Emmy Star Brown – May’s “Breathe Easy” Artist

Posted on by
BREATHE EASY
Each month Crane-USA chooses an artist to draw something on one of our drop shape humidifiers using a Sharpie marker. There is only a few more days left to enter the “Breathe Easy” grand prize of a custom-designed drop humidifier designed by Sharpie artist Emmy Star Brown. Click here to enter.
This month we introduce Emmy Star Brown.
EMMY STAR BROWN 

Artist Emmy Star Brown

What did you think when Crane approached you to draw an image on one of their drop humidifiers?
I was thrilled! I am a huge fan of beautifying functional objects – so what a dream it was to collaborate on this piece for Crane. The humidifier made for a really unique canvas, especially working with its dimensional surface. I kept the design simple and true to my style, all in black. This was such a cool opportunity and great promotion of my artwork.

Emmy Star Brown’s Drop Shape Humidifier

After doing this project, did it make you think of other images you’d like to draw on Crane products and why? What about using Sharpie products again?

I would definitely experiment with adding more color into my designs if given the opportunity to work with Crane again. I also currently have a partnership with Sharpie! My work is featured in their 2012-2013 advertising campaign, representing Sharpie metallic markers. I am also featured in their MTV commercial. All of my work began with Sharpie ink drawings, which later evolved into glass paintings. As my work continues to grow, I will always have a need and love for Sharpies!

Emmy Star Brown

Emmy Star Brown


Do you have any thoughts about one-of-a-kind objects like the one you’ve made for Crane? What makes this project stand out to you?

I really love doing custom art. It always seems to challenge me in a new way to work outside of my comfort zone and expand my realm of work. Although my signature style is painting on glass, commission projects have allowed me to apply my designs in a more unexpected way. Recent projects include working on wood, painted instruments, wall murals, skateboards and tattoos. The possibilities of abstract design seem endless. This opportunity with Crane really pushed me forward, as one of my goals is to extend my artwork to household items and home decor.

Emmy Star Brown’s drawing for a tattoo

We suggest following Emmy Star on all of her social media channels to see what she’s doing next.

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Thank you to Sharpie for donating markers to the artists participating in the “Breathe Easy” challenge.

What’s Your Favorite Local Independent Shop? Win $75 to Shop

Posted on by

Cranedesignforbetterliving wants to promote a local, independent shop in your area, so tell us about your favorite shop and you could be eligible to win a $75 gift certificate. To win a $75 gift certificate to a local and independently owned shop favorite in a location close to you, please enter our raffle at the end of this blog post. 

 

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SHOPS

JUDY MAXWELL HOME

A vintage commercial scale sits on a table near the entrance of Chicago’s Judy Maxwell Home

Judy Maxwell Home is definitely a favorite of Cranedesignforbetterliving. Located at 1151 N. State Street in Chicago, the shop is a cross between a vintage den and an artist friend’s living room.

Under Dorian Allworthy’s painting of the guitarist, a Russian samovar is brewing an exotic tea for Judy Maxwell’s guests.

Tea is always being brewed Judy Maxwell Home in a Russian samovar (check out the South African Rooiboos) and a welcoming configuration of comfy chairs beg one to come inside.

A table of timeless treasures at Judy Maxwell — notice the Crane drop humidifer lurking in the background

“Your home and the gifts you give should be personal, memorable and representative of you,” says shopkeeper Scott Goehring who pours us a cup of tea. “It should be filled with objects that mean something and say something about you”.

Shopkeeper Scott Goehring adds to the charm of Judy Maxwell. He will serve you tea and bring his favorite items to you while you relax.

A VARIETY OF PRICE POINTS AT JUDY MAXWELL

Judy Maxwell sells the “objects of our journey”; which is also the shop’s motto and ethos. They believe that decorating one’s home should be a life-long process and pleasure. The items in their shop provide customers with unusual, one-of-a-kind pieces that are available at a variety of price points.

A melange of pencils

“Because beauty doesn’t always have to be expensive,” says Scott as he unlatches the door of an apothecary cabinet full of hairbrushes and combs from the Mason Pearson company, an English brushmaker who has been making brushes since 1885. You can choose between boar bristle or nylon.

