Hello everybody! And welcome to Day 17 of Advent Calendar Extravaganza!!
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 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 17, 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 Hero Arts! This industry giant I’m sure need no introduction! One of the most genuine, ethical companies I have ever had the pleasure of working with, Hero are just one of my absolute favourite. Their products are known for their quality, variety and timeless nature. I’m so thrilled to have them sponsor the event again this year!
Hero Arts 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 just love subway art, and the chalkboard technique, so I had to combine them for this festive beauty!
I first created the background by rubbing the Hero Arts Chalkboard Black ink over some grey cardstock. I did this unevenly and it really gives an almost instant blackboard effect this way! Far better than just using black cardstock!
I stamped the Christmas Poster Background using the Unicorn White pigment ink then heat embossed it with white embossing powder. I used a white pencil to add some details and a tissue to dab on some white ink to look like chalk dust! The little Santa image is from one of the My Monthly Hero kits and was heat embossed with sparkly red embossing powder before being fussy cut and adhered in place! I stamped a few tiny snowflakes from the same stamp 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 am having so much fun with your advent countdown and love everything about it.
I love this big stamp! I love your card and I love, love, Hero Arts!
This is a great background stamp! I love how the white ink looks against the black. The Santa’s sleigh and his reindeer really pops against the black and white! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas!
Love your chalkboard Christmas card! So fun. Thanks for the inspiration and chance to win. 😀
this is so awesome!
Happy Holidays! ??⛄
hugs
Love this card and the technique used! The red Santa is a cute touch.
Love the chalkboard effect on your card!
Love your adorable card!
This is an amazing card. I love this subway art technique. I will definitely have to try this.
I think there should be so much more of these cards being made,love it.
Love the chalkboard look. Again thanks for having the Advent Calendar this year>
What a great idea to put Santa in red. It really makes him pop.
LOVE the chalkboard Christmas Poster card, that little touch of red santa sleigh and reindeer is awesome!
I love the chalkboard look of your fun card!
Great card. I love the large background stamp. Thanks for sharing…
Love the chalkboard look and the tiny Santa with his sleigh and reindeer.
Awesome card!! I like the idea of using a black ink to make your chalkboard!!
Gorgeous chalkboard art! So striking and attention getting!
Sammibug aka Samantha Houp aka Sammi
Darling! Looks so fun
and the red Santa
is adorable.
Carla from Utah
What a good idea using chalkboard ink. I love your card…reminds me of when I taught school and we had black chalkboards and erasers the kids would clap to clean. Sigh.
Love the chalkboard look with the bright red Santa’s sleigh…really pops!
This is just darling!
I like the tiny pop of red with this chalkboard design.
Wonderful card, I love the subway art!
I am having so much fun with this advent calendar. I love this stamp from Hero Arts,.
Oh my! This is fantastic! I love subway art too! Amazing! This stamp is on my list now!
WOW, loving this , I love this chalk board effect, its so beautifully dramatic & really catches your eye, loved reading all the sentiments, & the pop of red for Santa, sleigh & reindeers is just spot on, amazing, fantastic, super x
This is such a cool stamp. Love what you did with the chalkboard look. Thank you for sharing.
I absolutely love the little red Santa and reindeer, but was totally blown away that you fussy cut it!!! You are so officially now out of my league. To heat emboss something that small and then cut it out the hard way…I can’t think of anything to say! But I do love the pop of sparkly red against the “blackboard!” Thank you
What a neat stamp and I love how you used it….stunning with just the tiny touch of red.
Happy holidays!
Great chalkboard card. Hero Arts was one of the first stamps I bought a a teenager (many years ago)
WOW! I love the subway design too. And I can’t believe you fussy cut out the santa sleigh…just wow…thats talent for how small it is. Love the details of the snowflakes and “chalk” dust is genius. Just a wonderful card. Happy Holidays!
I love your chalkboard card with the little POP of red on Santa’s sleigh. How cute! Today is yet another day of fun and inspiration, and I hope it’s a happy one for you. Please know that I really do appreciate all your efforts to make this event SO very special.
Crafty hugs,
Karen Letchworth
Love this card. The chalkboard finish is so pretty with the Hero Arts stamp.
I would never think of stamping white after the grey/black background. Kind of opens all sorts of potential. I really love the card, the technique, and the stamp! Thank you.
so unique! love the contemporary feel of the design!
Love the pop of red against that awesome background!!
Fun card!
Wonderful chalkboard card! And, thanks for the tip about using black ink on grey cardstock.
Love how you did the chalkboard background.
Thanks for sharing!
I have really enjoyed these posts! The holiday inspiration is awesome!!!
Taheera, I am having all kinds of fun looking at a variety of cards from wonderful crafters I have not met until now!
Oh super cool chalkboard art!
I e never tried the chalk board ink, but it really has a very unique affect on the paper. I like it.
wow what a great idea for creating an eye popping card – LOVE the POP of red:)
What a perfect idea. A new card for each day in the advent calendar. Does making 27 cards in one day count towards catching up to today?
Great card! Thanks for sharing tips for the chalkboard look. I love the look, but it sometimes doesn’t look right!
What a cute card! Thanks for the inspiration!
Great card! Thanks for sharing your creativity with us!