Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC49



It's time for another challenge here in The Cafe.
But before we get to it, there's some
Big News!

The Play Date Cafe will be on the prowl
for additions to The World's Best Design Team!
Could it be you?
In the next couple weeks, we will be issuing an
official DT call, so if you are interested,
keep an eye out here!

This week, your color host is our very own
senior designer, Sarah Anderson

"When I saw this photograph I just fell in love
with the colour combo.  It really keeps my attention. 
I love turquoise and hot pink together,
but would never think to combine it with
the warm, rust brown yet this image really works"


Another new sponsor is
here in The Cafe!

The Technique Junkie Newsletter was started in 2002 as a 
resource for Rubber Stamping Techniques. 
The Newsletter is published every-other month, featuring 15 or more 
stamping techniques in step-by-step format. 
Each technique has a corresponding pictorial online, and a full page 
of inspirational artwork by the 
talented Technique Junkie Newsletter Designers.
To date, over 600 Techniques have been published, 
by far the largest and most extensive library of 
rubber stamping tutorials available.

This week's prize....

A three-year online-only subscription. 
The winner will have online access to 
the 2009-2011 issues, 
a total of nearly 300 Technique Tutorials.
Value...$29.95

We are happy to welcome Pat Huntoon,
owner of Technique Junkies,
as this week's guest designer

 "My name is Pat Huntoon, and I am a junkie....
... a junkie for stamping and scrapbooking! 
How did this happen to me? I was THE "anti-craft" !!!
I was a driven career-woman who never did anything crafty.
Then I had my kids and all that changed. 
I found that I wanted and needed a creative outlet.
Then I found scrapbooking. 
Not long after, I was introduced to stamping, and now I am enveloped 
in this long and beautiful love affair with these two wonderful crafts.
Eventually I started a little web-site, Patstamps to display my  cards...
...Then I became addicted to techniques. 
I started to crawl the web looking for new and fun ways 
to use all of these tools that I was acquiring...
and the first Technique Junkie Newsletter was born.
        So, I am Pat Huntoon.   I am a junkie.    
A wife, a mother (two sons!) website owner, publisher and CRAFTER."


Our design team were give a wonderful tutorial
to work with called 'Clipped Corners'. 
Each designer put their own 'unique spin' on this
fabulous tutorial.  We love when we can be
creative with the 'same' technique.


Here's what the rest of our designers have done to inspire you....

'Private Blend' Designer 
Andrea Ewen ~ EwenStyle

Ruby McGuire ~ Ruby 2 Shoes Design


Lisa Somerville ~ Splendiferous Creations

 Suzanne Czosek ~ Suzz's Stamping Spot

Savannah O'Gwynn ~ Savannahland2

Senior Designer
Julie Ranae ~ Julie's Open Window



Please follow the rules carefully to enter.
Deadline for prizes is 11:59pm EST on Tuesday
The 'Cup of the Week' will be announced during the next challenge.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY! 
We want you to enjoy this challenge. 
Interpret the colors the way you see them. 
We do not use specific card stock color names or brands.
Break out of the box and have fun! 
The main requirement is:
PDCC COLORS BE THE 
FOCUS OF YOUR SUBMISSION
When using additional colors, please limit them to neutrals. 
You are welcome to combine challenges, 
but we do ask that:
 1. The PDCC name and/or photo is used
2. OUR colors are the focus of the card.
 
See complete rules on sidebar at left



The Fab 4
The Cream in our Coffee
and
THE CUP of the WEEK


Another great challenge has come to a close.
A very warm thank you to all who entered.
This challenge is only successful because of YOU
so please, PLEASE play with us again!

This Week's Fab 4...
(in alphabetical order)

Anne Marie ~ Stampin Anne
fab 4 at the play date cafe
The Fab can proudly display the
'I Made the Fab 4'
badge on their blogs!

The Cream in our Coffee...
( honorable mentions in random order )

This group can proudly display the
'Cream in Our Coffee'
badge on their blogs!

and

The Cup of the Week...

Jinny  ~ Soaring
 
Jinny wins the $60 prize package from

and can proudly display the 'Cup of the Week' Badge.
 
Jinny will also be eligible to be a
guest designer here in The Cafe.

Jinny, please contact Julie Ranae at julieranae@hotmail.com
with your mailing address to receive your prize.



Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC48



It is time for another challenge here in The Cafe.

Our design team was simply blown away by all of
the fabulous creations that were hanging in the
gallery during our last challenge.  Amazing!!!

Senior Designer Julie Ranae is this week's host...

"Would I put my kitchen together using these colors?
Probably not, but I totally admire the people who do.
That's why I chose this photo for the week.
I hope it inspires you to get out of your
'comfort zone'
and go for something a little different.
Be bold...you decide!
For instance, am I going to use
deep purple or dark blue?
Silver or gray?
I am convinced more than ever that there are
no bad color combinations...you just have to
'think outside the proverbial box'!"


How about another new sponsor for this week's challenge?
They provided the 'world's best design team'
a choice of any of their stamps to play with.  We love 'em!
 