Mason Pearson Brush company has been making hairbrushes in England since 1885.

THINGS TO COVET

Vintage kimono fabric

Spools of burlap string with scissors. Great for tying up packages.

Artist Pamela Paulsrud’s altered books.

THE JM LABEL – 50s-inspired bloomers and lingerie

The JM label is made up of never-worn negligees from the 1950s.

Judy Maxwell curates a line of vintage-inspired bloomers that are made with the JM label. Also on the JM label are refurbished, never-been-worn, American-made nightgowns from the 50s — probably inspired by the movie “What’s Up Doc?” where the name Judy Maxwell is derived. Which reminds me — I haven’t told you why the store is named Judy Maxwell.

WHO IS JUDY MAXWELL?

Judy Maxwell is Barbra Streisand’s character from the 1972 screwball movie “What’s Up Doc?” The owner’s favorite movie in the whole world.

Barbara Streisand plays Judy Maxwell in Peter Bogdanovich’s 1972 film “What’s Up Doc”

Judy Maxwell is a place that will give you a dose of elegant, but not too stuffy, charm. It’s a shop where you can buy something as a gift and the recipient will love you forever, or something for yourself that you’ll treasure for years to come. Please visit the Judy Maxwell Home website.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL, INDEPENDENT SHOP? TELL US BY ENTERING THE RAFFLE BELOW AND YOU MIGHT WIN!

Keep in mind that this raffle giveaway is meant to promote local and independently owned shops. Please do NOT enter big box or large retail stores.  Thanks and shop local!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Not-So-Monstrous Monsters of Artist Matthew Langille

Posted on by

Monsters are usually those scary, hairy creatures we fear are hiding under our beds, but New York-based artist Matthew Langille, April’s “Breathe Easy” artist, begs to differ. His friendly and colorful monsters are playful-looking creatures and he has fun drawing them on just about anything — bathroom walls in Berlin (hunh?), disposable playhouses and now, on Crane’s drop shape humidifiers.

Matthew’s monster drawing on Crane’s drop-shape humidifier

I asked Matthew to tell us about his love of monster images and why he likes to draw them so much.

Matthew:  Monsters. Hmmm….not sure why I am drawn to them or if I even consider them to be ‘monsters’. The concept of the monster is such a fun concept which is open to constant interpretation. What is a monster really? There is no typical look or style which defines the monster concept so for me it’s really just the creation of a new character. A creature or thing. You see artists always introducing hybrids of things and that’s what gives us new characters like Dr. Suess’s Thing 1 and Thing 2, or Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice.

Dr. Seuss characters Thing 1 and Thing 2 from The Cat in the Hat book

Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice character from Beetlejuice movie and played by the actor Michael Keaton

Elizabeth:  Do you have any thoughts about one-of-a-kind objects like the one you’ve made for Crane? What makes this project stand out to you?

Matthew:  Customization projects come my way a lot because as an artist/illustrator working in the product industry it’s a wonderful marketing tool for companies.  It’s also a great way to promote emerging artists. When I made the image on the drop-shape humidifier I could see that the function of the humidifier itself, the way the mist covers over the design and the water line in the tank, added to the object’s whimsy. So for me, anything possessing the quality of whimsy is something I grab and hold onto. It’s what I love.

Matthew working on the drop-shape humidifier

Elizabeth:  I understand you do art projects for the Sharpie marker company, have you always been attracted to using markers as opposed to paint or other art media? What is it about Sharpie markers that you like so much?

Matthew:  What I love about Sharpie markers is that when you draw with them, in the way I work, you can’t erase what you’ve drawn. That first movement of the marker on the surface can never be wiped away with an eraser. Or in the case of computer-generated artworks, with the click of a mouse.  As a result you’re left with an image that shows the hand of the artist’s work with its gestural lines and imperfect details. This makes the drawings much more visually interesting, definitive and permanent.

Sharpie sends Matthew boxes of Sharpie markers for his Sharpie-based projects and signings.

Elizabeth:  What are some Sharpie projects you’ve done that you thought were fun and creative?

