Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 10 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 9, click here!
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 10, 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 WPlus9! One of my most favourite companies *ever*, WPlus9 are always at the forefront of trends with their products! With superbly designed products – including a range of cardstock and ink too! – there really is something for everyone, whatever your style! They are headed up by my wonderful friend Dawn, who is just about one of the most talented designers around – no wonder her products are awesome too! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
WPlus9 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 wanted to do something completely different with this card! Can you believe that tree is actually a solid stamp?! It’s from the Iconic Christmas set, which is full of timeless and classic designs!
I placed the tree stamp on my MISTI and then used several of the dots from the Simon Says Stamp Lots of Dots set to ink up a myriad of dots in a plethora of colours! I used A:Muse inks for this as the pigments are rich and vibrant, and as they are pigment they would ‘sit’ on top of each other without becoming a muddy mess! I used 19 colours in total – 19!! Once my tree was full of dots I stamped it on my panel repeatedly to transfer as much ink as possible. Gotta love the MISTI for the ability to do that. 🙂
Once I’d got the depth of colour I wanted, I inked the entire stamp with Versamark and stamped over it again, then heat embossed it with a gorgeous translucent shimmery glittery embossing powder from WOW! If only you could see it in real life!
I wanted a bit more depth and look of dimension to my tree, so I pulled out my Gansai Tambi watercolours to add some darker shades, as well as white ‘lights’. I also added some gold ‘lights’ by painting with some gold mist, and then splattered the same mist to create a gold ‘snow’! I love the finished look – no need for a sentiment when the tree steals the show!
I was having so much fun that I wanted to use some of my newer stamps to create another unexpected design!
I used the adorable bear/girl stamp from Holiday Hugs and paper pieced some parts of it using papers from the Crate Paper Snow And Cocoa collection, and also some glitter paper too!
I did bring out my Prismacolors too for some colouring of the girl’s face and hair, her hand, and also some shading on the bear and to give him rosy cheeks. 🙂
I wanted quite a collage look so I used some patterned paper on my card base and heat embossed the sentiment from Holiday Boughs. For this design the sentiment is almost secondary as it finds its place amongst the embellishments and other elements – but I think it works!
I added some stamped trees from the Holiday Houses set (*love* this set!) and added some die cut snowflakes, sequins, and a label maker sentiment.
Lots of dimension on this one! I love the finished card!
And here they both 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
Vintage Lit Tree Card
Happy Holidays Card
Oh my!! Your cards are FABULOUS!! However, I am AMAZED at that wonderful tree!! Totally STUNNING!!
Love both these cards though my fav would have to be the sweet tree:)
That tree is fabulous and has such a great artsy feel to it and your second card is just adorable!
Awesome cards! Love that gorgeous tree! *Love* Holiday Hugs and Holiday Houses! Just got Holiday Houses and I am excited to play!
Wow, both charming and gorgeous–your cards are incredible! LOVE the tree! And the sweet collage is wonderful!
Both cards are gorgeous but the tree stole my heart.
Both cards are incredibly! I have to say my favorite is the Christmas tree card,all those colors wow!
Oooooh- love the tree card best; both are beautiful!
Both cards are beautiful pieces of art! If I had to choose a favourite I would choose the tree simply because it has such gorgeous colour and yet is also very CAS at the same time. Thank you for the inspiration!
the secret destinations is such a fun bonus to this advent calendar…look forward to it everyday!!
Your ability to transform stamped images into something unique and unexpected is amazing!
Beyond Magical tree Taheerah!
Both cards are great! All the work on the tree card paid off, it is gorgeous. I also love the bear and the little girl card. Thanks for sharing your inspiration.
Beautiful tree! Love the colors!
I love both cards, but am intrigued by the unique design of the tree. Would love to see photos of each step. And that WOW powder is gorgeous.
Such a fun and effective technique for the tree card, love that you kept it the focus of the card. The girl hugging the bear is adorable.
Hailing you as the #1 rock star of creativity, Taheerah! Your tree is, indeed, the star of the stage with its “myriad of dots in a plethora of colours” (LOVE that phrase…you are an exceptional wordsmith!). Using 19 colours is impressive; the results, mega impressive! Can you guess that I love this card? Your second is infused with absolute joy, from the hugging images (love those rosy cheeks on your polar bear!), to the village background. I can tell you had a blast making both of these! Bedazzled yet again!