Crafty Individuals comes to us all the way from the UK
and is an exciting venture into the creative world of arts and crafts for business partners Jean Hardy and Malcolm Noble, 
who both come from an arts-based background.
Their online store features a range of own designed' Rubber Stamps
along with unique Image Acetates. They are available for purchase 
in their online store and in many retail outlets.

Crafty Individuals wants to really encourage you to play...
check out this prize package!

'Seaside'
and.....

'People & Places'
This prize package is worth over $60!!!
You have to play to have a chance to win!


Here's what the rest of our designers have done to inspire you.....
Savannah O'Gwynn ~ Savannahland2

'Private Blend' Designer 
Andrea Ewen ~ EwenStyle

Lisa Somerville ~ Splendiferous Creations

Suzanne Czosek ~ Suzz's Stamping Spot
  
Senior Designer 
Sarah Anderson ~ The Art of Moodling



Please follow the rules carefully to enter.
Deadline for prizes is 11:59pm EST on Tuesday
The 'Cup of the Week' will be announced during the next challenge.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY! 
We want you to enjoy this challenge. 
Interpret the colors the way you see them. 
We do not use specific card stock color names or brands.
Break out of the box and have fun! 
The main requirement is:
PDCC COLORS BE THE 
FOCUS OF YOUR SUBMISSION
When using additional colors, please limit them to neutrals. 
You are welcome to combine challenges, 
but we do ask that:
 1. The PDCC name and/or photo is used
2. OUR colors are the focus of the card.
 
See complete rules on sidebar at left



The Fab 4
The Cream in our Coffee
and
THE CUP of the WEEK


Another great challenge has come to a close.
A very warm thank you to all who entered.
This challenge is only successful because of YOU
so please, PLEASE play with us again!

This Week's Fab 4...
(in alphabetical order)

Jean Franks Beck ~ Bluebird Paperie
Julia ~ Scraphappy
Maria Gurnsey  ~ Gingham and Polka Dots

The Fab can proudly display the
'I Made the Fab 4'
badge on their blogs!

The Cream in our Coffee...
( honorable mentions in random order )

This group can proudly display the
'Cream in Our Coffee'
badge on their blogs!

and

The Cup of the Week...


Debby  ~ Limedoodle
 
Debby wins the $25 Gift Certificate from


and can proudly display the 'Cup of the Week' Badge.
 
Debby will also be eligible to be a
guest designer here in The Cafe.

Debby, please contact Julie Ranae at julieranae@hotmail.com
with your mailing address to receive your prize.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC47


It's that time again!  
The week just seems to fly by with each challenge, doesn't it?!
We thank you so much for spreading the word and sharing the
fun we have here in The Play Date Cafe.

We are so excited about a new schedule of wonderful sponsors
who will take us all the way through the holiday season.
If this is your first time in The Cafe, you picked a great time!
The prizes that are up for grabs are going to blow you away!

This week's terrific 'color story' was chosen by our host
senior designer, Sarah Anderson and here is a taste of
inspiration all the way from the UK....


We are super excited about introducing you to
our newest sponsor.  It was a real treat to play with
their stamps this week in hopes of inspiring you to play.


Paperbag Studios offers a unique mix of rubber stamps
that appeals not only to the rubber stamper but visual
and altered artists alike.
The company was formed seven years ago when 
mixed-media artist Roben-Marie Smith began designing
rubber stamps to reflect her distinct, altered-arts voice.
In addition to designing product, Roben-Marie shares her love
of mixed-media art, handmade journals and scrapbooking
through her personal blog 'Every Life Has a Story'.
Make sure you visit the Paperbag Studios blog to
see their fabulous stamps in action.

Want to know what's up for grabs for this week's 'Cup of the Week'?

A $25 Gift Certificate to Paperbag Studios!

Let's 'meet' Roben-Marie our Guest Designer for this week....
"I am a little kooky in my ways and clearly OCD in others. I eat oatmeal for breakfast every morning, am addicted to Burt's Bees Lip Balm, I don't like wearing shoes, am a loyal friend, would rather give than receive, am afraid of heights, am an introvert who works hard to be an extrovert and my favorite color is green.
I have been married for over 21 years, I dig football, can converse on many subjects, am a God's girl and a computer geek. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice, I am a college graduate, I like to read historical fiction, I used to work in public relations, I lift weights, embrace a variety of music genres, once rode a camel and I make amazing made-from-scratch brownies, or so I am told!
I am into a bunch of craft and art forms, including mixed media, art journaling, sewing, digi designing and more. I like to laugh but sometimes take things too seriously and one day would like to say that "making things for others" is my job!"



Here's what the rest of our designers have done to inspire you.....

