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
Didn’t know about this last year… so excited for this year! thanks to Jennifer McGuire for mentioning it and lading me here!
Beautiful card
Love your card and can’t wait to see all the cards from the blog hop.
I enjoyed last year’s advent extravaganza, so I’m super excited to see it’s back!! Your card is gorgeous – I love the impressed snowflakes, makes me think of blind letterpress!
Very pretty with the snowflake background and the vellum/gold sentiment.
What an amazing idea –
something to look forward to for the next 25 days!
Thank You!
Such a fun way to enjoy your blog even more. Great card!
I also love advent calendars! Such a clever idea to translate that concept to this blog hop!
Your card is very nice!
following the links in the door is fun. thanks so much for sharing.
Pretty card, love this advent blog hop this is my first time to join but I know it will be awesome!!
What an awesome event – thank you for all the work that went into making it happen! Your card is great too!
Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, I love everything Christmas, what a perfect sentiment to kick off the Advent Calendar Extravaganza I love the snowflake die impressions embossed into the card panel. This blog hop is amazing what a super exciting concept. So much inspiration . Thank you for organizing this grand event. Have a most wonderful day. Cheers Donna Z 🙂
Love the card ideas! Thank you for sharing!
Modern & beautiful–love your card! Thanks for having this great event again this year! Loved everyone’s project today!
I like how shiny your card is!
I love the inspiration Advent calendar! This will be my first year following along. What fun!
This advent hop is super fun…thanks for putting it together!
This looks like much more fun than a real advent calendar! I look forward to visiting and being inspired each day! Your card is gorgeous – I love the gold embossing on the vellum, with the embossed background!
Glad to see your advent extravaganza back this year. You card is pretty with the gold sentiment. Thanks.
Love your ‘advent’ event. I’ll be following along. Very pretty card you made.
SO EXCITED woman!! It is just what I wished for! THANK YOU. AND thanks for the great inspiration to kick off this year’s Advent Calendar Extravaganza! Woo hoo! Let the creativity begin!
Oh what a terrific card Taheerah! I am going to try embossing some snowflakes like that and I sure love the gold sentiment!
Amazing card! Love the texture with the snowflakes, and the vellum and silver makes it so elegant!
I have been waiting for this day, and it’s gorgeous. Can’t wait to click on the decor and see where it takes me 🙂
Beautiful work!
So happy to see you are having this event again! Excited for all the inspiration!
Just exactly the right amount of color, sparkle and shine! Thank you. I AM inspired!
Yay! Back for another year! Looking forward to all the inspiration to come.
I learn so much with every visit here to your blog and find so much inspiration! Looking forward to the advent blog hop all month for additional inspiration! thanks!!!!
I love the Advent idea and your cars. It’s really stunning in its simplicity but oh so effective and classy.
Many thanks.
Kathy
Always love a fun crafty post,
This sounds like it will be mysterious.
Thanks for a great card today.
Excellent idea!!! And I love your card 🙂
I look forward to the advent calendar again this year. Thanks for sharing this.
Lovely card and what a fun idea!
What a pretty card. Thank you for sharing! And thank you for the advent calendar event. It is so exciting!
I like what was behind the door. Great colors. A great way to start the advent calendar. Then there is your card. I got cold just looking at it.!
I love the inspiration! Just a great idea. Happy Holidays!
OMG what a fantastic idea! I didn’t see this last year, but already have tons of ideas!!!
I’m so excited. I just love Advent calendars. Can’t wait to see what awaits me behind each “door”
So pretty and thanks for creating this wonderful extravaganza!
This is such a great idea, I will be back every day. I just dropped in from jennifer mcguire.
This is a great idea. I love Advent and this is a great way to be in the moment. I love embossing on Vellum. Oh and sparkly snowflakes. Thanks so much.
I love your card, it’s awesome.
I’m always happy to discover a card with velum : I love it’s look, but I don’t feel confortable when working with it. It’s always good to see posts from real artists with good explanations. Thank you for sharing.
Love this idea and your card is lovely! 🙂
What a great card. I too loved opening up an Advent calendar when I was younger. As I was reading about the Extravaganza, I was getting very excited. Thank you for your time and energy in doing this.
Thank you for creating this Advent Calendar event! I like your use of embossing overlaid with the vellum piece for the text. Very nice. Looking forward to lots of techniques and ideas. I appreciate the time and effort of all the card artists who are participating, and for the vendors for joining in the fun!!
Thanks for doing this!❤️
Your card is beautiful. This is a fun hop – great idea!
So excited to see your Advent Calendar return this year! Thanks.
Wow…your card is simply elegant and special. Thanks for the inspiration
This is beautiful! I love the mix of texture on here and the vellum! Thanks for the fun!