Matthew:  I did a project with Lava Lamp and Sharpie that was fun. It was also challenging because drawing on glass isn’t easy. Again, as with drawing on the drop-shape humidifier, the visual dynamic of having a clear object with things happening inside will make anything look interesting.

Matthew’s drawings on Lava Lamps using Sharpie markers

I also did a house from easyplayhouse, a creative and customizable playspace for kids.  They sent me a house to customize which was fun.

Customizable playhouse by Matthew for the Easyplayhouse company

Elizabeth:  What did you think when Crane approached you to draw an image on one of their drop humidifiers?

Matthew:  I thought, “Well damn. That’s something I’d do in a second.” Over the years of being in touch with the wonderful Katie (that’s the lovable Katie Sotor, V.P. of Marketing at Crane-USA), I have developed a true love for the Crane brand. I understand the health benefits that the Crane products provide. And to be able to draw on something not typically drawn on was of course a bonus!

Oh, and if you’re wondering about that bathroom wall in Berlin….

“Auf Wiedersehen” says the potty monster

Follow Matthew and Friends

Matthew and his friendly monsters need as much love as they can so ‘like’ them on Matthew’s Facebook fanpage. Follow him on Twitter @matthewlangille and visit him for updates on his website.

Thank you to Sharpie for donating markers to the artists participating in the “Breathe Easy” challenge.

‘Breathe Easy’ Campaign

Crane’s Drop humidifiers are beautiful shapes and we wondered what it would be like to make them even more distinctive objects for the home or office. “Breathe Easy” is our one-of-a-kind design campaign that takes our drop humidifiers and pairs them with the talent of visual artists from around the country. We thought that  Sharpie markers were the perfect medium for artists to create something stunning to place on the drop humidifier canvas.

Over the next few months, Cranedesignforbetterliving.com will feature the work of artists who will use a Crane drop humidifier as their canvas as part of our “Breathe Easy” campaign. Using Sharpie markers as their medium, artists and illustrators will be asked to make a one-of-a-kind work of art on a Crane drop humidifier to be raffled off through the Crane-USA Facebook page.

Matthew Langille Brings in a Fresh New Design for April

Posted on by

Matthew Langille is a New York-based artist. His work has been shown at galleries around the world and featured in numerous publications. He has created images for many global fashion + design houses including Marc Jacobs, Adidas and Swatch.

Matthew Langille’s Monster

Monster, Matthew Langille’s One-Of-A-Kind Drop Shape Humidifier

Crane-USA is happy to claim Matthew as it’s April 2013 “Breathe Easy” artist for our one-of-a-kind giveaway campaign. Take a look at how Matthew worked with our Drop Humidifier to create a truly unique object.

We also wanted to show you pictures of Matthew using Sharpie Markers to create his masterpiece.

Matthew drawing his masterpiece

Without even realizing it, you may have seen some of Matthew’s work on watches (for Swatch) and pajamas (Marc Jacobs).

Swatch watches using Matthew Langille’s designs

Pajama pattern design for Marc Jacobs

Thank you to Sharpie for donating markers to the artists participating in this challenge.

‘Breathe Easy’ Campaign

Crane’s Drop humidifiers are beautiful shapes and we wondered what it would be like to make them even more distinctive objects for the home or office. “Breathe Easy” is our one-of-a-kind design campaign that takes our drop humidifiers and pairs them with the talent of visual artists from around the country. We thought that  Sharpie markers were the perfect medium for artists to create something stunning to place on the drop humidifier canvas.

Over the next few months, Cranedesignforbetterliving.com will feature the work of artists who will use a Crane drop humidifier as their canvas as part of our “Breathe Easy” campaign. Using Sharpie markers as their medium, artists and illustrators will be asked to make a one-of-a-kind work of art on a Crane drop humidifier to be raffled off through the Crane-USA Facebook page.

Abigail Friedman McLean – March’s Featured “Breathe Easy” Artist

Posted on by
In the second of our “Breath Easy” one-of-a-kind design campaign for Crane’s drop humidifiers, we welcome artist and illustrator, Abigail Friedman McLean, as the Sharpie marker artist for the March edition.

