On Sunday we held our annual Hamilton Christmas Extravaganza at the Gordonton Hall, and it was a fun day full of crafting and socialising. The demonstrators start their day fairly early, setting up displays, arranging tables and preparing to teach. When we lay out the tables for our guests, we put a name tag or small gift for each person. I baked for my guests, making them biscuits pressed with the Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (page 161, Annual Catalogue) gift wrapped using the Season of Sweets Designer Kit (page 15, Holiday Catalogue)...

Season of Sweets Designer Kit (126912), Holidays Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (125152), Special Events Sweet Pressed Cookie Stamps (126903), Garden Green and Cherry Cobbler Stampin' Write Markers (Regals: 119701), 1" Square Punch (124094).

These were really pretty, and the Designer Kit made the gift wrapping quick and easy, which is just as well as I had 16 guests to create for!

To add some fun to the day, all the demonstrators contributed items for prize draws held through out the day. For my contribution I made this designer paper gift bag using Be of Good Cheer DSP (page 164, Annual Catalogue). I finished it off with Cherry Cobbler Scalloped Tulle (page 4, Holiday Catalogue), Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (page 158, Annual Catalogue), and scorched almonds...

Stamps: Christmas Blessings (wood: 123807, clear: 123809). Card/Paper: Very Vanilla (106550), Be of Good Cheer (126896). Ink: Gumball Green (126861). Accessories: Cherry Cobbler 3-1/2" Scalloped Tulle (127841), Cherry Cobbler Dazzling Details (125585). Tools: Big Shot (113439), Finishing Touches Edgelits (127010).

Here's some of the other prizes given out on the day...

At the Extravaganza we had five pairs of demonstrators who taught a project at each of the tables. At the end of the day, everyone of the 80 stampers who attended took home five lovely creations using a variety of products and techniques.

Rayleen and Irene showed how to make a Christmas card-and-gift-in-one...

This gorgeous Christmas card had a surprise as the corner lifts off and can be used as a bookmark. Great as a Christmas card, however this versatile project is easily adapted for male, female, birthdays, gratitude or other types of cards.

Bev and Rhonda showed everyone how to make a magic card. This is the card closed...

... and this is what happens when you pull...

Magic! Any outline stamp can be used with this technique and the more colour you add the better the €œWow!"

Patrice and Dallas taught a variation on an easel card, called a Sliding Easel Card, using the Ornament Keepsakes Bundle (page 3, Holiday Catalogue)...

Jacque and Shona demonstrated how to make quick gifts using the Scentsational Bundle and scented embossing powder (page 16, Holiday Catalogue)...

These make great stocking stuffers or Secret Santa gifts, and were very popular with the guests.

And finally, Vivienne and I used the Kraft Gift Boxes on page 161 of the Annual Catalogue and decorated them using the Snowflake Soiree stamp set. On top we added a bow, the one featured on the front of the Annual Catalogue and on page 143.

Everyone also made three quick-and-easy 3" cards and matching envelopes to put inside...

The day was a wonderful success and everyone I spoke to had a great time. I really enjoyed it too! Keep watching this space for the next Extravaganza.

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