Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 9 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
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 9, 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 Simon Says Stamp! One of my most favourite places to shop, Simon really are a one-stop shop for all your crafty goodness! Not only that but they also have their own line of products too – I particularly love their inks! They are headed up by my wonderful warm and kind friend Heidi – she is so awesome! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
Simon Says Stamp are generously sponsoring a $50 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 fell head over heels for the stag image from the Magical Christmas set! I stamped him on Fog cardstock and fussy cut him out, and backed him onto a piece of Kraft cardstock stamped and heat embossed with the Barnwood Background stamp from Concord & 9th. I tore the bottom of it for a rustic look!
I actually created that tartan/plaid background! I used stamps and inks from the Catherine Pooler Foundations Box collection – I love how realistic it turned out!
I used dimensional glue gel to adhere my elements, I just love how this looks! You can also see just how gorgeous that new embossing powder is – it’s a stunningly beautiful rose gold!
I loved several of these elements so much that I created a feminine version too!
I used the Barnwood Background stamp for my entire base this time, heat embossing with white and then swiping white ink on the edges. The stag was heat embossed with another *gorgeous* WOW! embossing powder colour, and the rose gold made an appearance again for the sentiment banner!
So gorgeous!
And here they both are together, which is your favourite?
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
Rustic Plaid Reindeer Card
Both cards are great. I really like the first one. The background reminds me of a flannel shirt.
2 great cards, Taheerah, but the plaid background you made just blows me away–LOVE it!
Lovin’ both your cards today. The deer’s Head makes for a great focal point:)
the magical stamp set showed off pretty well. thanks so much for sharing.
The Magical Christmas set has been on my wish list since it first came out! It is such an amazing set and I have wanted a set like this for years now!!! Both of your cards are so amazing! Perfect for the men in our lives yet the ladies will love them too! My favorite is the first one! I love the flannel shirt look of the background with the beautiful deer die cut layered on it!! FANTABULOUS!!! TFS!
Gorgeous cards! I love that plaid background.
Great cards! Love your plaid background!
I love that stag head die and the barnwood background stamp. Elegant cards.
This stamp set is fabulous! I really like your first card with the plaid behind it. It made the deer stand out so much better.
Fantastic plaid card – very warm, and welcoming. Makes for a great masculine card. But I love the lighter card .
I LOVE these! I’m seriously fan-girling again! The plaid one is particularly clever – Yay you!
Very nice cards. I love the card with the plaid background.
Fun cards today! My fav is the rustic plaid background card. Simon Says Stamps has wonderful products.
I love Simon Says products, too… I just wish they had a UK stockist as buying from them costs a small fortune !
Both of your cards are beautiful, but my favourite is the one with more colour… which is surprising and unusual for me.
I have to say, I love your blog intro.
Donna 🙂
Love your card! That is one of my favorite stamp sets.
WOW that plaid is so pretty and warm!
Lovely! A great rustic feel!
Awesome pretty cards!!! Love them!!! <3
Love that you made a make and female version. It’s a great idea and would never have thought of it myself. Thanks for sharing.
Love your stag cards and that tartan background! This Advent Calendar Extravaganza is so much fun.
Ooooooh, love the plaid with the deer.
I just love both cards but I think my favorite is the rustic plaid stag.
Oh, looove these! Especially love the plaid!
I like the deer with the pink plaid.
These are both amazing! I love the deer and plaid? Makes my heart skip a beat! 🙂
Fabulous deer cards! I love that there are so many ideas now for masculine cards!
Both are gorgeous cards but my favorite is the plaid background.
Great cards! I love the tartan plaid background.
Love both card!! SSS is my favourite place too for shopping!
WOW. A masculine and feminine card with the same theme. Nice work. Stunning.
What a fabulous suite of projects!! Love the rustic look and the plaid background you created is just awesome!
I like the plaid card best. Despite being pink it’s a nice masculine card!
Lovin’ both the cards! One for feminine and one masculine! Perfection ?
Both your cards are terrific. Love that deer head! Cheers.
Really nice cards, love the plaid background. Nikki
Wonderfully rustic. Love that paid!!!
I would have to say that I like the feminine version the cards better. But both are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
These are so awesome and perfect masculine cards! Love the wood design elements!
They are both gorgeous and both my favorite!!! ♥
WOW! Awesome job on both your cards. Adore the plaid background.
Gorgeous cards! Love that deer head!
The plaid background you created is awesome!
I love the pink plaid the best. But anything looks good with a stag on it.
I think I like the pink plaid the best, but really both are fantastic!
You made the plaid?!? Whoa! the textures on it are perfect. That’s my favourite card of the two of them. Love the torn edge and I’m not usually a fan of them. The barn board stamp is gorgeous. It turns out much nicer than I thought it would when I saw the stamp. I was concerned the lines would be distracting. And the Rose gold is stunning!
nice job! great cards!
I find creating masculine cards a bit difficult, but you these two out of the park.
They are both so pretty and I was amazed to read that you created that tartan background. My favourite would be card 2 with the barnwood background…I love the looks of that stamp.
Simon Says has awesome products, so glad to see them as a sponsor.
These are both so stylish, Taheerah … love the sentiment … and I’m especially taken with the barnwood background … so subtle and understated! Anita 🙂
I love the barnwood background stamp. Both cards are beautiful but I think I like the lighter one best.