Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 17 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 16, click here!
In case you missed Day 15, click here!
In case you missed Day 14, click here!
In case you missed Day 13, click here!
In case you missed Day 12, click here!
In case you missed Day 11, click here!
In case you missed Day 10, click here!
In case you missed Day 9, click here!
In case you missed Day 8, click here!
In case you missed Day 7, click here!
In case you missed Day 6, click here!
In case you missed Day 5, click here!
In case you missed Day 4, click here!
In case you missed Day 3, click here!
In case you missed Day 2, click here!
In case you missed Day 1, click here!
I’ve always loved the concept of Advent Calendars. There’s something special and magical about those little treats hidden behind those little doors – and the idea of a secret little something to be unwrapped every day really is a wonderful way to build the excitement towards Christmas, not to mention a fun tradition as well!
As the years roll by some of these types of tradition can be lost when we grow up, and it seems a real shame to lose some of that magic and wonder. And really there’s no reason at all why something such as an Advent Calendar can’t be revamped and repackaged for grown-ups, crafty grown-ups… grown-ups like you and me!
So one day in November a couple of years ago I dreamed up a fun idea for a event. I didn’t know if it would work, or if anyone would be interested. I approached some crafty friends, and others recruited themselves – everyone loved the idea! Behind the scenes I worked hard to put together something rather different and very special. After much organising, coordinating and planning, I’m really thrilled to finally bring to you a very special, very fun, very festive series! It was *hugely* popular, and so, by popular demand, I just had to bring it back again this year!
Eek! How fun does that sound?! 25 full days of surprises, inspiration and prizes!!
In case you’re wondering just how it’s going to work, here’s a quick video that explains how to find those special links!
I’m so excited to be bringing you this event! I really hope you’re going to enjoy it as much as I am!!
Let’s get on with Day 17, shall we?!
I’ve got some of my very favourite designers lined up today to continue the fun! Just click on the door to reveal today’s surprise destinations and prize! Tip: you will need to do this from the blog itself, not from a feed reader or e-mail!
The door is a bit different this year (curse of moving over to WordPress!). So, now you’ve opened it, please use the image below to find your secret links! As you see, there aren’t any text links, but tap or click on all the decorations/presents in the image below and you will find your secret destinations! *wink*
Exciting right?! Isn’t it fun to not know what’s in store at the other end of those links?! Make sure you click each one to reveal the surprise and leave comments at the destinations to win!
And speaking of winning…
Today’s sponsor is Hero Arts! This industry giant I’m sure need no introduction! One of the most genuine, ethical companies I have ever had the pleasure of working with, Hero are just one of my absolute favourite. Their products are known for their quality, variety and timeless nature. I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
Hero Arts are generously sponsoring a $25 gift certificate to their store! With an amazing array of products you’re really going to be spoilt for choice spending it!
Now that you know what you can win, I’m sure you’re eager to head off to all those secret destinations to check them out! But before you go, some inspiration from me:
I just love subway art, and the chalkboard technique, so I had to combine them for this festive beauty!
I first created the background by rubbing the Hero Arts Chalkboard Black ink over some grey cardstock. I did this unevenly and it really gives an almost instant blackboard effect this way! Far better than just using black cardstock!
I stamped the Christmas Poster Background using the Unicorn White pigment ink then heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I used a white pencil to add some details and a tissue to dab on some white ink to look like chalk dust! The little Santa image is from one of the My Monthly Hero kits and was heat embossed with sparkly red embossing powder before being fussy cut and adhered in place! I stamped a few tiny snowflakes from the same stamp to finish!
Don’t forget the Advent Calendar Extravaganza runs from 1st-25th December inclusive so make sure you visit taheerah-atchia.com every day for fabulous inspiration and amazing prizes every single time! Merry Christmas!
I hope you love this event just as much as I do! I would love to know what you think of Advent Calendar Extravaganza! Do you love the format? The secret destinations? The endless inspiration? I bet you certainly love the chance to win prizes! Please make sure you leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by – I’ll see you back here tomorrow!
Supplies
Wow, what a great card; a real eye-catcher !This for sure is one of my favourites of your cards so far. Great that you created the chalkboard background yourself. The little Santa is a great detail that gives your card something extra.
Thanks again for all your work you put in your cards and the Calendar !
Great card!!!!
