Simply B pumpkin exchange

Welcome everyone and Happy Halloween!

Recently I took part in a "Secret Pumpkin Exchange" through Simply B stamps.  Crafters from all over the world were matched up and sent each other a box of Halloween themed crafting goodies.  We were also to make each other something using the image Simply B Stamps "Pumpkin Queen" digi.  Also we were supposed to make each other a Halloween themed project like a box or bag....but unfortunately I misunderstood and didn't do that.  :(   I feel especially terrible because what I received from my partner was a true work of art!!!


So on to the good stuff.  I was sooo excited to have been matched with Holly, who's blog if you've been following along you visited last.  Holly and I have chatted a bit over facebook and I'm always in awe of the awesome projects she makes.  This was certainly no exception!

Here's the card I received....

my AMAZING hat box....

and the cutest little tag....

Such talent.
Ok, and I have been dying to tell Holly THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!  Honestly guys, she went WAAAAY above and beyond and completely spoiled me. I'm truly grateful for all the effort she put into making me the most amazing package!

 to name a few: rhinestones, glossy accents, distress ink, charms, glitter glue, ribbons, and more!

 Four super cute stamp sets including a Stamping Bella and some Halloween bottle cap ones

An assortment of 12x12 Graphic 45 'Rare Oddities' paper, and a giant embossed paper pack.  There were some yummy goodies too...but they didn't make it to the picture taking!  haha
Holly, thank you so much for your kindness, and Betty thanks for organizing all of this!  Oh, and Earnhart and Ella enjoyed the gift too!!!  lol

Up next you're going to see Keri!  Happy Halloween!

Simply B - Ohio Cheerleader

I'm so excited to post my fourth and final project for the Simply B stamps colourist tryout!  (details here)
This is Simply's B's Ohio State Cheerleader.  I had a little trouble with the hair but I think I recovered ok.  It's hard to flick around curves!

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04

Hair: E42, 44, 47, 49

Skirt: R14, 35, 59

Sweater: C03, 05, 07, 09

Simply B - Florida

Here is my third of four entries to the Simply B Stamps colourist tryout.

This happy gal is Miss Florida.

Copics used:

Skin - E31, 34, 37, 39 R20

Hair - E53, 55, 57, 59

Top - YG06, YG09, G19

Shorts - B91, 93, 95, 97, 99

Oranges - Y21, YR16, YR09, E08

Simply B - Arkansas Amy

Today I'm back with the second of four images in my tryout to be a Simply B colourist on the Simply B blog.  This is Arkansas Amy.  I won't lie, I have noooo idea what Arkansas has to do with gems!  I'm a Canadian girl!  lol.  But actually I found those gems pretty hard to colour.  All those angles, I couldn't figure out the light source.
I added a Spica pen to make the gems glitter, but it doesn't show in the picture.

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04

Hair: R24, 29, 59, E18

Dress: C03, 05, 07, 09, 100

Gems: B23, 26, 29, R43, 35, 29, G03, 05, 16, 19

Colourist tryout - Maine

There's a colouring contest going on over on the Simply B blog and I've decided to enter.  Betty has released four new Betty's representing US States.  The winner will be the official colourist for the remaining States that are released.  Exciting, huh?

My first of the four is Maine Mermaid.  Thanks to my new hex chart I was able to come up with some new combos I'm really happy with!

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04, R20

Hair: N8, BV17, N4

Lobster: R43, 14, 24

Tail: YG11, BG13, B23, BV13, BV08

Flipper: YG11, 13, 09

Sand: E33, 35, 37

Kisses!

Day 10 of my colouring practice was yet another Saturated Canary digi, this one called "Kisses".  I used my new hex chart to come up with some new colour combos.

Copics used:

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Hair - R81, 83, 85, 89

Apron - C03, 05, 07, 09, 100

Boots - W01, 03, 05, 07, 09

Blue - BG000, 02, 05 B06, 18, 99

Green - YG05, 09, G19, BG78

Purple - BV00, 02, 04, 08, 29

Hexagon Copic Chart

Have you Copic lovers seen this tool?!?!?  MIND BLOWN!

I have always used the standard copic chart.  But I don't find it too useful in creating new colour combinations.  This amazing chart groups by colour instead of numerical value.  It'll make it so much easier to create combos now!

You can purchase the chart here for $5.99 US.  It comes as a download with one file blank to colour, and the other pre-coloured. There's a second page just for the greys.   I've added my own watermark just to protect the original owner, Sandy Allnock's copyrights.

