Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Taheerah Atchia

Hello!

When Taheerah asked whether we were interested in an idea she had come up with for Christmas, I knew it would be something special, so I just had to answer with a great big YES! When I found out that we were going to be a big AMAZING crafting advent calendar, I was so excited and so pleased I'd let my curiosity lead the way!

Advent Calendar Extravaganza is -the- festive event of the season! This ‘hop with a twist’ was dreamed up by Taheerah Atchia and features surprise destinations each day! Joining in the fun with Taheerah are over 60 special guests - each serving up some fantastic Christmas inspiration! Just like an Advent Calendar, you’ll never know where you’re going to be visiting next until you ‘open the door’!

And that’s not all! With 25 *amazing* sponsors taking part as well, your crafty wish list is bound to get a boost with a chance to win a prize EVERY SINGLE DAY!!
Join in the fun every day at taheerah-atchia.com to see what special surprises wait behind the door!

When I found out that the sponsor on my advent calendar day was Wplus9 I was keen to use some of my Wplus9 stamps (because I love them so). I wanted to make a Christmas card, but I had no Christmas stamps (how did that happen?) and definitely not enough shipping time to get some to Australia before my day, so I used an old favourite - Fresh Cut Florals - to create a wreath. Oh, how I love that set, it's so versatile!

While I was wreath making, I made a second one using Papertrey Ink Spruce and Sprigs stamps.

It’s not a party without a prize - and with prizes every day there are several chances to win! Today’s prize is generously supplied by [sponsor’s name] so you’ll definitely want to get your hands on it! Simply leave a comment on this post to enter - then head back to taheerah-atchia.com and leave a comment there too to double your chances! Don’t forget to grab the other surprise destinations from Taheerah’s blog and head over to them to leave comments there as well to improve your odds even more! You have until 7am EST on Thursday 31st December to leave all your comments! 

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've so enjoyed visiting everyone along the way on this Advent Calendar adventure. It's been so much fun!

Thanks for visiting me! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Michelle 
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 153

Hello!

Welcome to the last challenge of the year for CAS(E) This Sketch! We return in the new year with a new challenge on 7 January. This gives you a little extra time to play along with this challenge. Depending on where you are up to in your card-making cycle, you might choose to make a last minute Christmas card, or a Happy New Year card, or you might need to start working on your stash of birthday cards again! (I need to do all three!)

I decided to end the year with a little bit of sparkle and shine. :-)

I used PTI Sparkle & Shine stamps and dies.

As this post goes live, I am in Sydney on my last work trip of the year. When I return from the trip, I'm on holidays for two weeks! Yay!! As the holidays start, I need to get myself organised to buy some presents and cook some food. I think I need to clone myself to get everything done, haha!

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 152

Hello!

It's time for a new challenge at CAS(E) This Sketch! I took a temporary vacation from my Christmas card making to create a New Home card. :-)

I used PTI On The Farm stamps and dies.

Life has been busy. Last week-end my 8 year old danced in four ballet concerts. This week-end, starting Friday, my 13 year old is competing in the water polo state titles. After this week I only have one week of work before I take two weeks of holiday over Christmas and New Year. I am SO looking forward to that break!

Thanks for dropping by!

Michelle
xxx

Fusion - Season's Greetings!

Hello!

It's our last Fusion Challenge for the year! We are taking a mini break over Christmas and New Year and return on 7th of January 2016. Our inspiration is perfect for those last minute Christmas cards. If you're anything like me, you need all the inspiration you can get to churn out those last few cards. ;-)

I used PTI Spruce & Sprigs stamps. 

I hope you join in with us on this last Fusion challenge of 2015. It's such a fun inspiration!

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

Glittering Christmas Peace

Hello!

I was so inspired this week by the dimensional stars I've seen around blogland. I was curious how these stars worked, so I created one for myself. It turns out that it is just a matter of careful scoring and folding to get the star to sit up nicely like that!

Once I had that star, I just had to use it, and I had a few challenges in mind. Here is my card.

