Sunday

Daily Marker Coloring Challenge, Blog Hop, and GIVEAWAY!


Hello, hello my dear friends! I’m a bit late in joining along in Day 2 of the Daily Marker’s NEW 30-Day Coloring Challenge... so let’s just call this: Day 2/3. :) I want to join the chorus of voices encouraging EVERYONE to try to make time to color this month, even if for just a few minutes. That dearest of dearhearts, Kathy Racoosin of The Daily Marker started this marvelously uplifting event, which has no structure, rules, or fuss — the only point is to give yourself the gift of time to do this thing that you so enjoy.



I have to say, spending a few hours coloring in the garden this morning is surely just what the doctor ordered for us, as we await news on our little puppy Tibbs, who had to spend the night at the animal hospital yesterday. It seems he swallowed something he wasn't supposed to — at least that’s what they are examining as I type this. Last night we got to spend a bit of time with the pup, and he was definitely feeling cheerier after some fluids and antibiotics. We knew when he wanted to chomp on our cheeks that our little puppy was making a turn-around.


So, my coloring queens, let’s get to the fun ....we debuted a new digital stamp set called Merriest Berries that was drawn expressly with Kathy in mind, as she LOVES a good cluster of holly. I upped the ante a little bit, adding mistletoe to the holly, and I sure hope you got to see what Kathy came up with for the beautiful KICK-OFF post for the 30-Day Coloring Challenge... here’s a peek!



Isn’t that OVER THE TOP AWESOME??!! Look at how Kathy treated the bow with those wonderful stripes, enhanced the white stitching with incredible shading and allowed those Merriest Berries to bubble over with holiday fun. I was so tickled to see what Kathy made with this set — THANK YOU SWEET KATHY! I’m doubly stoked to see what YOU will do with it, hopefully inspired by all of the coloring challenge beauty that will surround us all month long. See below for how you might win this set, along with a gift code to shop at Power Poppy!

I was hoping to be able to join in on the blog hop yesterday with so many other fabulously NEAT companies, but I got sidetracked with things around here, and just this morning spent some beautiful time in the garden painting this new image...


The digital version of Merriest Berries comes with three different options for the cluster of berries and ribbon. Kathy Racoosin chose the “bow” version for her creation, and I decided to go with the “candy cane”. There is one more version with just dovetailed ribbons, as well as a sentiment with “Merriest Wishes”!

I’m still not quite ready for traditional Christmas colors, so I decided to color my berries and ribbons in  a palette inspired by my garden Zinnias! Pink and Orange do not fail you, my friends!! They offer such a zingy, zesty happiness, and that is definitely something I wanted to bring into my world today. So... 


I printed my image at 35% opacity so that the outlines were very light. But then I went back in with my gouache paint and spent lots of time darkening and gradually deepening the shadows to really help those berries and leaves pop.


Here’s a detail of the berries, you can see how each holly berry is multiple shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, and the white area is a spot that I did not paint at all, but left blank. If you do not trust yourself to leave an area blank while you're painting, a trick I learned back in art school was to dab rubber cement with a fine brush in the areas you want left white (essentially, masking them off). Finish your shading with watercolors and gouache, and then roll off the rubber cement — it works like a charm — if you can still find rubber cement. hehehe — do they even still make it?)

Anyway, painting this lively cluster really lifted my spirits. I decided to give it a handpainted gingham background in citrus yellow, and handlettered a sentiment to send my Merriest Wishes to all of YOU today!


If you encounter a broken link, please refer to the full list to get you to the next blog.
Mama Elephant (Road Trip 9.9)
Stamping Bella (Road Trip 9.23&24)
Gina K Designs (Road Trip 10.6&7)
Waffle Flower (Road Trip 11.1)
Jenn Shurkus (Road Trip 11.11&12)
Neat & Tangled  (Road Trip 11.18) 
Concord & 9th (Road Trip TBA)
Power Poppy (Road Trip March, 2018) YOU ARE HERE!
Lawn Fawn (Road Trip TBA) 
WPlus9 (Road Trip TBA) 
Debby Hughes (Road Trip completed) 
Jennifer McGuire (My favorite OnLine Card Class is OCC partner)
Kristina Werner (My favorite OnLine Card Class is OCC partner)
Heather Ruwe (My favorite OnLine Card Class is OCC partner)

POWER POPPY GIVEAWAY

I’m giving away the Merriest Berries Digital Stamp Set — PLUS a $30 shopping code to Power Poppy! Please leave a comment below by Sunday, September 10, at midnight, and I will pick a winner and announce it here on my blog on Monday, September 11th. The full list of ALL winners from the individual blogs will be announced HERE at the Daily Marker on Tuesday, September 12th. (check each blog for the specifics of their giveaway).

