Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Taheerah Atchia + VIDEO by Emily Leiphart

Merry Christmas! It's Emily Leiphart here and I'm thrilled to be one of Taheerah's very special guests for her 2nd annual Advent Calendar Extravaganza! I'm featuring Paper Smooches for this event and all of the details, including how to win one of 25 amazing prizes over 25 days is on my blog. Please leave comments THERE to participate!

My card and video for today features Paper Smooches, which is also today's sponsor! More on that below. I wanted to make a special holiday card for a friend whose twin boys are celebrating their first Christmas. I mirror/reverse stamped and reverse die cut both the baby from Pip Squeaks and the Santa hat from Merry Motifs. See how my card came together here:

The sentiment is a combination of two sentiments, with 'Merry Christmas' from Merry Motifs and 'congrats to your super cute family' from Pip Squeaks. I masked off 'congrats' to create a whole new sentiment. The little hill is the clothesline from Pip Squeaks and the frame was created with the Hot Spots Large Base. I sponged around the card base and the frame with distress inks and embellished with enamel hearts.

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 Paper Smooches so you’ll definitely want to win! Simply leave a comment on MY BLOG - then head back to taheerah-atchia.com and leave a comment there too! You must leave a comment on Taheerah’s blog as well as mine in order to be eligible to win! 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 23:59 EST on December 31, 2016 to enter.

Don’t forget Advent Calendar Extravaganza runs from December 1st through 25th, inclusive, so make sure you visit taheerah-atchia.com every day for fabulous inspiration and amazing prizes every single time!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!

3 cards for the Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

 

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing a fun video and 3 cards for the Advent Calendar Extravaganza blog hop with Taheerah Atchia. Be sure to stop by HERE for more details about the giveaways!

You will have to stop by MY blog for the video and for the chance to win... so head over to Savannahland2 NOW! 

Here's a sneak peak at what I've created:) 

These cards are also a part of the PS December challenge. I challenged myself to make 15 cards this month for the challenge. Challenge accepted and I am at 10 so far! HOOOOORAY! I think I might achieve this goal!!! 

Remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Embossed Images from a Die Cut with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing a fun way to use your die cuts--- I'm creating a stampede image (actually it's embossed) using the Decorate A Tree die!

This is an easy card and simple technique! 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches stamps: Be Merry; Paper Smooches dies: Decorate A Tree

I hope that you are inspired to try this embossing (or just stamping) technique using your PS dies!! And I hope you will join in the PS December "winter-holiday-Hanukkah-New Year's" challenge! You could WIN a $50 Paper Smooches gift certificate!

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Melted Snowman Game with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing a fun game for children during this holiday season and parties using the NEW Melted Snowman die!

These are super easy to make--- NOTE: they really are simple, but my videos always show how I get tripped up on words and directions.. making it seem a bit more difficult than it really is:) 

Click HERE and HERE for the FREE printable game instructions! Please send me an email {savannahland2 at comcast dot net} if you are unable to download these files or need extra help:) 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches  dies: Melted Snowman and Flag Tags

Click HERE to see extra pics on the Paper Smooches blog! 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! I would looooooove to see your chidlren/grandchildren making these melted snowmen!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Quick Word Wrap with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing another way to use my idea of a "quick word wrap" for a gift--- check out my original video HERE! 

I know that Thanksgiving is today... but I'm a bit late in posting due to YouTube! There were so many problems with my video uploading that it took almost 24 hours to load. Oy! Sorry this is late! 

The good news is that you can use this idea for literally any holiday, occasion, and more! You can also create these using Christmas word dies, birthday word dies, and many other sentiments from Paper Smooches! And you can use them on candles, cups, mugs, jars, boxes, candies, etc! The uses for this project idea are NUMEROUS!

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches dies: Ruffle Pleats, Hearts, Large Leaf, and Grateful

These candle gifts are PERFECT for the Paper Smooches November "gift thanks" challenge---- click HERE to play along! You could win a $50 gift certificate! Deadline: Nov. 28th. 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Bent Extended Arrow die with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing two ways to create a "bent + extended" arrow using the NEW PS Arrow dies.

Click HERE and HERE to check out two other videos where I share how I extend my dies! 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches stamps: Happy Birthday and Bosom Buddy; Paper Smooches dies: Arrows

I hope that you are inspired try one of these ways to extend your dies!! And I hope that you will create some extended and/or bent arrows for your projects----if you do, remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Quick Gift Wrap with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing an easy way to decorate your gifts! This really is a simple tip and idea--- and it can be used with just about any Paper Smooches  sentiment die! 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches die: Happy Birthday Words

To wrap the sentiment around your gift, just weave your string/twine through some of the loops in the letters, wrap it around your gift, and tie a bow at the end! 

I hope you are inspired by this easy gift wrap idea--- please remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Clip Decorations PART 4 (Bulldog Clips) with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing part 4 of my "Clip Decorations" video series!!! 

