Mer-Mazing!

 Dia Daoibh!

Your brand new HQFCB Design Team member here, ready to dive into some fantasy fun! I'm absolutely buzzin' to be part of the Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenge Blog team! Woohooo!

May's challenge #5 of 2025 over at HQFCB is "Anything Goes" with a wee nod to mermaids if you're feelin' fancy. Now, I'm a sucker for a good mermaid tale. Anyone else remember Splash from the 80s with Daryl Hannah? Begorrah, I was always mesmerised by that tail!... 

Soooooo, I whipped up a card featuring a mermaid tail! I cut it from glitter card with my Silhouette Cameo, because who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? The wee fishes are die-cuts, and I've used gems as embellishments. Sure, you can never have too much bling, can ya?

Onto a few challenges:

• Dragonfly Dreams - May Challenge: Sea Life
• Creative Fingers - No. 300: Always Anything Goes
  
• Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025:  Clean & Simple (Optional: Flowers)
  
• Creative Inspirations Challenge #26:  Anything Goes
  
• Krafty Chicks #766: Birthday
  
• Little Red Wagon #805: Use Your Stash (using all the stashed gems)
• Crafty Calendar Challenge - May Challenge: For a Child
• Allsorts Challenge Blog #822: Inspired by a song  (Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish)
• Leigh SB Designs Inspirational Challenges - May No. 41: Mermaids or Halfoween in May or Anthing Goes 

Right so, that's my mermaid-tastic creation! Don't be a cod ;)... head on over to HQFCB  and enter the challenge! Show 'em what you're made of!

And now, for a mermaid joke to leave you with a smile:

What do fashionable mermaids wear?

Sea-quins!

 yes.. I'll see myself out ...

Sláinte! 

Wendy R.

Hey Friend

Dia Daoibh ! ☘️

Hold onto your hats—It is 14°C in Ireland! That’s right, we’re basically almost in a heatwave (by our standards). Summer has officially arrived ;)

To celebrate this suspicious weather phenomenon, I made this cheerful card using the 'Hey Friend' set from Graciellie Design. Coloured with Promarkers (with all the precision of a caffeinated squirrel) and embellished with iridescent glitter,  and gems - because why be subtle when you can sparkle?

Onto a few challenges:

• A Perfect Time To Craft (M, P1) - Always Anything Goes
• Beautiful Blossoms #27 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional Mood Board)
• Crafter's Cafe #317 - Anything Goes (optional: CAS)
• Girlz Creative Crafts #53 Happy Birthday Girlz 
• Girlz Rebel Challenge #38 - Use Glitter 
• The Creative Crafters #86 - Always Anything Goes
• Addicted to Stamps and More #489 - Any Occasion
• Color Throwdown #830

Have a great day, folks!  😉

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

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: 

• Passion for Markers Week 781 Spring Colours
• Creative Fingers No. 297 Anything Goes
• Daring Cardmakers -  Mellow Yellow
• Digi Choosday anything goes #3 
• Double D - Birds /Photo Inspirations* 

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. 

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 :

• Addicted to CAS #279 - Code Word: Masculine
• Alphabet Challenge - Y is for Yummy
• Krafty Chicks #760 - Clean and Simple
• Cardz 4 Guyz #368 - S is for... (SCOTCH)
• CAS Colours & Sketches #556 - Sketch Challenge:

--

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.)

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. 

Layered Embellishments on the Fast Track

Greetings! Broadcasting straight from the realm of eat, sleep, work, repeat. Yes, I'm back on the dayshift treadmill, so brace yourself for a quickie!

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

Today's card is as "simple" as it gets — if by "simple" you mean an extravaganza of layered embellishments meticulously cut with a Silhouette Cameo. We're talking about cardstock that’s been lounging around since 2018, finally getting its moment in the spotlight. The digital SVG cut files hail from Lettering Delight, all perched atop white embossed cardstock. Those embossed scribbles are so faint, they're practically playing hide and seek with the camera’s flash. Who knew crafting could be this cheeky?

The embellishments are stacked with foam pads for that blockbuster 3D effect — without those ridiculous glasses. The vintage cassette die cut is a nod to us Generation Xers, who still remember the joy of rewinding tapes with a pencil. The 'rock' is bedazzled with red glitter, the undeniable diva of the card, while 'you' gets the royal treatment with Ranger's Glossy Accents. Because, let's face it, nothing says "you rock" like a glossy finish worthy of a superstar.

Onto a few challenges so:

• Neglected Stuff Challenge  - card stock and glossy accents were sitting in the press since 2018 ;(
• A Cut Above - Use at least one die cut using a machine - - Feb - Anything Goes
• Crafts Galore Encore: Always Anything Goes
• Daisy Chain Challenges #93 - Layer it up
• Dragonfly Dreams: Feb - CAS
• Alphabet Challenge: V is for Vintage
• CAS Colours & Sketches #554 - Sketch Challenge

And there you have it....  But before I dash off to my next eat-sleep-work cycle, let me leave you with a little chuckle: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.

