Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 18 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
In case you missed Day 17, click here!
In case you missed Day 16, click here!
In case you missed Day 15, click here!
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 18, 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 Honey Bee Stamps! A new-to-me company this year, I quickly fell in love with their mix of cute images and clever scripty sets! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event this year!
Honey Bee Stamps 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 create something classy with the wonderful handlettered-style words from the Merry And Joy stamp set, so I went with a chalkboard design!
The great thing about these sentiments is that the first part of the word merry (the ‘merr’) part, is separate from other ends of the word (such as the ‘y’ to spell ‘merry’, or ‘ily’ to spell ‘merrily’ – clever huh?!). A similar thing exists for the ‘Joy’ word, but I only used the ‘Joy’ part here. 🙂
I used the snowflakes from the More Flakey Friends stamp set to add some fun accents without making the design too busy!
So, I thought I’d give you a few of my personal tips for this kind of technique! The first is that I actually use a dark grey cardstock (rather than a black one), and then I randomly swipe the Hero Arts Blackboard ink over it. It creates a greater depth to the background and gives the impression of a chalk-wiped surface without having to wipe white ink or chalk all over it!
I use an EK Success powder tool all over the cardstock before I stamp and heat emboss my sentiments, to minimise any stray embossing powder flecks. I use a white pencil to add some shadowing effects, and swipe some white ink on the edges of the cardstock then rub it with my finger to give the chalky edges. And my favourite tip? A soft fluffy paintbrush, lightly tapped into my white inkpad, and then light stippled onto the cardstock. Perfect chalk dust look! 🙂
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
I just found your Advent Calendar blog hop and have spent the day seeing all the posts. Thank you for all the wonderful projects every one is sharing!
Love the chalkboard look. so fun
beautiful chalkboard look!
Perfection! Thanks for the chalkboard tips too!
I love the snowflake images. They add just the right sparkle to the cards.
Oh WOW!! Just GORGEOUS!! I always love chalkboard designs, but you really took it to the next level! It also looks a bit like a snowy night scene out the window, not sure why, the snowflakes perhaps? Either way – GORGEOUS!
Thank you! x
Merry and Joy! I’ve got you have those. Love the font and variety of sentiments. Your chalkboard cards are awesome, Taheerah, and appreciate you sharing your tips on how to achieve this look.
Oh so nice, I love the chalkboard look. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful cards. Love the black and white combination. Beautiful Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cheers and happy new year
preety
I love the chalkboard look. Thanks for the details on how to do it.
So many awesome tips! I never would have thought to use a white pencil to create a shadow but it looks amazing! 2 fabulous cards! Thanks for all the work you’ve put into each day of this spectacular extravaganza!
LOVE it! So soft and pretty.
Your chalkboard cards are so cute!
Great background with the bright white embossing!! You keep coming up with more great ideas!!
Super cute. Love the chalk board look.
Lovely words on your cards.
Love the non-traditional chalk board look.
Love the sentiments you used for your cards and the white shows up so nicely on the gray background.
You captured everything right about the chalk on blackboard look! This is a classy duo. Eager to find out more about the company :I)
I love the background on both your cards!
I’m loving those sentiments and they are fabulously showcased with your chalkboard technique.
What a fab snowy chalkboard look you achieved with these! I love honeybee stamps!!
Amazing card….. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love the look of these stamps and can see using it for many occasions. Just recently discovered this company’s stamps
Day 18 was amazing!
love the simple white and charcoal card…….thank you
Thanks for sharing this technique. New to me!
Very elegant cards!