Joy Of Sets Tic TaC Toe Challenge #JOSTTT009

Hello and welcome to another Joy Of Sets Tic Tac Toe Challenge.  This month our grid has been chosen by Fiona.

I had a plan for my project this month, I really did but a recent surgery put me behind, even more than I usually am.  Then I find out yesterday that the hop has been brought forward by 5 days - panic!!  However a plan b presented itself!   On Sunday I found out that two friends; Andrew and Sammi had become engaged!  So I will be using the Love, Lace, and Die Cuts line of the grid this month.

Here are the colours I am using for my project.

Granny Apple Green

Sahara Sand

Seaside Spray

Shimmery White

I knew straight away which stamp set I wanted to use too which is unusual for me.  The sentiment I wanted to use is 'meant to be' and, would you believe it, there is a stamp set with the same name!

My project started with a panel of Shimmery White card 5mm smaller than a Sahara Sand card base.  I embossed the panel with the Subtle embossing folder and adhered to the base with dimensionals.

I then used the coordinating Stitched Be Mine dies to cut out a decorative heart frame and adhered with dabs of Tombow.  I confess I have a weakness for stitched edge dies!

I had a look through my box of left over bits and bobs and found some flowers I had stamped some time ago using a stamp set called Free As A Bird.  They were even stamped on the same Shimmery White card - how lucky was that?  So, I fussy cut them out and grabbed my Stampin' Blends and coloured them in.  I used both light and dark in Seaside Spray and Granny Apple Green.  

I curled and shaped the leaves and arranged with the flowers adhering with Tombow and mini dimensionals.

I also added pearls to the centre of the flowers.

It was at this point that I realised I was missing one of the elements of the challenge - the lace!

Unfortunately I couldn't find the lace I was looking for but I did find this.

How gorgeous is this Sahara Sand Woven Threads Trim?    I completely forgot I had it!

So, here is my completed card.

However, I had a problem.  I did not like it and was not happy with how it had turned out!

So I put it to one side and worked on the inside of the card.

I cut an insert from Shimmery White card 5mm smaller than the card.  I stamped the sentiment I mentioned earlier and added a scattering of tiny flower buds which have been coloured with the Stampin' Blends.

I had another look at my card and I still didn't like it so I decorated the envelope.

At this point I realised I really did not like my card so I thought I had better do something about it.

I pulled the panel off; still not sure if it was brave or foolish thing to do but it came off with the dimensionals intact!  I then removed the trim which frayed horribly, cut 5mm off the top and side of my panel being very careful to damage any of the flowers.

I cut a panel of Seaside Spray card 5mm smaller than the card base and adhered with dimensionals.  I then added some more trim to my rescued panel, added Tombow on top of the now unsticky dimensionals and adhered to the Seaside Spray panel.

Here is the completed card and envelope.  I'm pleased to say I think it looks much better now - what a difference an extra layer makes.

This card will be winging its way to Andrew and Sammi to wish them a lifetime of happiness together.  I wonder if they need some help with the Wedding invites ...?

Why not head over the the Joy of Sets Blog to see what the rest of the Design Team have made of this fun challenge HERE, there are some lovely projects this month.

If you haven't tried a Tic Tac Toe challenge before or a box card why not give it a go; if you are stuck in a rut or suffering from crafter's block you might just find it useful!  You can also enter our challenge and share your project - there is a chance you could be our next guest designer and hop along with us next month! 

Details of the products I used for this project can be found below.  

Thanks again to Fiona for keeping us DT Members organised and for choosing our grid this month!

Happy crafting!

Susan xx

Thank you so much for looking at my Blog today, if you don't have a Stampin' Up! Demonstrator and you live in the UK, I would love to be yours!  

If you need to order any supplies, simply use my “shop with me” button or click on the catalogue links on the right. Alternatively, contact me and I would be happy to place an order for you.

If you would like copies of any of the current catalogues let me know and I will pop them in the post for you.  If you prefer, you can view online versions by clicking the links to the right of this post.  The new 2019/20 Autumn / Winter catalogue is available now and you can order from the 4th September.  Message me to reserve your copy today!

Would you like to receive a FREE gift from me? 

All orders placed directly with me or online receive a handmade card from me as a thank you but did you know that all orders over £20 (excluding postage) will receive a gift from me too?  If you use the current Hostess Code I will pop something in with your order or post directly to you.  (Please remember to allow me to access your contact details otherwise I won't be able to contact you).

If your order is over £150 please don't use the code as you will receive your own Stampin' Rewards.  You will still receive a card and a gift from me.

If you are local to me and can collect, I’m happy for you to piggyback one of my orders to save on postage.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to help.  You can email me susan_merrey@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07905 403 823.

Thank you for shopping with me and supporting my business!