Santa’s Five Minute Break Before the Sleigh NCT

Dia daoibh!

I am delighted to be joining the lovely gang over at Craft Challenge Blog as Guest Designer for Challenge #783, where the theme is Christmas. And sure, what better way to celebrate Christmas than with Santa himself having a well deserved sit down? Honestly, the man is flat out every December. If anyone has earned a chair, it is himself.

Jo kindly sent me this gorgeous Taking a Break digi from SheepSki Designs, and I absolutely loved colouring it. Santa looks like he has just finished wrapping the entire North Pole, checked the list twice, and decided that everyone can wait while he has a quiet minute. Very relatable behaviour.

I coloured the image with Promarkers, then added a bit of festive sparkle using mini gemstones, iridescent glitter, Glossy Accents, and some die cut washi tape. 

A huge thank you to Jo for sending me this lovely digi, and to the wonderful Craft Team for having me as Guest Designer. It is always such a treat to join in, especially with a Christmas challenge. There is something about festive crafting that makes glitter feel essential, even when it is already on your face, your jumper, and possibly in next Tuesday’s dinner.

Make sure you stop by the Craft Challenge Blog for loads of amazing inspiration from the team. There are beautiful projects to admire, ideas to borrow, and plenty of crafty cheer to get you in the Christmas mood.

Right, I am off to check if Santa needs a cup of tea. Judging by the card, he is not moving until someone brings biscuits.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🎅

Hello, Hello!

Dia daoibh!

June is here in all its bright glory and I am officially operating on zero annual leave. Not one sneaky long weekend. Not even a cheeky Friday. It is going to be a long summer of waving at other people heading off with suitcases while I stand there with my lunch bag. But this is all part of the grand plan. I am saving every precious day for two fabulous weeks in the southern hemisphere in November. Their sunshine, our winter. Strategic genius if you ask me.

Now onto happier matters, Ally’s Angels Challenge #107. As always, the theme is Anything Goes, which is basically crafter freedom with glitter on top. The Design Team creations this month are gorgeous. So much variety, so much inspiration, you could scroll with a cuppa and still spot new details.

For my card, I used the  'xoxo' stamp from Penny Black  and kept things sweet and simple. I coloured with Promarkers and the background was stamped with a polka dot stamp for a bit of playful texture without stealing the spotlight. A few touches of Glossy Accents and Nuvo drops add a little pop of shine. Nothing wild. Just enough to catch the light and behave itself.

If you have not joined in yet, this is your nudge. Anything Goes truly means anything. Cards, mixed media, crafty experiments that surprise you, we would love to see them in the gallery.

Now if you will excuse me, I will be over here counting down to November while stamping xoxo on everything within reach. It is much cheaper than booking a summer holiday.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 😘

Make A Wish.

Dia daoibh!

June has arrived and I am pretending I am not already halfway through the year. How did that happen? One minute it was January and I was full of good intentions, the next minute I am surrounded by glitter and wondering where the time went. Honestly, if I could bottle June energy, I would. Everything feels a little lighter, a little brighter, and just slightly more magical.

Which brings me perfectly to HQFCB Challenge #6. As always, the theme is Anything Fantasy Goes, which is basically my cue to reach for wings, sparkle and a generous sprinkle of imagination. The Design Team creations this month are absolutely fabulous. So many different takes on fantasy, from sweet and whimsical to bold and enchanting. You will definitely want to have a scroll.

For my card, I chose Stamping Bella's Edna fairy blowing kisses. I mean, look at her. She is pure mischief and magic in one tiny pose. I coloured her with Promarkers and the wings got a generous layer of sparkle because fairy wings without glitter just feel wrong. I kept the layout CAS with lots of white space to let her shine. A little patterned detail along the bottom adds a pop of colour. I scattered a few gems around her to echo those floating hearts and add just the right amount of twinkle. 

Challenges:

• Girlz Creative Crafts #68 - Cutting dies and/or punches
• The Crafting Challenge - June - A Special Birthday
• If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #217 - In The Garden

If you have not joined HQFCB yet, this is your sign. Anything Fantasy Goes means you can let your imagination run wild. Fairies, dragons, mystical creatures, magical worlds, it can be cards, mixed media, ATCs, scrapbooking, knitting, baking and more. We would love to see whatever you create in the gallery.

Now if only I could blow a handful of glittery hearts at my to do list and make it disappear. A girl can dream.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🧚

THE MALE ROOM - THE OUTDOORS

Dia daoibh!

Well lads, grab the flask, lace up the walking boots and tell the weather to behave itself, because I am absolutely delighted to share that I am now on the Design Team for The Male Room! I am thrilled, honoured, and only slightly trying to act calm about it. Inside, I am doing a little jig with the grace of a startled sheep on laminate flooring.

The new challenge over at The Male Room runs from June 3 to June 30, and the theme fro challenge #211 is The Outdoors. Perfect timing really, because nothing says outdoor adventure like sunglasses, mountains, trees and the brave hope that the rain will hold off for longer than seven minutes.

