Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 9 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
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 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 9, 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 Simon Says Stamp! One of my most favourite places to shop, Simon really are a one-stop shop for all your crafty goodness! Not only that but they also have their own line of products too – I particularly love their inks! They are headed up by my wonderful warm and kind friend Heidi – she is so awesome! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
Simon Says Stamp are generously sponsoring a $50 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 fell head over heels for the stag image from the Magical Christmas set! I stamped him on Fog cardstock and fussy cut him out, and backed him onto a piece of Kraft cardstock stamped and heat embossed with the Barnwood Background stamp from Concord & 9th. I tore the bottom of it for a rustic look!
I actually created that tartan/plaid background! I used stamps and inks from the Catherine Pooler Foundations Box collection – I love how realistic it turned out!
I used dimensional glue gel to adhere my elements, I just love how this looks! You can also see just how gorgeous that new embossing powder is – it’s a stunningly beautiful rose gold!
I loved several of these elements so much that I created a feminine version too!
I used the Barnwood Background stamp for my entire base this time, heat embossing with white and then swiping white ink on the edges. The stag was heat embossed with another *gorgeous* WOW! embossing powder colour, and the rose gold made an appearance again for the sentiment banner!
So gorgeous!
And here they both are together, which is your favourite?
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
Rustic Plaid Reindeer Card
Gorgeous! I can’t believe you’ve made this plaid background – it looks so real! Love the colors on both and the rustic touches ❤
wow! love those plaids
Cheers
Preety
Both of these cards are beautiful and so different. The lighter one is elegant and beautiful, and the pink plaid design is loads of fun!
Wow, I love that rustic deer and the pink plaid paper brings it all up to a new level!
Very nice cards
Your deer cards are gorgeous! I love the plaid background you made!
Seriously amazing cards! To think that you created the background plaid and then fussy cut the buck! Truly amazing. I love both, however, the plaid one is my favorite!
This is stunning!!
A nice manly cards!
The backgrounds for these cards are what attracts my attention to them. The rough look of wood on the one card steals my heart! The soft plaid of the other makes me think of a warm blanket to enjoy on a cold winter’s night! Both designs have the strong face of the animal as the focus! Both are great designs!
Very masculine looking cards
love that pick plaid bckground!
Tough call! I love the rose-gold, but I really love the look of the mounted head on a wood board (that almost looks like the state of Indiana) with a warm plaid/tartan border!
love the buck head…makes a great focal point for these cards. ………thank you
Cute cards!
Lovely cards!
I am loving this event!
I do have a thing for Plaid ? ?.
Stunning cards! Love the plaid background with the deer!!
Great card!
Love the plaid background.
Love both rustic yet sophisticated cards! Great design
Interesting card. I especially loved the plaid background!
Fabulous card!
Two fabulous cards! That deer head is super cool and I LOVE the plaid you created!! It looks just like dp!
Lovely tartan background.
Great cards and thanks for sharing.
Linda D.
Both cards are beautiful
Kathleen
I am truly loving all of the blogs and ideas and inspiration I am learning so much from taking part in this. Thank you for putting so much work into the event
Both are great. Your plaid is so bold. Love the touches of rose gold (whose powder is that?)
Loved how you used the stamp/design in two very different ways. The banner across the front of the deer is a nice touch!
Lovely cards!
both cards are so beautiful!!
Love this card!
Love the3D look.
Awesome cards! WOW on the tartan background you created!
Fabulous cards. Having so much fun hopping and seeing all the wonderful creations.
The Stag from the Magical Christmas set is stunning on your gorgeous plaid background! But when I see the multiple layers of WOW powders and the 2nd beautiful complimentary card details, I am astonished! Gorgeous design and execution! Stunning cards! Wish I could see one of the embossings in person! Gorgeous!
Taheera, I love what you’ve done with this stamp set. That pink plaid is so warm.
Oh I just love the plaid! Fabulously done!
Definitely a manly card presented here. I love the plaid background.
Great cards! I really like both of the equally! I must say I love the variety of styles your art demonstrates as I look thru all the different days 🙂 Thanks!
Ooooh drool, fantastic cards! I was gonna get a nice stag for Christmas cards this year, and I got caught up with all the cutesy images… I totally forgot! HEre’s the plan for next year so!!! 🙂 I think I like the second card just a bit more, but both are great.
Oh I LOVE the plaid card and the ripped paper. It looks so cool!! Great design on both cards!
Love both cards, one is masculine and the other feminine. It’s hard to pick a favorite between the two.
Gorgeous cards..that plaid is amazing! I thought it was patterned paper.
LOOOOVE this card! Anyone who knows me knows I love almost anything plaid, and this card is no exception. However, I REALLY like the version with the barnwood background too!
Plaid? Wood grain? Yes, please!!
They are both absolutely gorgeous!
Both of these are awesome! I especially love the tartan/plaid background one! It’s so rustic and has great texture!