Christmas Kickstart Challenge - Out of the Woods

Dia daoibh!

There is something downright lovely about getting a card in the post. A stamp costs the same as a chocolate bar, but a card lasts longer, causes no guilt, and will not leave you staring into an empty wrapper thinking that escalated quickly.

I am absolutely chuffed to bits to say I am the Guest Elf for March over on the Christmas Kickstart Challenge blog. Huge thanks to Jo for the invite, because I am thrilled altogether. The theme this month is Out of the Woods, which is great fun and gives plenty of room to play. Please do join in and pop over for a look, because the inspiration is seriously class and will have you digging through your craft supplies like you know exactly where everything is. You probably do not, but we can all pretend.

 

Now onto my card:

The background design is from the Lovely Studio, and it is a gorgeous kraft card with polka dots that does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. The stamps are from Purple Onion Designs, and I used Chilliezgraphy by Pei - Christmas Present, along with Stacey Yacula Studio - Lights, all stamped with Memento ink. The sentiment was stamped with Versafine ink for a lovely crisp result. Everything was coloured with Promarkers, then embellished with Glossy Accents and finished with Nuvo White Blizzard Drops, because Christmas cards should sparkle, even if the weather outside does not.

Do head over to the Christmas Kickstart Challenge blog and have a look at all the fabulous inspiration and join in yourself. Go on, sure you might as well, because future December You will be walking around like you invented Christmas cards, casually mentioning you made them months ago, and pretending this level of organisation is completely normal.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

February Card Chain Challenge

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland arrives with leprechauns everywhere and pots of gold firmly on our minds. The shops are full of green, shiny things, and there is a strong feeling that spring is trying to show off. It is that time of year when everything feels a little brighter and a little more fun.

On to the February Card Chain Challenge. My card packed its bags and flew all the way to Greta in the USA, and I like to believe it enjoyed the trip and behaved itself the whole way. In return I received a gorgeous card from Julia in the USA, which was an absolute joy to open. The Card Chain Challenge really is international happy post at its best! 💚

For my card I used the 'xoxo' stamp from Penny Black and went with the bold colour theme of indigo, violet, and lime green. Apologies, the colours are acting up as my camera once again had other ideas.I created a stamped background using a polka dot stamp, then coloured everything with Promarkers. All the colour recipes I used are listed over on my Promarker Page. I added glossy accents, nuvo drops, flowers, glitter, gems, and flatback pearls ...because stopping at one embellishment is never an option! 

The Card Chain Challenge is one of those simple joys that never gets old. Sending a card out into the world and receiving one back always feels like a little pot of gold in the post.

Le Grá,

Wendy 🍀

Party Time

Dia daoibh!

Norovirus arrived into the house this week like it had a key and a favourite chair by the fire. No knocking, no manners, just straight in and causing chaos. At one stage I considered charging it rent and handing it the hoover. We survived on Dioralyte and flat 7 Up like true Irish warriors. Nothing humbles you faster than warm fizzy minerals and a deep appreciation for indoor plumbing. But we are on the mend, colour returning to our faces and bravery returning to our tea mugs.

Once I could look at cardstock without feeling wobbly, it was time for a bit of therapy at the craft desk.

This card went full monochrome teal. There is something very calming about sticking to one colour when the rest of the week has been dramatic enough to qualify for its own soap opera.

The watch bands are die cuts from The Stamp Market. Clean lines, stylish shapes, and thankfully completely germ free. I kept it CAS because frankly I did not have the strength for anything fussy. The only embellishment is a touch of Glossy Accents for that subtle shine. Just enough to say look at me without shouting across the room. The watches are mounted on foam pads for a bit of dimension because even when you are recovering from a dose of the dreaded lurgy, you can still manage a little lift. It gives the card that gentle pop without overcomplicating life. We have had enough excitement for one week.

