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
Both cards are superb but the ornament card makes my CAS heart go pitter-patter!
Oh, I want to win so badly as Sophisticated Script stamps are on my wish list. Hence, I LOVE your Bethlehem card (and I’m willing to practice). However, I think you’re too hard on yourself because your lettering looks great. Your first card is also a cutie.
Very nice cards and great sentiments. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful CAS designs. The calligraphy sets are truly gorgeous.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cheers and happy new year!
preety
Gorgeous cards! I love Concord & 9th Script sets and you’ve really outdone yourself here 🙂
Both are great, having a hard time choosing a fav. I think I would choose the first one.
I love, love, love my Concord and 9th Sophisticated Script sets – so happy to see the beautiful card you created using them!
Both are pretty, but I like the Bethlehem one best. I agree OH looks better than O.
Soo pretty. Love how elegant the last card is. Thank you!
Your cards are so beautiful! I love them!!
Concord & 9th has some fantastic sentiments! Love what you have done with them! Beautiful!
I really love the lettering on both cards.
Beautiful cards!! Love all the gold and glitter!
I love the O Little Town of Bethlehem stamp. That makes a great card. Love the gold lettering.
Oh here you go calling for favourites again! You torture us so lol! First blush I’m going to say the Oh little town… because I really like it – and I have the stamps from a long time ago -so you’ve inspired me to dig them out and use them! Having said that, I bet if I saw the “it’s beginning…” in person, I’d be oohing & awing over the sparkle! Eithercard, we win! Thank you!
Simple cards, but stunning and to the point!
Nice simple cards — but yet elegant at the same time
The snowflake and star dangles make a fab CAS edge design!
great cards by concord and 9th….. love this company….. thank you
Gorgeous cards!
Very simple and elegant – so nicely done.
I prefer simplicity and this is it !
How I love calligraphy. Clean and simple design. Lovely!