Abigail Friedman McLean working on the March “Breathe Easy” Crane drop humidifier

Crane’s Drop humidifiers are beautiful shapes and we wondered what it would be like to make them even more distinctive objects for the home or office. “Breathe Easy” is our one-of-a-kind design campaign that takes our drop humidifiers and pairs them with the talent of visual artists from around the country. We thought that  Sharpie markers were the perfect medium for artists to create something stunning to place on the drop humidifier canvas.

Over the next few months, Cranedesignforbetterliving.com will feature the work of artists who will use a Crane drop humidifier as their canvas as part of our “Breathe Easy” campaign. Using Sharpie markers as their medium, artists and illustrators will be asked to make a one-of-a-kind work of art on a Crane drop humidifier to be raffled off through the Crane-USA Facebook page.

Abigail Friedman-McLean’s March Breathe Easy one-of-a-kind drop shape humidifier from Crane

I wanted to ask Abigail a few questions about her Crane “Breathe Easy” experience and I was thrilled that she really loved it.

Abigail: When Crane approached me to draw an image on one of their drop humidifiers, I think my first reaction was, “no way”, mostly because I was scared to ruin one of those nice humidifiers. Normally, I draw with ink on paper, scan the drawings, and then clean them up and add color in Photoshop which gives me way more control over my work. In this case, I guess the thought of not being able to control the outcome so readily intimidated me. That fear only lasted a few minutes though, and then I thought, “why not?” Turns out making mistakes was a part of the process. I liked the imperfections I couldn’t control.

Abigail’s baby girl Rowan really likes mommy’s drawing on the drop-shape humidifier

Elizabeth: After doing this project, did it make you think of other images you’d like to draw on Crane products and why? What about using Sharpie products again?
 Abigail: Honestly, while I was working on the March humidifier, I was having so much fun I didn’t want to stop. I had to make myself stop before I covered the entire thing with my doodles. Sometimes less is more! As far as applying my artwork to other Crane products, I’d love to apply my concept to other colors of the drop humidifier and maybe experiment with other Sharpie colors, especially the metallic sharpie colors. I think that would be fun.

Abigail’s Illustration work

Elizabeth:  Do you have any thoughts about one-of-a-kind objects like the one you’ve made for Crane? What makes this project stand out to you?
Abigail:  Well, I think it’s a great idea for Crane to invite artists to contribute one-of-a-kind artwork! When Crane approached me, they gave me complete freedom to do whatever I wanted to do as long as I used Sharpie markers. That never happens! I also work as a graphic designer and it’s so rare to work with a client that doesn’t want to control every aspect of the piece. So the fact that Crane just let me go and do my thing was so refreshing! I mentioned to a good friend of mine the project I was working on with Crane, and she didn’t quite understand that it was a one-of-a-kind piece. She said she was looking for it at Target! Now that would awesome.

 

Abigail Friedman McLean’s illustration work can be found on her website. Check her out. Her work is fun, imaginative and just a little edgy — I guess that’s why we chose her to be March’s “Breathe Easy” artist.

More of Abigail Friedman McLean’s illustration work

Thank you to Sharpie for donating markers to the artists participating in this challenge.

Crane Drop Humidifiers Breathe Easier with Sharpie Marker Artists

Posted on by
Crane’s drop humidifiers are beautiful shapes and we wondered what it would be like to make them even more distinctive objects for the home or office. “Breathe Easy” is our one-of-a-kind design campaign that takes our drop humidifiers and pairs them with the talent of visual artists from around the country. We thought that  Sharpie markers were the perfect medium for artists to create something stunning to place on the drop humidifier canvas.

Our Crane Drop Humidifiers Go From This…

Over the next few months, Cranedesignforbetterliving.com will feature the work of artists who will use a Crane drop humidifier as their canvas as part of our “Breathe Easy” campaign. Using Sharpie markers as their medium, artists and illustrators will be asked to make a one-of-a-kind work of art on a Crane drop humidifier to be raffled off through the Crane-USA Facebook page.

