Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Layered Embellishments on the Fast Track

Greetings! Broadcasting straight from the realm of eat, sleep, work, repeat. Yes, I'm back on the dayshift treadmill, so brace yourself for a quickie!

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

Today's card is as "simple" as it gets — if by "simple" you mean an extravaganza of layered embellishments meticulously cut with a Silhouette Cameo. We're talking about cardstock that’s been lounging around since 2018, finally getting its moment in the spotlight. The digital SVG cut files hail from Lettering Delight, all perched atop white embossed cardstock. Those embossed scribbles are so faint, they're practically playing hide and seek with the camera’s flash. Who knew crafting could be this cheeky?

The embellishments are stacked with foam pads for that blockbuster 3D effect — without those ridiculous glasses. The vintage cassette die cut is a nod to us Generation Xers, who still remember the joy of rewinding tapes with a pencil. The 'rock' is bedazzled with red glitter, the undeniable diva of the card, while 'you' gets the royal treatment with Ranger's Glossy Accents. Because, let's face it, nothing says "you rock" like a glossy finish worthy of a superstar.


Onto a few challenges so:

And there you have it....  But before I dash off to my next eat-sleep-work cycle, let me leave you with a little chuckle: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.

Sláinte!
Wendy R.
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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Éirinn Go Brágh

 Ah, Éirinn Go Brágh! That's "Ireland Forever" in the language of leprechauns and Guinness lovers. I spent the morning crocheting a little "seamróg" (shamrock) garland in five shades of 'green'. Why? Because the grand month of Irishness is upon us, and if you're not decked out in green, are you even Irish ...celebrating?

Speaking of celebrations, let me introduce you to  the "Shamrock n Roll" digital stamp from Power Poppy. I colored it with Promarkers, mounted it with foam pads for that extra oomph, and went to town with Ranger Glossy Accents and flatback gems. To add a bit of texture, I grabbed my trusty scoreboard and etched some lines into the card. The result? A card that's so Irish, it practically sings "Danny Boy" when you open it.

click on pic for better view ;)

A few challenges I'm entering:


But, of course, crafts project needs a funny note to end on. So here's a classic Irish joke for you:

Why don't you iron four-leaf clovers?

Because you don’t want to press your luck!

Sláinte!
Wendy R.



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Monday, 17 February 2025

Birthdays, Banter, and Golden Girls Galore

I've got a few birthdays on the horizon, but there's one in particular that stands out. My dear friend, who I'd describe as a modern-day Sofia—except with a tongue loosened by a bit of Irish charm—is about to get a year older. 

Let's start with the card. I went for something clean and simple, with a digital from CNWDesignCo. I tweaked the sentiment to suit our mutual love for those iconic ladies. If you're as fond of The Golden Girls as we are, you'll recognise the font (Monotype Corsiva) from the show's title card—because why not go full Blanche and embrace the fabulousness?

click on pic for a better view ;)

The card's been coloured with Promarkers and embellished with two red glitter hearts. Now, onto the inside. I was thinking of adding an insert that would make any fan of the show chuckle: "Happy Birthday! One year closer to Shady Pines!." If you know, you know. And if you don't—well, you need to binge-watch the series, pronto.

A few challenges:

Here's to a birthday celebration full of laughter, love, and a little bit of mischief—just like our favourite Golden Girls would have wanted. So raise a glass (or a slice of cheesecake) and join me in wishing my friend a birthday as fabulous as Dorothy's sarcasm and Sofia's stories combined.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 
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Crafty Craic: A Whimsical Card Adventure

Hey there, folks! So, I recently decided to dive into my craft stash for a thorough sort-out, and what an adventure it turned out to be! I unearthed some acetate sheets that took me on a trip down memory lane, back to the days of transparencies and those ancient overhead projectors. Remember those? They were like the PowerPoint of the Stone Age!

Now, onto the card itself! This wee card features a whimsical tree die cut from the Silhouette Design Store. Sure, it's March, but who says Christmas trees can't make an appearance? I cut it from textured cardstock and bedazzled it with flatback gems that twinkle almost as bright as my neighbour's garden lights in July. The tree is perched on clear acetate that’s been embossed for a wee bit of pizzazz, and I went all-out, embossing the top and bottom of the card too.

click on pic for a better view ;)

The sentiment is from Lawn Fawn's "Scribbled Sentiments: Winter" and stamped with StazOn ink for a finish so crisp it could practically cut glass. And, because I live by the motto "more glitter, more better," I spruced up the heart with extra fine red glitter. If I’m not finding glitter in random places for the next month, did I even craft?

Now, this card is ready to strut its stuff in a few crafting challenges, spreading joy like confetti at a parade:

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 
5 comments:

Saturday, 15 February 2025

The Birthday Card Crunch

 Ah, the wonders of parenting — where last-minute surprises are as common as mismatched socks. My little fella casually drops the news about a football party at the local Astro pitch... tomorrow. Of course, the invitation was buried at the bottom of his schoolbag.