Onto a few challenges:

Crafty Catz #708 - Anything Goes

The Male Room #207 - CAS

Cardz 4 Guyz #383 - Monochrome Color Palette

Make My Monday #272 - Card for a male

Alphabet Challenge - V is for Volume (Dimension)

Krafty Chicks #809 - Masculine

And if you are wondering, the house currently smells less like bleach and more like hope. Progress is progress.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 😷

Bloomin' Butterfly

Dia daoibh!

I do not know who needs to hear this but sausage rolls are a perfectly acceptable form of self care. I treated myself to a few today because the craving hit hard. You know the kind. The “I could demolish a Gregg’s sausage roll in three bites” kind. Sadly there was no time to leg it to Belfast, so I made do locally and told myself it was practically gourmet. If you close your eyes and believe, it is basically the same.

Anyway, fortified by flaky pastry and questionable self control, I headed to the craft desk.

Today’s card features the gorgeous Blooming Butterflies Stamp Set and Die Set Bundle by Gina K. Honestly, that butterfly deserves its own passport. I coloured it with my Promarkers, going bold with those rich blues and soft purples, and the flowers got the royal treatment too. I added glossy accents to give a bit of shine and popped on a few gems because if you are going to do sparkle you may as well commit. The background is kept nice and clean, with a few splatters of distress ink for a bit of artsy flair. Just enough to look intentional. 

The butterfly itself is raised on foam pads for that lovely bit of dimension. We love a card that refuses to lie flat. The sentiment is simple. Sending love. No essay required. Sometimes the butterfly does all the talking.

A few challenges: 

Cardz 4 Galz #270: Wings

Classic Design Challenge - Feb/Mar - Anything Goes (optional: Blooms or butterflies)

Crafter's Cafe #327 - For the girls (optional: Anything Goes)

AAA Colorful Challenge  #25: Colourboard: 

Triple B  - February: Anything with Birds, Blooms and/or Butterflies (optional Inspiration Image)

Right, I am off to pretend I do not want another sausage roll. If anyone sees me in Belfast clutching a Gregg’s bag, mind your business.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🦋

Mudpie & Amanda

Dia daoibh!

According to the radio there has not been a single day without rain since December 29th 2025. Not one. At this stage I am considering building an ark out of A2 card blanks and floating down the Shannon with my Promarkers held high above my head like sacred treasure. If you see two mice sailing past your window, just wave.

Speaking of small creatures thriving in damp conditions, here is today’s card!

I kept it CAS because sometimes less is more and sometimes I simply refuse to wrestle with busy layouts. The gingham background is giving full on cosy kitchen table vibes. Very jam sandwiches and strong tea. The focal panel is softly curved to keep things sweet and simple. I used House Mouse 'Everything is Coming Up Roses'. Mudpie and Amanda are clearly making the most of the horticultural situation. I coloured the pair of them and the rose with Promarkers, building up the browns for all that fluffy fur and giving the rose a rich red that practically glows.

Naturally I could not leave it alone. A bit of glossy accents on the rose for shine, a sprinkling of Nuvo Drops White Blizzard for that subtle sparkle, and a few gems dotted around like polite little raindrops that actually behave themselves.

You might notice there is no sentiment. That was deliberate. Sometimes I like to leave a card blank so it can be whatever you need it to be. Birthday, thank you, thinking of you, sorry I ate the last biscuit. It keeps its options open. Very wise. Very adaptable. Like an Irish person discussing the weather.

Onto a few challenges:

House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge HMFMC #459: Anything Goes / use Pattern Paper

Krafty Chicks #808: CAS

Crafter's Cafe #327: For the girls (optional: Anything Goes)

Critter Crazy Challenges #107:Anything Goes With Featured Critter theme for Feb 2026

Heart's Quest Celebration of Love #2: Valentine's

A Place To Start #202602 - February: Anything Goes (optional: lil' critters)

Right, I am off to check if it is raining again. If it is, I may start colouring ducks instead. They seem more emotionally prepared.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐭

Kokeshi fun

Dia daoibh!