Hope you find this useful too!

Vintage Swim

Happy long weekend to all my Canadian friends!

I spent most of the day by the pool, but got some colouring in too.  Also, for the first time, I used PicMonkey to add a background to my colouring.  I always feel it looks so plain without being on a card - this certainly helped!

Copics used:

Skin E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Lips: R43, 46, 59

Suit: B60, 63, 66, 69

Cap: YG91, 93, 95, 97, 99

I had originally coloured it orange, so that's why the hue is a bit off

Flower: BV 20, 23, 25, 29

Color me Wonderful

Day 6 of my 30 day colouring challenge.
Ok, so clearly anyone who can read a calendar has already figured out I'm not following this day by day.  Life gets in the way (most recently a flooded basement and 5 days without water!).  But I will continue to colour as much as I can for up to 30 days of practice in total.

I can already feel my colouring mojo coming back since I've started this challenge.  yay!  A big part of my motivation has been how much I enjoy Saturated Canary images.  I LOVE HAIR!  So this particular one is a favourite.  She's called Color me Wonderful.

Copic used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20, R22

Hair: E53, 55, 57, 59

Outfit: V23, 25, 29, 99 BG 01, 45, 57, 78

Saturated Canary colouring contest

I am a HUGE pin-up fan.  That's because I love everything 40's and 50's.  The fashion, the hair, the make up, the movies, the music...you name it!
When Saturated Canary released the Fashion Decades I was all over this duo.  I used the 40's fashion girl on my last post, and the 50's girl today.
Krista Smith is holding a colouring contest using these girls on her blog and on Instagram.  Please be sure to follow me at Crafty_Meerkat and her at Kristacanary.  Wish me luck!

My inspiration as soon as I saw this stamp was one of my favourite books.  This gal reminded me of a character from The Help, so I included a quote from the book as my sentiment.

Copics used:

Skin: E04, 11, 13, 15, 18

Hair: 110, C07, 09

Dress: R24, 35, 46, 59, 89

Hat/petticoat: BG11, 13, 15, 18, 78

Shoes: black, N06, 08

(for those following along this was day 4&5 of my daily maker challenge)

The 30 Day marker challenge (#2)

Hi everyone
I've been saying for almost six months now that my mojo has been missing.  Although I'm still not into card making right now, I'm trying to get back into colouring.

In June I came across #thedailymarker30day2 .  If you want to read more, there's a website here.  Basically it's a promise to take a bit of time to colour every day for a month.  I waited for July....and forgot to start!

I did remember the other day...yes 1/3 of the way through July!  haha.  Rather than wait I decided to start.  I'm posting them on Instagram and when I can remember I'll post on here too with my copic combos.

Day 1 is a digi by Simply B stamps  called Cannon Pirate Betty

 Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04

pants - B93, 95, 97, 99

coat - R24, 35, 46, 59, 89

cannon - C03, 05, 07

hair - E44, 47, 49

I'm not sure if you can find Day 2 stamp in digital.  It's by C.C. Designs called Cupcake Birgitta and it's pretty old now.

 Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 04  R20

Hair - Y21, YR23, E15, 18

outfit - RV23, 25, 29  V01, 04, 06, 09 B01, 04, 06 BG 45, 49

It doesn't show well but the wings are RV52, 55 with a clear Spica pen

I'm not thrilled with the result of Day 3, especially the hair, so I'll be re-doing it.  I do however LOVE this new stamp by Saturated Canary.  She comes as part of a 40s/50s decade duo found here.

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Hair - R24, 29, 59 E18

Dress - B63, 66, 69 with a white pen for polka dots

If you like what you see feel free to follow me on instagram!  Crafty_Meerkat

Slinky Tart - Super Spandex

Hi Slinkies!
K, I'm crossing my fingers my friend doesn't see this....  She just got a promotion, and is a big comic fan (her wedding even had that theme!).  As you can guess, her first name starts with an "L".  This is Super Spandex.

I'm a big Wonder Woman fan but didn't want to do this too traditional...but the primary colours scream "super hero" to me.  I had so much fun colouring the folds of her cape!
The sentiment is from Simply B.

Copics used:

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04

Hair - C110, B99, 97, 95

Red: R89, 59, 46, 35, 32

Yellow: E11, 13, 17, 19

Check out the latest slinkies in the store here, and the Spunky Tart girls here.  And don't forget to join us on Facebook!

