Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 12 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
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 a couple of years ago 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 a quick video that explains how to find those special links!
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 12, 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 Sunny Studio Stamps! Another fairly new kid on the block, I’ve been falling in love with their assortment of layering, cute, and detailed stamps! The designs really have a classic yet modern quality about them that make Sunny Studio stand out! I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event this year!
Sunny Studio 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:
Isn’t this tree and lights card just perfect?! Normally I play with newer stamps for Advent, but I didn’t get a chance to play with the awesome Holiday Style and Merry Sentiments sets last year, so I just had to use them now!
I inked the pine branch stamp from Holiday Style with a couple of Distress Inks, spritzed the stamp, then stamped onto my card. I repeated this over and over to build up my full tree look, varying the amount of water I spritzed to allow for more or less detail. I added a touch of mist and water splatter too, to add a little touch of bokeh!
The Christmas lights from the Merry Sentiments set are so perfect! I stamped them with a variety of Catherine Pooler inks, then trimmed them out and coated them with a lot of shimmer from my Wink of Stella brush pen! I adhered the lights in place with Pinflair Glue Gel for varying dimension, drew the cord to join the lights, then added the sentiment from the new Festive Greetings set to finish!
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
I really love this card. The lights on the tree are amazing!
I loved the softer colors on the light bulbs, and beautiful shading.
Love the sentiment and colorful string of lights, but your greenery stamping is perfection. It looks so realistic. I think I need these stamps so I can CASE this one!
Great background and the Christmas lights stamp is the most realistic on I’ve seen. Your hand drawn string is perfect. Thanks.
Those lights look so realistic!
Beautiful Card!!
SQUEAL!! Just BEAUTIFUL!! I just ADORE this Set and how REAL those Light look!! THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and INSPIRING!! Have a FABULOUS New Year!! =)
Love the card.
Oh my gosh! This is one of my favorites, so far. I love the soft color of the lights.
Love the beautiful background and the lights are just too cute. I am really in love with the soft colors.
Your card is so pretty. The ends on the light bulbs look so real. Love it.
Both of these stamp sets are timeless…you used them to create a fabulous card!!!
Very beautiful Christmas card!!
I love this! That background is perfect!
Yay, Sunny Studios! This company is fast becoming a favorite. Thanks for the inspiration. I have both of these stamps sets and have not used them yet.
Beautiful background on this card. The light bulbs in this set are so lovely. Thanks for the inspiration.
Sweet ! What a fun string of festive lights!
I love it! Very inspiring!
Yes! This card is just perfect!
Soft colors. Love the technique.
The lights on your card are just beautiful.
Fabulous card, love the soft colors of the bulbs
WOW, love the ‘tree’ and those pretty lights 🙂