Friends, I am so very thrilled to be a part of Tic-Tac-Toe challenge design team! I am so grateful to Ka for reaching out to me and giving me this opportunity!! This is my first post for this design team and I can’t wait to share today’s project with you. This month’s first challenge is #13:
Rules for this challenge are as follows:
Create a new project. You can create any project and use any images/supplies as long as it fits within the three elements (in a row) of your choosing from our Tic-Tac-Toe challenge board that is set for that current challenge.
You may enter up to a maximum of 3 times as long as the creations are new.
You must include the challenge graphic in your post and link with a direct link to your project post, not a general link to your blog, IG, FB or Gallery. If you are posting in a gallery, make sure you mention our challenge with a link back to the challenge. For Split Coast Stampers, please use keyword SSDTTT 1 or 2 or 3, etc… (Example: SSDTTT3 for Challenge 3). Please use #ssdtictactoechallenge when posting on Instagram, Facebook, Flickr, Tumblr or Pinterest.
Your project must be post on or after the challenge date. No backlinks.
Post your project using the Inlinkz Tool, which can be found below the current challenge.
I picked the middle vertical row: Shimmer + Border Stamp + Balloon to make this fun, colorful and shimmery card:
I started with Strathmore watercolor paper and die cut it using the largest rectangle from SSS Stitched rectangle dies. Next I used my powder tool to prep the surface and stamped three large balloon outlines from SSS Birthday Bits stamp set using VersaMark clear sticky ink. This stamp set was a part of September 2015 card kit by SSS. You can see the rest of my projects using the kit here.
I used Martha Stewart Antique gold embossing powder to heat emboss these images. I also added the strings for these balloons and heat embossed them the same way. I stamped my sentiment the same way on a strip of vellum and cut a banner tail on one end of it.
Once these images were all set, I used three colors of Distress inks – Fossilized Amber, Abandoned Coral and Cracked Pistachio – to watercolor these three balloons.
For making the banner on top I actually used a border stamp that came with another SSS Stamp sets – Flip flop season. This stamp is thin and very pliable. Instead of just stamping it straight, I mounted it on an acrylic block in a curve and used that to stamp the banners at the top. I used matching distress inks for shades of red and mint, but swapped the yellow with the subtle gold brilliance of a Tsukineko Brilliance Dew Drop in Galaxy Gold color.
As finishing touches, I added a few tiny stars from Martha Stewart Iridescent Hearts and Stars. This one bottle had also come as a part of the SSS August 2015 card kit. I have used it in the past for shaker cards, but here I picked each single one and adhered it in place using Sakura glue pen that came with the SSS May 2016 card kit. This is fast becoming my most used crafting tool.
I also used the same pen to add a few iridescent sequins. These sequins helped me tuck a glue dot underneath one of them and conceal the adhesive below my vellum banner. I also added some more shimmer at the base of each balloon using the icicles stickles. A card can never have too much shimmer, right? :-)
Finally I mounted this panel on an A2 side folding black card base. This card base came from a set of black and white cards and envelopes I picked from Joann’s. Since the card base was black, I added another white panel on the inside. At the top of this panel I stamped the same banner images to carry the design. I did the same on the envelope to tie everything together. I often like to carry the front design to inside and the envelope. I feel this gives it a more finished look. Don’t you think?
So there you have it! My first card as a design team member of the tic-tac-toe challenge. I’m hoping you will participate and join in the fun too!
Supplies list
Much love!!
~Varada