 Suzanne Czosek ~ Suzz's Stamping Spot

Savannah O'Gwynn ~ Savannahland2

'Private Blend' Designer 
Andrea Ewen ~ EwenStyle

Ruby McGuire ~ Ruby 2 Shoes Design

Lisa Somerville ~ Splendiferous Creations

Senior Designer
Julie Ranae ~ Julie's Open Window


Please follow the rules carefully to enter.
Deadline for prizes is 11:59pm EST on Tuesday
The 'Cup of the Week' will be announced during the next challenge.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY! 
We want you to enjoy this challenge. 
Interpret the colors the way you see them. 
We do not use specific card stock color names or brands.
Break out of the box and have fun! 
The main requirement is:
PDCC COLORS BE THE 
FOCUS OF YOUR SUBMISSION
When using additional colors, please limit them to neutrals. 
You are welcome to combine challenges, 
but we do ask that:
 1. The PDCC name and/or photo is used
2. OUR colors are the focus of the card.
 
See complete rules on sidebar at left




The Fab 4
The Cream in our Coffee
and
THE CUP of the WEEK


Another great challenge has come to a close.
A very warm thank you to all who entered.
This challenge is only successful because of YOU
so please, PLEASE play with us again!

This Week's Fab 4...
(in alphabetical order)


The Fab can proudly display the
'I Made the Fab 4'
badge on their blogs!

The Cream in our Coffee...
( honorable mentions in random order )

This group can proudly display the
'Cream in Our Coffee'
badge on their blogs!

and

The Cup of the Week...


Tammy  ~ Creating Somewhere Under The Sun
 
Tammy wins the $40 Die Cut Package from

 
and can proudly display the 'Cup of the Week' Badge.
 
Tammy will also be eligible to be a
guest designer here in The Cafe.

Tammy, please contact Julie Ranae at julieranae@hotmail.com
with your mailing address to receive your prize.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

The Play Date Cafe Challenge PDCC46



It's 'Color Splash' time once again.
This week's 'color splash' is a bit
different than the others we've done
in that you will have a
choice of 3 different colors
to go with the base of

Black & White with.....

Pink, Copper or Gold.

Senior Designer Julie Ranae is your color host
once again....
"As soon as I saw this photo, I knew it had to be our next 
'color splash challenge'.
Each time we do this type of challenge, there is a bit
of confusion on how it actually works.  This week we are
throwing in a choice of colors, so let me clear up any confusion.
'Color Splash' actually means 
'black & white 
with a touch of color'.  
What we ask of our color splash challenges
is that you literally stick to 'black & white with the
required splash of color' and this week, it's
pink, copper or gold"

Senior Designer
Julie Ranae ~ Julie's Open Window


We are very happy to have a wonderful new sponsor!


Creative Cuts & More is a leader in the die cutting industry. We offer a huge variety of bags, boxes, cards, labels, frames and shapes, including many that are exclusive to CC&M. We offer our die cuts in many different materials including Bazzill Smoothies, Bazzill Canvas and Metallic cardstocks plus felt, velvet paper, chipboard and acetate.
Check out our blog and the gallery at
Creative Cuts & More 
for more ideas to inspire your creativity.
Now, here's what you could win....worth $40!!!

 
Creative Cuts & More provided the Play Date Cafe Design Team 
with a set of these terrific die cuts in a 'wedding' theme.
You've seen Julie Ranae's 'color splash' inspiration above
and now.....

Here's what the rest of our designers have done to inspire you.....

Lisa Somerville ~ Splendiferous Creations

Suzanne Czosek ~ Suzz's Stamping Spot

 Senior Designer 
Sarah Anderson ~ The Art of Moodling

 'Private Blend' Designer
Andrea Ewen ~ EwenStyle

Savannah O'Gwynn ~ Savannahland2

Ruby McGuire ~ Ruby 2 Shoes Design


Please follow the rules carefully to enter.
Deadline for prizes is 11:59pm EST on Tuesday
The 'Cup of the Week' will be announced during the next challenge.
ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY! 
We want you to enjoy this challenge. 
Interpret the colors the way you see them. 
We do not use specific card stock color names or brands.
Break out of the box and have fun! 
The main requirement is:
PDCC COLORS BE THE 
FOCUS OF YOUR SUBMISSION
When using additional colors, please limit them to neutrals. 
You are welcome to combine challenges, 
but we do ask that:
 1. The PDCC name and/or photo is used
2. OUR colors are the focus of the card.
 
See complete rules on sidebar at left



The Fab 4
The Cream in our Coffee
and
THE CUP of the WEEK


Another great challenge has come to a close.
A very warm thank you to all who entered.
This challenge is only successful because of YOU
so please, PLEASE play with us again!

This Week's Fab 4...
(in alphabetical order)

Michelle B~ Flickr Gallery
Regina Mangum ~ The Stampin' Bean
Wendy Jordan ~ Paper Therapy

The Fab can proudly display the
'I Made the Fab 4'
badge on their blogs!


The Cream in our Coffee...
( honorable mentions in random order )

This group can proudly display the
'Cream in Our Coffee'
badge on their blogs!

and

The Cup of the Week...

Julie Day  ~ J. Day Designs
 
Julie wins the prize package from


and can proudly display the 'Cup of the Week' Badge.
 
Julie will also be eligible to be a
guest designer here in The Cafe.

Julie, please contact Julie Ranae at julieranae@hotmail.com
with your mailing address to receive your prize.