Kokeshi Doll

Dia daoibh!

August has arrived and I am pretending I am not noticing the evenings getting that tiny bit shorter. We are firmly in the 'still summer' mindset. Ice cream counts as a balanced meal, sandals are acceptable footwear for every occasion, and I refuse to even glance at back to school aisles. Denial is powerful.

Now it is time for Ally’s Angels Challenge #109 and as always the theme is Anything Goes. Which is perfect because August energy is very much do what you like and enjoy it. The DT's creations this month are absolutely gorgeous. So much creativity, so many styles, you could scroll with a cuppa and still want to make three cards immediately.

For my card, I went back to Spellbinders Kokeshi dolls. I built her up with layered die cuts, adding all those sweet little floral details to her kimono. The colour combo makes me ridiculously happy. Soft lavender with bold pink accents and those pops of peach. She is blooming and she knows it. The background keeps things calm with cherry blossoms, just lightly coloured so it does not steal the spotlight. I wanted the Kokeshi doll to shine front and centre. The Spellbinders sentiment 'Bloom Wildly' felt perfect. A little reminder to take up space and look fabulous doing it. Of course I could not resist embellishments. A few gems, flatback pearls, a hint of sparkle, and just enough dimension to make her feel special without tipping into over the top territory. We are classy. Mostly.

If you have not joined in yet, this is your gentle nudge. Anything Goes means your creativity gets to run free. Cards, mixed media, bright bold creations or soft and subtle designs, pop them into the gallery. We love seeing what everyone makes.

Now if you will excuse me, I am off to bloom wildly myself... or at least tidy my craft desk with enthusiasm for five whole minutes.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

Yeti to Party?

Dia daoibh!

July in Ireland was that glorious time of year when we all suddenly decided we were outdoorsy people. Barbecues appeared. Garden chairs were dusted off with confidence. Someone bought citronella candles like we lived in the Mediterranean. We commited fully to summer energy, even if it lasteds exactly three weeks. Optimism was strong in July.

Now onto something properly magical. It is time for HQFCB Challenge #7 for July and as always the theme is Anything Fantasy Goes. Which means dragons, fairies, yetis, mermaids, unicorns, elves and anything else your imagination can dream up. Make sure you check out the lovely DT makes because there is so much inspiration this month. Every style, every sparkle level, every kind of fantasy fun.

For my card, I used the Yeti Bundle by Conie Fong and honestly, how could you not smile at that fluffy little face. I kept it CAS with no fuss. Clean lines, bold gingham, and a birthday yeti front and centre doing his thing.

I coloured the fella with Promarkers, keeping his fur soft and giving that blue face plenty of cheerful brightness. The balloon got fully glittered up because if a yeti shows up to a birthday, he is not bringing a dull balloon. The HBD die cuts are layered for dimension and then glossed with Glossy Accents so they catch the light nicely. I added a little touch of Nuvo White Blizzard to his horns and ears for that frosty shimmer. Just enough sparkle without turning him into a disco yeti.

Do not forget to join us for HQFCB Challenge #7. Anything Fantasy Goes means exactly that. If it belongs in a magical world, it belongs in our gallery. We would absolutely love to see what you create.

Now if only real birthday parties came with this level of sparkle and zero clean up. I would happily invite a yeti to every single one.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🎈

The Male Room #213: Jobs or Professions

Dia daoibh!

For challenge #213 at The Male Room, the theme is Jobs or Professions, and I decided to honour the brave souls who can look at a toolbox and actually know what everything does. I own plenty of tools myself, although most of mine are used for opening stubborn paint lids, retrieving things that have rolled under the craft desk and making me feel wildly qualified while achieving absolutely nothing.

For my card, I used the fabulous Spellbinders All the Tools dies from the Toolbox Essentials Collection. I cut the tools from Tonic Studio's card and layered them across the background, creating the sort of organised toolbox display that has never existed in my house. Here, every spanner has a place, the screwdriver has not vanished and nobody has borrowed the pliers since 2019. The birthday sentiment was layered onto coordinating card and raised with foam pads because every good birthday deserves a little lift, particularly when you are reaching the age where getting off the sofa requires planning permission.

We would love you to join us over at The Male Room Challenge. Show us your Jobs or Professions inspired makes, whether they feature tools, uniforms, office bits, workshop scenes, or any card that gives a nod to the world of work. And remember, a good tradesman never blames his tools, but after forty he is fully entitled to blame his knees, his back, and whoever moved the tape measure. 

Thanks for joining in with the craic at The Male Room Challenge ❤️

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🛠️ 

Card Chain Challenge July 2026

Dia daoibh!

July in Ireland has been absolutely tropical. The fan has been working harder than half the country, the audits at work have arrived in formation, and every second email seems to begin with, "Please remember to drink more water." At this stage, I am fairly sure I have consumed enough water to qualify as a small reservoir.