I kept the design clean, crisp and masculine, with a little bit of outdoor drama. Mountains in the lenses, adventure on the card, and not a single midge bite in sight. That is what I call crafting with benefits.

For my card, I used a diecut design from the Silhouette Design Store. I cut it from Tonic Studios Core cardstock and mirror cardstock. The sunglasses have that cool reflective look, like they are ready to climb a mountain, spot a lake, or judge your picnic sandwich choices from a distance. I embellished the card with Nuvo Drops and Clear Glossy Accents. The sentiment was stamped with StazOn ink, which behaved itself beautifully, unlike most umbrellas in an Irish breeze.

A few challenges:

• I Spy with My Little Eye #37 - Monochrome
• Creative Moments #282 - Make it masculine
• AAA Birthday Challenge #86 - For Boys

I would love for you to join us over at The Male Room and show us your outdoor themed makes. Whether it is hiking, fishing, camping, gardening, cycling, or simply standing outside wondering why you came out in the first place, we want to see it.

So come on over and join the fun. The outdoors is calling, and this time it is not just the bin needing to go out.

Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 

Card Chain Challenge May 2026

Dia daoibh!

June has landed, which means we are now at that stage of the year where you open the calendar and just laugh. Not a happy laugh. A slightly unhinged one. How is it June? Who approved this? I would like a word.

Now onto the May Card Chain Challenge! This one felt a bit special because I sent my card to Jo in the UK, who was actually the very first card chain buddy to send me a card when I joined last year. Full circle and all that… I love when things line up like that. In return, I received a beautiful card from Lucille in the USA. Proper “stop and admire it” kind of card. The kind you pick up again for a second look… and then a third… just to be sure you saw all the lovely details. Gorgeous work.

So here is my card:

I went with the chocolate, orange and slate, plus the floral theme (you can’t go wrong with flowers, ever! 😄). The background is embossed with a Spellbinders folder, with the Altenew Botanical Waltz elements layered up on foam pads for lift. I added iridescent glitter, Nuvo Stone enamel drops from Tonic Studios, and a generous splatter of Sparkle Splatter Effects. Not showing off much in the photo, but in real life it is sparkling away like it has something to say.

Why join the Card Chain Challenge? Because you send one card and get a surprise one back. It is basically happy post with benefits. Also, your postman will start thinking you are wildly popular… and honestly, why correct him?

Great craic, lovely people, and a perfect excuse to play with your stash.

Sláinte,

Wendy 💗

Sip Sip Hooray!

Dia daoibh!

May arrived like it owned the place. Longer evenings, a hint of sunshine, and that dangerous little feeling that you might actually sit outside with a cuppa without needing a blanket and emotional support umbrella. The flowers are blooming, the birds are showing off, and I am absolutely ready to swap winter layers for something a bit more cheerful.

Which brings me neatly to Ally’s Angels Challenge #106. As always, the theme is Anything Goes, which is basically permission to unleash your creativity and not apologise for it. The Design Team creations this month are fabulous. So much variety, so much inspiration, and not a single ounce of crafty hesitation in sight.

For my card, I used Stamping Bella’s Curvy Girl with a Cocktail, and honestly she has main character energy. That dress, that pose, that perfectly balanced sip. She knows exactly what she is about. I coloured her with Promarkers, a little glossy accents added some shine, and of course I brought in glitter because if there is a cocktail involved, there must be sparkle. I kept the overall design CAS with a white embossed background. Just enough texture to keep things interesting without distracting from my fabulous lady and her celebratory beverage. 

A few challenges:

Cut It Up #356  Flowers

C.R.A.F.T. #780 Birthday (opt. blog hop) 

Just Us Girls #823 Word Week: Flower

Little Red Wagon #857 - May Flowers

I Love Promarkers and Other Mediums #608 -  Special Occassions 

If you have not joined Ally’s Angels before, this is your sign. Anything Goes means exactly that. Cards, mixed media, crafty experiments that worked out brilliantly or surprised you along the way. Pop them into the gallery and share the joy. We genuinely love seeing what everyone creates.

Now if only real life allowed us to stand around in glittery dresses holding cocktails while someone else handled the washing up. A girl can dream. Until then, I will settle for glitter on my cardstock and possibly on my elbow.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.  🍸

Sit Stay Celebrate

Dia daoibh!

How in the name of all things tea and biscuits is it May already? I only just took the Christmas tree down and now we are practically waving at summer like it owes us money. 

This month I am absolutely delighted to be Guest Designer over at Girlz Makes Guyz Cards for Challenge 49 and the theme is Dogs and/or Cats. I went straight for the Penny Black Bubbly stamp set and out popped this lad. We are calling him Dave. He did not argue, so the name stuck.

Dave was stamped with Memento ink, looking sharp with Promarkers and more than ready for birthday cake. That tie is bringing serious party style. I added a few Nuvo enamel drops for a bit of fancy flair, because Dave likes to celebrate in style.

