Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 15 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 14, click here!
In case you missed Day 13, click here!
In case you missed Day 12, click here!
In case you missed Day 11, click here!
In case you missed Day 10, click here!
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 15, 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 Concord & 9th! One of the newer kids on the block, Concord & 9th are near-famous for their calligraphy alphabet stamps! But that’s not the only tool in their box! They have an awesome array of very cleverly designed stamps and dies, and have such a unique take on bringing modernity to the traditional! Concord & 9th are headed up by the dynamic duo of Angie and Greg, who are just simply awesome people! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event this year!
Concord & 9th 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:
After having OD’d on cute recently (well, maybe not OD’d, but certainly gorged!), I was happy to embrace the clean and simple modern feel of this card! I used stamps from the O Christmas Tree set, which has many versatile elements!
I heat embossed all my ornaments with a bevy of WOW! embossing powders, added some gold splatter, and added a sentiment! Done! 🙂
And I couldn’t sing the praises of the calligraphy alphabet sets (Sophisticated Script) without showing them off too!
I spelled out the first line from the lyrics from ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ and heat embossed it in gold. I love how it turned out! The letters are actually a lot easier to use than they might first appear, so don’t be intimidated! Practice a couple of times on some cheap paper first to get your eye in, that’s my tip! And even then, they are actually reasonably forgiving in their look, thanks to the nature of the style!
The letters are meant to have a ‘bouncy’ appearance, so I love how the card ended up, though I have to say I’m not 100% happy with *every* single alignment of *every* single letter. 🙂 But it is rather hard to get that perfect when you’re only stamping with Versamark! *wink* And yes, I know my card says ‘Oh’ instead of ‘O’. I’m calling artistic license on this one – I just felt it fit/looked better/more balanced for my design. 🙂
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
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas Card
O Little Town Of Bethlehem Card
Love the O Little Town card. Simple and Elegant!
Day 15 was fun!
Great CAS simplicity with beauty
Two simple and gorgeous cards!! Love how you used only the letters on the second; super cool!
*gasp* these cards are BREATHTAKING!! loooooooove the glitter! these cards are SO Taheerah I can’t even! wow!
Elegant looks!
Fabulous CAS designs!
I love how simple and clean they are.
Thank you for this wonderful Christmas present. . . it is such a joy to see all of the creativity through this jorney. . .
My favorite is “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” and love the simplicity of it. Thanks for sharing.
Linda D.
I have the Script stamps from Concord and 9th and love them! You have made a beautiful card with them! Thank you.
Love the treatment/technique of the ornaments and your example of using VersaMark — off to CASE
Another set of great cards. All the projects and cards I have seen, on this hop, so far have been wonderful.
I love how delicate the images are in the first card.
Classic simple elegance. I love these!
Nice job on those letters – not easy I bet. (As was, I’m sure the putting together of all these blog posts. Your graphic door rocks.) But I like those little baubles best.
Lovel and elegant cards!
Love the simplicity of these cards! Thanks for sharing! ?
both cards are so pretty!!
This has been such a cute idea. I love all the different ideas. Thank you
LOVE. The metallic look. Those calligraphy letters are so pretty.
Loving this modern look!
Very cute and simple cards. I love that calligraphy stamp set from Concord & 9th. It’s simply gorgeous and looks so easy to use.
Love this card!
I love the cards. I don’t know if I could pick a favorite.
I like the simplicity of bothe cards!
Clean and simple. So lovely.
Love both cards! Gold elements can’t be beat!
I love that ornament card- SO cute!
So modern and fresh! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
The first card is so pretty. The color palette looks like it was inspired by a Pink Fresh Studio paper pad. The simplicity makes it for me – beautifully designed . I have the script stamps and love them. While I’m not religious I do have a soft spot for the carols i sang at school when I was little. This is one of my faves.
Love both of the sentiments on your cards. The fist one is my favorite with its little details and sparkle.
Love both these cards, but I also love the ‘cute’ you do!
Gorgeous cards!! I especially love the ornaments, so pretty!!
They are both wonderful! I love the sophisticated script – so many ways to use it. But, my favorite is the sweet ornament card.
The gold against the white is simply stunning but in a subtle, beautiful way.
so delicate and beautiful!~
I didn’t know about this company. Love their stuff and your card is lovely.
Beautiful! Clean and simple but elegant! Those letters are lovely and from the few people I know who you have used them, they love them and feel they are easy to use
I love the pretty silver and gold!
Oh these are so elegant and festive!
I have a full on love-fest going with C9 (just need time to play with my mountain of their products residing at my place), so seeing you create magic with them here has me swooning! Love the elegance of your first card; the shimmer add such impact. You *Oh* Little Town…divine! Poetic license rocks!
Hugs~c
I like the elegance of your cards.
The gold is so pretty!
Can’t wait for Christmas!
🙂 You have to mix up your styles sometimes to keep yourself entertained. That’s why it’s great to see so many different stamp companies with your event… so many fun styles.
My husband does calligraphy but I do not have that talent so I rely on stamps to get the effect. Your cards a very simple and crisp. Not really my cup of tea since I like color and designs but everybody is different. Thanks for sharing this on your blog.
What a beautiful card and so elegant! The scripts are very beautiful! Thanks for taking the time to share during this busy, busy season of the year! Merry Christmas!
I love what you did with the ornaments. I have that set and now I have an idea how to use it. Thanks.
I LOVE the clean and modern card.
Simply shining! CAS to the rescue!