Pop, Fizz, Clink!

Dia daoibh!

Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh go léir! Wishing everyone a very happy New Year filled with good health, happy moments, and plenty of creative time!

While the festive season meant cosy days and slowing down for many, Christmas in healthcare came with a much fuller diary and a pace that never eased off. January then swans in full of expectations while staff are still operating on caffeine, muscle memory, and sheer determination. Relaxation remains a rumour, often spoken about in hushed tones by other professions, so escaping somewhere far nicer and significantly sparklier feels like the only sensible option.

On to the crafty bit and Challenge 102 at Ally’s Angels . The theme, as always, is Anything Goes, which is basically permission to craft without overthinking, and honestly that is the best kind of theme.

For my card, I used a champagne and bow SVG (my current obsession — I’ve accepted it, no intervention needed) and tiled it across the page to create the background. I coloured everything with Promarkers and had far too much fun bringing it all to life. The sentiment is from Newton’s Nook’s Cocktail Mixer Stamp Set, which I clearly own for a reason and should probably use more often 😉. I layered it onto glitter card for a touch of sparkle and popped it up on foam pads for some happy little dimension — because flat cards are fine, but a bit of lift just makes them feel fancy. 

A few challenges:

• Craft Rocket Challenges #132 Something New
• Word Power - January -  Anything Goes with Words as Focus
• Passion For Markers Challenge #820 - Favorite Digi or Stamp
• Shopping Our Stash #565 - Out with the Old & In with the New 
• Creative Crafting Uncles #73 - Birthday
• I Love Promarkers #598  Anything Goes or Fairytale

Be sure to check out the Ally’s Angels DT. They are incredibly creative and always full of inspiration. Fair warning though, it may lead to sudden urges to craft immediately.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and here is to a New Year of creativity, sparkle, and enjoying every crafty minute.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🎉

Candy Cane Kisses

Dia daoibh!

Christmas in Ireland is a great mix of sparkle, chaos, and pure charm... half the country is wrestling with tangled fairy lights while the other half is insisting they definitely didn’t open the “good biscuits.” And sure look, by Stephen’s Day we’re all fuelled by leftovers and sheer determination.

Challenge 101 over at Ally’s Angels is well underway, and the design team have pulled out all the stops. The creativity on display is so good you’d think they were powered by fairy lights and caffeine. Go have a peek—you’ll either come back full of ideas or convinced you need more craft supplies. (Spoiler: you absolutely do.)

For my card, I kept things lovely and CAS. 

The adorable Candy Cane Bear is from Mo’s Digital Pencil, coloured with Promarkers - my trusty go-tos. I added shimmery highlights with Nuvo Drops (White Blizzard) for a glittery touch. The scalloped border was made with a punch that hasn’t seen daylight in a long while. The whole panel is mounted on foam pads for a raised effect—like giving the card a little lift of confidence.

And to finish with a festive grin: may your tree behave, your wrapping paper cooperate, and your visitors arrive only after you’ve hidden the laundry.

Nollaig shona daoibh!

Sláinte,
Wendy R.🎄🎅

Bouquets Are Better in Waffle Cones

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, it’s been a hot minute, hasn’t it? I’ve been up to my oxters learning the ropes in a new role — yes, I’ve been transferred! No witness protection programme needed (yet), but let’s just say my brain has been doing cartwheels trying to remember who’s who, what’s what, and why the kettle is always empty. Luckily, I’ve landed with a great bunch — supportive, sound, and just the kind of people who can laugh through the chaos and still know where the stapler is.

Now, onto much prettier things… it’s time for Challenge #97 over at Ally’s Angels, where the theme is, as always: Anything Goes! 

For this card, I used the fabulously fun Ice Cream Bouquet from Graciellie Design — because why settle for one flower when you can have a cone full of colourful blooms? I coloured it up with ProMarkers, and thanks to all the modern food colouring bans (only rightfully so!), this one ended up looking like an ice cream bouquet straight out of the 1980s. If you grew up in the southern hemisphere, you’ll remember the bright blue Smarties, and ice creams, especially that one scoop that looked more radioactive than dessert. Those were the days — slightly questionable, highly memorable.

To give it some oomph, I raised the bouquet with foam pads for a bit of dimension, added glitter, Ranger’s Glossy Accents, a few clear gems, and finished it off with a rebellious spritz of Black Soot Distress Spray Stain. A bit of sparkle, a bit of splatter — just the way I like it.

A few challenges:

• Digi Choosday #8 Anything goes 
  
• I Love Promarkers #588 -  Anything goes or black & white
  
• Paper Shelter #647 Anything goes
  
• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog - August - Anything Goes
  
• Wednesday's Creative Inspiration Blog - August - Anything goes
• 2 Sisters On The Blog #98 - Flowers in a vase

I do hope you’ll pop over and join us in the gallery at Ally’s Angels! The rest of the DT team have outdone themselves — their creations are absolutely gorgeous, and you’ll come away feeling inspired (and maybe a little tempted to buy new stash — go on, treat yourself).

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

Glitter, Glossy Accents, and Mild Heatstroke

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, would you look at the state of us—Ireland’s in a heatwave, and I’m convinced my brain has melted clean out me ears. If you see a puddle wearing glasses and muttering about cardstock, that’s probably me. Between battling hayfever (sneezing so much I’m fairly sure I’ve realigned me spine), and trying to keep me ice cream from evaporating, it’s been a grand old time altogether. 

But sure, despite the drama, I managed to put together a wee card for the new challenge over at Ally’s Angels – Challenge #96 – Anything Goes!