Thank you so much for coming by today, and pardon for the delay in my post. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, and I so hope you’ll take time to color in the challenge. All you have to do is color, but if you want to REALLY have fun, you’ll want to share your card on social media and hashtag: #thedailymarker30day



166 comments:

Unknown said...

I love the card, it's so pretty. I can't wait to start making Christmas cards.

Karen said...

I like the non traditional colours. Thank you for the inspiration.

Holly said...

Beautiful card! I love the dimension in your coloring.

Frances said...

Beautiful card. Thanks for sharing.

Holly AKA KopyKat said...

So beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win

Heidi MyLittleStampingBlog said...

I love that new stamp! So pretty how you colored it! Hope your pup is better soon!

quietgirl said...

Wow! Such fun, thank you! I am grateful to Kathy Racoosin for introducing me to the beautiful digital stamps here at PowerPoppy.

Nicola Gold said...

Oh my Marcella this is stunning. Looks so different too between Kathy's colouring and your painting.
I am trying to join in with the challenge, so we'll see how it goes!

janecrisci said...

I love how you colored this digital image! Your bright and cheery colors make it perfect for any occasion. Thank you for giving us this chance to win!

Miriam Prantner said...

What a wonderful image and amazing coloring!

Denise Bryant said...

Gorgeous coloring of this lovely image! The highlights and shading make it look so dimensional!

Mary said...

Those non traditional colors make this stunning! 😍

Lisa said...

I just love this new digital set, I bought it as soon as I saw it live in the shop!

So glad to see you involved in the color challenge, your images are perfect for it!

Berina RGA said...

Wow!! This digi is gorgeous! and it comes with 3 beautiful versions? Just wow!! Your coloring is superb!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

SHartl said...

Oh, I hope your sweet little pup is okay and that the vet was able to pinpoint the problem. Thank you for sharing this gorgeous image...wow! Your coloring and painting skills are amazing.

FD91354 said...

I am so glad puppy is doing well. You poppy coloring is fabulous, and it probably took your mind off the situation at hand. Thanks for supporting the coloring challenge!

nancy dempsey said...

The coloring is stunning and I love the non-traditional colors.
Your stamps and digi creations are always perfect for coloring.

Crafting Crumbs said...

First of all, so relieved that your precious puppy is recovering. That is the best news.
Now onto the new stamp and your coloring - OMG! It is absolutely stunning! Thanks for always giving us so much beautiful art to use in our projects.

Elizabeth Zaffarano said...

These are amazing colors!!! And your shadows are amazing. Cant wait to print this up and get cracking on my own coloring :D
PS--Tibbs! Get well soon!!

Unknown said...

Your stamps are amazingly beautiful. The detail is incredible. Thank you for giving us such inspiration.

NanW said...

I think your flower stamps are beautiful.

Mary-Anne V said...

Glad to hear the good news about your puppy. This image is so beautifully coloured. Wow

Susie Sonnier said...

Beautiful coloring!

Nancy Deffner said...

Gorgeous coloring! Love the detailed stamp.

Tosha said...

Beautiful job on both projects, I really like the candy cane one, so vivid. The images are perfect for all kinds of mediums. Thanks for the shares.

Deborah Kaye said...

Absolutely gorgeous images! Wow! These are going on my list to get - soon!

Essie said...

Marcella, this one is just delicious! I will commence coloring shortly – – but you have used my favorite orange and pink color combo. I will think of something else ! Hugs to you and Tibbs

Elizabeth Zaffarano said...

Oh, root to mention--how cool is that painted background?! That's something I never do and now I think I need to try it!

Verna Angerhofer said...

