• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, July 1, 2011

In an effort to reach a new generation of consumers, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia just debuted an animated multimedia series for kids. 

In collaboration with AOL and brand entertainment company A Squared Entertainment, "Martha & Friends" features a 10-year-old Stewart as a problem-solving, craft-loving kid who, along with her three best friends and two dogs, Francesca and Sharkey, takes viewers through various do-it-yourself projects.

"There's no one who knows more about being creative than Martha Stewart," said Andy Heyward, CEO and co-founder of A2 Entertainment.

The "Martha & Friends" multimedia property includes 26 original short-form Webisodes, which will air biweekly on a dedicated Web site, as well as AOL Kids.

The interactive site features games, activities and how-to projects from Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

As a follow-up to the premiere of the "Martha and the Christmas Tree" holiday special that aired in December, Hallmark Channel is expected to air a 30-minute July 4 special on July 3 at 9:00 a.m. titled "Martha's Fourth."

In the July 4 special, Martha and her friends join her parents for their annual vacation at the beach. Martha is particularly excited about the town's fireworks event and is crushed to learn that the celebration has been cancelled this year due to lack of funding. The friends' imaginations and creative spirits immediately snap into action and they set out to raise the money to save the celebration.

A2 develops, merchandises and distributes content across all channels, including online, offline, on-air and at retail outlets.

To date, the company has produced the "Secret Millionaire's Club" with billionaire Warren Buffett, and "Gisele & the Green Team" with supermodel Gisele Bündchen.