Had snow over the weekend. Driving at 6am not fun. Let me tell you, nothing wakes you up faster than sliding gently down a country road whispering sweet encouragement to your tyres like they can hear you. Black ice is out there living its best sneaky life while the rest of us are just trying to get to work with dignity intact. Sure look, we survived. Hero status achieved before breakfast.

Now. Onto my card.

Thanks to a few extra overtime shifts and a small moment of “go on, you deserve it,” I treated myself to the Spellbinders Kokeshi Dolls Die Set. Absolute joy in a packet. The minute I opened it I was grinning like I’d just found an extra custard cream in the tin. These wee dolls are the cutest things!! Cutting them out was pure therapy. Deciding where to place the wee blooms though… that was a full committee meeting in my head. Left? Right? Floating artistically like I meant it? In the end I just copied the picture on the front of the packaging. If the designers say that’s where the flowers go, who am I to argue? Confidence level restored immediately.

For the background I used the Spellbinders Cherry Blossoms BetterPress Plates. I coloured them with Distress Ink mixed with a splash of alcohol. Very technical altogether. A dab here, a hopeful blend there, and the occasional intense stare at the paper as if that helps. We are calling it artistic expression and moving confidently along. Then the embellishments arrived because self control and I are not on speaking terms. Flatback pearls. A few gems. Nuvo Drops White Blizzard for that soft frosty shimmer. If it sparkles, it made the team. I also added a layered hello die cut and coated it in Glossy Accents so it catches the light nicely without stealing the spotlight from the wee doll, who is clearly the real star of the card.

A few challenges: 

Spellbinders Monthly Cardmaking Challenge - February: Pop of Color

Classic Design Challenge - Feb/Mar - Anything Goes (option: blooms or butterflies)

Crafter's Cafe #327 - For the Girls (option: anything goes)

Moving along with the Times #186  - February - Floral

Make My Monday #271 - Use 2 dies

Beautiful Blossoms #38 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional mood board) 

Now if only I could drive to work in the snow as gracefully as she stands on that card. Until then, I will continue sliding gently into Mondays like a cautious penguin.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌸

Ever Thine, Ever Mine!

Dia daoibh!

Fun February fact. It is the only month that regularly forgets how many days it is meant to have. Twenty eight. Sometimes twenty nine. Absolute chaos. Yet it still expects romance, hearts, and emotional commitment. The nerve 😉.

My card is for Challenge #103 over at Ally’s Angels where the theme is Anything Goes. The DT have amazing creations this round and they are seriously inspirational. Well worth a look.

I used the Anita Jeram Ever Thine stamp set from Colorado Craft Company . It is sweet, cosy, and full of feel good vibes. I coloured the image with Promarkers, keeping everything soft and cheerful. I kept the design very CAS and let the image do the talking. I added pearl drops for a touch of elegance, Glossy Accents for some shine, and a die cut bow to finish it off nicely. Clean, simple, and no fuss. Exactly how February cards should behave.

A few challenges:

Crafty Calendar - February: Love Is In The Air

Sweet Stampin - No Designer Paper 

Cardz 4 Galz #269: Hugs and Kisses 

C.R.A.F.T. #773: Love / Anything Goes

Creative Knockouts #564: Love, Valentines, Anniversary

Just Us Girls #810 - Word Week: Valentine

All in all, a fun little card with big February energy. Short, sweet, and finished before the month disappears again.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

Reluctant Love

Dia daoibh!

I had two glorious days off before the next stretch of night shifts kicks in. Plenty of time, I told myself, to relax and watch a movie or two on Netflix. Simple plan. Foolproof. Except I never actually made it to the end of either film. With AuDHD, my attention wandered off halfway through, lost interest completely, and decided that staring into space was suddenly a much higher priority. And yet, both movies now live rent free in my head for the next few days. I cannot tell you how they end, but I can replay random scenes at 3am like a broken jukebox on shuffle. Absolute magic.

Anyway. Onto the card.