So very gorgeous in every way. Fantastic coloring.

Sheila said...

What beautiful coloring. Thanks for sharing.

DebbieR said...

Lovely design and color choices!

Laraine R said...

Lovely card! Love the colors you used!

Wendy Thompson said...

The image is gorgeous and the card lovely, thanks for the chance to win.

MsJudyC said...

Pretty card and great coloring, too!

PatQ's Cards said...

This is a beautiful design and incredible coloring.

Unknown said...

Love both projects..such wonderful coloring. Thanks

Annheidel said...

Such a pretty new digi! You colored it beautifully.

Bea said...

Simply gorgeous! Beautiful job!

Henriëtte Creatively Happy said...

What a fabulous colours you used, I think its great the pink and orange together. I never saw using those 2 colours together, but i love it. I surely try it. Thanks for taking the time and effort showing. it to us.
Hope your pupy is feeling better now.

VJT said...

I always look forward to seeing what colors people will use to make holiday cards. Beautiful just beautiful.

mtscrapgal said...

Hope your puppy is all well now. Our dog likes to eat paper that humans leave in the wrong place. The image is beautiful. I like that there are different versions. Thanks for supporting Kathy.

stampwithsandy said...

What a gorgeous image and colored so beautifully! Hope you little fella is feeling better soon!

berucrafts said...

What for a wonderful and stunning coloration you made... Missed you yesterday.. Hope all is fine now... God bless you and your family :) Hugs Ute

Kay S said...

Gosh, your coloring is gorgeous, and I love that holiday stamp. It makes me want to get going on my holiday cards!

Dr Sonja said...

Always LOVE your designs and coloring is FAB.

Unknown said...

absolutely beautiful! I would love to win the set to try for myself.

Nana Griffin said...

So very pretty.

ionabunny said...

Wow, your coluring and drawing are amazing. I can't, that's why I use stamps LOL. Hugz

Mary Kay Werry said...

oh wow. this is so impressive. I have picked my coloring for tomorrow from the great set we got at CREATE! I love the detail in your stamps.

Abby Miller said...

Love your coloring and I love this image.

Misti said...

LOVE this image!!! Beautiful card!!

Carrie said...

Was worth the wait. Your card is amazing!

Carole said...

Beautiful image. Love your coloring!

Helen Gullett said...

WOW! That is very beautiful image. Your coloring is absolutely stunning!!!

Sheri said...

Beautiful holly and mistletoe. I was so concerned about your puppy but glad he is making a good turnaround. I know if anything happened to mine it would be devastating! She will be 10 in October and she is my heart!

Marsha said...

I wondered what happened to you yesterday. Glad to see your post today in this fun hop. What fun colors you used on your image and with paint!

Robyn Oliver said...

Marcella, your card is gorgeous, just love your colours - just a bit off the traditional, works beautifully. Your colouring is amazing - I must look and learn. Glad your puppy's ok

Giovanna Restani said...

WOW!!! so beautifull, I'm not good with paints. but love to color with pencils

Lydia Lee said...

Beautifully done, Marcella! Love! Thanks so much for the inspiration and giveaways!

Rhonda Miller said...

These are beautiful.

Abby said...

Beautiful...as always!

Vivian said...

Gorgeous berries! They look ready to pop...juicy too!

Cheryl V said...

Beautiful image. I love it!

McStamper said...

Love the image and your coloring is amazing.

Paula said...

Marcella, you and your flower brigade gals are so AMAZINGLY talented!

Jeannean said...

Thanks for being a stop in the hop!! I enjoyed seeing the differences in your and Kathy's work; both are fabulous! Thanks for always inspiring!!
Good luck to Mr. Tibbs! I'll be keeping him close in my thoughts!

Roberta S. said...

I hope your puppy is doing better. The coloring you did is jaw dropping awesome. I hope to come close to this level of coloring some day. For today I am enjoying coloring.

Naghma said...

beautiful coloring!

Lin said...

Gorgeous image!! would love to win, thanks for the chance.

Carolyn Sharkas said...

You have some mad skills. One's I could only hope for. This is a very beautiful image, also. Thanks so much for sharing.

Joddo said...

Love this. So festive.

