Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 21 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 20, click here!
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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 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 21, 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 Lil’ Inker Designs! One of my DT alums, Lil’ Inker will always hold a dear place in my heart! Their designs are fun, fresh, quirky, with a little sass thrown in! And they are headed up by my friend and uber talented designer, Laura! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event this year!
Lil’ Inker Designs are generously sponsoring a $35 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:
Let’s start with this duo of rustic cards, created with the awesome Rustic Christmas stamp set! How very apt. *wink*
I created these cards by stamping the trees repeatedly in white ink on a kraft card base, then adding a touch of red Stickles to some of the stars!
I edged the cards with some Distress Ink to add a little depth, and stamped the sentiment from the same set on the landscape card.
For the portrait card I used one of the sentiments from the All The Christmas You’ll Ever Need stamp set. This one has such great sayings in such stylistic designs!
The snow on both cards was from an Essentials by Ellen stamp set.
Next up, the same stamp sets, but a totally different look!
I stamped the reverse of the trees in pinks and aquas, then stamped the front of the tree on some of them, and added detail with a black pen to the others!
The sentiment again is from the All The Christmas You’ll Ever Need set, and the card panel is edged with Stickles! The sentiment was stamped onto vellum and heat embossed, so that it stood out a little more by softening the background below it.
And here they all are together. Which is your favourite? 🙂
Don’t forget 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
All these cards are so sweet!! I’m loving the one with the colorful trees!! I love how you added detail with a pen, so creative ?
These are all so pretty! I love how pretty the white and kraft look! Very festive!
Holiday Hugs!
Michele
Lovin the white on craft but fun cards!
God bless ?
Thank you for showcasing how different the same stamps can look. Always love kraft coloured cards too.
Your cards are wonderful! I really love the white ink on the Kraft paper! That stamp set is magical! Your cards are so fun!
Fabulous cards! I really like the kraft ones. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your cards. It’s nice to see the same stamp have different looks. Awesome.
Your pink and aqua trees card is my favorite. I’ve never uses stickles around the outside of a card; however, I will try it. Very cool.
Thank you.
WOW! How can I pick a favorite? I love the white ink stamped on craft card but I also really love the pink and aqua colors you did on the other card! Both cards are great & I really love the primitive tree stamps you used on the cards! Thanks again for sharing so much wonderful inspiration and for putting this Advent project together!
Very pretty cards. Stamping on kraft is such a fun effect. Love the colors used on the white card – That one especially speaks to me!
Sammibug in Ohio
Wow Taheerah, such a cute set of cards! My favorite is your “Believe” card. Simple, rustic, and beautiful! Such an easy way to mass produce some quick cards that pack a big punch!! Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I’m still not done with my Christmas cards. I may just need to case your design here and get busy! If I get them in the mail by the 24th, I’m good! ; )
Gorgeous cards I love the rustic look on the top two ones . I think the reverse stamped second one is fabulous too 🙂
I adore the believe card! The rustic feminine look! Love them all as always!
Both cards are lovely but I’d have to say the craft and white is my favorite. Such a classic combo!
Love the row of trees on kraft and how well the sentiment stands out with the hint of red. OutSTANDinG!
Awesome cards! I love the white on Kraft look! ?
Love your ‘rustic’ cards! They are great!
I like the repeat tree background in several ways. This stamp has so many possibilities. Great cards.
What cute cards Iv’e never been to your site before. You are really creative. Happy Holidays
I love this, I have the same stamp set, thanks for the inspiration!
Cute cards.
Those little Christmas trees are so cute!
Your cards are fabulous Taheerah! But I have a soft spot for the white on Kraft combo.
Fell in love with the rustic cards right away and then loved the color and designs on your white card. Thanks again for all your work on this great extravaganza!!
Fabulous cards!
Awesome backgrounds — really eye catching!
3 cards with almost all the same trees but all done different. I like the white ones but I’ve found and I guess you didn’t, that white doesn’t always show up when I use it, unless I emboss in white. I don’t have paper that color but its good to know that white shows up on that color brown.
I love all the different tree designs too. The white makes them looks snow covered. I did that once on a card with some stickles. They looked snow covered and they sparkled like new snow when the light hits it. I like the colored ones too because they are different. Colored trees. Who’d a thunk it? LOL
I love the sentiments and the lettering. My sister was so good at calligraphy. She would have been good at doing that for stamp companies. I love all 3 of your cards!
I love the look of white on kraft card stock.
Very cute cards.
I love the white stamping on the Kraft paper – it is very fresh looking and the black sentiment stands out beautifully!
Thank you, Taheerah for the great inspiration. Oh how I love, love, love the Rustic Christmas set. The first card is by far my favorite and the way you designed it is perfect. I was also amazed that the same stamp set can look so very different as in your creations. I appreciate your work.
Love both cards the Kraft have a vintage feel.
Love the white on kraft look, and the sayings are gorgeous!
Nice to see the stamps used in two different styles – really like seeing that. Thanks, Taheera!
Just love white on kraft so these cards are my favourites! May use some of those ideas for Christmas cards next year! Such great examples, thanks for sharing.
Love the trees on both cards. This is so much fun.
What fun cards! I think that the “believe” is my fave. I love Kraft cards this year and this one just caught my eye. Thanks for the inspiration. 😀
Love the idea of stamping the reverse of the stamp….so clever!
Love the background on both cards.
Love these cards, I always love designs on craft paper!
I LOVE kraft and white. You made a beautiful blizzard!
Lil’ Inkers is one of my favorites! Your cards are wonderful!
How beautiful…love both versions!
Love how you used the reverse of the stamps! great look with the black details too!
Love the Kraft paper and snow effect. Really fun and well done.
Beautiful cards. Thank you for showing how to use the same stamps to get different results.
love the background on the kraft paper. This is a lot of fun, will miss it!
You have made and shown us So Many cards! These kraft cards are some of my favorites. Cool sentiments!
Great cards!
I’ve never tried using kraft paper but your 2 cards using it are so pretty. I also love the colors you used for the other card. They are a long way from the traditionally recognized Christmas colors, which is exactly what makes them stand out so much more. Great cards! Thank you for showing some more ways to make holiday cards on your Advent Calendar blog hop!