Friday, May 6, 2011

Kranky Krab Personalized Children's Art {Review & Giveaway}

Kranky Krab{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, ReggieMann!}

When it comes to artwork, I wouldn't call myself an expert by any means. Oftentimes I see a completed piece that is being renowned as stunning and amazing and one-of-a-kind... and I can't help but think it resembles something that Big Sister E made with her crayons and markers.

Instead, I have always just followed my own personal taste and decorated our home with items that meet my qualification: I like it when I see it. Simple enough, right?

Well, sort of. There are so many different types and styles of children's art that when it comes to my daughters' bedrooms or playroom, I find myself cringing at the flowery cuteness or garish designs that are supposed to be appealing but that I find gaudy. Why is it hard to find something that mixes bright colors, handmade uniqueness, and a classic sweetness that appeals to kids as well as adults?

Actually, it's not. One visit to Kranky Krab and I was hooked on the hand-drawn illustrations and options for personalization that have the ability to fit with any decor and always bring a smile.

children's artIncorporating her love for animals in with her love of children's art, artist Tracy Hopkins draws each illustration by hand before it is scanned, digitally colored and textured. Her prints are then done with archival inks to high quality fine art stock or directly to canvas and can be purchased as magnets, unframed or in frames that her husband makes himself.

And the results that come from this talented couple are just adorably gorgeous. The characters are friendly, the colors are inviting, and Tracy's clean, crisp style is somehow both classic and modern.

I couldn't wait to see these pieces up close and in person, but the decision-making process wasn't easy when there were so many wonderful choices. After finally selecting the Personalized Prints, I found that the three steps it took to customize them exactly as I wanted were quick and easy... plus they made it fun to browse even more cute animals!

children's artworkBeing able to see an exact preview of the frame (white, black or unframed) with your animal of choice and your child's name right underneath makes it easy to give one click and switch to a new option. In the end, there is no doubt that you are getting exactly what you want.

I ended up going the traditional route and matching up Big Sister E's name with an animal that begins with E and, likewise, Little Sister B's with a B... but that was mainly because it narrowed down the options. Otherwise there were just far too many that I loved!

When the prints arrived only days later, I couldn't wait to see how they had turned out.
personalized artBoth frames were well-wrapped to prevent any sort of possible damage and I pulled the bubble wrap off right away to inspect the quality and utter cuteness inside.

I would never have guessed that the frames were handmade, as they are just as high quality as those that come from a machine. The textured black paint gives added interest to the eye and the fun and whimsical animals are just as great hung up on our playroom wall as they were online.

I purposely hung these where they can be seen from quite a distance in our house because they are just so cheerful to look at from across the room. I find myself glancing over at them and smiling all the time!

From animals to fairies to sea creatures to monsters, Kranky Krab has an option for every taste and decor. This artwork is perfect for nurseries, bedrooms, playrooms and more and any of the delightful prints or magnets would make wonderful birthday, holiday or baby shower gift. We were lucky to receive a single Love Monster Print along with our artwork and he is just as great as the animals!

Within seconds Big Sister E had claimed this happy monster for her own!

But as much as I was blown-away impressed by the cuteness found at Kranky Krab, I couldn't believe the affordable prices. This fun 5 x 7" monster and all of his friends? Only $7. These sweet Personalized Prints are available unframed for only $15 - with free shipping! I recommend adding the finishing touch of the frame to really complete the look, which is only $10 more.

For $25 you get a unique, personalized gift that is sure to be ooohed and aaahed over for years to come - you can't beat that! I'm keeping these in mind for future birthday gifts as well as end-of-the-year presents for Big Sister E's preschool teachers. I love the thought of surprising them with such a fun thing to hang in the classroom!

Thanks to Tracy's generosity, one person will have to make some tough decisions picking their own favorite items from Kranky Krab as well, because...

One lucky person will win a $25 gift certificate to Kranky Krab!

To enter to win: Visit Kranky Krab and tell me the name of one of the adorable items there that you might purchase if you win.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Kranky Krab on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a $25 gift certificate from @KrankyKrab for adorable children's art and gifts! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/kHxjwh #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me publicly with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 27th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to Kranky Krab for providing two prints and frames for me to review as well as a $25 gift certificate for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

390 comments:

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ReggieMann said...

I would get a framed personalized fairy print

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

ReggieMann said...

I Like Kranky Krab on Facebook
(Facebook name: Reggie Mann)

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

Mrs. Kaminski said...

Love the monkey and its banana!

Hockeyfan25 said...

I'd get a personalized print! Prob the lizard for my son since his room is Dinos and a Butterfly for my daughter :) Thanks for the chance to win!

Hockeyfan25 said...

I follow you publicly!

