First of Relic's Handler Shirt's Done.

I am pleased with the way this turned out. I will be doing several more in various sizes. There are numerous plays on words here if you break it apart enough ...

 















1.    Relic is a K-9 so he barks. 
2.    As a Handler one 'tends' to Relic's needs and safety, so they are considered a Tender ... they tend to the bark.
3.   Relic is a Timber-Wolf & Lumber-Jack he knows about bark.
4.   Relic's handler is responsible for his safety, so obviously safety colors are a must, hence the shirt color.

So Relic's Handler is considered The Bark Tender.

Relic's Handlers T-Shirt

Been working on a design for t-shirts that will be for my handlers at events that Relic goes to. I wanted something specific to K-9 handlers and ... well ... this just kinda fits the use!!! 

Next I will have to decide what color shirts it will be going onto in case I have to adjust colors, it looks good as is on grey, white, and drab greens.

WHISKERS!!!

Patience does pay off.  I finally found the right item for Relic's whiskers! Turned out to be a $6 broom from Big Lots.  I had a chuckle when I found it as I saw it I kinda blurted out loudly "I found my whiskers!" The lady behind me looked at me as if I was loosing it... all I could do was grab the broom and start laughing. 

Using a very sharp wood chisel and mallet I broke several tufts of bristles free from their captive plastic. To aid in getting them into place I used an ink refilling syringe needle and pushed it through Relic's muzzle into his mouth then inserted the whisker through it. holding the inside of the bristle then pulling the needle out leaving the whisker in the foam, placing a small dot of hot glue on the inside of the bristle and pulling it into the foam and letting the glue set.  I would strongly recommend sharpening the needle with a file or grinding wheel to assist getting it though the material and foam... I will do this before doing any more whiskers.

It takes some trial and error to get the angles you want right, but I am totally pleased with the end result. Not sure if I will add more or not right now, but it is very simple to add more once you have the tools to do it. 

Small Jobs Getting Attention

Finished  Relic's tired look eyes. 

Next I will attempt eyes to make him look angry, gotta do some sketches first to get the "look" right before working with the foam paint and buckram. 

Back To Working With Relic Again

Relic gets eye brows and that nose job I promised him months ago to straighten that schnozz.