For this card, I grabbed me trusty Core’dinations cardstock (because if you’re going to be fancy, be proper fancy), and cut out all the bits with the Doodlebug Flower Garden Doodle Cuts Dies. Everything’s layered up with foam pads—because I like my dimension bigger than an electricity bill—and finished off with a touch of Ranger’s Glossy Accents for that perfect bit of shine. A sprinkling of gemstones adds just the right amount of sparkle—because it’s not truly finished until you find a rogue gem floating in your tea—and there you have it: a card shinier than the sequins in the front row of a Garth Brooks concert.

On to a few challenges:

• Try It On Tuesday - Summer Blooms
• Beautiful Blossoms #30 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional: mood board)
  
• Crafts Galore Encore - Always Anything Goes
  
• Creative Crafting Uncles #67 - Layer It Up
  
• Let's Craft & Create Challenge #220 - Anything Goes (use a hand punch and/or die)

The talented design team have created projects so gorgeous you’ll want to hang them on your fridge and tell the neighbours you made them yourself. So get your skates on—or your flip-flops, given the weather—and join in, because anything goes: crochet, baking, painting, sticking googly eyes on your cat (though best of luck with that), or whatever crafty shenanigans you’re up to.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🙂

Anything Goes, Honey!

Dia Daoibh!

It’s that time again – a brand-new challenge is live over at Ally’s Angels, where the theme is (as always!) Anything Goes. You’ve no idea how freeing that is for someone like me, who can’t follow a theme without wandering off halfway through. The design team has once again created absolute stunners – their cards are so gorgeous I considered framing my laptop.

Now, let’s buzz on over to my card! This card is bringing all the summer vibes – sunshine, sparkles, and a sassy little bee who’s clearly the queen of the hive! Featuring Tiny Townie Busy Bee from Stamping Bella, she’s dressed in her finest yellow-and-black stripes, ready to take on the summer garden party circuit. I coloured her with ProMarkers, gave her buzzing sidekicks a lift with foam pads (they're high-flyers), and added glossy accents and glitter – because no summer is complete without a little sparkle and a lot of drama. The bold yellow background? Pure sunshine in cardstock form.

Warning: may cause spontaneous humming of “Flight of the Bumblebee.” 🐝🌞✨

Onto a few challenges:

• Creative Crafting Uncles #66 - Summer
• The Crafting Challenge - June - Anything Goes
• If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #205 - Sunshine and Rainbows
• AAA Cards #293 - Anything CAS Goes
• We Love Stamping  - Jun - Nature (optional: Anything Goes)
• CAS on Friday #311- Summer
• Crafty Catz #696 - Anything Goes
• C.R.A.F.T. #757 - Cute or Anything Goes 
• Craft Rocket Challenges #126 - No Design Paper
• Krafty Chicks #773 - Clean and Simple

Come join the fun over at Ally’s Angels! It’s always Anything Goes, so grab your stamps, your glue, and possibly a hoover for the aftermath – and let’s get creating!

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐝✨🎨

From Tape Troubles to Glitter Glories: A Box Card Adventure!

Dia Daoibh!

Gather 'round, because I've got a card creation saga for you! As a nurse, I'm pretty good at keeping things in order – like,  I can juggle a full medical chart without breaking a sweat.... but when it comes to crafting with double-sided tape, let's just say a roll of tape has met an untimely demise in my trash bin  #CraftingStruggles .

This time, I called in a big gun: my trusty silhouette (yes, v1 and as old as the hills). I used it to cut Lori Whitlock's fabulous Carrot Box Card elements, and let me tell you, it was like having a crafting fairy godmother. The carrot tops? Oh, they're not just any carrot tops. They're decked out with glossy accents and ultra-fine iridescent glitter, because why not add a little sparkle to your veggies? ... and don't worry about mailing this little gem – it folds flat for mailing! On the back, there's a nice little spot for you to write a heartfelt sentiment. 

Onto a few challenges: 

• The Paper Funday #75 - Anything Goes/Optional Twist Anything with a "B" (B: Box Card)
• Love Those Pretty Papers Challenge: April - Anything Goes with Patterned Paper (optional theme: Springtime)
• Cardz 4 Galz #247 Stripes
• C.R.A.F.T. #752  Spring / Easter / Anything Goes 
• Craft Rocket Challenges #124 Layer It Up
• Shopping Our Stash #545 - Hippity Hop (Easter card / rabbit / chick)

Right then, buckle up buttercups, 'cause Challenge #93 at Ally's Angels is 'Anything Goes'! My teamies have been proper busy little bees, whipping up some absolutely gorgeous creations. Honestly, you simply must pop over and have a gander – they're dead brilliant. And while you're at it, why not chuck your hat in the ring and join in the fun? Go on, you know you want to!

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x.

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:

• 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:

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. 

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:

• Creatieve Inspirations: love in the air
• Crafty Calender:  february challenge 
• The paper Shelter:  add a hearth
• 2 Sisters On The Blog: #94 men
• Stamping Sensation: Valentines 
• Double D:  hearts 
• Pearly Sparkles: Love
• Simply Clean and Simple Challenge - Feb. '25 Anything Goes/Love and/or Hearts.
• Try it on Tuesday Challenge - Romance
• NBUS Challenge - #71 Never Before Used Schtuff.
• Time Out Challenges: #282 Photo challenge 
• We Love Stamping-February - CAS/Anything goes
• Cupcake Inspirations - #611 - Red, Black & White colour challenge

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 💖