I sure would have hoped she would know the names of her own products…just makes me think even less of her. So, did you get to show your scrapbook?
Very interesting read, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences 🙂
Very interesting read, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences 🙂
Very interesting read, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences 🙂
Very interesting read, thanks a lot for sharing your experiences 🙂
Hey Julie! It was fun seeing you at the show and making fun of all the stuff that was going on. I can’t believe the morning show didn’t receive anything – that must have been a bummer. Although probably the morning show wasn’t scrapbooking related since ours I think is the first from scrapbooking week.
Anyway – I love your work, especially all the layouts that are inspired from magazine ads.
Hey Julie! It was fun seeing you at the show and making fun of all the stuff that was going on. I can’t believe the morning show didn’t receive anything – that must have been a bummer. Although probably the morning show wasn’t scrapbooking related since ours I think is the first from scrapbooking week.
Anyway – I love your work, especially all the layouts that are inspired from magazine ads.
Hey Julie! It was fun seeing you at the show and making fun of all the stuff that was going on. I can’t believe the morning show didn’t receive anything – that must have been a bummer. Although probably the morning show wasn’t scrapbooking related since ours I think is the first from scrapbooking week.
Anyway – I love your work, especially all the layouts that are inspired from magazine ads.
Hey Julie! It was fun seeing you at the show and making fun of all the stuff that was going on. I can’t believe the morning show didn’t receive anything – that must have been a bummer. Although probably the morning show wasn’t scrapbooking related since ours I think is the first from scrapbooking week.
Anyway – I love your work, especially all the layouts that are inspired from magazine ads.
Hmmm, very interesting! Thanks for sharing with us!
Hmmm, very interesting! Thanks for sharing with us!
Hmmm, very interesting! Thanks for sharing with us!
Hmmm, very interesting! Thanks for sharing with us!
What a great recount of the event and the experience. Thanks for sharing!
What a great recount of the event and the experience. Thanks for sharing!
What a great recount of the event and the experience. Thanks for sharing!
What a great recount of the event and the experience. Thanks for sharing!
We have tried to work with Martha in the past as suppliers to various craft markets and your experience does not surprise me. We were told point blank that our ideas, thoughts, input and or projects were not welcome. Martha knows best.
We have tried to work with Martha in the past as suppliers to various craft markets and your experience does not surprise me. We were told point blank that our ideas, thoughts, input and or projects were not welcome. Martha knows best.
We have tried to work with Martha in the past as suppliers to various craft markets and your experience does not surprise me. We were told point blank that our ideas, thoughts, input and or projects were not welcome. Martha knows best.
We have tried to work with Martha in the past as suppliers to various craft markets and your experience does not surprise me. We were told point blank that our ideas, thoughts, input and or projects were not welcome. Martha knows best.
UGH! Just makes it obvious she has no passion for the art, just looking to make another buck. Disgusting. And I used to just love her.
UGH! Just makes it obvious she has no passion for the art, just looking to make another buck. Disgusting. And I used to just love her.
UGH! Just makes it obvious she has no passion for the art, just looking to make another buck. Disgusting. And I used to just love her.
UGH! Just makes it obvious she has no passion for the art, just looking to make another buck. Disgusting. And I used to just love her.
Interesting review… somehow I am not shocked about her “knowledge” – or lack of – about her OWN products! GLad you had fun anyhow…. and got some freebies 😉
Interesting review… somehow I am not shocked about her “knowledge” – or lack of – about her OWN products! GLad you had fun anyhow…. and got some freebies 😉
Interesting review… somehow I am not shocked about her “knowledge” – or lack of – about her OWN products! GLad you had fun anyhow…. and got some freebies 😉
Interesting review… somehow I am not shocked about her “knowledge” – or lack of – about her OWN products! GLad you had fun anyhow…. and got some freebies 😉
Hi Julie!
The more I’m reading about Martha’s scrapbooking venture, the more I am becoming disinclined to carry her line in my store if she ever makes it available to LSS’.
Thanks for sharing your experience and putting the final nail into that coffin for me!
We’ll miss you at the retreat next month! Hope to see you a our next one! Tell Mom I said “Hi!”
Hi Julie!
The more I’m reading about Martha’s scrapbooking venture, the more I am becoming disinclined to carry her line in my store if she ever makes it available to LSS’.
Thanks for sharing your experience and putting the final nail into that coffin for me!
We’ll miss you at the retreat next month! Hope to see you a our next one! Tell Mom I said “Hi!”
Hi Julie!
The more I’m reading about Martha’s scrapbooking venture, the more I am becoming disinclined to carry her line in my store if she ever makes it available to LSS’.
Thanks for sharing your experience and putting the final nail into that coffin for me!
We’ll miss you at the retreat next month! Hope to see you a our next one! Tell Mom I said “Hi!”
Hi Julie!
The more I’m reading about Martha’s scrapbooking venture, the more I am becoming disinclined to carry her line in my store if she ever makes it available to LSS’.
Thanks for sharing your experience and putting the final nail into that coffin for me!
We’ll miss you at the retreat next month! Hope to see you a our next one! Tell Mom I said “Hi!”
I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks for the perspective! I haven’t been that taken with MS’s new products…maybe the price just puts me off! LOL I hope you enjoyed yourself regardless!
I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks for the perspective! I haven’t been that taken with MS’s new products…maybe the price just puts me off! LOL I hope you enjoyed yourself regardless!
I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks for the perspective! I haven’t been that taken with MS’s new products…maybe the price just puts me off! LOL I hope you enjoyed yourself regardless!
I really enjoyed reading this! Thanks for the perspective! I haven’t been that taken with MS’s new products…maybe the price just puts me off! LOL I hope you enjoyed yourself regardless!
I completely agree. You summed up the situation exactly as I saw it. I will not buy any of her products until she learns the names of them. I was extremely disapponted that there was no real discussion about scrapbooking durng the show. What was the point of having all us scrapbbokers in the audience? I don’t think she chose a very interesting project to demo either. Makng a shadow box doesn’t really have all that much to do with scapbooking. Overall, I was not impressed.
I completely agree. You summed up the situation exactly as I saw it. I will not buy any of her products until she learns the names of them. I was extremely disapponted that there was no real discussion about scrapbooking durng the show. What was the point of having all us scrapbbokers in the audience? I don’t think she chose a very interesting project to demo either. Makng a shadow box doesn’t really have all that much to do with scapbooking. Overall, I was not impressed.
I completely agree. You summed up the situation exactly as I saw it. I will not buy any of her products until she learns the names of them. I was extremely disapponted that there was no real discussion about scrapbooking durng the show. What was the point of having all us scrapbbokers in the audience? I don’t think she chose a very interesting project to demo either. Makng a shadow box doesn’t really have all that much to do with scapbooking. Overall, I was not impressed.
I completely agree. You summed up the situation exactly as I saw it. I will not buy any of her products until she learns the names of them. I was extremely disapponted that there was no real discussion about scrapbooking durng the show. What was the point of having all us scrapbbokers in the audience? I don’t think she chose a very interesting project to demo either. Makng a shadow box doesn’t really have all that much to do with scapbooking. Overall, I was not impressed.