I used the Reluctant Love Pissy Kitty stamp set from the Unity Stamp Company and I am completely smitten. Pissy Ktty cat says everything that does not need to be said out loud. Mildly unimpressed, slightly dramatic, and full of personality. I love these stamps so much I can already see overtime shifts in my future just to cover the postage! I coloured with Promarkers and kept the card pretty CAS with a white background. I finished it off with a bit of baker’s twine, because even a card with attitude likes to look like it made an effort.

A few challenges:

Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - SoSS #271 - B is for Black Black Heart

Dream Factory - #146 - Love Actually

A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog - February Challenge- Anything Goes

We Love Stamping - February - Hearts (option: Anything Goes)

Critter Crazy Challenges - #107 - Anything Goes With Featured Critter

Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge - Febuary - Anything Halloween:

Cupcake Inspirations #634 - Theme - Love is in the air

In conclusion, two days off very well spent. No movies finished. One alternative Valentine card completed. One pissy cat stamped in permanent ink, my own cats supervising from across the room like a very judgemental focus group, and me calling it productivity. Balance has not only been restored, it has been officially approved.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 💖

An Epic Day!

Dia daoibh!

Ah February. The month where the shops are absolutely heaving with chocolates in every flavour known to mankind and everything has mysteriously developed a heart shape. You cannot even pop in for bread without Cupid staring you down from a cardboard stand, silently judging your life choices and your lack of a bouquet. Love it or avoid it like a dodgy weather forecast, February does not do subtle.

With March on the way, I took my inspiration straight from the Irish outdoors. March in Ireland is forty shades of green, generously splashed with about fifty shades of grey rain. The kind of rain that goes sideways, upwards, and occasionally seems personal. So going green for this card felt less like a creative decision and more like following national guidelines.

The image is coloured with Promarkers, with Glossy Accents and Baker’s twine added as finishing touches, while the camper van itself looks ready for a grand adventure, or at least to reverse out of the driveway before deciding it is far too wet and calling it a day.

This makes a great birthday card for him. No fuss, no overthinking, just a classic image, strong colours, and a sentiment that does all the talking. Have an epic day. Short, sweet, and safely out of poetry territory.

A few challenges:
Cut It Up #349  This Makes Me Happy

Krafty Chicks #806 - Birthday

The Male Room #207 - CAS

Cardz 4 Guyz #382 - Epic Adventure

Creative Crafting Uncles #73 - Happy Birthday

Crafter's Cafe #326 - Anything Goes (option: One for the boys)

Thanks for stopping by and having a look. If this card does not make you want to pack a bag, grab a jumper, and drive off into the Irish drizzle with great optimism and very low expectations, then I truly do not know what will.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 💚

Cupid with a Sprinkle of Sparkle

Dia daoibh!

February is that short, chaotic month where Cupid is clearly on a trial shift. He swoops in, fires a few arrows, dumps hearts absolutely everywhere, and clocks out again before HR can find him. Short month. Big attitude.

That made it a perfect match for challenge #2 over at the HQFCB. As always, anything fantasy goes... wings, magic, whimsy, and a healthy suspension of reality are all welcome here.

For my card, I reached for a Cupid stamp from Sweet November Stamps and coloured him up with Promarkers. I kept the design very CAS, and letting Cupid do the heavy lifting. A light sprinkle of glitter on his wings adds just enough sparkle, and a touch of Glossy Accents finishes it off with shine right where it matters. The cloud die cuts and Cupid himself are popped up on foam pads, so they’re floating about like they own the place. All very dreamy. All very February.

A few challenges:

CAS on Friday #327  Anything Goes

C.R.A.F.T. #773  Love/Anything Goes 

I Love Promarkers #600 Anything Goes or Love and Romance

Passion For Markers Challenge #823 - Add Some Red

Festive Friday #FF0202 - Valentine's Day

A quick burst of fantasy fun, a little sparkle, and thankfully no arrows aimed in my direction this time. I’ll happily take that win.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💖