Slinky Tart - We like it Dirty!

Happy Friday!
Here's my latest make for the Slinky Tart DT.  The image screams summer to me!  This is We like it Dirty.  She can be found in the Slinky Tart Store.

Copics used:

Skin - E31, 34, 37, 39

Hair - 110, C05, 07

Shirt - BG45, 49, 78

Swimsuit - Y04, 08, 17, 35

Car - R02, 05, 08

Did you know Tamara has a video site as well??  Pick up some great  drawing and colouring tips here!

Have a great weekend everyone - make it Slinky!

The East Wind - Aurora Love You

hi everyone!
Today I'd like to show a colouring I've created to enter The East Wind's first Instagram contest.  This is Aurora - Love You.  I'll be using her to create a Mother's Day card later.

Copics used:

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Eyes - B21, 23, 28

Hair - E59, 57, 55, 53

Clothes - R81, 83, 85, 89

Hair ribbon - Y31, 35, 38 T0, T2

I lined the eyes with a black .05 copic muli-liner and then coloured her iris with a Spica pen.  I love the sparkle it gave!  The picture really doesn't do it justice.

UPDATE: Here's the card!

Thanks for looking and if you like, please follow!  I'm also on Instagram as Crafty_Meerkat

I'm entering this make in the following challenges:
Hiding in my Craft Room - lets go digital
One Stitch at a Time - Anything Goes for a Special Lady
Sentimental Sundays - Mother's Day with sentiment
Ribbon GIrls - anything goes with a Ribbon
Brown Sugar challenge - Layers

Slinky Tart - Cut the Crap

Hey everyone!
Here's a new make I made using the Slinky Tart image Cut the Crap.

I recently got a new hair dresser - and can I just say she is A-MA-ZING.  I saw this image and wanted to make her a card.  When another woman has such control over you, it's best to be on her good side!!  lol
There are lots of new images in the Slinky Tart store.  Also there's now a sister line at the Spunky Tart store.  The images are still sassy but not so smexy.    And don't forget to join the Slinky Tart fb group so you can see all the images as they pop out of Tamara's head!

Copics used:

Skin - E000, E00, E21, E11, E13, E04, R20

Hair - E25, E29, E49

Outfit - R21, R23, R25, R29

Slinky Tart - Smokin Hot

Hi friends!
I am in a serious crafting slump.  I've gone from colouring almost every day four months ago to once or twice a month now.  Fortunately these Slinky Tart images are so fun that every time I finally pick up my Copics I go "why don't I do this every day?!?".

When I saw the image Smokin Hot in the Slinky Tart store, the timing was perfect.  My friend and pole instructor's birthday is coming up, and the image lent itself to merging the two together!

Here's my friend Michelle, doing what she does best!  Amazing, right???

Now Michelle's birthday isn't until May (I'm banking on her not seeing this!), but here's a peek at the card I made for her....  Thanks for looking!

Copics used:

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04  R20

Hair - E23, 25, 29, 59

Suspenders - 110, C07, 05, 03

Shorts - YR12, 14, 18

Boots/Hat - R02, 05,08, 17, 29, 59

Slinky Tart - Queen of Hearts!

Hi everyone!
Today I'm bringing you a make with one of my favourite new stamps.  This is Queen of Hearts by Slinky Tart.

I've learned through sharing in our DT group not everyone understands the phrase "in spades".  It means to have a lot of something.  This quote says "You've got Heart in Spades".

Now I know we all love these sexy images, however some in the crafting world don't appreciate them being shown.  There's a new facebook group called "Outside the Lines" where images by ALL artists are welcome.  Please join us!  And as always enter your Slinky makes on our fb group.  It's secret but leave me a comment and we'll get an invite sent out to you.
Until next time, have a great week!

Slinky Tart - Illeana

Spring is on the way - and this sexy gal makes me think of flowers!!!

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04

Hair: E53, 55, 57, 59

Dress: black, C07, 05, BV11, 13, 17

This is Illeana by Slinky Tart.  When I decided to work with her a couple weeks ago she was one of the newest images.  But SOOOO many new ones have come out since!  Please visit the store, the FB page, or the Blog to see the awesome new images and what you can do with them.

Here I kept with a monochromatic look.  I sprinkled some purple Frantage to get rid of the harsh white around the image.  I added a variety of purple ribbons, lace and flowers.  I think the card would be great for a birthday, get well, or anniversary.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to post your Slinky Tart makes on the facebook page so we can all admire your talent!