Unknown said...

This is so pretty! Love it!

Sherry said...

beautiful!! love it!

Mary Holshouser said...

The non-traditional coloring is great.
After awhile the red/green gets kind of
glaring and it is nice to have some
more restful colors.
Fantastic coloring.
thanks for sharing.

Karen Gerek said...

WOW, I'm just starting with watercoloring and when I saw your work, I was awestruck! I found myself just sitting here staring at the screen and looking at the shading you did and the colors you used and how they blended. Just incredible!

Billie A said...

Beautiful stamp. Love the card and this would sure be fun to bring to life. I love what you did. Stunning.

KathyA. said...

Your designs are so amazing. And the colors on this one are stellar!

Carol said...

What a great project! Thanks for the inspiration!

Carol B
ciaoitalia2007(at)gmail(dot)com

jandbspiegel said...

WOW Your coloring definitely looks 3D and metallic - Love It!!

Unknown said...

I am a huge fan of your artwork made into glorious floral stamps! And this one is divine. And hope to remember your helpful hint on leaving a white spot on the berries :)
Lu C

Gee Sauvageau said...

Your zinnia colored Christmas card was really neat - very different!

Lisa said...

Wow! Both versions are so beautiful... love Kathy's traditional and LOVE your brighter less traditional version too! What a great image! Thanks so much for the inspiration and chance to win!

tycodmom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
tycodmom said...

Love your stamps. Darn fingers

Lindsey NY said...

I'm unfamiliar with the digital image stuff, but the design is beautiful and looks like fun to color

Diane M said...

Very inspiring. Really Lovely.

Bo Prior said...

I love your take on the original. It's very beautiful.

Janelle said...

Your stamps are absolutely stunning! Love coloring your gorgeous designs!! Thanks for the chance to win! :)

Jennifer Cole said...

I'm glad that your puppy is doing better. This is such a pretty stamp!

Kate B said...

Wow, what a gorgeous image & I love the way you colored it and the background! Hope your puppy is feeling much better now!

Kari V. said...

Awww...this is really fun! I love both images and the coloring is fantastic!

Mirella said...

Stunning colouring, the image is fab! Thanks so much for supporting Kathy and her amazing challenge, and for sponsoring such a lovely prize!

Julie O'Brien said...

Wow! Beautiful colors

Lisa K said...

Your painting is so beautiful along with your image! Glad your pup is on the mend. He is too cute not to be. Hate when the dog eats something he shouldn't. Been there quite a few times. Thankful for the Vet.

bev p said...

Wow! I agree with Kathy: you do have some of the most beautiful images available. (Although Kathy is so over the top talented , it's a little bit intimidating to attempt something she has put out there. But, I am encouraged to attempt more than I ever thought I could do.)

Deeps said...

Wow, love this image. Amazing coloring.

Terry B. said...

I just love this set and your card with non-tradtional colors!

None None said...

I hope your pup is feeling better! Your image is just gorgeous and I love the summer colors you chose, so beautiful!

Joy said...

I sure hope Mr. Tibbs gets well soon. He is such a cutie! Lovely coloring and stamp set. Thanks for the opportunity!

Linda Carson said...

Amazing coloring by both you and Kathy! Hope baby Tibbs is on the mend! He's sooooo cute!

Donna Oates said...

Wow! This is fun and gorgeous. Lovely set. Thank you for this opportunity!

Glorie said...

Amazing coloring Marcella! Pure gorgeousness.

Donna Oates said...

Wow! This is fun and gorgeous. Lovely set. Thank you for this opportunity!

Debbie Rumpza said...

Beautiful card! I love it!

berokke said...

I love the digital part of this! I'm anxious to try something digital.

Dawn S. said...

Beautiful card!

SD pooja said...

Lovely coloring !!

Larissa Heskett said...

SQUEAL!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your Coloring and the AMAZING Inspiration!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS Labor Day Weekend!! =)

Carolyn E said...

Beautiful coloring! I have never tried digital stamps!

Elizabeth said...

Amazing tutorial and love the cherries card. Simple and beautiful

Stefanie White said...

This is beautiful, you are so talented!!

Dee Earnshaw said...