Hockeyfan25 said...

I follow you on facebook!

Hockeyfan25 said...

I am subscribed to your emails!

Hockeyfan25 said...

I like Kranky Krab on facebook!

Jessica said...

the framed personalized fairy print seems awesome!
jessicatang90 at gmail dot com

Jessica said...

kranky krab FB fan
jessica tang
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Jessica said...

entered Shiatsu masage chair giveaway
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Jessica said...

entered the Vintage Pearl giveaway
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Jessica said...

entered ZB's Children's Clothing giveaway
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entered JC Jewelry design giveaway
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entered Winterthur Store giveaway
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entered Karmin G3 Salon Pro flat iron giveaway
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entered Kids Chair World giveaway
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entered Smart lab toys giveaway
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Jessica said...

followed you on GFC - jessica
#1
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Jessica said...

followed you on GFC - jessica
#2
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Jessica said...

your FB fan #2
jessica tang
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Jessica said...

followed Kranky Krab on twitter
@hongdoufantuan
jessicatang90 at hotmail dot com

Jessica said...

your email subscriber #1
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Jessica said...

your email subscriber #2
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Jessica said...

tweet
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jessicatang90 at hotmail dot com

d schmidt said...

An adorable item I would purchase is
a personalized monster pic!
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

d schmidt said...

Like Kranky Krab on twitter (mummytotwoboys1)


mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

d schmidt said...

Liked Kranky Krab on Facebook (D Schmidt)

mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

d schmidt said...

Twitter follower and tweeted

http://twitter.com/#!/mummytotwoboys1/status/66557138213937152

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d schmidt said...

GFC Follower
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d schmidt said...

Feed subscriber
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d schmidt said...

Facebook fan
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d schmidt said...

email subscriber
mummytotwoboys@yahoo.com

Lloyd Family said...

i would purchase the animal ABC magnets (blue)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i follow kranky krab on twitter (@jlloyd9105)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i like kranky krab on facebook (jenny lloyd)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

i follow you on twitter (@jlloyd9105)
tweet - http://twitter.com/#!/jlloyd9105/status/66556507537416192
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

1-google friend follower (lloyd family)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

2-google friend follower (lloyd family)
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

1-email subscriber
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

2-email subscriber
reljsw at gmail dot com

Lloyd Family said...

1-facebook follower (jenny lloyd)
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Lloyd Family said...

2-facebook follower (jenny lloyd)
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Lloyd Family said...

1-button
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3-button
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Denise said...

I would get the Butterfly Personalized Picture for my daughter Ema!

stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

Email subscriber #1
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

Email subscriber #2
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

Google Friend Connect Follower #1
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Denise said...

Google Friend Connect Follower #2
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

FB Fan #1
RobertandDenise Wilson
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Denise said...

FB Fan #2
RobertandDenise Wilson
stonemedic76@hotmail.com

Amy V said...

love the magnets
annae07@aol.com

Amy V said...

gfc-annae07
#2
annae07@aol.com

Amy V said...

email sub
#1
annae07@aol.com

Amy V said...

email sub
#2
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Amy V said...

entered smart lab giveaway
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Amy V said...

entered sandals giveaway
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Amy V said...

entered proflowers giveaway
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Amy V said...

entered winterthur giveaway
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Amy V said...

entered atg giveaway
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Amy V said...

entered csn giveaway
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Alicia said...

tI would pick the he Jungle/Safari Theme Print Set

Stacey said...

Personalized blue monster :)
madeofsnails at cox dot net

Stacey said...

follow you on twitter
http://twitter.com/#!/MadeofSnails/status/66593573243592704

Stacey said...

following on gfc

Stacey said...

following on gfc

Stacey said...

following on email

Stacey said...

following on email

Stacey said...

like you on fb

Stacey said...

subscribed rss

Stacey said...

subscribed rss

cw said...

I like the personalized dragonfly print

ReggieMann said...

I entered your The Vintage Pearl giveaway

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

ReggieMann said...

I entered your The Puzzle Pod Giveaway

ReggieM1961 [at] gmail [dot] com

Amy C said...

I would choose the Animal Alphabet Magnets (Blue)

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

I follow Kranky Krab on Twitter
@butterfly_012

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

I like KrankyKrab.com - Original Children's Art on Facebook

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/Butterfly_012/status/66768293859573760
@butterfly_012

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

I subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

fan on Facebook (1)
Amy C

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

fan on Facebook (2)
Amy C

green123apple@gmail.com

Amy C said...

I subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email (2)

green123apple@gmail.com

Pauline MIlner said...

At the Kranky Krab website, I adore the Starry Night Owls.

Thanks for the giveaway.

