Wednesday, December 16, 2009

The Play Date Cafe Challenge #9



Cue music....'It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year'...
Can you hear it?
Maybe more importantly, can you SEE it?

I spent a little time out Christmas shopping with my mom today.  Each December, we choose one day to go out and use up those last minute coupons that entice each one of us in and then we follow it up with a nice lunch, usually at Granite City.  While at the mall, as a little bonus, I always make at least one stop at Barnes & Noble to get a glimpse of my very busy husband.  Busy seems like an understatement, and I must tell you that tomorrow is his final day off between now and Christmas.  So we are planning a bit of a 'veg' day and I am really looking forward to that.

I decided to play along with the girls on the design team for this week's Play Date Cafe ChallengeJulie Campbell is our design team host and has led the way with these gorgeous colors.
There were so many directions I thought about taking this, but decided to keep it on the simple side.

I placed a lovely clip art image behind a fabulous frame from Graphic45's 'Christmas Past' collection.  The photo doesn't quite bring out the brilliance of the royal blue and brilliant gold cardstock layers underneath, but they are definitely there.  Embellishments include a little ivory lace, gold cording, buttons and tulle flower from Making Memories.  The large flower center is one of the new brads from the Artsy Urban Collection by Melody Ross for GCD Studios.  Top it off with a little Stickles in gold and
Polar White Flower Soft.

I encourage you to make a little play time for yourself
and join us for the challenge.

Now that the holiday season is fully upon us, 
here is what I want to know....
What has been your favorite seasonal pleasure so far...is it something you baked?  Is it your child's school program or your grandchild's church play?  How about the Santa at the mall or better yet, the little ones who are standing in line...little girls in satin dresses and little boys in sweaters and bow ties?
For me, it's each opportunity I have to drop a little something in The Salvation Army Red Kettle.
I hope you will leave a comment and share 
what makes you smile this holiday season.




14 comments:

*Alison* said...

Julie.. this is BEAUTIFUL.. :) I LOVE it.. great job with the colors.. I love that beautiful clip art image also. :) my favorite thing this season so far has been hanging christmas ornaments from all the past years with my kids.. and telling where each one came from... :) Stretch standing on my shoulders to place a bird ornament on the tip top of the tree so it could look like it was flying.. :) HUGS

Sarah Anderson said...

Julie this is so GORGEOUS!! So much detail in there, just stunning!!

I love Christmas shopping and getting something I know someone will love!

farmhouse-story said...

i love when, people you don't know, take the time to wish you a merry christmas!

your card is perfect for this challenge, julie!

Maggi said...

I love these colors and your card is gorgeous! I like the little buttons and lace!

So far I've really been enjoying seeing the old Christmas specials on TV, lol.

Hearts Turned said...

Just gorgeous, Julie! We were definitely thinking the same on this one! Hope you have a wonderful "veg" day with your dear husband--you both deserve it!

Carole Beath said...

What a beautiful card..
Carole

peggy gatto said...

This is a lovely piece!

Beedeebabee said...

Hi Julie! I'm so happy you're out and about enjoying this last week before Christmas with your mom...Your card is very beautiful, I really love those colors, and the beautiful vintage illustration you've framed so perfectly!... I love everything about December, except for the rush, and God bless those bell ringers who stand outside in the freezing cold. I always drop a dollar in that red bucket on the way in, and then again on my way out! Hugs, xoxo

Rachael said...

I got my prize package for being chosen on Play Date Cafe and all I can say is... WOW!!! It was such an awesome package to get! Ribbon, embellishments, ink pad, etc.!!! SO MUCH FUN! Thank you so much!

Anonymous said...

JULIE! :) I got the tags!!! OMG THEY ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Beautiful! I feel bad because the ones i made were not as beatiful as the ones I got! OMG I ADORE THEM SOOOO OMUCH!!!!! YAYAYAYAY I am going to blog about them and add the links to all of them. The Two Happy Holidays ones are those yours? They are all so amazing!!!! Thank you so much!!!!

Sandi said...

Julie this is lovely, I am finally finished and I slept most of yesterday, lol and today planning on catching up with myself and the messes I have made, hope you have a wonderful weekend. Hugs

Mona Pendleton said...

WOW Julie! This card is gorgeous! So rich & elegant! The gold cording & lace really dress it up!

Sugar Lump Studios said...

what a gorgeous card and I just love the color combo it works so well together...just wanted to pop in and wish you a Merry Christmas and tell you that I look forward to seeing more of your beautiful creations and sharing friendship in 2010! :)

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