Wow! That’s one super cool creative take!! Love your work 🙂 I’m super glad to be playing along and left some love on all the participating blogs for Day 17 🙂 Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
Love the faux chalkboard card front…makes a great intro to a surprise pop up and fling waiting inside.
Love the chalkboard look! Great card
Isn’t this cute? Plus, it’s very cleverly created! Great idea!
Such a cute card! I love it!
So much fun. Thank you!
what a great way to get a chalkboard effect!
Fabulous card! Love that background stamp!
Wow—you got great coverage with white ink—so hard to do. I’ll break out my stash of chalkboard paper and give this a try.
Subway art Christmas sentiments+ chalkboard technique + a pop of red Santa and sleigh = festive fabulous! Totally love this card, Taheerah, that is both trendy, yet timeless! Another morning of smiles…
Hugs~c
Don’t know how I feel about chalkboard effect, but result is eye-catching.
Thanks for sharing this technique–love your card!
Love this card! The background stamp is amazing.
Oh, this is FABULOUS! Love it!
Love this background with the pop of red.
Wow, love this chalkboard technique and the pop of red is gorgeous!
So dramatically beautiful. You had me at “chalkboard” but all the little touches you added make this card perfection.
Chalkboard effects are still the bomb!!
Love this card. The pop of red with the subway style black and white is cool
I have this stamp and I love it! Thanks for the video explaining how the hop works.
This might be my fav of yours…I too love subway art and the chalkboard technique. GORGEOUS card.
I love the look of that kind of subway art too – beautiful work!
So cool and beautiful, Thanks for sharing this beauty!
Taheerah,
Thank you for another lovely card to inspire me! I’m very much enjoying the Advent calendar, although I’m a little out of sync in terms of opening the days.
what a fun chalky card and the little santa and reindeer sett it all off perfectly!!
I love the chalkboard look. Haven’t seen as much of it this years as in recent years. Thanks for putting it back out there.
Awesome card.
I LOVE your chalkboard card! So fabulous!
This is a cool, fun card!
I had no idea how to create a chalkboard look, so this is great! You’ve made a darling card with it, thanks.
Beautiful! If I could get my chalkboard stamping to look like this I would do it more often! The red from Santa and his sleigh is just the right amount of color needed! Perfectomundo! TFS!
Absolutely amazing,
So fun and unique. Thought it was black cardstock. Love the pop of red Santa.
Love the vintage look of this card. Great work!
Love the chalkboard effect on your card!
I really like this card…it has a nice old timey feel about it too!
Great card. The chalkboard effect is perfect and I love that teeny tiny little pop of colour with the sleigh. Cheers.
I am LOVING this hop BUT what I don’t love is you are making me spend a TON of money LOL, I keep seeing such cool stamps and dies thru out this hop and I have to go back thru and buy them, it is killing my credit card 🙂 I LOVE your card, I too love subway art, I love unique things now I have to get this stamp it is so awesome and I love the way you used it. I don’t know how you fussy cut that Santa, amazing. Just loved this card.
Oh Taheerah, I love this background stamp. What an awesome card. Very well done.
I love this background stamp.
Wow!!! It’s so cool!!! Love the background!!!
Fantastic card, love your chalkboard backdrop!
What a cool card and a cool stamp!
This is a great background stamp! Love the tiny Santa and reindeer!
Once again, Taheerah, you have knocked my socks off! This stamp has been on my wish list for quite some time, but I never added it to my cart as I have enough Christmas stamps. But , one can never have enough Christmas stamps! This would be great for multiples – next year! 🙂 I adore the little pop of red you added via Santa and his sleigh with the reindeer. I’m really enjoying seeing what is behind the door each day and visiting the sponsors and other designers you have lined up. Everyone has been so inspiring, which is so helpful when you are in the card making slump and way behind on Christmas cards! 🙂
Wow, what a way to pack a punch! Amazing card.
WOW, what a fabulous stamp, and the card at the same time – really awesome! Thanks so much for sharing another fun project, Taheerah! I love opening the door every day 🙂 My adult crafty advent calendar – what’s not to love? 🙂
Wow !I’ve never seen chalkboarding stamp done before! This is something I would like to try.I just found these days of Christmas and I’ve learned some new things on each one I’ve watched or read!Thank You so much for sharing Taheerah