April Digi Stamp Diva – Dead Sea Toons

Image copyright Rachel Huddleston 2021. All rights reserved.

I was surfing Etsy looking for something new, something different when I came across this month's Digi Stamp Diva – Rachel Huddleston and her Dead Sea Toons. I was immediately taken with her drawings and their originality. We all know there's a predominant style in Digistamp Land (Stamp Land in general for that matter), and sometimes that gets a bit old, sometimes we just want something different, something quirky, yes, something unconventional, which is what Rachel does oh so well. 

Image copyright Rachel Huddleston 2021. All rights reserved.

Rachel has plenty of eclectic imagery to choose from in her shop (455 listings last I checked); be prepared to be fascinated. Another plus, Dead Sea Toons are all reasonably priced, most are only $1.00 (€1.07 for me), so you can treat yourself even on a budget.

I asked Rachel to share a little about herself and her creative process, here's what she had to say:

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Hi, friends! It’s me, Rach, that lady who draws stuff.  Who I really am is Rachel Leah Huddleston from the East Bay area of California.  I have lived here my whole life.  This is not the place for me.  I want to live in the middle of nowhere.  Perhaps on a cliff overlooking an overcast sea surrounded by interesting creatures like pelicans, my favorite birds.  But for now I do my best to “pretty up” where I live. 

I am married to my husband of almost 18 years and together we have 4 kiddies and one new bulldog puppy.  They support all of my weirdness and I love them all so much.  Yes, our kids are all artists too and each have their own style.  It is amazing to see and they inspire me daily.  Having a family is my favorite thing.  Next is art. 

Growing up I was influenced by the artists in my own family.  My Great Grands, Grandma, and Mom are all excellent artists using oil and watercolor paints to express themselves. I am a self-taught artist.  I took beginning and intermediate art in High School. My art studio is anywhere I take it.  I like to sit under a big old shady tree with a clipboard and my supplies

I am an introvert.  Drawing and sharing my art is my way of connecting with other humans.  I prefer the company of wildlife more.  I observe animals in nature and quickly sketch them.  I make up funny stories about them.  A flock of seagulls and one crow in a school playground is hilarious to me.  You know the old crow is the teacher trying to get the unruly gulls to end recess and get back to class but gulls just want to have fun. 

All of my toons are original, hand-drawn, and make me laugh.  They are such dear friends to me.  I want to share them with every person who wants one which is why they stay affordable.  I hope you can feel the happy energy through my work as you color them too.

I have some social media links.  Just add @deadseatoons to find me.  I also have a bunch of “freebies” on my blog (deadseatoons.blogspot.com) for anyone who wants to give them a try.  Thank you to Shani for inviting me.  Hugs to all.  Love, Rach 

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Support your favorite digi artists, respect their copyright; buy/download direct from the artist!

Image copyright Rachel Huddleston 2021. All rights reserved.

Rachel is kindly sharing her Bella digi (a drawing of her sister's dog, Bella). The stamp will be available for the month of April only; to receive your digi, please leave a comment below, send an email to paperesse@live.com, and I will email you the stamp. This digi is great for guys or gals, any age group and any occasion. 

I decided on a spring green inspired Bella birthday card. The Folio papers are from my stash. 

A no-brand banner die, no-brand paper strip die and ribbon dress it up. This is a wider strip than the one I used on this masculine Wind Surfer card. Buttons add a festive touch. Candy Round BTN font was used for the sentiment.

Supply List
Paper – cardstock, Folio patterned paper
Digital stamp – Dead Sea Toons Bella
Dies – no-brand banner and paper strip, Die-namics square stax
Embellishments – ribbon, buttons
Font – Candy Round BTN 
Spectrum Noir Illustrator alcohol ink markers
Art-n-Fly white pen

I'm linking up with: Seize the Birthday #211 – Squares, Moving Along with the Times #129 – Animals/Birds, Krafty Chicks #553 – Stamp Act, Cute Card Thursday #680 – ATG, Aud Sentiments #271 – Animals + a sentiment, WWC #312 – All About Occasions, Crafty Gals Corner #217 – Make it Green, and Little Red Wagon #595 – Happy Birthday.