Wow love how you colored in this images and the berries look so delicious:)

Ann said...

Marcella, I just love this new digi and the options you gave us with 3 choices. I always enjoy seeing what your up to painting. Your trusty ol' paint palette inspired me to pick one up and I am loving mine. Thanks for all the inspiration.

Jean said...

Such gorgeous colors! Love seeing this!

Unknown said...

Beautiful coloring. Love it.

CherylQuilts said...

Oh, Marcy, I did see Kathy's coloring of this beauty, and WOW! She sure can color, and I LOVE her videos! What a sweetheart she is...and YOU are too! I absolutely love all your artwork, and I especially love this beautiful Christmas "bundle of goodness" you've drawn. I always love to see how you color, and I love the beautiful palette you've used! Living here in South Florida where we are still warm and blooming everywhere, I'm not quite ready for fall (we really don't have fall anyway!...hehe). Beautifully done, sweet friend, and I'm so glad Tibbs is fine. What a scare for you all! Hugs and love!! xoxo

Jenniferk said...

Your stamp/digital design 'Merriest Berries is gorgeous, I love both the ribbon and candy cane version!!! Both you and Kathy coloured your images so beautifully, I knew the first one was coloured by Kathy before I even read it, her work is always stunning, a true artist. I also think you are an incredible artist, the images you create are gorgeous, defiantly a lot of my very favourite stamps are from you. I hope your puppy recovers very quickly, I know all to well how tormenting it is waiting to find out whats wrong with them and if they are going to be ok. My Pomeranian Phoebe who we just got in March recently ate an Advil (she's s only 3.3lbs) so we were at the emergency vets until 4:30 am with her and then had to do follow up to see if there was any damage to her kidneys, no permeant damage, she is 100% fine now but wow she was so sick and we were all so so sad! I am sending positive vibes your way and thinking good thoughts for you and your puppy!

Kim S said...

Love the non-traditional colors. Looks like another digi that will go on my wish list!! Love your designs!!

Anonymous said...

Big, huge well wishes for Mr Tibbs! Still resisting going digital but weakening!
Linda in Tennessee

Janet a.k.a. swanlady21 said...

Such vibrant colours - just love it!

kipekr said...

Thanks for the chance to win this awesome digi.

SewPaperPaint said...

Love the new image. So pretty! Thanks for the chance.

Holly said...

*gasp* This is stunning, Marci! I adore your coloring and you know how much I love your stamps. Methinks since this has my name in it, I should have it, right?? LOL I'm so glad your sweet puppy is feeling better today. Give him a kissy for me! HUGS!

Shelley said...

Sure hope your furbaby is on the mend now. This is a beautiful piece and love the colours.

Tina said...

These Christmas images are just super pretty. Would be so great to win! PS hope your puppy is doing better.

cghundley said...

Gorgeous coloring and
love the candy cane
version.
Carla from Utah

Dana said...

Wow!! Your coloring is amazing!!

CardUm said...

You create beautiful cards! I own some of your Digi stamps and I'm learning to paint. Thank you for inspiring me. ;)

M DelValle said...

Wow, what an amazing image and coloring!! :)

Jacqueline said...

What a fabulous stamp set, and two equally gorgeous cards using the designs!

Vonmariedesign said...

Gorgeous stamp and what a gorgeous card!! Gorgeous coloring too!!

Marianne said...

So thrilled I found your site and excited to participate in this fun challenge!!

Corinne said...

oh wow ... another AMAZING design.. LOVE this and your coloring

Diane said...

OMG, I love everything about this: the digi, your painting (always exquisite), the background, the lettering, the color palette. Absolutely beautiful!

QuiltinKat said...

Your card has so much depth to it, the berries really pop and the color is beautiful!

D.Ann C said...

Love the mix of colors in your berries and the cool look of Kathy's holly leaves!! Thanks for sponsoring this fun hop and my your pup heal up quick!
(Now that he's feeling better, perhaps this joke will cheer you up: Didja hear about the kid who swallowed a 50 cent piece? No. How is he?
No change yet!! LOL!)

Loly Borda said...

It's my first time visiting your blog and I'm in awe at you coloring! So awesome! I sure hope your pup gets better soon! TFS

Camille Short said...

