Happy Thursday! It’s time to play at PPA! This week’s challenge is to make a “KISS” card. KISS is an acronym for Keep It Simple Sweetie. These types of cards feature white space, minimal layers, and fewer embellishments. I typically am not a clean and simple person, so this really was a challenge for me. It features the “C is for Cat” stamp set, which I earned through Sale-a-bration, and the delicious Basic Black 1-1/4″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon. In case you are wondering about the significance of the Heart Epoxy Brad, this upcoming Saturday just happens to be National Love Your Pet Day. Now while there are those KISS purists who might argue that this is not KISSable because it has layers and embellishments, it is KISSable to me. My argument is that it does have a lot of white space, or in this case, Very Vanilla space! If it is KISSable to you, it is KISSable to the Pals Paper Arts Design Team! So please, do not hesitate to play along with us!
The Stampin’ Schach Tips:
- When designing a KISS card, texture creates an obvious “Wow” factor. I just love the Stampin’ Up! exclusive Textured Impressions Folder, Perfect Polka Dots. It’s subdued dots do not overpower your design, but instead deliver an understated elegance.
- Good things come in small packages! The Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits Die packs a visual punch that is hard to overlook.
- Never underestimate the power of three! With this card, three colors (Real Red, Basic Black, Very Vanilla) are the perfect number. I have had several people email and ask how I know which color to use as an accent color. There are formulas that you can follow, but my best advice is to use what you think looks best. I happen to be an advocate of a coordinated look. Often my accent color will be the same as my card base, or in some situations I will look at a specific embellishment for guidance. (I knew that I wanted to use the Heart Epoxy Brad since this card was designed for National Love Your Pet Day. Therefore, I let the Real Red of the heart be my inspiration color for this card.)
- Can you bling a KISS card? Of course! The red rhinestone, retrieved from a Red Circle Fire Brad, provides just the right accent for my KISSable Kat’s collar.
I hope that today’s tips and card have provided you with the inspiration to participate in this week’s PPA challenge. There is no one correct way to create a KISS card, so go for it! I love checking out your creations! And remember, leave your comment by 10:00 PM CST tonight to be eligible for my delicious Blog Candy. CLICK HERE to view the wonderful items I am giving away. I am so excited to be selecting the random winner and announcing the name on The Stampin’ Schach Saturday! Until next time…
Click Here to Order Stampin’ Up! 24/7!
Stamp Set: C is for Cat (120210—Sale-a-bration or 115764—IBC); Ink: Basic Black (101179); Card Stock: Very Vanilla (100730), Real Red (102482), Basic Black (102851); Tools: Big Shot (113439), Stampin’ Up! Perfect Polka Dots Textured Impressions Folder (117335—Ocassions Mini), Swirls Scribbles Sizzlits Die (113441), Scalloped Trim Corner Punch (118870—Occasions Mini), Scalloped Trim Border Punch (118402—Sale-a-bration); Glitz and Glam: Basic Black 1-1/4″ Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (115615), Circle Fire Brads (109110), Real Red Epoxy Brads (117270—Occasions Mini)
And here I thought every day was National Love your pet day (well okay maybe not everyday! After all some days its just a wee bit harder – shared mice, fur & food spit ups, missed litter boxes, etc :D).
You just had to know I was going to love this one Ann! Gorgeous, elegant and very KISSable in every sense (probably something your hubby says to you a lot).
I’m so glad this set is an SAB freebie – allows me to eat my cake and have it too!
Hugs – Jean
Leslie said …
Since I am definitely a cat fanatic, this card really hits home for me. While I too believe it to be a “KISS” card, it certainly doesn’t look like it. The black/vanilla combo really adds dimension and elegance to this beautiful card! As a cat owner and lover, I know that this card is guaranteed to bring a smile to any cat lover!
This card is gorgeous! I love the cat. I am going to have to invest in that stamp set. Wow!
Very striking! beautifully done!
blessings, Maria
Oh, do I love black, white, and red together! Your design and all of your embellishments are wonderful on this card. Love it lots!
Gorgeous Ann….you nailed the “kiss” challenge! {SMILES}
I posted after you on Stampin’ Connection…so here I am to comment! I just found PPA last week, and participated in my first contest too! I have created a card that I will be posting on PPA tomorrow for the KISS challenge too.
Your KISS card is gorgeous! Love it!
Leslie
Awwwwww, this is soooo cute! Love the color combo and the adorable little ki’kat!