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am following Kranky Krab on Twitter.

Twitter ID: @bullittmilner

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am a fan of Kranky Krab on Facebook.

Facebook ID: Pauline Milner Pike

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am following you on Twitter. My Twitter ID is @bullittmilner.

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

Daily tweet:

http://twitter.com/bullittmilner/status/66798399286030336

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am following your blog publically on Google Friend Connect. GFC ID: dod.

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Pauline MIlner said...

I am following your blog publically on Google Friend Connect. GFC ID: dod.

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am subscribed to receive your RSS Feeds using my Google Reader (dod@rogers.com).

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am subscribed to receive your RSS Feeds using my Google Reader (dod@rogers.com).

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am subscribed to receive your emails using dod@rogers.com and enjoy reading them.

dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

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dod@rogers.com

Pauline MIlner said...

I am a fan of yours on Facebook. My Facebook ID is Pauline Milner Pike.

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Pauline MIlner said...

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Lloyd Family said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/jlloyd9105/status/66874046431760384
reljsw at gmail dot com

Bethany C. said...

I would get the personalized print with the giraffe

b(dot)cardone(at)hotmail(dot)com

Bethany C. said...

gfc follower

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Bethany C. said...

gfc follower
2

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Bethany C. said...

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2

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Bethany C. said...

email subscriber

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email subscriber
2

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Bethany C. said...

entered local pages

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entered trunki

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entered piggyback rider

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entered jenlinn

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entered jc jewelry

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entered zb clothing

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Self Sagacity said...

such lovely children's art. My daughter can't get enough of the animals!

walk9 said...

I love the personalized monsters. email subscribers walk9@att.net

Sarah said...

I like the blue animal alphabet magnets

Sarah said...

follow kranky krab on twitter
@skpowers3

Sarah said...

like kranky krab on fb
sarah bjo

Sarah said...

entry puzzle pod

Sarah said...

entry zbs

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entry creative toyshop

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entry winterthur

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entry kids chair world

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entry local pages

Sarah said...

gfc follower 1

Sarah said...

gfc follower 2

Sarah said...

rss subscriber 1

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rss subscriber 2

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email subscriber 1

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email subscriber 2

Sarah said...

fb fan 1
sarah bjo

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fb fan 2
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Sarah said...

entered guidecraft

Amanda said...

I would get the personalized fairy print.

Amanda said...

I already follow Kranky Krab on FB.

Amanda said...

I already follow Kranky Krab on Twitter.

Amanda said...

I follow you on Twitter and tweeted about this giveaway:
http://twitter.com/#!/Amadness/status/67042932133347328

Amanda said...

I subscribe to your blog via reader.

Amanda said...

I follow Thanks, Mail Carrier on FB.

Amanda said...

I follow you on GFC.

Amanda said...

I entered the Trunki Kids suitcase giveaway.

Sarah said...

tweet
http://twitter.com/#!/skpowers3/status/67232371392516096

Megan Earley said...

I'd get the animal alphabet poster
mearley1979 at gmail dot com

Megan Earley said...

like KrankyKrab on fb
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Megan Earley said...

entered lysol
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Megan Earley said...

entered ziploc
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Megan Earley said...

entered puzzle pod
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Megan Earley said...

entered zb children's clothing
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Megan Earley said...

entered energizer/national parks
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Megan Earley said...

entered freschetta
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Megan Earley said...

entered guidecraft
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Megan Earley said...

entered xo laptop
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Megan Earley said...

entered hallmark
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entered atg
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Megan Earley said...

entered proflowers
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Megan Earley said...

gfc follower 1
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gfc follower 2
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Pauline MIlner said...

Daily tweet:

http://twitter.com/bullittmilner/status/67577342452699136

dod@rogers.com

andalene said...

subscribe via email
abrennan09@hotmail.com

andalene said...

I like the Alphabet Animal Magnets.
abrennan09@hotmail.com
(sorry, posted in the wrong order)

andalene said...

entered Summer Infant g/a.
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andalene said...

entered SmartLab toys g/a.
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andalene said...

entered Kids Chair g/a.
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andalene said...

entered Winterthur g/a.
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andalene said...

entered JC Jewellery g/a.
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andalene said...

entered ATG g/a.
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andalene said...

entered ZB Clothing g/a.
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andalene said...

email subscriber -1
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andalene said...

email subscriber -2
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msilba said...

i would love the giraffe personalize print for my little due in a couple weeks

msilba said...

i follow via GFC
1

msilba said...

i follow via GFC
2

Pauline MIlner said...

Daily tweet:

http://twitter.com/#!/bullittmilner/status/67925771959812096

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Ruth said...

I love the dinosaur personalized print. My daughter would love it!
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com

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