To this! Samantha DeCarlo’s “Black Moor”

Our first “Breathe Easy” artist is Samantha DeCarlo who works as an artist for the marker innovator Sharpie marker company.  DeCarlo regularly uses Sharpie markers to make her colorful creations. I sat down with Samantha and asked her some questions about her artistic process and how she felt about making a work of art on a humidifier.

The artist, Samantha DeCarlo working on her one-of-kind drop humidifier design

Elizabeth: What did you think when Crane approached you to draw an image on one of their drop humidifiers?

 

Samantha:  I was very excited to hear Crane was interested in using an artist to generate unique art on their product. It’s something I’m very comfortable doing, and I find a lot of enjoyment from creating one-of-a-kind pieces of functional art. Any surface is a blank canvas; the only obstacle is picking what subject to draw.


Elizabeth:  Why did you choose to draw a fish? After doing this project, did it make you think of other images you’d like to draw on Crane products and why?


Samantha:  One of my favorite subjects is underwater creatures, specifically decorative fish. I based this fish off of the Black Moor, which a type of goldfish with really large eyes and a fat belly. They are friendly and, surprisingly, they enjoy being held. I used to have two in a pond my dad built in my backyard. Fish can be whimsical and full of colors you may not normally see unless you look closely. I felt it was an appropriate icon for the humidifier.



Elizabeth:  Do you have any thoughts about one-of-a-kind objects like the one you’ve made for Crane? What makes this project stand out to you?


Samantha:  As an illustrator, I relish idea that art is mass-produced and widely distributed. I want everyone to have access to my drawings. HOWEVER, pieces like the humidifier add value to art since it can never be reproduced. Its uniqueness generates worth. To be able to see the pen strokes, to feel the texture, and to discover the nuances that a scan or reproduction may miss makes one-of-a-kind art special.

Elizabeth:  I understand you do art projects for Sharpie markers, have you always been attracted to using markers as opposed to paint or other art media? What is it about Sharpie markers that you like so much?


Samantha:   I’ve always preferred permanent media. I hate (yes, strong word) pencil and chalk because it smears, so I had a natural draw to ink (no pun intended). I have an innate affinity for tiny detailing, which I cannot achieve with paint and a brush.  I just don’t have the patience for drying paint. Sharpie markers are affordable and highly saturated pigments in nearly every color I could want.  Now that I’m more familiar with Sharpie’s paint markers, I am introduced to a whole new world of mark-making. I also love what Sharpie stands for. The slogan ”Start something with Sharpie” means more than just buying a marker and drawing with it. It’s a challenge to add color to the world and illustrate your ideas. Put something down on paper, or on a humidifier for that matter. Make it unique — which is a quality I think I can safely say most of us greatly value.

Elizabeth:  What are some Sharpie projects you’ve done that you thought were fun and creative?

Baroque Birdhouse painted with Sharpie oil markers by Samantha DeCarlo

Samantha:  Of the 20+ objects I’ve done for Sharpie this past year, I have to say my favorite illustration was created using Stained by Sharpie, a fabric marker that I used on a pair of white, arm-length gloves. I’ve also drawn on a kite with water-based paint markers-”When Pigs Fly,” I called it. It was a rotund porker with a jet pack strapped on it’s back flying in space. I get enjoyment from creating ironic and unexpected imagery on the objects. Each one begins a as a test to see how clever I can be with what I’m given. Once I nail down the concept, all that’s left is the drawing!

Check out the “Day of the Dead” credenza she decorated with Sharpie pens.

Day of the Dead credenza by Samantha DeCarlo.

Samantha would love for people to be directed to her fan page on Facebook. Her website is www.samanthadecarlo.com

 

Thank you to Sharpie for donating markers to the artists participating in this challenge.

Variety is the Spice of Life – Choose Your Own Color – Electric Fireplace Heater Giveaway

Posted on by

There are times when I just want other people to make the decision for me and there are times when, darn it, I want to choose my own color of Electric Fireplace Heater from Crane-USA. And, by golly, this is one of those times. Fellow Giveaway Entrants, this is your moment in the sun. You get to choose the color you want. There will be one winner and that lucky person won’t be forced to go with red, or white or orange. You can just let us know which of the three colors you prefer.