Slinky Tart - Narissa

Hello everyone!
It's official, I've hit a crafting slump.  I haven't been colouring (usually a daily activity).  I have to FORCE myself to make a card, and that's how this one got its CAS design!!  But in the end I was really happy with it!

She's Narissa by Slinky Tart.  How awesome is she?  It was sooo hard for me to pick an image to work with because Tamara, artist/owner of Slinky Tart, has been rocking the new images!!!!  Be sure to check them out - so cheeky and fun!

The phrase was a lift I found on Pinterest, but unfortunately the link to the original artist was broken so I can't reference her - but I don't get credit for the cute saying!  I inked my stamp with yellow, orange and red to try and mimic the scales on her tail.

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Hair: black, C09, 05

Tail: Y13, Y19, YR 14, 16, 18, R24, 29, 39

Slinky Tart - Check the Chickas

Hello!
Today I have a special card made for a special friend going through a rough time right now. Thankfully she has an amazing attitude and so far treatment has gone well.

This is an image by Slinky Tart called Check the Chickas.

Copics used:

E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Hair: E59, 57, 55, 53

Undies: black, C09, 07, 05, 03

Ribbons: R83, 85, 89

Please everyone, if this post can be a reminder....  Check yourself.  Remind your friends.  Get your mammograms.  Be healthy!  

The Queen

Happy Family Day to all my Canadian friends!

I spent the day playing with The Queen by Saturated Canary.  I've had this image forever (possibly years?) but have never given her a shot before.

Unfortunately just as I was finishing her I decided to darken up the hair a little and I blobbed!  I managed to fix it but I stuck my hand in it and smudged it elsewhere!  I have tried my blender pen many times over, but that black smudge just isn't moving :(

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04, R20

Hair: black, BV29, 25, 23, 00

Crown: Y32, 35, 38, 28

Dress: B99, 29, 26, 23, 21; RV99, R89, 59, 56, 82; C09, 07, 05, 01

Annual comparison

Hi friends!
Each February I colour up the same image to see how much I've improved over the year.  Personally, I find this image by Saturated Canary to be the most difficult one I know.  Lots of folds...and straight hair can be the most difficult to add depth to.

Thanks to awesome lessons at Kit and Clowder and video tutorials from Simply B on YouTube, I learned sooooo much this year!

Unfortunately I can't find the original from 2013 to take a better picture now that I have an ottlite. But here's a closer view:

Previously....

and tonight.....

Thanks so much for looking!

Slinky Tart - From the Heart

Happy (early) Valentines Day everyone!
I have a very pretty girl from Slinky Tart today called From the Heart.  She's perfect for just about any occasion you can think of!

Copics used:

Skin: E01, 11, 13, 15, 18

Hair: E49, 09, 08, 11

Clothes: RV21, 23, 25, 29

Eyes: YG91, 93, 95

Thanks for checking out my project and please visit the blog!

Slinky Tart - El Tigre

Another super sexy new release from Slinky Tart just in time for your Valentine's Day creations!

This is El Tigra....and she's like NOTHING else out there!  The sentiment was one I added, and I'm sure you can think of many possibilities of your own.  Your partners are sure to love this image!

Copics used:

Skin: E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04  R20

Hair: 110, C09, 07, 05, 01

Clothing: YG21, 23, 25, BG11, 13, 15, 18

Happy Birthday Rio!!!!

Happy Birthday Rio!!!

I remember 17 as my happiest year.  I was old enough that I had a little bit of freedom to have fun with my friends without the constant watchful eye of our parents, but young enough that all of life's possibilities remained an option.

I remember it was a hard time too.  So much pressure to decide what you want to do with your life, what courses to take to get into a certain school to get your desired career.  Just remember, nothing is set in stone.  Follow your heart to the goals you desire, but if along the way you change your mind - that's ok too!!!  Do what makes you happy and the rest will fall in place.

I hope you're having a wonderful day and know your mom has done a lot to make it special.  All the best, my dear!

For those of you who've stumbled on this post, Betty Roberts, owner and designer of Simply B Stamps, designed this image for her daughter's bday.  Then she organized an amazing blog hop where we all posted our creations using it!  Please hop along - there are some seriously amazing creations!!!

