How could you not love that face? I think the artist did a wonderful job of capturing the Golden Retriever expression in this illustration. This is a digital stamp from Just Inklined called Golden Retriever On Guard. They have a lot of beautifully illustrated dog images at Just Inklined. Type your breed in the search field and see what pops up. In fact, they have a lot of great images, period. I’ve spent a good deal of time looking around over there lately.
Now, I haven’t been one much for using digital stamps in the past. Over the last couple of days I’ve concluded it’s because I haven’t invested enough time searching through the many images various companies have to offer. Well, hold me back, I’ve now discovered the instant gratification of digital shopping.
I thought I’d try some different coloring methods for my digis, so this time I made a generous sized print and colored it with soft chalks. I used mustard and pumpkin on the dog, with brown and black for the nose and paw. Rust on the sign, and gray and black on the fence. It’s very easy to make a soft background with chalks, so I sponged in some distant trees (olive) and a teal blue sky.
When the coloring was finished I sprayed on a couple of coats of clear acrylic sealer. Chalk coloring simply looks chalky and some of the detail in the drawing will appear hazy. The spray sealer not only prevents any of the chalk from rubbing off, it also pops the colors, removes the haze and lets the details show through. This is my chalk coloring paraphernalia:
The chalks are from Stampin’ Up! I’ve had them for years, used them often and barely put a dent in them. All those colors at my fingertips and very compact for carrying to work in my bag. In the photo above you can see a sampling of the sponge applicators I use. There’s also a blending pen (Tombow blender) which I use in the smallest spaces, such as the lettering on the sign. The blending pen will harden the chalks so I’m always careful to touch it to only one corner of the chalk pad. The large craft tweezers are for holding the image while I spray it (outside).
Pictured below is the real deal and the reason this digi stamp speaks to me.
Love. Have a happy day!
Stamps: Golden Retriever on Guard (Just Inklined digital stamp) Paper: Ruby Red textured, So Saffron, Basic Gray (all Stampin’ Up!), Flourishes Classic White, BasicGrey Wags & Whiskers designer paper Ink: Printer Accessories: Soft chalks for coloring, leaves (CTMH), screw brads, linen thread, Martha Stewart edge punch
Happy Monday morning! I see you've sent the kids out to work as models for a digi-stamp company. Good. It's only right that all the family members chip in. Just kidding. The card is precious and you've showcased the sweet creatures perfectly. Thanks for the tips on using chalk. Might have to blow the dust off of mine and give them another shot. Have a great week.
Posted by: Francie (Montreal) | 03/26/2012 at 03:37 AM
You just put a big ol' smile on my face. Love that photo. I'll have to buy this digi - perfect for a card for Olivia's family.
Posted by: SueB | 03/26/2012 at 03:39 AM
awwww, I love your dogs and your cards. thanks for the tip on spraying the chalks. I'll have to try this out and digis!
Posted by: Joan B | 03/26/2012 at 03:42 AM
Adorable! I am guessing that the Copic markers won't work on these digis because of the printer ink, right? I'm guessing it would run. But I'd never thought of chalks. So I guess my next 40% Michael's coupon will be for acrylic sealer!
This DOES capture Wally perfectly. Thanks, Leslie!
Posted by: Peggy K | 03/26/2012 at 03:54 AM
What a fabulous card and it does look just like Wally! I think the chalks do a much better job than the Copics on this image. Guess I should dig out my chalks and give them a go again. I've also started using digis and love them. TFS.
Posted by: Margaret | 03/26/2012 at 04:28 AM
Never had much luck with chalks but really never worked with them very much either... but after seeing the Beautiful results of the Wally look alike card I'm going to have to get a real set of chalks and that spray stuff too...
Thanks for all the tips and the link to to dig images too!!
Posted by: Dotty A | 03/26/2012 at 04:43 AM
Oh this is precious! Truly does look like sweet Wally with those kind eyes!! The softness of the chalks seems most appropriate as we all know the gentleness of "our Wally". Really admire your coloring on this card, Leslie, & all the extras like the paper with paw prints on it....too cute.
Posted by: Janet T. | 03/26/2012 at 05:34 AM
Wow! You achieved this with chalks! I am yet again impressed! Sweet image that looks just you Wally! Have a fabulous day!
Posted by: Ellen | 03/26/2012 at 05:47 AM
Love this image! Thanks for the link - some great digis! I enjoy working with them - instant gratification, for sure. Very adorable card!