ALL THE COLORS OF THE ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEATER

White, Orange and Red Electric Fireplace Heaters by Crane

The winner of the ‘choose your own color’ electric fireplace heater giveaway will be announced on December 27. Details for entering this giveaway are below.  Good luck. Choose wisely.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

White Heat – Crane is Giving Away a White Electric Fireplace Heater

Posted on by

I know it’s not original, but I get all doe-eyed around the holiday season and I just can’t wait for the snow to fall. I have always loved the few Christmas mornings when I woke up and there was a new blanket of white snow covering the rooftops and the streets outside my window.  That being said, the Crane Electric Fireplace Heater we are giving away to one lucky winner will be WHITE!!!!!

Crane’s White Electric Fireplace Heater wants to warm up to you.

Check out the great details of this electric fireplace heater and you will want to win, win, win.

GET THE WHITE ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEATER BY CRANE – BE A LUCKY WINNER

For the next two weeks, Crane-USA is giving away one of their electric fireplace heaters. First was red one, now the white, then you can choose your own color.

Now this electric fireplace heater can be yours. Enter our Giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck. We’ll see you again next week when you can win a electric fireplace heater color of your choice.

The Holidays Make Me See Red – We’re Giving Away A Red Electric Fireplace Heater

Posted on by

People love the color red. It’s the color of the holidays, ribbons on packages and Santa’s suit. The devil also has a propensity for wearing red, but I would say most people prefer the benevolent Santa, don’t they?

Santa in Red

While some prefer his alter ego.

Red Devil

It’s pretty clear that very few of you would rather have little red devil make a delivery of sugar plums in the middle of the night, but I, on the other hand, would not turn Santa away.

HAS A COLD OFFICE REDUCED YOU TO THIS?

With the Crane Red Electric Fireplace heater, you’ll never have to do this again.

For all of you out there who suffer in silence sitting in cold offices, Crane-Usa hopes to bring you a little bit of holiday warmth this year. Crane is giving away a sleek and stylish electric fireplace heater in RED.

GET THE RED ELECTRIC FIREPLACE HEATER BY CRANE – BE A LUCKY WINNER

For the next three weeks, Crane-USA is giving away one of their electric fireplace heaters. First the red one, then white, then you can choose your own color.

The “Little Red Corvette” of electric fireplace heaters

CHECK OUT THESE FEATURES:

  • Perfect for bedroom, den, office, dorm… anywhere that needs a little warmth
  • Clean, safe, portable hearth adds warmth and style to any space
  • Realistic embers cast ambient glow with or without heat
  • Warms your space but stays cool to the touch
  • Energy-efficient ceramic heating element
  • 3 settings: Glow, 750W, 1500W
  • Overheat protection
  • Quiet operation
  • Convenient carrying handle
Now this electric fireplace heater can be yours. Enter our Giveaway below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enjoy and good luck. See you next week when Crane-USA will give away a white electric fireplace heater.

Oh My Gourd!

Posted on by

The cornucopia. The autumnal bounty. The harvest.  Fall is the season of abundance as the fields are heavy with ripened late-season vegetables at the peak of flavor. It is also the time when pumpkins, squash and gourds are ready for harvesting.

Gourds

Wikipedia defines pumpkins as a “gourd-like squash of the genus Cucurbita and the family Cucurbitaceae (which also includes gourds)”. Let’s ignore the fact that Wikipedia has just told us that a pumpkin is both ‘gourd-like’ and a ‘gourd’ and talk about what we really want to talk about: The Biggest Pumpkin Contests! It’s kind of like obesity, but in the plant family so we don’t need to avert our eyes or be afraid.

2008 Half Moon Bay pumpkin-growing contest in Oregon, 1,528 pounds

Thanksgiving is also a time of A Bun Dance so shake your booties after the grand turkey meal. Watch this very strange Bun Dance (link below) — which really isn’t a bun dance, but it might give you some guidelines on what you should be doing post-Thanksgiving binge. Enjoy.

A bun dance - watch here.

A Bun Dance