I have to say, the talent over at Girlz Makes Guyz Cards is unreal.  A massive thank you to Claudia and the DT for having me over. It has been great craic and I have loved every minute of it. Even Dave says thanks, although he is saying it from a seated position and refusing to move.

Right, I am off to figure out how it is nearly June already and whether Dave owns any other ties.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

April Card Chain Challenge

Dia daoibh!

May is that month where you suddenly remember all the things you said you would start in January… and confidently decide June sounds like a better time. Productivity at its finest.

Now onto the April Card Chain Challenge!

This month I received an absolutely gorgeous card from Gail in Canada, full of lovely detail and just a joy to open. She also sent a lovely wee present, which I am definitely turning into wee bookmarks for work… practical and fancy, I 💗it!!!! Meanwhile, my card packed its bags and flew off to Linda in Michigan. I like to imagine it went through security like a tiny VIP… “any liquids, glitter or embellishments?” Absolutely.

For my card, I went with the friendship theme along with the colour palette of peony, white and leaf green. Soft, pretty, and behaving themselves nicely together. I used the Spellbinders Lively Blooms die set along with the Field Notes Twine Etched Dies, all cut from Tonic Studios cardstock. I kept it CAS, but added a bit of personality with glossy accents and a touch of iridescent glitter (I simply cannot be left unsupervised around sparkle 😄). The sentiment was stamped with Memento ink to finish it off nice and crisp.

Challenges:

Seize The Birthday #323 Option: Primarily Pink 

I Spy with My Little Eye #35 & 36 - Spring Flowers or Spring Showers

The Paper Funday #86 - Anything Goes or Die cuts/Punches

Now, why should you join the Card Chain Challenge? Because it is basically happy post roulette. You send a card out into the world and in return, one lands back with you from somewhere completely different. It is like having pen pals… but with better handwriting and far more glitter.

Also, your postman will start to think you have a very exciting social life. And honestly, let him. We have earned that reputation.

Right, I am off to admire my stash like it might magically organise itself… any minute now.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌹

Mermaid Kisses

Dia daoibh!

There was a lovely walk along the east coast of Ireland recently. The sea was sparkling and the air was fresh. No swim though. Absolutely not. Five year old me watched Jaws and that fear is still filed under Very Important Life Lessons. Only joking. Mostly. The real reason is the water is still so cold it could reset your personality. Even the sea itself looks at you like 'don’t be daft'.

Once I finished my walk and stopped pretending I was a coastal explorer, it was straight back to the craft room. If you cannot be in the sea, you can at least craft something that belongs in it. Which brings me to the challenge over at HQFCB where the theme is always Anything Fantasy Goes. I went with Mermaid Kisses by Mo’s Digital Pencil because mermaids are far more glamorous than anything I had going on.

This card includes a bit of real life crafting drama as the silhouette cameo decided to act like a temperamental vintage relic. So instead of wasting good cardstock I used the off page stamp technique and called it a creative choice. The image was coloured with Promarkers, finished with Tonic Studios White Blizzard Nuvo Drops for sparkle, and the sentiment was stamped with Versafine ink which behaved itself for once (which deserves a mention all on its own).

A few challenges:

Allsorts #848 - Anything But Square or Anything Goes

Crafty Catz #712 - Anything goes

Krafty Chicks #818 - Anything Goes with option of Color an Image

Crafty Gals Corner #276 - Anything Goes with optional twist of Spring

I Love Promarkers and Other Mediums #606 - Summer

Be sure to pop over and check out the DT’s creativity over on the HQFCB blog. Their makes are full of inspiration and may result in you buying supplies you absolutely do not need but will deeply love.

And finally remember. You can admire the Irish sea. You can photograph the Irish sea. You can romanticise the Irish sea. But you do not get into the Irish sea. That is how legends are born!

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🍀

Hop, colour, repeat

Dia daoibh!

Easter had come and gone in a blur of chocolate wrappers and suspiciously empty egg boxes. I had every intention of being restrained this year. That lasted roughly seven minutes. Between the chocolate eggs, the fluffy bunnies, and the “just one more bite” negotiations, it was a miracle there was any cocoa left in the county. I am fairly sure the Easter Bunny and I were in direct competition.

Now onto something far less calorific but equally sweet, Ally’s Angels Challenge #105. The theme is, as always, Anything Goes. Which is basically crafter language for go wild and have the craic. The DT have some absolutely gorgeous creations this month. Honestly, the talent in that gallery could power a small village.

Here is my card.

I used Easter Carly from Mo’s Digital Pencil and she is just adorable with her little bunny and basket of eggs. I coloured her with Promarkers, had a quiet chat with myself about blending, and carried on bravely. A touch of Glossy Accents here and there added a bit of shine, and of course I brought in Nuvo Drops for that subtle sparkle. I kept the overall look clean and simple because sometimes less really is more. Even if my embellishment drawer disagrees.

Please do join in with the challenge. Anything Goes means exactly that, so bring your cards, your colours, your creativity and pop them into the gallery. We would absolutely love to see you there.

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to check whether there is any chocolate left that I may have heroically missed. Card making burns calories, I am nearly certain of it.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐰