30/03/2025

Birdbrains

Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are—another crafting session miraculously squeezed in between surviving back-to-back 12+ hour shifts (because apparently, sleep is optional when you’re a nurse and a card-making maniac). Today’s little burst of creative therapy features the absolutely adorable Easter Egg Birdbrains by the late, great Faith Skrdla (From The Heart Stamps).


  Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I’ve brought these feathery goofballs to life with my beloved Promarkers (because even birdbrains deserve to look fabulous), then slapped on some iridescent glitter—partly for sparkle, partly to distract from the fact that I may or may not have coloured outside the lines just a smidge. The sentiment (Hello Bluebird’s retired Spring Banner Script) was stamped in Stazon ink—AKA the only ink that doesn’t smudge when I inevitably sneeze glitter halfway through.

Now, I could have gone full-on Easter extravaganza with layers, die-cuts, and enough embellishments to make the Easter Bunny himself apply for overtime... but between you and me, Nurse Wendy's current life admin consists of remembering which day is bin day and occasionally feeding herself. So CAS was the only logical approach!

A few challenges: 


And for a joke so bad it should be hidden in the deepest, darkest corner of the garden:

Why did the Easter egg hide?

Because it was a little chicken!

(I’ll see myself out… right after I mainline another coffee.)
Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 

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A Festive Toast

Dia Daoibh!

Well, butter my crumpets and call me festive – I've gone and created a Christmas card so simple, it practically made itself! Today I'm sharing my one-layer wonder featuring the hilarious ' A Festive Toast' stamp from Crafter's Companion. 

  Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I've brought this cheeky carb to life with my trusty Promarkers (because even toast deserves to look its best), added just a wee skoosh of glitter (legal requirement for December crafting), and finished with some sparkly red gems – for that extra cheeky wink of festivity. Now, I could have gone full Christmas-crazy with layers, die-cuts and enough embellishments to make a reindeer dizzy... but where's the fun in that? Instead, I kept it CAS (... or as I like to call it: "Look, Ma! No glue gun burns!").

A few challenges:
And because no blog post is complete without a terrible Christmas pun to make you groan louder than Uncle Terry after his third helping of turkey:

Why did the snowman bring a ladder to the Christmas party?

…Because he heard the drinks were on the house!
(I’ll see myself out.)

Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 
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Wheely Cute

Dia Daoibh!

Feast your eyes on this absolutely adorable little bunny from the brilliant Rachelle Anne Miller – and would you look at that? This happy wee chap (or lass!) is off on a delightful bicycle ride!  Honestly, could it be any more charming?  Pssst… fancy making your wallet as happy as this bunny? Simply RAM-ember to use code WENDYR at checkout and bag yourself 10% off every purchase! No hopping around the bush – that’s a blooming good deal!



I kept the design sweet and simple, colouring with my go-to Promarkers, then added some sparkle with iridescent glitter (because who doesn’t love a bit of shimmer?) and glossy accents on the eggs and bike wheels  for extra dimension. And yes, of course, a few enamel dots joined the party – they’re like the confetti of cardmaking! The background paper is from Pink Petticoat / The Lovely Studio’s gingham collection – such a perfect picnic-perfect pattern, though sadly Liz is no longer trading. 

Onto a few challenges:
CAS on Friday – #305 Spring
I Love Promarkers #579 Anything goes or girly card 
Paper Shelter #631 Feathers or Fur
Simon Says Stamps - Anything goes (optional: use Waffle Flower Products)
Allsorts #819 Feminine  or Anything Goes 
Cardz 4 Galz #246 Springtime 
Moving along with the Times #176  March - Pets
2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter

Hope this bunny brightens your day! And since Easter’s hopping closer, here’s a joke to egg you on:

Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke?
…Because it might crack up! 🥚😂

Okay, okay—I’ll hop off now. Happy crafting! 🐇💖

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x
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Eggs-tra Manly Easter Card (No Bunnies Were Harmed)

Dia Daoibh!

 I've realised my Easter card collection is eggs-clusively (sorry) aimed at the fluffy-bunny-and-chicks fan club. Which is great… unless you’re trying to make a card for the men in your life who might raise an eyebrow at a pastel parade of tiny animals in waistcoats. 


                               Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

So, I decided to keep it simple and slightly more man-friendly with the ‘Osterhängerchen’ stamp set from - ready to bring the festive cheer without the frills. Stamped with Memento ink and coloured with Promarkers. I love looove looooove how versatile this stamp set is. Next step? Investing in the matching dies, because cutting out fiddly little egg shapes is not how I want to spend my Sundays ;) For the sentiment, I went full die-cut diva—layered, glossy-accented (Ranger’s, obvs), and looking sharp. The enamel dots? Totally planned. Definitely not because I got distracted by something shiny. Again.

Onto a few challenges:


So there you have it— an Easter card that even the most sceptical uncle can appreciate. Or at least pretend to, while plotting how to steal all the Crème Eggs.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

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24/03/2025

Spring Has ‘Sprung’

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, sure look—it’s officially spring! Or at least, that’s what the calendar claims. Here in Ireland, "spring" mostly means the rain has upgraded from vertical to sideways, and the shops are suddenly heaving with enough chocolate eggs to send us all into a sugar coma by Monday. Priorities, people! ;) 

Meanwhile, I’ve been working with my trusty vintage Silhouette Cameo (which, let’s be honest, is basically the crafting equivalent of a Nokia 3310—indestructible and weirdly nostalgic). I’ve been slicing, dicing, and bedazzling like a woman possessed because, let’s face it, when the weather’s this grim, what else is there to do but craft and eat Mini Eggs?

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

The backing papers are from the Lovely Studio (sadly no longer trading), and I’ve jazzed them up with die cuts, glitter (because subtlety is overrated), Glossy Accents (for that "ooh, shiny!" factor), and even some rogue silver thread (which may or may not have tangled itself into next week).

Onto a few challenges:
Creative Crafting Uncles #63 Spring and/or Easter
A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog  (Must Use at least one die cut using a machine, not a pre-fabricated) - Mar - Anything Goes
Everybody-Art-Challenge #575 - Lots of Layers
Try It On Tuesday - Spring Fling
2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter

With a hectic workweek looming, I’m squeezing in all the crafty chaos I can tonight—because nothing says "I’m an adult" like staying up late to glue tiny bits of paper together while mainlining tea.

So here’s to Easter, to spring (or at least the idea of it), and to chocolate eggs that definitely don’t count as calories if you eat them while crafting. May your bunnies be glittery, your die cuts be precise, and your raincoat be waterproof!

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x
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Glitter Bunnies

Dia Daoibh!

Well, crafty friends, I’ve been at it again— trying to transform humble cardstock into something that shimmers with festive cheer! 

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Lovely Studio/ Pink Petticoat backing papers—absolutely divine, though sadly no longer with us. (Cue dramatic sigh.) I’ve been guarding these like a dragon with a particularly pretty hoard, and Easter felt like the perfect time to let them shine.

Next up, my wee rabbits—a self-designed SVG cut with my trusty (and slightly vintage) Silhouette Cameo. It’s seen better days, but like a determined little trooper, it still delivers! These bouncy fellows were crafted from iridescent white glitter cardstock because, let’s face it, Easter should always have a bit of sparkle.

The "Easter Blessings" sentiment got the Ranger’s Glossy Accents treatment—transforming it from "nice" to "Ooh, shiny!" in seconds. (No regrets. Zero.)

Onto  a few challenges:


So here we are: a card that’s equal parts whimsy and wonder, with bunnies that practically glow. Wishing you an Easter filled with joy, chocolate, and just the right amount of crafty chaos!

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

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With a Side of Scotch!

Dia Daoibh!

Well, my nerves are doing the cha-cha today—I’ve just sent off my CV and cover letter for a Leadership in Clinical Governance position (say that five times fast!). Between you and me, my stomach’s hosting a full-on ceilidh of butterflies. So, what’s the best way to shoo them away? A wee bit of cardmaking, of course!

Today’s creation features the fabulous Whiskey Business Cling Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up. Because nothing says “calm under pressure” like a stamp set dedicated to Scotland’s finest liquid courage, am I right? (Don’t worry, I stuck to colouring with Promarkers—no actual Scotch was harmed in the making of this card… though a dram may have been consumed afterwards for research purposes.)


I kept the design simple—coloured the Scotch, added some clear flatback gems for a bit of bling (because even a stiff drink deserves to sparkle), and stamped a sentiment (free from a craft magazine many moons ago) in Staz-On ink—because nothing says "permanent life choice" like a sentiment that won’t budge, much like my love for puns.

I’ll be entering this into a few challenges :
--

Anyway, if you're also drowning in adulting—whether it's job applications, life-altering decisions, or the crushing realisation that your cat judges you harder than your own inner critic—just know you're not alone  - remember: deep breaths, a wee bit of crafting, and maybe a cheeky whisky reference. Or just the whisky. No judgement here.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

P.S. If I don’t get the job, at least my cardmaking skills are still on the rocks. (I’ll see myself out.)
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18/03/2025

Crafting, Craic, and Christmas in March

Dia Daoibh!

Well, St. Patrick’s Day went grand – I was on night shift over the bank holiday, but I managed to sneak in for the last half hour of the céilí at the local pub. Let’s just say, I’m fairly certain Disprin is now the official sponsor of March 18th. 😉 But hey, it was worth it! The craic was mighty!

Now, onto my card for today. I decided to channel my inner Grinch because, well, why not? Christmas in March? Sure, it’s practically summer in Ireland anyway! (Kidding, it’s still raining sideways.)


I created a Grinch Christmas tree card using my Silhouette machine. I layered it up to add some dimension, and kept the embellishments simple – just a touch of gloss and glitter. Because if there’s one thing the Grinch needs, it’s a bit of sparkle to soften that grumpy heart of his.

I’m entering this into a few challenges 

Until next time, keep crafting, keep laughing, and keep the Disprin close.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x
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15/03/2025

Top O’ the Morning? Not Quite!

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, the merry month of March, when the world suddenly discovers its love for all things green, and we Irish find ourselves explaining, once again, that we don’t actually greet each other with “Top of the morning to ya!” ;)

As someone who's spent more than a few mornings in the Emerald Isle, let me just say, if you’re expecting a friendly “top” from your local Irishman/woman, you’re more likely to get a head nod and a muttered “How’s the craic?” instead. It’s as if the phrase was concocted by the same folks who think we all have leprechauns on speed dial and pots of gold under our beds ;)

Speaking of leprechauns, let’s dive into the delightful shenanigans of this magical month. My crafting card of choice is the 'Wish You Luck' set from Power Poppy, which I've coloured with Promarkers. I've elevated the bouquet with foam pads and added a bit of sparkle with gems and flatback pearls. The sentiment, from Pretty Pink Posh’s Everyday Greetings, is stamped with Stazon.

Ps. Don't forget it's time for the "Anything Goes" challenge at Ally's Angels, challenge #92. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a curious newbie, this is your chance to let your creativity shine.

click image for a closer look ;)

Given it’s the month of shenanigans, I’ve taken the liberty of colouring it in the tricolour of the Irish flag: An Bhratach Náisiúnta. After all, who says we can’t have a bit of fun with colours while celebrating our quirky Irish heritage?

Onto a few challenges:

So, whether you’re crafting, hunting for leprechauns, or just trying to avoid those pesky “top o’ the morning” assumptions, remember to enjoy the mischief and laughter (and beer ;) this season brings. After all, isn’t that what being a bit Irish is all about?

Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!!
Sláinte!
Wendy R. 
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13/03/2025

Merry Craftmas: Decking the Halls with Handmade Cards!

Dia Daoibh!

I set a New Year's resolution to craft two Christmas cards a month, and I'm trying to stick to it, though Netflix and my nap schedule have other plans. Apparently, "just one more episode" is the greatest crafting nemesis of all time!

Today's wee card features the irresistible reindeer from the Clearly Besotted Let's Prance Stamp set. I kept it CAS and added a dash of sparkle. Using ProMarkers, I brought those reindeer to life and added three sparkly red gems for their noses, making them shine as bright as my holiday spirit. A touch of Ranger's Glossy Accents adds the perfect finishing touch.

The striped background was a delightful surprise, made from an offcut in my stash. Waste not, want not, right? And with foam pads for dimension, this card has more pop than my Christmas playlist.

Onto a few challenges:

So, if you see me swimming in a sea of cards come December, just know I'm happily crafting away. 

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x.
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Didly Day Hey

Dia Daoibh!

As the calendar inches closer to March 17th, you can almost hear the collective sound of Ireland sharpening its wit, preparing its livers, and dusting off its finest green attire. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is upon us, that glorious day when everyone suddenly discovers their inner Irish roots ;) . It's a day of revelry, laughter, and the occasional questionable decision—like attempting to dance a jig after a few too many pints of Guinness. But hey, isn't that what makes the day so special?

Spring is also making its grand entrance, with flowers starting to bloom and the world waking up from its winter nap. It's the perfect time to send out a little cheer with one of my last St. Patrick's Day cards, ready to be mailed today. This one features a charming shamrock bouquet from Waltzingmouse Stamps, colored with Promarkers. It's mounted with foam tape for that added dimension, giving it a little extra pop. I used the last of my shamrock scrapbook paper as the background—waste not, want not! Some of the shamrocks are highlighted with glossy accents and embellished with ultra-fine iridescent glitter for that extra sparkle.

Onto a few challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: A Bit of Green
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bit O' Green
Creatalicious Challenges #286 - Anything Goes + option: Use Green
Halloween Crafts and Other Occasions #24  March - Halloween and Other Occasions (Occasions - Birthday, St. Patrick's Day, and Caffeine)
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #202 - Lucky in Green
2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter
Digi Choosday #3 - Anything goes
Colourful Options - Mar - Moodboard:

Thanks for joining me on this journey toward the greenest day of the year. May your celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief!

As we gear up for the festivities, here's a little something to put you in the mood for St. Patrick's Day: a classic featuring Richie Kavanagh ;)

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x.
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Shamrocks, Spring, and St. Patrick's Cheer

Dia Daoibh!

Spring is gently stepping into the scene, bringing with it the refreshing promise of blooming flowers and the warmth we've all been craving. But the real excitement lies just four days ahead when everything turns a glorious shade of green. And no, I don't just mean the daring hair choices some folks make! It's that time of year when leprechauns mysteriously appear in all sorts of odd places, and pints of Guinness seem to reproduce faster than you can say "Sláinte!" If you've never witnessed a leprechaun trying to order a round at the local pub, you're truly missing out on one of life's great spectacles.

So, onto one of my last St. Patrick's Day cards that's set to be mailed today. Sadly, there are no pints enclosed—just a lottery ticket. I'm convinced the lottery machines are on the fritz because my numbers never line up. Honestly, I might have a better shot at finding that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow than winning the lottery! Maybe I should consult a leprechaun for some insider tips.


Today's card is adorned with the 'Bit O Luck' by the the late Faith Skrdla (From The Heart Stamps). Coloured with Promarkers and mounted with foam tape for that extra bit of dimension. Embellishments include gold thread and glitter. The background is dry embossed, and it reminds me of Irish lace, a beautiful craft slowly fading into history. But rest assured, as long as I have my trusty craft supplies, the spirit of Irish lace will live on!

Onto a few challenges:


Thanks for joining me on this whimsical journey toward St. Patrick's Day. May your days be filled with laughter, your pints be ever-flowing, and your lottery tickets luckier than mine!

And before you go, indulge in a tune with a touch of Irish charm. Listen here.


Sláinte!
Wendy R. x.
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10/03/2025

Crafty Catch-Up: Christmas in March

Dia Daoibh!

So, here I am, in the middle of March, realising my New Year's resolution to craft at least two Christmas cards per month has gone a bit off track—surprise, surprise! December is creeping up faster than a cat on a laser pointer, and my card stash is sadly lacking. But fear not, I've whipped up a delightful card featuring the whimsical "Woodland Scenes Owl" by LOTV to get back on track.

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

This adorable owl takes center stage, coloured with ProMarkers and adorned with just the right amount of glitter and gems. A touch of gold 0.4mm thread adds a bit of festive sparkle. The background, dry embossed with Lisa Horton Craft's wood panel embossing folder, gives it a rustic charm.

Now, I know you're wondering how an owl connects with a manger. Well, if you squint and use a bit of imagination, this wise little owl might just be the silent observer of the nativity scene, standing watch over the manger with all the wisdom of the ages—or at least that's what I tell myself!

Onto a few challenges:

And now, for a giggle to end things on a high note: Why was the Christmas card sent to jail? Because it was framed!

Sláinte!
Wend R. x.

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Crafty Shenanigans: March Birthday Madness

Dia Daoibh!

March is here, bringing a parade of birthdays that would make even a calendar blush. Naturally, I've been diving into my craft stash to whip up a masculine card or two. This one showcases the Tie Set  by MyLifeInStamps, a hidden treasure I stumbled upon while clearing out my dwindling card stock. An Amazon spree is tempting, but with holidays and school supplies looming, it's a bit of a financial balancing act.

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I've coloured the card using ProMarkers, while the sentiment is stamped with StazOn for a sharp finish. It might be a bit oversized for the card, but hey, it complements the bold colours. Glossy accents on the ties add some flair, and foam tape gives it a pop of dimension. This card practically leaps off the table, demanding attention!

By the way, the berry colour on the card appears purple in the picture, thanks to the phone's auto image enhance feature. In reality, it's more of a rich berry shade. So much for technology, right?

A few challenges:


And now for a chuckle: Why don't crafters ever get lost? Because they always follow the paper trail!

Sláinte!
Wend R. x.

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