KISSable Kat for the PPA

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...

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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)