SBS: http://simplybettystamps.blogspot.com/ & Wendy, Dawn, Anne
Corinne: http://wishuponascrap.blogspot.com & Veronica
Michelle Vata http://michellevata.blogspot.ca/2015/02/rio-turns-17.html
Irene Chapmon Sherman http://irenescardcreations.blogspot.com/
Karen Pimblett - http://www.kernowdesigns.co.uk
Melissa Doherty http://www.craftymeerkat.blogspot.ca   YOU ARE HERE!
Maureen Scott Maureen Scott - http://maureenjscott.blogspot.co.uk
Emily Shroom Emily http://emilyshroom.blogspot.com.au/
Elisabete Oliveira Balcavage http://thebalcavages.blogspot.com/
Jackie Maunder http://apaperjem.blogspot.com.au/
Lisa Howell http://www.mindovermattercreations.com
Tina Ondrus Keller http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com
Jackie Randolph http://papermoments.blogspot.com/
Holly Hughes http://dbcraftgirls.blogspot.com/
Kay Mowat http://kaym74.blogspot.com
Lisa N. DistinctiveLMNts.blogspot.com
Sheri Scraps http://www.mammasscrappin1.blogspot.com/

Slinky Tart - Culinary Claire 2.0

Culinary Claire was one of my first The Stamping Chef images.  It was the one I actually used when I tried out for the DT!  Now that Tamara is rebranding as Slinky Tart she has drawn us another Culinary Claire 2.0.

If you haven't checked out Slinky Tart - you MUST.  They're unlike anything out there.  For anyone who likes images with a little more skin and sass - these are for you!

Copics used:

Skin - E000, 00, 21, 11, 13, 04 R20

Hair - E59, 57, 55, 51

Red: R24, 35, 46, 59

Blues: BG52, 55

I used my Silhouette to create a step card, and all papers/embellies are from Carta Bella.

 The other DT lades came up with some smokin' hot makes as well - check them out on the Blog.  Check back often 'cause Tamara has more Slinkies coming!!!

SBS - Shake your tail feathers!

It's my favourite day of the month!!!  New Boudoir Release over at Simply B Stamps!

If you aren't familiar, Betty has started the cutest and cheekiest (pun intended!) line of Boudoir stamps available both in digis and limited release rubber.  This month had a Feathery burlesque theme.  I just love colouring all that skin!

First up - ME!  Here's Tail Feathers Melissa.  I may be a little biased but she's my fav.  lol

I love that Betty included a woman with a little more curves - this is Madame Frou Frou

Here's the very pretty Feathery Betty

And last but of course NOT least Kick Up Your Heels Corinne

Check out the New Release section of the store for some cute bundles, and to be sure you haven't missed out on some other fantastic new releases!  And of course visit the SBS blog for more inspiration - you won't believe the awesomeness these ladies have come up with!

I've graduated!!!

Does everyone see that pretty new blog badge to the right?  Yay!!!  I finally finished up my Kit and Clowder Skin and Hair class!!!

Here's my before and after ....

Now I have to finish my Clothing Class and start my Animal Class.  Can't wait to see the improvement after that!

Speaking of, next month is my two year mark with my Copics.  I'll again be doing the same image and comparing it side by side with previous years.  Looking forward to it!

Thanks for checking in and come back soon - Simply B Stamps has an AMAZING new release coming, just in time for Valentine's Day!

Happy New Year!

Hello and Happy New Year!
Today I'm posting my last coloured image of 2014.  I'm so happy with how much I improved over 2014.  I'm not one for New Year's "resolutions", but I've decided to concentrate more on my colouring and less on my card making.  Often I find I don't enjoy creating the card as much as I do colouring the card topper.  Not to say I'll stop all together - I have FAR too many supplies for that!  lol.  But I will definitely be shifting my focus.

This is Tammi Buccaneer by Saturated Canary.  She's a freebie from last spring, but I was so intimidated I didn't try her until now.  I'm pretty happy with my first go!

Copics:

Skin - E00, 11, 13,15, 17

Hair: E71, 77, 79, 49

Dress: BG32, 34, 45, 49, 75, 78

Corset/ruffles: R35, 37, 39, 89

Stockings: 110, C09, 07, 05

I've had two great sources to learn colouring techniques.  The first are the classes at Kit and Clowder. There are so many to choose from and they're very detailed!  The second is the very awesome Betty Roberts of Simply B Stamps.  Check out here YouTube channel here. 

If you enjoy checking out colour combos please follow and I'll do more.  Thanks for looking and have a Happy and Healthy New Year!