We Create Blog Hop and PCC301- Tic-Tac-Toe Summertime

 Hi friends! 

     Happy Wednesday and happy first day of August! I can't believe my kiddos will be starting school in just a few weeks. My oldest is going to be a FRESHMAN! YIKES!!! I am not ready for this! Good thing I have stamping to take my mind off of things. Being as I needed to create for both the We Create Blog Hop, and Paper Craft Crew, I decided to combine the two – totally makes things easier some times and right now, I NEED easier!

  Our We Create Blog Hop theme this month is "Summer", and I needed some extra inspiration, so I turned to this week's PCC tic-tac-toe board! I chose: My Favorite Color (Coastal Cabana/Pineapple Punch), Designer's Choice (watercolor) and Natural Accent (wood).

   It seriously took me a while to find my mojo, but I think I'm finally happy with the way this card turned out.

   Just a couple of hints/tips to point out:

 1. I used my favorite new yellow – Pineapple Punch to add the watercolor wash to a piece of watercolor paper, then stamped the sun image for Tabs for Everything in Crushed Curry so they really stood out. I then used just a small touch of water from the Aqua Painter to soften the little suns just a bit.

2. I really wanted to make the "Sunshine" die-cut stand out. I spent quite a bit of time on it, but the end result is STUNNING, and definitely worth a try. I cut it from Flirty Flamingo card stock, then sponged a little of the same color ink at the bottom to create an ombre look to give it depth. Then I very carefully added just a tiny bit of Shimmery White Embossing Paste to give it some sparkle. Finally, when that was dry, I wanted it nice and super shiny, so I went over the whole thing with a Fine-Tip Glue pen and let it dry. That gives it almost an enamel look!

3. I love the look of the "Z fold" ribbon behind an accent, but I don't love wasting ribbon. Here is a little trick I used to save a little of my precious ribbon – lol! I just cut smaller pieces to make it look like it's behind my piece and stick them on with glue dots.

  Alright – so here is my idea. Why don't you continue the hop over at Kimberley's blog, go all the way around and check out the fun summer ideas, then when you get back here, head on over to the Paper Craft Crew Blog and find some more inspiration with the Tic-Tac-Toe Challenge!

Just to make things a little easier for you, here is a list of supplies that I used for this card. I am so grateful when you choose me as your Demonstrator.

Product List

I am also so happy to announce that I have an extra special perk for you now when you purchase from me! Place an order of $50 or more (merchandise) and receive a full color, 14 project tutorial from seven amazingly talented Stampin' Up! Demonstrators, including yours truly. Once you place your order and use Hostess Code 4C6EUPD2, you'll be sent a PDF so you can start creating these great cards and coordinating 3D projects!

Want to make your August order even SWEETER? Check this out!!! So that means you'll not only receive $50 of your Stampin' Up! favorites, you'll also receive the tutorial bundle AND a $5 off coupon to redeem in September!!! 

Thank you so much for visiting today! As always, I hope that you have a great day, and a great week, and take some time to create, because it's always Stamp Time Somewhere!

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