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
So pretty 🙂
I think I am going backwards – LOL, I did Day 2 first.
Advent calendars are near and dear to my heart. They were a childhood tradition in my house, and then later for my children, and now my grandchildren. This should be a fun adventure! What a beautiful holiday card you created! I can’t wait until tomorrow! Thanks so much for this blog hop!
Lovely card–and fun blog hop.
This is my first experience doing the Advent Extravaganza and find it interesting. So far the cards from day 1 were beautiful and so festive. Can’t wait to move on to the other days. Thank you for sharing this wonderful event with all of us!
What a cool idea for a blog hop! Your card is stunning!!!! Something about silver and and “frost” that gives you that feel of the holidays.
Wow!! Beautiful card.!! I stumbled across this Advent Calendar hop by accident but I will be coming back each day for more inspiration. What a great idea for an Advent Calendar.
Very pretty card. Thanks for the Advent hop.
I forget to use vellum, good reminder.
Oh I do love this,Its simply brilliant.Its making me feel like a big kid.Thank you for your hard work in pulling it all together.
Got started a couple days late but love the idea! Happy Day 1.
Love Love Love the card! This is going to be so exciting to look forward to everyday!
Thank you!
What a fun idea for a blog hop….I love the surprise of not knowing who is next!
Thanks for this amazing giveaway! Such fun.
I can’t wait to start this Advent Cakendar ! I always had one for my son. Now there is one just for ME (and hundreds of my crafty friends). This card is so pretty and it’s nice to stretch my dies ! Thanks for the lovely card and for my Advent Calendar
What a beautiful card. So stylish new simple.
Lovely card! The snowflake embossing came out great. Love the design! Thanks for your wonderful Extravaganza!
Love the embossing and the vellum overlay. This would be a great card to do multiples.
This is my first time participating in the Advent Calendar Extravaganza (not sure where I was last year :). What a brilliant idea! If this first day is any indication, the next 24 are going to be chock-full of incredible inspiration, amazing talent and very generous prizes…I can’t wait!!!
Gorgeous card! Love the embossing!
Hugs
I love this card. Using the snowflake dies for embossing is so pretty!
Your card is very beautiful and I love the sentiment! This is such an incredible blog hop/event that you have created, so much fun, thank you so much!
Love the bling!
FABulous card — adore the gold and shimmer! So excited for the Advent Extravaganza!!
Fab!! Love it and excited for Advent extravaganza!
What a brilliant idea, new to this blog and already it’s exciting and different. Lovely card as well!
Awsome card!!! and the blog hop!
Love your card! THanks so much for organising another Advent Calendar!
How fun! I had such a good time with this Advent hop last year — so glad to join it again this year. I love the simple but truly elegant design of your card. Thank you!
Wow, what a great idea for creating an “adult” advent calendar and to have prizes too! Love your card. Clean and simple.
Love the gold with the velum.
Love this card and the sparkles. Thank you for the tips.
Lovely card and fun Advent calendar!
Love the snowflake dies
Love the embossed vellum. Very elegant. Thanks for arranging this advent extravaganza. You’re such an inspiration!
Beautiful card! I love gold! Thanks for a chance to win!
Love the beautiful embossing on the velum so pretty! Love this time of year and all the inspiration you provide! Thanks so much.
What a fun card!!!
Love the sparklies!! And it is so nice to see an advent craft for adults. Why should kids get all the fun.
This is fun. Now I wish December was not the busiest time of year!
Oh my goodness, what a fun idea! And your card is beautiful!
I love this event!!! And your card!!!! Happy December!!!
What a fun way to do an Advent Calendar!
A fabulous day 1. I am looking forward to the next 24 days! 🙂
Beautiful and elegant. Thanks for sharing. The embossed vellum is gorgeous.
What a gorgeous, elegant card!
Gorgeous CAS card! Loving this hop! So much inspiration and it’s just day 1!!!! TFS and hosting this again this year!
Such a lovely card! Thank you for coordinating this fun hop and advent calendar.
What a great idea! I can’t wait to see what everyone does and to see the surprise destinations. Your inspiration card is just lovely. Thanks for sharing and thanks for putting together this fun event!
You’ve revived my love for advent calendars! Beautiful work thanks for sharing!!
I looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove advent calendars… this is just a great idea!