So, off I go, racing to my craft stash. I find a football die cut, some ancient gold glitter card, baker's twine, and a stamped sentiment. The result? A quick and simple birthday card, embellished with enamel drops and a dash of parental panic.

click on pic for a better view;)

And just as I'm feeling like a crafting champion, my wee one says, "Mam, the party's next Sunday."... Well, at least I'm ahead of the game for once! 

Sure we may as well enter a few challenges so:

Until the next adventure, folks!

Wendy R. x

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Thrilled to Be a New DT Member of Ally's Angels!

 Oooooooooh, I have some big news (and no, it’s not that I finally figured out how to use my glue gun without sealing my fingers together). I’m absolutely over the moon to announce that I’m the newest DT  member for Ally’s Angels! If you haven’t checked out their blog yet, do yourself a favour and click here. Go on, I’ll wait.

Ally’s Angels is all about gorgeous creations and a whole lot of crafty inspiration. The DT members are like the Avengers of craftiness - each one brings their own superpower to the table. And now, I’m joining their ranks! (Cue dramatic music and slow-motion hair flip.)

The Anything Goes challenges are absolutely awesome. They’re like a creative boot camp, but with less sweating and more glitter. I’m beyond excited to draw inspiration not only from the ridiculously talented DT members but also from everyone who participates in the challenges. Seriously, you guys are the real MVPs.

Now, let’s talk about my first card as a DT member. Drumroll, please… 🥁

click on pic for a better view;)

I decided to go with a Birdie Brown robot because, let’s face it, robots are cool. (And if you disagree, well, I’m sorry, but you’re wrong.) I coloured the little guy with my trusty Promarkers, because nothing says “I’m a professional” like accidentally colouring outside the lines and pretending it was intentional. Then, I jazzed him up with Ranger’s Glossy Accents and glitter, because if it doesn’t sparkle, does it even count as crafting?

The never-been-used sentiment is from the Nuts & Bolts Cling Stamp Set by Stampin’ Up (RIP,  retired set—you will be missed). I layered everything onto cardstock and raised it with foam pads because, hey, dimension is the spice of life. The striped background was stamped with Stazon Ink, which is basically the Chuck Norris of inks—it doesn’t mess around.

Challenges I'm entering:

I left the inside of the card blank because, let’s be real, I’m indecisive. It could be a love card, a thank-you card, or even a “Sorry I forgot your birthday until Facebook reminded me” card. Versatility is key, people.

So, there you have it—my first DT card! I’m so excited to be part of this amazing team and can’t wait to see what everyone creates. And remember, if you ever feel like your crafting isn’t good enough, just add more glitter. Glitter fixes everything.

Until next time, keep calm and craft on! (And if you see me covered in glue and glitter, just pretend it’s a fashion statement.)

XOXO, Wendy R. 

Your Newest DT Member 💖

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Monday, 10 February 2025

You’re My One and Only (No Gnomes About It!)

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re reading this, you’re either the legendary nurse I’m talking about, or you’re just here for the laughs. Either way, welcome! Today’s blog post is a love letter (sort of) to my partner-in-crime, my fellow nursing school survivor, and the person who’s stuck with me whether she likes it or not. Spoiler: she doesn’t have a choice.

So, let’s set the scene. I sat down to make a card for this absolute gem of a human being. You know the type—assertive, wickedly fun, and the kind of nurse who can run a unit with her eyes closed while simultaneously making you laugh so hard you forget why you’re even there. She’s one of the bestest of the bestest (yes, that’s a technical term), and I knew this card had to be just as epic as she is.

Originally, I was going to go with “You’re My No. 1 Gnomie” because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good gnome pun? But then I thought, nah, she’s not just a gnome—she’s the gnome. The one and only. 

click on pic for a better view;)

Here’s how the card came together:
Stamp & Sentiment: Clearly Besotted 
Colouring: Promarkers
Embellishments: A background rectangle die-cut (fancy, right?), a silver glitter card heart (because she’s a glittery kind of person), and Ranger’s Glossy Accents (for that chef’s kiss level of shine).
Layering: Foam pads, because if it’s not 3D, is it even a card?

A few challenges:  

Now, let’s end this on a funny note, shall we? Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our time together, it’s that laughter is the best medicine (unless you’re in A&E, in which case, maybe just stick to the actual medicine). So, here’s to my one and only: thank you for putting up with me, for being the kind of nurse who makes people feel like they’re in the best hands, and for being the kind of friend who makes me laugh until I cry (or until I pee a little—nursing school flashbacks, am I right?).

You’re stuck with me, doll. No gnomes about it.
Love,
Your No. 1 Gnomie (Okay, fine, your one and only).

P.S. If you ever leave nursing, I’m coming with you. Just saying.
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Fleeces, Daffodils, and Christmas Cards

 Ah, what a week it’s been. The kind of week where you question every life choice you’ve ever made, starting with why you thought a fleece was adequate outerwear for what felt like the Arctic tundra. Every morning, I’d confidently stride out the door, fleece-clad and borderline smug, only to spend my afternoons near the nursing station, silently bargaining with the heating gods. “Please,” I’d whisper, “just one degree warmer. I’ll even stop complaining about the rain. Well, maybe.”

But hey, spring is technically in the air. I know this because I spotted a few rogue daffodils blooming bravely next to the shed. Bless them. They’re like the overachievers of the plant world, blooming weeks early just to flex on the rest of the garden. Of course, this is Ireland, so spring doesn’t mean sunshine and picnics—it just means slightly warmer rain. Still, those daffodils are a glimmer of hope. A glimmer, mind you, not a guarantee.

Now, onto my Christmas card. Yes, you read that right. Christmas. In February. Look, I’m not saying I’m organised—I’m saying I’m terrified of December. This year, I’m getting ahead of the game. The card in question is a box card designed by Lori Whitlock. It’s one of those clever designs that folds flat for mailing, perfect for my family in the Southern Hemisphere. I always feel odd sending cards with snowmen while they’re in 40°C heatwaves. “Merry Christmas! Here’s a reindeer in a scarf. Enjoy the sunstroke!” This design, though, works for any gender and any hemisphere—whether it’s a chilly northern December or a warm southern summer. No more seasonal mismatches, just a universally thoughtful card.


click on pic for a better view;)

The cardstock is from my stash (read: hoard), and the Christmas tree is cut from a piece of dark green glitter card I’ve had for years. It’s so old, it’s practically vintage. I embellished the card with Ranger Glossy Accents for a bit of shine. When folded flat, the card measures about 19cm x 11.5cm, which is the perfect size to fit in an envelope and also to make me feel like a crafting genius.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

So, there you have it. A week of questionable fashion choices, premature daffodils, and Christmas cards that would make even Santa proud. Life is chaotic, but at least I’ve got my priorities straight: fleeces, glitter, and pretending I’m not cold. And to anyone else out there who’s already thinking about Christmas in February—solidarity, my friend. We’re not crazy. We’re just… prepared. Or delusional. Either way, pass the glitter.

Until next time, stay warm, stay crafty, and maybe invest in a proper coat.

Wendy R.

11 comments:

Friday, 7 February 2025

Love, Dragons, and a Hint of Glitter: A Valentine's Adventure

Valentine's Day is upon us, and the world has turned pink and red — even the dragons at the Game of Thrones experience in Northern Ireland would feel right at home! In the spirit of this love-filled season, I've crafted a Valentine's card using the "Dragon Love" stamp and die set from Avery Elle (hoarding this beauty since forever). I colored the dragon and hearts with Promarkers — because even dragons need a makeover sometimes. If you're curious, you can find my Promarker recipes linked at the top of my blog. Who knew coloring could be so deliciously fun?  ... The "xoxo" die-cut is layered and glittered to perfection, and the wee hearts are highlighted with Ranger glossy accents for an extra touch of magic.


A special shoutout to the talented designers of the CAS on Friday blog who inspire us with their beautiful work. Your creativity is as boundless as a dragon's wingspan, and your designs bring our paper fantasies to life. The current challenge is 'Valentine', so make sure to get your creations liked! 

As I wander past shops bursting with heart-shaped everything, I can't help but giggle at the Easter eggs already on display. Added calories and it's not even April yet! Guess we're getting a head start on the holiday indulgence.

Card challenges I'm enteringing:

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with someone special or just enjoying your own fabulous company, remember to spread love and glitter like confetti — because why not leave a little sparkle in your wake?.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of chocolate (or dragon fire, if that's your thing). 

xoxo

Wendy R.

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Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Best Fishes!

Ah, the glamorous life of night shifts. Two weeks of living like an owl, surviving on caffeine and the occasional existential crisis. But now, I’m back in the land of the living—or at least trying to be. To celebrate my return to daylight (and to avoid face-planting into my cereal), I decided to stay awake as long as humanly possible. And what better way to do that than by crafting?


My trusty Silhouette Cameo—older than my sense of responsibility—handled the die-cutting like a champ... It’s like the Nokia 3310 of die-cutting machines—indestructible, slightly outdated, and weirdly endearing.The die cut fishes are coloured with Promarkers, and raised on foam pads for that extra oomph.  Added a few flatback gems too. The sentiment comes from Lawn Fawn’s Fintastic Friends stamp set, which is basically a goldmine for anyone who loves a good fish pun. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t? The cardstock’s been sitting in my press (cupboard, for non-Irish folks) for ages, gathering dust and guilt-tripping me every time I opened the door. And no, there’s no glitter. I know, I know—shocking. But sometimes, you just have to let the glossy accents ( and flatback dewdrop embellishments) do the talking.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

Cardz 4 Guyz: #365 Clean and Simple
MTTC #552: Masculine
Crafty Cats: #686: ATG - Blue and green
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog: #315 January - Anyting goes (optional: Birthdays)
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything goes (featuring Spellbinders)
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bright and Cheerful 
Ally's Angels #90: Anything Goes

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to nap for approximately three business days :) 

Cheers! 
Wendy R. 
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