Posted by: Kris Turner | 03/26/2012 at 05:51 AM
Really really really nice card! I'm keeping you and Lulu close to my heart today. Wally too.
Posted by: Nimue | 03/26/2012 at 05:58 AM
Your card and the coloring of that image is BEAUTIFUL!
Love the detail in the coloring and thanks for showing a pic of all the supplies. I have that SU chalk and need to pull it out. Thanks for enabling me with a new digi site too.
Posted by: Carol R | 03/26/2012 at 06:07 AM
Absolutely fabulous Leslie! You've achieved incredible shading with this wonderful image of a Golden, aka Wally, Lulu, Rozie & Xena! So glad you like Just Inklined's images, I think they are all fantastic!
Posted by: Tammy Hair | 03/26/2012 at 07:02 AM
This is one of the reasons I follow you Leslie. Well, the FIRST reason are those sweet faces I get to see often. LOL I have chalks too, but never used them much. And I didn't know about spraying them afterward. Digi didn't interest me much, even with Stampin Up!. I didn't want to use up all that ink from the printer. But I do love to color, so I will be visiting this website to see their goodies. Thanks for the inspiration and I SO SO SO love those sweet Wally and LuLu faces! Thanks for sharing your family with us! Hugs!
Posted by: Bobbi Miller | 03/26/2012 at 07:25 AM
Simply Stunning, love the softness of the chalks with this gorgeous card.
Posted by: Jak Heath | 03/26/2012 at 08:47 AM
Awww that is a sweet image and just love your chalking on it, looks fantastic!
Posted by: conniecrafter | 03/26/2012 at 08:50 AM
Wonderful card, I love using chalks and you've done a fabulous job with them.
Wally looks quite "daper" in his photo. I can see why you would be inspired by that Digi Stamp.
Posted by: Ida | 03/26/2012 at 09:55 AM
cute. Every once in a while I find a digi that I'd like to color, but I still love my stamps more...
Posted by: yogi | 03/26/2012 at 11:46 AM
Leslie, I swear I couldn't love those dogs more even if they where my own! Nothing brings a smile to my face faster than seeing anything and everything Lulu and Wally, lol. Thanks for sharing your "babies" and your creative masterpieces!
Posted by: debbie W. | 03/26/2012 at 01:42 PM
thinking about you today and hoping your baby girl is doing well post op...it's hard for Mom I know.
Posted by: Linda | 03/26/2012 at 02:46 PM
This is a beautiful card & I'm doubly impressed that you did it with chalks! They are not easy to use & you did an awesome job with them. I can see why you loved the digi. You will get hooked on them in no time. Instant gratification! Stamp shopping in you pj's at midnite! lol
Posted by: Sherri Dean | 03/26/2012 at 05:23 PM
What an adorable card, Leslie! I love your digi stamp and expert coloring!
Posted by: Linda E | 03/26/2012 at 06:42 PM
So sweet and love the chalk coloring too.
Posted by: nancy littrell | 03/26/2012 at 09:26 PM
Cute Wally on a stamp! How fun is that. Great colouring too (as always).
Posted by: Sherylee | 03/27/2012 at 12:27 AM
OMgoodness is this Precious or what! 8-) Love your Sweet Darling image! Reminds me of your Sweet Darling Wally for sure! 8-) Amazing coloring with the chalks! Wow! Just Love this! 8-)
Hope you are having a Fabulous week!
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | 03/27/2012 at 01:27 AM
What a wonderful digi - looks just like the kids.
Glad you've discovered digis - they're so much fun. Have you checked Mo's Digital Pencil?? She's got fantastic images.
Posted by: Elaine Moore | 03/27/2012 at 02:51 PM
I must go check out these images! They just speak to my heart!
Posted by: Sue Kment | 03/27/2012 at 10:04 PM
The card and the photo of Wally are so stinkin' cute! I have those SU chalks too, and they rarely see action. Now, if I could color with them the way YOU color with them...they wouldn't be laying around!!
Posted by: Colleen Dietrich | 03/28/2012 at 10:48 AM
No matter what coloring medium you use, your cards are just so fabulous!! I guess I should get me some sealer for the rare times I use my chalks:) (Now, if I can only remember that!)
Posted by: Lynette | 03/28/2012 at 07:35 PM
OMgosh...that is a most-perfect digi for you!! Adorable card, and Wally is looking mighty fine too!! ☺ I will definitely have to check those digis!
Posted by: Rose Ann | 04/02/2012 at 12:10 PM