I used Wplus9 Star Stackers die and PTI Snowflake Serenade stamps. Sentiment is silver embossed. The star is made from SU! glitter paper.

I'm entering into three  challenges.

Muse Christmas Visions with this gorgeous inspiration. I love a black background Christmas card, so dramatic!

My layout was inspired by the December Sketch Challenge at Happy Little Stampers.

And last, but not least, Virgina's View Challenge where it's All About Glitter! This is Virginia's last challenge. I'm crossing my fingers that she'll be back after a little rest. This is one of my very favourite challenges, probably because Virginia is the sweetest person out there. :-)

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 151

Hello!

It's time for a new CAS(E) This Sketch challenge! Did you enjoy the past two week challenge? Looking at the entries in the gallery, I'm in awe - amazing cards! I can't wait to see what you all make this week!

I made two cards this week. One is bright and one is monotone. I didn't follow the sketch perfectly for either, but it was definitely my starting point for both.

This first card used lots of stamping and I love it. :-)

I used PTI Peace, Love, & Joy stamps. Such a super little set!

This second card uses those antlers that I had no idea what to do with. They still make me giggle. Such a random image for a stamp set. My sentiment was very difficult to photograph, the gold reflects in all directions!

I used SU! Wonderland and PTI Happiest of Holidays stamps and PTI Spiral Notebook die.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you're inspired to join in the fun!

Michelle
xxx

Fusion - Blue Christmas

Hello!

The blue Christmas theme continues with this week's Fusion Challenge inspiration! I attempted to use both sketch and inspiration, although my take on the sketch is very loose. ;-)

I used SU! Snow Swirled stamps, one of my long-time favourite sets. The sentiment is PTI.

Isn't this inspiration photo just beautiful? I really do love a blue/aqua Christmas. And if you look closely, there is a very cute doggy sitting there. :-)

I hope you're inspired to join in the fun with us!

Michelle
xxx

Papertrey Ink November Blog Hop

Hello!

When I saw the inspiration photo for the Papertrey Ink November Blog Hop, I couldn't resist joining in. I love a blue, green, and grey Christmas!

I used PTI Spruce & Sprigs and Think Big Favorites #8 stamps.

Just a quick one, I have a busy week at work and with the kids finishing up school for the year, I need an extra few days added to the calendar! I hope to be able to check out everyone's takes on this inspiration over the next few days! :-)

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 150 - HO HO HO!

Hello!

I have had the santa hat stamp used on this card forever and I have had this idea forever and I've never created it, until now! This week's CAS(E) This Sketch sketch was my perfect opportunity! :-) I will admit that my stamp positioner got a good workout on this card. I used it for every single image.

I used Stampin' Up! Embellished Events stamps. Colours are Real Red, Old Olive, and Tuxedo Black.

Thanks for visiting! I hope you're inspired to join in the fun!

Michelle
xxx

Make It Monday 231 - Motif Building

Hello!

I was so intrigued by Betsy's motif building over at Make It Monday this week that I just had to try it out for myself. I think I need a little more practice! It was a fun exercise, so I'll be trying this technique again. :-)

I used PTI Lovely Layers, Rosie Posie, Sparkle & Shine, and Scripted stamp sets to create my motif. Colours are PTI Hibiscus Burst, Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone, Hawaiian Shores and SU! Certainly Celery.

I'm also linking this up to Susan's Thanksgiving challenge and also to One Layer Simplicity where the theme is Gratitude.

Thanks for visiting me!

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 149

Hello!

It's time for this week's CAS(E) This Sketch Challenge! My card this week is a grungy Christmas card. I'm not sure if grunge and Christmas go together, but I enjoyed making silver and gold grunge. :-)

I used SU! Cheerful Christmas and Gorgeous Grunge stamps.

This sketch is awesome and I had visions of watercolour relief images. As often happens with me and sketches, a gremlin gets in my brain and takes me in a completely different direction from where I started heading.

I hope you're inspired to join in with us this week!

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

Fusion - Warm Welcome

Hello!

I'm here with my card for Fusion Card Challenge! I made a Fusion card, inspired by both the inspiration photo and the sketch.

