Footprints in the Sand

Hi Everyone!

Well, I have visions of a lovely beach scene in my mind today.  The temperature isn't all that bad here but the wind is creating its own little blizzard in my front yard.  Ick, that's all I have to say about that. LOL

Anyone that knows me knows I love love love my dog.  He was a birthday gift from my husband the year before our first son was born.  I already had his name picked out before we even picked him up from the breeder - before we even knew whether we would be able to get a male or female.  Yup, its lucky we got the last male or I'd have a female Boston Terrier named Stanford.  The breeder promised a calm, lovable lap dog.  Well, 2 out of 3 isn't bad, is it??  He's grown into a 25 lb "lap dog" who is definitely lovable but by no means calm!  And of course as is probably with most Boston Terriers, he has a face only a momma could love :)  He's a constant companion who loves unconditionally and is super great with my kids - I wouldn't trade him for the world!

When I sat down to make this card and finished with the footprints, I couldn't help but think they looked a little lonely.  Now they look just a little happier with a set of puppy prints.  Inspiration really does hit you at the oddest moments-I sure didn't think I'd be blogging about my dog today!

Supplies:

Stamp sets: Word Play
Cardstock: Whisper White, Pool Party, Crumb Cake
Ink: Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Pool Party, Baja Breeze, Midnight Muse
Accessories: White gel pen, sponges, Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, Early Espresso markers, Piercing tool and piercing pack, Pool Party seam binding ribbon, Stampin dimensionals

I began by masking off the water portion of the card.  I sponged Crumb Cake then Soft Suede to create the sand.  With the fine tip of Crumb Cake, Soft Suede, and Early Espresso markers I dotted the sand to add dimension.  I then removed the mask and sponged Pool Party as the first layer of the water.  I left a small portion along the shoreline white to give the impression of a surf on the sand.  Layer on Baja Breeze and Midnight Muse to add depth to the water.  Waves were added with a white gel pen.
The footprints were sketched onto the sand first with a pencil, then colored in with a Crumb Cake marker; shadows were added with a Soft Suede marker.

Hope you enjoyed this one!  All this talk of my puppy makes me want to go snuggle up with him, see you next time!