I'm in love with how easy each of the clip decorations are to make! 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches dies: Butterfly Duet

I hope that you are inspired to make some of your own flair for your bulldog clips (or binder clips)... or some of the other clip decorations that I've made [click HERE for part 1 or HERE for part 2  or HERE for part 3 of this video series]. 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

HOOOOOOOOOOOOORAY! Thanks for making it this far in the post!

We have one more thing to share.... and it's our Virtual Smooches Featured Fan!  I'm super excited because I received an email with these fun clip decorations by Teresa! I love when my friends and Paper Smooches fans are inspired by our videos, tips, and tricks!! 

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Clip Decorations PART 3 (Clip Dangles) with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing part 3 of my "Clip Decorations" video series!!! 

I love how easy these are to make! And I LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE that I used a PS circle die found in the Get Outta Town Icons set--- sometimes all you need is a die cut:) This little circle die was a perfect match for this dangle jewelry piece. 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches dies: Get Outta Town Icons

I hope that you are inspired to make some of your own clip dangles... or some of the other clip decorations that I've made [click HERE for part 1 or HERE for part 2 of this video series]. 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Clip Decorations PART 2 (FUN clips) with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing PART 2 of my "Clip Decorations" video series! Click HERE for PART 1 Epoxy Clips. Or click HERE to watch it on YouTube. 

These FUN clips are super easy to make! And they really are so fun--- my favorite is that cactus!!! OH MY! SOOOOOOOO cute:) I do share a couple of tips in my video--- nothing fancy, but these tips help me make some great FUN clips 😊  

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd here are some cute pics of my little friends Isaiah and Caleb. They are using that super man clip (also known as "Super Jordan") while reading a book. Jordan (their brother) was a bit camera shy. 😉   The great thing about that "Super Jordan" clip is that it has double duty- 1. it's a bookmark and 2. the kids can use it to point to words while reading! BONUS:) 

I hope that you are inspired to create your own FUN clips!!! And don't forget to come back next week for part 3 of my video series;) 

Please remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Clip Decorations PART 1 (Epoxy Clips) with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing part 1 of my NEW video series "Clip Decorations". 

I am currently obsessed with creating different clips and decorations for my Bible, journals, SAVdoris (more for sale coming SOON!), and books! This first clip is super easy to make and can be customized using different Paper Smooches stamps, images, and sentiments! There are so many PS stamps that can fit in that 1" circle!!!  Annnnnnnnnnnnd these are perfect for children to make! 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

I hope that you are inspired to create your own epoxy clips and that you will come back next week for part 2 of my new video series:) I actually might have the video posted sooner... but you never know! Maybe I should just stick to posting on Thursday next week! LOL! 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Wine Glass Shaker Card (using water) with Savannah O'Gwynn

Hello, friends:}

***Let me start by wishing my big bear a HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY! Love you so much, Olsen Bebo O'Gwynn! My favorite pictures of him would be from THIS Virtual Smooches video back on his 5th birthday! LOL! Too funny! 

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing a fun shaker card using water!!!! I finally figured out how to create a water shaker card using a plastic baggie and the Paper Smooches Wine Glass die! 

This video is a bit long... but that's because I had a few hiccups! I cannot believe that I messed up on "live" video! I cannot even believe I forgot to add the back piece of the cardstock to the cardbase. OY! Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches stamps: Knick Knacks; Paper Smooches dies: Wine Glass

I hope that you are inspired to create your own water shaker card---- maybe use this idea for an underwater themed card or for a jar with some die cut flowers! FUN x10000000000 :)

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

Time-Lapse with Sav

Hello, friends:}

Savannah O'Gwynn here today sharing quite an interesting video! LOL! It's "live" and "time-lapse" together! 

I was inspired by THIS layout by Eyoung Lee and these cards fit perfectly in the PS March birthday challenge (which ended yesterday) and my Sav Challenge (using up your stash). 

Here's the video *****Be sure to change your settings to HD before watching! THANKS! 

Paper Smooches dies: Happy Birthday Words

I hope that you are still here and watched my video! LOL! ANNNNNNNNNNND I hope you will join in the fun with the PS challenges! You could WIN a $50 Paper Smooches gift certificate! ***Oh how I wish I could win! I would love to get some more PS stamps/dies! 

And remember to link up your creations to our Inspired By Virtual Smooches post!!! 

**And don't forget if you leave a comment, please add your blog address and email so I can visit you too:) I love hearing from the VS followers when you've created something based off of one of our videos:) So keep leaving comments and links- you could be our next Virtual Smooches FF!!! ***If you don't have a blog-- email me a pic and let me know what inspired you!!! 

(savannahland2 at comcast dot net)

THANKS so much for stopping by! Be blessed:}

ps... ***HINT: I share that the April PS challenge will be "black and white with a pop of color"!!! Be sure to stop by the Paper Smooches blog on April 1st for more details!