I used Wplus9 Pretty Peonies and PTI Scripted stamps. I made an inky fingerprint, so I also added sequins - magic splodge covering!

Isn't this a beautiful inspiration? Gorgeous!!

So, I had a "Mummy fail" tonight. It's been a busy week and I decided I would have a glass of wine and relax. I poured the wine, I sat down, took a sip, and my daughter says, "So, who's driving me to water polo practice?"  Oops! Glad wrap over the wine glass for later consumption... and later relaxation. ;-)

Thanks for visiting! I hope you're inspired to join us in the fun!

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 148

Hello!

I'm back for this week's CAS(E) This Sketch! This week we have a new design team member joining us. It's the one and only Jen Mitchell! Yay! Welcome, Jen!

My card is simple with a very tiny little bit of glitter so that the butterfly is the star of the show. I turned Leigh's gorgeous sketch on its side.

I used PTI Think Big Favorite stamps, Matt Stack 1 die, and Memory Box butterfly dies (Asti Wings and Vivienne).

That butterfly can be any shape, you don't have to use a butterfly. I just can't resist any excuse to use butterflies on my cards. ;-)

Life has been very busy this week. Work is crazy and unlikely to settle down any time soon. Family life remains as busy as ever. Thank-goodness for time to make cards and relax!

Thanks for visiting! I hope you're inspired to join in the fun.

Michelle
xxx

Happy Little Stampers November Sketch Challenge

Hello!

When I saw the new sketch at Happy Little Stampers, I just had to join in. I had an idea in my head, but somehow between head and hands, my regular loose interpretation of a sketch took hold. ;-)

I'm taking any opportunity to make Christmas cards at the moment. The situation is dire. I need to make about 50 in the next few weeks! Given my limited time, I'm starting to wonder if I can do it. This card is a candidate for mass production. I really like how it turned out.

I used SU! Wonderland stamps. I used SU! Smoky Slate card and ink and Tuxedo Black ink.

 Thank-you for dropping by to visit!

Michelle
xxx

{CASE}ing Genius Challenge

Hello!

Kelly Latevola of You and Your Big Dreams is hosting a {CASE}ing Genius Challenge to celebrate the 1st anniversary of her {CASE}ing Genius series. We get to CASE one of the Geniuses. I am one of those who was honoured to be CASEd by Kelly. I'm not CASEing myself, haha! I am CASEing someone that I admire and that I have never CASEd before - the fabulous Brandi Hall.

For my card, I chose three of Brandi's cards to CASE. They all have a wonderful green card base and bright florals. My card stayed very close to Brandi's original inspiration.

I used Altenew Wild Hibiscus and Wplus9 sentiment stamps. I did lots of masking!

Brandi's cards are here. Aren't they awesome?

  

Kelly asked us to nominate someone we would like to see as a Genius. I would love to see Kelly CASE Tracey McNeely, especially her fabulous tags!

Looking back at the rules just before I post, I realise I was supposed to CASE one of Brandi's original cards from the Genius post. Oops! I'm still entering. My card works as a CASE of either of Brandi's floral cards in the original post. ;-)

Thanks for coming to visit!

Michelle

xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch #147

Hello!

I feel like I've gone off on one of my tangents with my interpretation of this week's sketch at CAS(E) This Sketch. Maybe because I was initially thinking of flowers and then went for a Christmas theme. :-)  I think you can still see the sketch in my card...

I used SU! Wonderland stamps and a little washi to create this card.

Tonight I'm at the end of year concert for my kids' strings ensembles. All of the ensembles, from 7 year olds through to 18 year olds, play in the final concert at school. It is made up of 3 junior ensembles, 3 intermediate ensembles, and 2 advanced ensembles. This time they are also playing a finale piece with all kids together (over 200 kids playing strings together!). I love these concerts, they give me goosebumps!

Thanks for dropping by to visit!

Michelle
xxx

Fusion - Poppies and Purple

Hello!

