The Australian Outback Collection
With a whole animal kingdom to choose from, why did I start with Aussie animals for one of my first sets of digital stamps? Of course there is a good reason. 
As stories go, this one began years ago. Back then, I had licensed a line of collectible figurines to a wonderful little company for the gift market. I sculpted the first 12 figures by hand, and they were sent to a mold maker. Prototypes were cast in resin and hand painted. The finished samples were professionally photographed and were featured on a two-page spread in the gift company’s catalog. The line was called “The Australian Outback Collection,” and everything was going along beautifully — until the gift company failed.
It was a major disappointment at the time, but I still have all the original drawings for that line, as well as others. Since the Aussie animals had developed their own personalities during the whole product development phase, it was only natural that they should be the first ones released for my digital stamping images.
Click for larger photo and details.
The animals Down Under are cute, cuddly, and nothing short of adorable. The koala (above) is an icon, always associated with Australia. The wallaby (below) is a diminutive version of his big brother, the kangaroo. The sugar glider can leap through the air like her distant relative, the flying squirrel. The kookaburra gained acclaim in a popular nursery song with the first line, Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree. I just had to draw two of them, one with his beak open, “laughing.”
Click the photo for a Gallery enlargement and details.
These are young, baby animals. You can tell by their expressions and by the relative proportions of their oversized paws and feet. You’ll also notice the short to nonexistent necks. Any of these animals make nice centers of interest when combined with Faux Stitched Borders or accented with Pierced Flowers.
All of these little guys are special to me because, after the failed gift line, they now have a second chance. I’m hoping you’ll enjoy this style of illustration, since there are several other hand-drawn animal collections still waiting to debut.
Now you know some of my favorite animals to use for paper crafting projects. What are YOUR favorites?
April 16th, 2009 | 
Comments are closed Category: Aussie Animals, Digital Stamps | Tags: Aussie Animals, digi-stamps, new products
I love this set…the animals are so cute and love the versatility that all of your images have to offer.
- Alma =)
Very cute images! The coloring looks amazing!!! WOW!! Good luck with your new business!
Wow! These are such sweet cards! I love the paper piercing!
Cute images too!!
TFS!!
OMG! These are FANTASTIC stamps! I just LOVE them!!!! I am going to have to go see your store to see what else you have! WOW!!!
OMG! I hope you come over to my blog! I just LOVE your images! They’re exactly what I’ve been looking for to do a picture for my Grandson who, by coincidence, is being brougth into the world tonight!! My daughter wants an animal theme and these are PERFECT!! Please come visit my blog http://www.randomcrafting.blogspot.com and if you think I’m worthy of your images I’d love to be considered for your DT!!
I think this set is so adorable! and the kookaburra song was one of my faves as a young girl! so of course that image is special to me for that reason alone!
I’m partial to penguins for some odd reason. couldn’t even begin to tell you why. and I’ve collected cat figures since I was a little girl, so I’m always on the lookout for new images of those.
have a great day! so glad to see your blog and business doing well!
OMGOSH! these cards are absolutely adorable!!..i could never chosoe which i like best…BOTH are wonderful! TFS!
Love your creations. Very inspiring. TFS!!
these are amazing!
SO adorable! I love these guys. Your paper piercing looks great! Can’t wait to see more.
That koala card is super cute! And the detailed paper piercing is beautiful.
oh, they are adorable – the koala bear is my favorite animal of all times and I just love this one. It will be one that I will definitely be getting.
Hi, Jennifer — I love penguins, too. Their fuzzy little chicks are just precious.
Hi, Michelle H — Thanks for your interest in the Design Team. You’re now on my spreadsheet list, and I’ll be checking your blog again.
To All — If I ever need a pick-me-up, I’ll come back to this page and read all your wonderful comments again. You’ve really made my week
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I love love love this card and your digi images they are darling!!!! Great job on the coloring!!!
Hugs,
cheryl
Impressed to see you didn’t add “bear” to the koala!
Very cute little critters!
When you have these guys in your yard you become a tad complacent about them, except kookas! Kookas are just special.