Anyway, before I melted completely, there was the July Card Chain Challenge!

This month I received a beautiful card from Imke, which now has pride of place on my mantel piece. Meanwhile, my card packed its passport, grabbed its boarding pass, and winged its way across the Atlantic to Patricia in Texas. I like to think it enjoyed the in flight snacks.

For my card, I chose the colour palette of kraft, blossom, and gold. I printed a leopard print pattern onto kraft cardstock before building up the design with die cuts from Spellbinders' The Weekender collection, featuring the Jungle Cat and Tiki Toucan elements. The shiny gold Smile sentiment is also from Spellbinders. Everything was layered with dimensional foam tape to add depth, then finished with Glossy Accents and some mini gemstones.

Why should you join the Card Chain Challenge? Because once a month your postbox becomes far more exciting than your inbox. You send a handmade card somewhere in the world, and another crafty surprise arrives back. It's happy post, new friendships, and a brilliant excuse to use those dies you've been "saving for something special."

Right, I'm off to refill my water bottle... again. At this rate, I'll be floating to the August Card Chain Challenge instead of posting my card.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🦋

Yes. Cake.

Dia daoibh!

July in Ireland means one thing. Me and my farmer’s tan. White as milk from the elbow up, glowing lobster from the elbow down. The watch line could guide ships safely into harbour. I spend nine months wrapped up in jumpers and then two sunny afternoons later I look like Neapolitan ice cream. It is not subtle. It is not elegant. It is seasonal art.

Now onto Ally’s Angels Challenge #108, where the theme is, as always, Anything Goes. Which suits July perfectly because clearly rules are optional this month. The Design Team creations are fabulous as usual. So much inspiration, you could lose a full cup of tea just scrolling.

For my card, I use “Patty” from Mo’s Digital Pencil and honestly she is a whole mood. That face says it all. No singing. Yes cake. I feel personally represented. I coloured her with Promarkers, leaning right into those bold reds and teals. A little blending here, a confident flick there, and we declare it artistic flair. I kept the layout CAS with a crisp white background and just a few touches of Glossy Accents for that bit of shine. Nothing fussy. Patty does not tolerate fuss. I love how she turns out. Slightly grumpy, completely fabulous, and very clear about her boundaries.

If you have not joined in yet, this is your sign. Anything Goes means exactly that. Cards, crafty experiments, sparkly creations, pop them into the gallery. We would love to see you there.

Now if you will excuse me, I will be over here rotating slowly in the garden trying to turn Neapolitan into a single shade. Patty would approve of the cake. I would approve of an even tan.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌞

Card Chain Challenge June 2026

Dia daoibh!

June is one of those dangerous months. The craft room gets warmer, the glitter starts sticking to absolutely everything, and suddenly you are convincing yourself that buying “just one more die set” counts as self care. Completely reasonable behaviour, obviously.

Now onto the June Card Chain Challenge!

This month, I received a lovely card from Patricia, which immediately earned a spot on the “must admire repeatedly” section of the mantel piece. Meanwhile, my card packed its little crafty suitcase and flew off to Iona. Hopefully it behaved itself through customs and did not shed sequins all over the place.

For my card, I went with the “black, white, and one colour” theme and chose gold because, if we are strictly limiting ourselves to a single accent colour, we might as well make it obnoxiously fancy, right?

I made a shaker card using a Tonic Studios 5x7 shaker pocket, filled with Spellbinders sequins. The Stampin’ Up Swallowtail image was coloured with Promarkers, and I used the lovely sentiment from Taylored Expressions’ Softly Spoken set. I also splattered on some pewter Distress Ink for a bit of extra sparkle and drama.

Why join the Card Chain Challenge? Because it is basically international happy post. One minute, you are making a card at your desk in your slippers; the next, it is travelling across the world making new friends. It is creative, fun, and an excellent excuse to use supplies you absolutely forgot you owned.

Also, nothing builds character quite like trying to photograph a shaker card without catching your own reflection staring back at you like a confused banshee.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🦋

THE MALE ROOM - HOBBIES

Dia daoibh!

I am back again with another card for The Male Room, and this time we are talking hobbies for Challenge #212. The challenge runs from 1st July to 4th August, so there is plenty of time to get those crafty brains warmed up and ready for action.

For my card, I went with a gaming theme. It is also taken very seriously by the person holding the controller, especially when they are one button away from victory and suddenly remembering the exact meaning of dramatic panic.

I kept the design clean and bold with a large game controller as the main feature. The die cut is from the Silhouette Design Store, and I added Glossy Accents to the buttons and cable for a bit of shine and dimension. The black and white stripes give the card a fun retro feel, while the bright coloured buttons add just the right pop of colour. The sentiment is from the Level Up Stamp Set from Taylored Expressions. A few green Nuvo Drops finished it off nicely, because apparently I cannot leave tiny shiny dots alone. They sit there looking innocent, and next thing you know, the bottle is in my hand. Crafting is not always a planned event. Sometimes it is a tiny glossy ambush.