I don’t do cats, but this is sooooo cute might do it for my sis and friends who do. I love it when you say “simple”, but not so much for the rest of us. I really like black, white and red, use it often myself.
This is so beautiful. I love all the elements!
Hallo Ann,
“Zauberhaft”, I don´t know the english word. I love clean and simple cards.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful work.
Have a nice day
Conny
Posted on the “set up” day…my bad! I love this card, you do good at this simple clean line stuff….all your work is da bomb! Good job!
Love the cat and wide ribbon!
My kitty approves of your card! Love the color combo – it is one of my favorites.
Ann, love the card (again!).The colors look so rich together. wI received this same set in a shipment yesterday and made a card with it this morning. I ordered the set because I have two cats!
This is an exceptional card. Striking! Great creativity. Loved it.
Very KISSable, indeed!!! Love those polka dot texture embossing folder. Much blank space with polka dot. That stills count right???? Ant the bling, there’s always room for the bling 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Great card. I love those colors together. TFS
You have great creativity. I just discovered your blog yesterday and have enjoyed looking back through your creations!
Oh my gosh, you are the QUEEN of creativity! I would NEVER have thought to use this stamp, this diecut, and all the other adorable elements together like you did. FUN!! I love it!
So elegant (purrrrfect, says the cat)! The Scallop trim punches really dress this up as well as the polka dot embossing folder. I just received my C is for Cat stamp set and LOVE it. I’ll have to borrow your bling idea on the collar!
Your card is lovely Ann. I love the color combo and that you wee able to keep your card simple and sweet and yet look classy.
I agree with you about the embossing folder. I will be back to play this week.
Mary
MEOW! Love that little cat and the jewel on the colar! Very cute card!
I just knew it would be fabulous and worth the sneak peek teaser. The cat is adorable!
Right… decision made… I am moving to America. I need that punch, I need that cat and I most definately need those dots!
Absolutely beautiful card.
Love Jo xxx
I knew by the “tease” you gave us yesterday I would love this card. I’m amazed that it is very vanilla, though. I looks so whisper white!
What an adorable cat card!
Well, I was wrong! Not red, black and white! haha. This is SOOOO cute. I love your cat and SUPER love what you did with the flourish. Oh, trust you Ann! The ribbon is perfectomundo! Those dots are just perf for the background. I’d say this card is just the most clean and simple and beautiful card adorable cat card, given I am a deeply committed Dog person…I love it!!!! xox
I’m no cat-lover, but this kitty is sweet! Love how it matches your sales award! Cute!
Beautiful card, Ann. Love the layers and – of course – the cat!
Mike
Love the card! So much to look at without “getting lost”. Great job!
Hmmm . . . how could I have overlooked that fun die. Puuurrr-fection (and preceding national pet day–smart, girl). hugs, m
Love the cat card..such beautiful colors together.. love the wide ribbon.
Darlene-Joy
Ann,
I love everything about your card! Red,black and white is such a classy,elegant combination. The punched layer is a lovely accent. And ,of course, I love the bling on the kitty’s collar:-) The polka dot background is so pretty and it reminds me of the polka dot swiss I used to wear when I was a little girl. Thanks so much for sharing!
Inky hugs,
Janet
Hi Ann! This is so cute. I just love all the simple texture. Wonderful. XO
Sends a message. I will have to CASE this card. Thank you for sharing.
So sweet Ann, I hope I have time to play along this week too! I’ve been so busy creating a premade album for my Sis’s upcoming 40th…have hardly had time for cards : )
Love yours, and oh yeah, those KISS cards are challenging to me too! 🙂
Red, white and black always such a crisp and striking color combo. Great card!!
You have really mastered that corner and border punch. I am still arguing with it!
How did you like the outcome of the dogshow? I was pulling for the Frenchie.
My favorite color combo! The ribbon is fabulous with it -love it all!
Adorable! I love the red swirls with the black cat! Such a classy little card! ~Bonnie~
Simply sweet, Ann! Love the colors and the ribbon.
Awesome, so adorable and beautiful at the same time. Love the colors. Love the layers!!! Hugs,
Oh Ann! My best friend would love this card! She has 9 cats! And I love those colors! Awesome! Thanks for sharing!
You rocked this challenge! LOVE this card ;-)!
Very cute Ann! I’m a big fan of that color combo. Nice job with the challenge.
Have a great day!
Adorable. I love the color choice and the ribbon is “delicious”!
Amazing work. Thanks for all your
inspiration