Hello everybody! And welcome to a very special day, kicking off a very special event!!
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 last year 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 last year’s video (I’m afraid my filmmaker friend was unavailable to help in time for this year!) to explain it:
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 1, shall we?!
I’ve got some of my very favourite designers lined up today to kick everything off! 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 Technique Tuesday! Fun, quirky and awesome, Technique Tuesday have some really great designs! I’m so happy to have them open the event this year!
Technique Tuesday 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 created this card using the awesome Sparkle And Shine and Snowflakes dies, impressing them into my card panel!
I added a piece of vellum over the top, heat embossed with my sentiment!
Some fun details (like a strip of patterned paper, a sliver of glitter, and a scattering of sequins) finish it off perfectly!
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
What an elegant card. I am looking forward to the next 24 days.
Your card is beautiful!! I loved doing this advent blog hop last year and am VERY excited to see it’s return this year. I like the secret destinations and all the wonderful inspiration.
I love the surprises part of the hop and how clever it all is!
Blog advent, what a great idea. Beautiful card too.
love this idea. . . so sorry I missed last year. . . and advent calendars are my favorite. . . your card is lovely with all the detail. . . WOW!
What a fun, wonderful idea! Thank you so much!
Love this idea. Something crafty to look forward to everyday!
This is so fun! I loved advent calendars as a child and this just makes me happy. Thank you
Thank you for organizing this hop again! It was so much fun last year. I’m excited it will take place again! It is definitely the most wonderful time of the year!!
What a cool idea! Looking forward to the next 24 days.
Super cute card! Love the embossing!
Great c ard. Cheers.
Last years extravaganza was a lot of fun so really looking forward to some more amazing inspiration! Lovely elegant card!
Yahoooo! I loved playing along last year! I love the new way to interact with the door to find all the goodies of the day!
Gorgeous card, Taheerah! I am so excited about this year’s advent extravaganza. I played last year and loved all the inspiration. Thanks for putting it together again!
Beautiful card
Yay Taheerah! Thank you for bringing back the Advent Calendar! So much fun and inspiration! I love the format and clicking on the decorations instead of names was just extra fun! I love it! And your card is fabulous! Kudos to you!
I like how impressing the snowflakes instead of cutting, give so much texture and interest to the background!
So elegant. Makes a great card for this lovely season
Love this beautiful card! Exited that you brought the Advent Extravaganza back!! All inspirations are always amazing.
I love advent calendars! I love videos and learning new techniques and seeing beautiful examples of things I can make! Hopefully! Looking forward to every day of fun!
What FUN!!! This is such a great idea. Your card is beautiful. Love the color scheme.
I remember this as being so much fun last year and thank you for doing it again this year. I love this beautiful, elegant car d you created!
Wow! This is going to be REALLY fun! I can’t wait to start clicking and will love getting all the inspiration for new cards. Thanks for doing this again. I somehow missed it last year. Love your silvery snowflakes on the white card you made and the vellum adds a special touch. Off to clicking!!!
This is the best, most creative hop ever! I just love clicking on the image to have a new mystery destination revealed. And I really like having only three in a day–the perfect amount of time to gain creativity from the internet in a day. All the cards were wonderful today.
Yay! I am SOOOOOO excited to see the return of the advent calendar! 🙂 I love your card and it really is the most wonderful time of the year! 🙂
I love the card you did to start off this extravaganza! What an exciting blog hop — one with a twist! Can’t wait to get started.
Oh Taheerah, such a brilliant card! Fingers crossed, I have my eye on a few T.T. items!
=]
What a fantastic and fun idea! Your card was perfect as well. I can’t wait to try embossing on vellum.
What a great idea! Love the bright colors against the black background.
This is going to be fun to follow for 25 days! Can’t wait to see what’s in store!!!!
Wonderful time of the year, indeed! Love the gold and the scattering of sequins tops the card off perfectly!
This is going to be so much fun. Thanks for bringing some fun back in our adult life. I feel like a kid again. Love this idea.
Wow, Taheerah!! Your card is just stunning with the embossing on the vellum & the dry embossing on the card base. What a way to kick off December! Love this Advent Extravangza and the I can only imagine the effort that it takes to coordinate something like this – brava!!
I have been looking forward to your advent calendar extravaganza with excitement and it did not disappoint! I’m loving all the inspiration so far – it’s such a treat! Your card is beautiful (just like you) – thank you so much for all your hard work in organising this for us!
Lovely
I feel like a little child; I’m so excited to join in on the fun each day. Thank you!!!!
Woohoo!!! I’m so glad you are doing this series again this year! It’s so much fun!!! And your card for today is fabulous!!! Love all of the festive details!
Gold and white — such a classic combination! I love the font on that stamp set, too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card with us. 🙂
Fabulous card! This is such a great idea! Love it! Off to hop!
Day One is off to a good start. Thank you for all your hard work putting this together.
I am so glad you are doing this again this year..I always look forward to seeing all the great ideas.
Great card! It’s gonna be a fun month.
Love the advent calendar idea, I look forward to it! Love your pretty card with the vellum overlay.
Love this idea! How wonderful. Can’t wait to open those doors. Beautiful card. Love the choices and the layering.
Silver and gold, awesome! And Advent blog hop idea so clever–missed it last year, but on it this year!
Love the advent calendar and all the special guest. Your card is fantastic
Great fun! Thanks for coming up with the idea and following through with it!
Yay!! Great way to kick off December!! Your card is gorgeous!! I really love the vellum with the pattern strip above it!!
I’m so happy your Advent is back. Looking forward to the next 24 days.