It's time for another Fusion Card Challenge! This week's inspiration is some amazing poppies. I love poppies and I recently got my hands on some poppy stamps, yay! I loosely interpreted the sketch along with the inspiration to create my fusion card.

I used MFT Delicate Pretty Poppies stamps.

As we approach Remembrance Day on 11th November, this is the perfect inspiration.

I hope you're inspired to join in with us this challenge.

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

CASEing Kelly Blog Hop

Hello!

There is a fabulous blog hop underway! Kelly Latevola has been running an awesome series called CASEing Genius. I was one of the lucky ones who she CASEd. There are quite a few of us. I think Kelly is the Genius! We all do, which is why we thought we'd pay the compliment back and CASE Kelly. So much fun! We've each chosen three of Kelly's cards and CASEd them. I cannot wait to hop around and see what everyone else came up with.

For my inspiration I chose these three cards of Kelly's.

 
 
I love everything that Kelly makes, but her florals are at the top of my loves! From these three cards, I took dramatic colours; watercoloured, splattered, and patterned backgrounds; a bold sentiment paired with a sentiment banner. I used a darker, grungier style than Kelly and I came up with this:

I used Altenew Striped Florals,Wplus9 Whole Lotta Happy, and Hero Arts Dots and Flowers Background stamps.

What is a blog hop without some fun prizes? Leave a comment by 11.59pm EDT on Thursday October 29th along each stop in the hop to increase your chances of winning a prize from one of our sponsors:
a2z Scrapbooking
Altenew
Create a Smile Stamps
Dee's Artsy Impressions
DJkardkreations
Hero Arts
Ink Road
Lia Stampz
Simon Says Stamp
Winners will be notified by email after October 29th.

Here is a list of everyone joining in on this hop!

a2z Scrapbooking   

Amy Tsuruta 
Ardyth Percy Robb 
Brandi Hall   
Char Kochensparger   
Cindy Chiu 
Darnell Knauss 
Dawn Turley 
Debra James 
Deepti Malik
Donna Idlet
Elizabeth Campau
Ellen Haxelmans
Heather Ruwe
Jennifer Loftfield
Joan Bardee
Kara Vrabel
Kara-Lynne
Kathy Wade
Katie Gehring
Kristie Goulet
Kristina Beagle
Kymona Tracey
Laura Jane
Leigh Penner
Lin Brandyberry
Linda Trace
Lindsay Amrhein
Lydia Evans
Maria Sabina
Raita Marika Rahtu
Martha Lucia Gomez
Michele Cunningham
Michele Ferguson
Michelle Lupton
Michelle Williams <That's me!
Monica Maier
Niki G.
Nina-Marie Trapani
Rubeena Naz
Shelly Kurth
Taunya Butler
Thordis Dogg
Vera Yates
Kelly Latevola

Thank-you for dropping by! I hope you're enjoying the hop!

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 146

Hello!

For CAS(E) This Sketch this week, I bring you this card.

I used PTI Strawberry Patch stamps, without the strawberries! I think that is a first for me. :-)

The sketch is this one - another awesome inspiration from Chrissy!

I spent Monday this week at the beach with my kids. They had a student-free day at school and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to visit family and enjoy the beach. We had a wonderful time! It was so nice to have a day off work to just relax. Of course, the work waited for me, and I've been playing catch-up for the rest of the week. ;-)

Thanks for visiting! I hope you join in the fun with us this week.

Michelle
xxx

CAS(E) This Sketch 145

Hello!

For CAS(E) This Sketch this week, I went die-crazy! 

I used PTI Wonderful Words: Friends stamps and dies. I spritzed with a splattering of gold Smooch.

Life is in busy mode right now. We're in the last term of school for the year. That means lots of music concerts and the associated preparation, throw in an eisteddfod for fun, too! We also have ballet concert preparation. My eldest has started up water polo season again, which runs through to March next year. That makes for very busy week-ends. 6.5 weeks of school left. In about 8 weeks, we'll be finished with all of that kid-based activity and launching into Christmas and Summer holidays. Yay!

Thanks for dropping by!

Michelle

xxx