I was happiest with these four images after completing numerous drawings. I included our black cat Espresso in one sketch. She and Toby have adjusted to one another over the years. It seemed right to have one of them together on the same card. Notice that two cards will have a vertical orientation. The other two will be horizontal.
Carving is underway. I am really fond of these Flexcut carving tools.
I printed the cards on chipboard. This image is my favorite of the four cards. I love walking Toby and he enjoys it as well.
A friend asked me to design and print cards featuring dogs as the theme. I was a bit perplexed with the idea at first. Once I began to watch and observe our dog Toby; sketches evolved. I had loads of fun watching him and writing salutations to accompany the images. Stepping outside one’s ‘comfort zone’ opens up all kinds of new possibilities.
I transfer the sketch to the lino block using tracing paper and a mechanical pencil. After tracing the sketch, I attach it to the block face down with tape. Next, I rub over the drawing with a bone folder. Finally, I go over the drawings with a Sharpee pen. This facilitates the carving process.
Carving this block is completed. I am now ready to proof and print.
I added a bit of text to each card using handset metal type. My wish that human beings could be more accepting of one another is the underlying theme with this card.
The cards are printed and ready to score, fold, and package. Getting started on these cards. was a bit challenging. However, the process proved to be beneficial. I did a great deal of thinking about how much joy Toby and Espresso bring into our home. That, in and of itself was rewarding. Having the completed cards was ‘icing on the cake’!