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
That white it pops so well on your chalkboard. What a cute little santa
Adorable card. Love the Santa and snowflakes as accents.
Wow. Just….Wow!!I love this!
What an eye catching card!! Love the Christmas Poster Background
Wow, great card! I love the chalkboard technique you used!
Much more fun than chalkboards in school!
What a nifty chalkboard look and the pencil details are fab!
Love the gorgeous background and also the pop of red from
Santa & his sleigh.
What a fun idea for a card!
Fun card!
This is amazing! I love the chalkboard look.
I am off to make a card with this chalkboard look right now. Thanks for the inspiration.
I love the chalkboard look! So cute.
I love your card, it’s so different ! The background stamp is really a great one and with your small Santa perfectly matching the text, really the result is fantastic.
I do love this event, so exciting! I have found some wonderful nw designers to follow too!
The little Santa and sleigh was the perfect final touch to your card.
Great design! What a fun stamp Hero Arts has made! I’d never seen anything like ti before now. It would be fun to use on so many different projects!
The chalkboard effect looks great on this card. Love the HA stamps that you used, too.
Great cards and ideas.
Awesome card.
Fantastic card.
The recipient will be able to display it every year
as a reminder of the story and of the wonderful
person who sent it.
thanks for sharing.
Love the bit of red on black and white
I love this one!!
So striking! That pop of red makes such a great statement.
Amazing card!
Love your Ideas!
It’s a very unique Christmas card. Love only the sentiment use.
I love he look of your card and glad to see Hero Arts today
What a fabulous card – love how you’ve used this stamp! The red Santa and sled add a nice surprise of colour!
Great card..i love chalk board Technique and have to try one soon…
Beautiful card and I love that stamp.
Love the chalkboard effect! So realistic! Once again, would love to see a tutorial on how you did it!
Great card, Thanks for sharing!
I have had a ball going through the different designs on today’s Blog Hop. When I was looking at yours it took me a moment to see the embossed Santa and his sleigh – how cute! Amazing selection today Taheerah. :O)
So creative and super clever.
Great idea with the chalkboard and cheeky red detail that enhances the chalkboard.
I have never heard of subway art. It must be really neat because your card is so awesome! Thank you for the introduction to something new and sharing your fabulous artwork.
So fun! Fabulous pop of color with Santa and his sleigh. I might just need to add chalkboard ink to my craft room!
OH I just love that this looks all chalkboard-like! Super cute!
Great poster with that pop of red Santa and reindeer
Fabulous – love the chalkboard technique!! I can never get it to look anywhere near as cool as yours!
LOVE this look!
Love that background stamp!
How cool…love the chalkboard look and the sprinkling of snowflakes.
This card is a real winner – just love the look of it.
Wonderful card – I love the white on black and that red pop of Santa’s sleigh – perfect! I am seriously lusting after that stamp now!
What a great stamp! Love how you used the blackboard technique–perfect!!
I love Hero Arts! They have such great products and outstanding customer service. Off to hop and see what’s been created…
Great card! Lots of inspiration!
Love this card! So modern, yet so traditional as well!