Hugs~c
Wow, Taheerah, what an awesome Christmas tree … just takes so much admiring! Your little girl and big bear hugging are delightful … such a charming little scene! Anita 🙂
OMG! Love how you did your Christmas tree. Great job on both your cards.
Both cards are wonderful but I would have to say the tree is my favorite. It is the most unique way I have ever seen a stamp used. Very creative!
Your cards are always an inspiration.
I am amazed at how many steps it took to make your Christmas tree, but the beauty of it shows each one was worth it! To many others your work on the tree it might not be so intimidating, but my Misti adventures don’t begin until after Christmas so I’m a long way from doing anything as stunning as you did. I am a huge fan of animals on cards because they will usually put a smile on the receiver’s face when they see one. At times the holidays can be difficult for some, so sending them a hug with a nice holiday message can be so uplifting for them. Two fabulous cards! Thanks for sharing!
Wow!! The tree card is beyond gorgeous, my friend!! It’s absolutely stunning!
Love the tree card! I wish you did videos so you could show us the process. I love your color choices also.
Oh my! I was so looking forward to this one ? Gorgeous cards… you are so inspiring !
The tree card is my fave! It is so beautiful! The colors are wonderful and I didn’t want to stop looking at it! Thank you!
It’s a tie! They win in different categories! Love them both so much it’s ridiculous. What perfect background paper you found for the girl and bear card. And all the yummy layers. And the Christmas tree looks just like ours does, a blurr of gorgeous shine and colour when I take my glasses off. Not very romantic but true.
Wow, both card is absolutely adorable and amazing. Love the first one more . This tree very gourgous.
Your tree card is so gorgeous …with all the colours it looks like it is glowing. I love that bear hug stamp on the second card….he is so darn cute. Great sponsor with Wplus9 today.
wonderful cards, but the tree wins the prize! perfectly gorgeous and such creative stamping – love it!!!
Wow, the Christmas tree is stunning! I wonder if I can replicate the effect without a Misti!
I love your color choices. That tree is just stunning.
Both cards are wonderful but I love how you made the Christmas tree card the best!
Wow, I love them both. And they are so different. That tree really is a show stopper. But all the dimension of elements on the 2nd is gorgeous.
Your tree is fabulous – I love all of the colors in it.
The tree card is amazing! And, the second card is very whimsical. The extravaganza is a lot of fun, but I am having trouble keeping up! Hope I can backtrack today to see what inspiration I have missed along the way.
Stunning! What work went into that tree. Absolutely amazing.
Oh, these are beautiful! That tree is simply stunning!
Oh Taheerah, both your cards are stunning! The tree is amazing and second one is so cuuuuuteeeee!!!
Thanks Wplus9 for being a Sponsor! I love their stamps!!!
Gorgeous cards, I love them both! So different in style but both with bright and cheery colors! I love the Christmas tree of dots, it looks so elegant and the collage scene card is so pretty too, love the foil sentiment and the bear and girl are super cute with awesome coloring. I gotta get my Prismacolor pencils back out! Thanks so much for sharing YOUR wonderful creations as well as soooo many other artists, love this daily holiday event!
WOW! They are both beautiful but I would have to give the nod to the Christmas tree if only for the amount of work that you put into it. Cheers.
Wow! I love that tree – you’re so clever! The hugs card is cute too, but the tree wins today’s prize!
Love the Christmas tree. So Classy
Both are amazing Taheerah, but that tree! Woah, so clever and what an impact! LOVE!
The Christmas tree is awesome! So different and beautiful!!
All I can say about that tree is “WOW”!!!!!!!!!
Truly stunning!
The tree is truly spectacular!
I had to keep re-reading the script to see how you did the first card. It is simply stunning. I love the effect of the multiple layers of colors. Just gorgeous. I laughed when I saw that “Brrrr” sentiment on the other! Sometimes ‘more’ is too much, and sometimes it is just so much fun! Thanks.
The tree is really amazing!
That tree is fabulous! What a great way to get a different look from a stamp.