This was such a fun theme to play with, and hobbies give you loads of room to create. Gaming, fishing, sport, music, gardening, model making, cooking, reading, collecting craft supplies and pretending they are not slowly taking over the house. All very valid hobbies.

We would love you to join us over at The Male Room Challenge. Show us your favourite hobby inspired makes, whether they involve controllers, clubs, tools, brushes, hooks, rods, or a suspiciously large paper stash.

And remember, in crafting as in gaming, sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, and sometimes you just need more snacks.

Sláinte, 

Wendy R.

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. 🐰

Reel Bear-y Good

Dia daoibh!

Easter is over but the chocolate situation says otherwise. Shop shelves were stripped bare by Saturday morning like a scene from a survival documentary, and yet… chocolate is everywhere. Every cupboard you open, there it is. Eggs, bunnies, things wrapped so nicely you feel guilty even looking at them. It is like chocolate has developed legs and is quietly multiplying when no one is watching. Honestly, working nights felt less like a rota and more like a tactical escape from a full scale chocolate avalanche. Strategic planning at its finest.

Now, onto the card before I get ambushed by a caramel filled situation.

This gorgeous image is from KleineBieneKv on Etsy and I mean… a bear in striped shorts holding a fish? Say no more. I coloured him with Promarkers, keeping everything soft and blended so he looks all calm and content, like he has absolutely no idea the fish might have other plans. I kept the design CAS because sometimes the best thing you can do is step away before you start adding bits just for the craic. A soft blue mat frames him nicely, and instead of real twine I used a faux twine die cut from Spellbinders which gives the same look without the faff.  I added a touch of Glossy Accents to the anchor and the fish... It just lifts it without turning the whole card into a glitter explosion.

A few challenges:

Cardz4Guyz #384 Colour Challenge: Light Blue & Brown

I Love ProMarkers & Other Mediums #604 Cute & Whimsical / Anything Goes

Daisy Chain Challenges #106 No design paper

Girlz Make Guyz Cards #38 Food and/or drinks

Daisy Chain Challenge #106 No Design Paper

All in all, a calm, simple make… which is exactly what was needed in a world currently overrun by chocolate eggs that seem to appear out of thin air. If you need me, I will be opening cupboards very cautiously for the next few days. You never know what might jump out.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐰

Sprite Sparkle

Dia daoibh!

Easter has a funny way of sneaking up on you. One minute everything is calm and sensible and the next the world is full of pastel colours, bunny references, and chocolate being treated like a perfectly reasonable life choice. Spring does that to people.

Which brings me nicely to challenge #4 over at HQFCB where the theme is always Anything Fantasy Goes (cards, atc's, mixed media, home decorations, journals, tags, gift bags, etc.). The DT have some absolutely amazing creative makes over on HQFCB. Seriously inspiring stuff and a guaranteed way to make you eye up your craft stash with big plans.

For my card I used a little sprite that I designed myself using Corel Draw. She was coloured with Promarkers and I added a touch of Tonic Studio's White Blizzard Nuvo drops for some extra sparkle. The background was stencilled using Memento ink and a few Nuvo drops were added as embellishement. 

Do pop over and check out the DT’s creativity over on the HQFCB blog for plenty of inspiration and fantasy fun.

And finally a little spring truth. Flowers bloom, days get brighter, and glitter will continue to appear in your house long after Easter has hopped away.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌸

Leaf It in Your Pocket

Dia daoibh!

I am absolutely delighted, over the moon, and one small step away from dancing around the kitchen waving a glue stick, to be a Guest Designer for the CAS on Friday Challenge blog. The DT have some incredible creativity going on, the kind that makes you side eye your craft stash like “you and me need a serious chat, lads.” A massive thank you to Janneke and the DT over at CAS on Friday for having me.

The theme for challenge #331 is Botanical, so naturally I went leafy and proud:

I used diecuts for the greenery and then went a bit wild with glossy accents, glitter, and some Nuvo drops. Not too much now, just enough to make it sparkle without causing a public safety announcement. A few pieces are popped up with foam pads so the leaves have a bit of lift. The "Hello" is from Tonic Studios and stamped in white using Hero Arts Unicorn White ink on black card, and let me tell you, it stamped so crisp I nearly framed the ink pad as well. I added a light sprinkle of black distress ink across the background, just enough to keep things interesting without turning it into a full blown art experiment gone rogue.

A few challenges:
Simply Clean and Simple - SCAS April 2026: CAS (Optional theme: Baskets)

Craft Rocket Challenges #135 Layer It Up

Ellibelle's Garden Party #13  Anything in (or from) a Garden

Crafty Gals Corner #275 Anything Goes (optional twist: Make it Green)

Right, I am off now to check if my paper plants need watering. If they start growing, I am opening a garden centre and retiring early.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 💚