I love your coloring - all so darn cute!

Jennifer B. said...

I love your work! I think I'm a new fan!

Chark said...

love this! beautiful!

Gail Hutchinson said...

Love your images Marcella, will have to add this one to my collection 💜

Shelly Schmidt said...

Your post is fab- how I love the hollyberry image. I really love the one Kathy colored, and also really love the candy cane too. Thanks for supporting us in the challenge to color each day!

Tinstar said...

Beautiful image and colouring.

Keen Crafter's Hand Made Goodies said...

This is absolutely gorgeous :)

Arianna Barbara said...

Oh my!!! Awesome card!!! Colouring is flawless!!!

Anonymous said...

WOW, Both versions are just STUNNING, really!!! The colors are beautiful, they pop and ohhh so pretty. I would love to color this, either version, so cool. Oh yeah one more thing, My puppy wanted to send some "puppy Love " to your puppy for a speedy recovery, and puppy kisses. Thanks Tracey Magner.

Sue D said...

Beautiful coloring of these images. I like the striped ribbon on the first and the colors and candy cane on the second. Happy that your puppy is better.

Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes said...

So festive and fabulous, Marcella! Although I have never tried a digital image yet, I am definitely intrigued by the idea. So glad to hear that little Tibbs is feeling better. It's always fun to see your family memories on Instagram, Marcella! ♡

Unknown said...

I absolutely LOVE to colour, but these days just finding the time to do so is hard. This new stamp from Marcella certainly fits the upcoming season

Joanne said...

The holiday image is so festive, colorful, and beautiful!! Thanks for all of your inspiration, today and every day. I love your stamp line.
I have to say that your corgi is super adorable. We have a Cardigan and he is the joy of our lives. Corgis have a coolness factor that I've never seen in any other dog, they are big dogs in small bodies. And smart as can be. :)

Margery C said...

Glad your puppy is feeling better. Beautiful coloring. I use Masking fluid instead of rubber cement. Not as smelly and easier to control where you put it.

Unknown said...

Beautiful coloring!

Esther Asbury said...

Beautiful digi and coloring!

DMcKelvey said...

I love this Digi and your coloring is so beautiful. Can't wait to get this one!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Power Poppy has such wonderful images, but I tell you, the design team's coloring is very intimidating, at least for me. I just wish I could do a halfway decent job like they do.

Diana E. said...

Oh I WANT THAT and the Green Plaid Paper Too ! LOVE IT !

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, I love, love, love that holly and the candy canes. I want to get that to color when I win! Who cares if things are colored the color they are supposed to be? I have been known to make a chick have polka dots and stripes and we all know they aren't that color. You're coloring is amazing! Thanks for showing us what you did and for giving us the chance to win something. I want to win this one!

Cristina González Muñiz said...

Your tutorials are always amazing. Thank you for the chance.

Lynne in NI said...

Oh woweeee what a fab image, beautifully coloured too :)

Heidi said...

Love your painting skills and your stamps are so pretty!

TracyM #6773 said...

WONDERFUL stamp and FABULOUS card!
WOW - you have descirbed Kathy's card perfectly, it really is OVER THE TOP AWESOME ... yours is too - LOVE them BOTH!
Thank You for being part of Kathy's 30 Day Coloring Challenge :)
#thedailymarker30day

Marie said...

It's a wonderful stamp. Thanks for a chance to win.

Christine Kosmak said...

Both versions of your stamp are gorgeous! They become so vibrant and alive when coloured! LOVE them, and may just have to buy them, unless I win!

Liz O. said...

Love this gorgeous image! Wonderful painting!! Thanks for the inspiration and for your generosity! Have a wonderful day!

AndreaH said...

I know I'm to late to enter the giveaway but I just wanted to say a big thankyou for the inspiration to use non traditional colours at Christmas time. ( something that makes me nervous for some reason lol) so THANKYOU. X

Maria Rodriguez said...

Oh WOW!! This images just put me in the mood for the Holidays. What a gorgeous bouquet of berries, holly and mistletoe, that ribbon just completes this image perfectly.
I'm so sorry I'm so late commenting, Life got so busy lately.
Big Hugs,
Maria Rodriguez.