Sláinte!

Wendy R.

Love, Dragons, and a Hint of Glitter: A Valentine's Adventure

Valentine's Day is upon us, and the world has turned pink and red — even the dragons at the Game of Thrones experience in Northern Ireland would feel right at home! In the spirit of this love-filled season, I've crafted a Valentine's card using the "Dragon Love" stamp and die set from Avery Elle (hoarding this beauty since forever). I colored the dragon and hearts with Promarkers — because even dragons need a makeover sometimes. If you're curious, you can find my Promarker recipes linked at the top of my blog. Who knew coloring could be so deliciously fun?  ... The "xoxo" die-cut is layered and glittered to perfection, and the wee hearts are highlighted with Ranger glossy accents for an extra touch of magic.

A special shoutout to the talented designers of the CAS on Friday blog who inspire us with their beautiful work. Your creativity is as boundless as a dragon's wingspan, and your designs bring our paper fantasies to life. The current challenge is 'Valentine', so make sure to get your creations liked! 

As I wander past shops bursting with heart-shaped everything, I can't help but giggle at the Easter eggs already on display. Added calories and it's not even April yet! Guess we're getting a head start on the holiday indulgence.

Card challenges I'm enteringing:

• Cardz 4 Guyz: #365 Clean and Simple
• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bright and Cheerful 
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Love is in the air
• Double D Challenges-Hearts
• Allsorts-Challenge 816-Romance
• Let's Craft and Create-Challenge #216 - AG + Red, Pink and/or White
• A Cut Above-February-Anything goes
• NBUS Challenge #71

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with someone special or just enjoying your own fabulous company, remember to spread love and glitter like confetti — because why not leave a little sparkle in your wake?.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of chocolate (or dragon fire, if that's your thing). 

xoxo

Wendy R.

Best Fishes!

Ah, the glamorous life of night shifts. Two weeks of living like an owl, surviving on caffeine and the occasional existential crisis. But now, I’m back in the land of the living—or at least trying to be. To celebrate my return to daylight (and to avoid face-planting into my cereal), I decided to stay awake as long as humanly possible. And what better way to do that than by crafting?

My trusty Silhouette Cameo—older than my sense of responsibility—handled the die-cutting like a champ... It’s like the Nokia 3310 of die-cutting machines—indestructible, slightly outdated, and weirdly endearing.The die cut fishes are coloured with Promarkers, and raised on foam pads for that extra oomph.  Added a few flatback gems too. The sentiment comes from Lawn Fawn’s Fintastic Friends stamp set, which is basically a goldmine for anyone who loves a good fish pun. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t? The cardstock’s been sitting in my press (cupboard, for non-Irish folks) for ages, gathering dust and guilt-tripping me every time I opened the door. And no, there’s no glitter. I know, I know—shocking. But sometimes, you just have to let the glossy accents ( and flatback dewdrop embellishments) do the talking.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

Cardz 4 Guyz: #365 Clean and Simple
MTTC #552: Masculine
Crafty Cats: #686: ATG - Blue and green
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog: #315 January - Anyting goes (optional: Birthdays)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything goes (featuring Spellbinders)

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bright and Cheerful 

Ally's Angels #90: Anything Goes

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to nap for approximately three business days :) 

Cheers! 

Wendy R. 

Crafting My Way to Christmas: A Year-Long Journey of Glitter and Glue

 ooooh, Christmas cards. The bane of my holiday season for the last six years. Every December, I’d find myself knee-deep in a pile of store-bought cards that felt as personal as a generic “Happy Holidays!” text from your dentist. But this year, 2025, I’m flipping the script! My mission? To craft at least three Christmas cards each month. By the end of the year, I’ll have a stash of handmade cards ready to dazzle and delight!

My card is for a dear friend who’s as obsessed with purple and gold as I am with avoiding last-minute holiday shopping. Coincidentally, these are the same colors as her Christmas decor, so I’m basically a psychic now.

For this card, I used a bauble diecut from the Spellbinders Festive Ornaments Etched Dies (Essential Holiday Collection). It's been lounging in the press for months, gathering dust like it's trying out for an episode of "Hoarders."   These dies are like magic — one crank through the diecutting machine, and boom, you’ve got festive shapes that’ll make Santa himself jealous.... Foam pads lift the bauble for a 3D effect.

The sentiment comes from the retired Honey Bee Season's Tweetings stamp set. It’s sweet, it’s seasonal, and it’s stamped with more love than a Hallmark movie marathon.

To give the card a little extra oomph, I added Ranger Glossy Accents and flatback gold drops. It's like the card decided to dress up for the holidays — a bit of sparkle here and there, just enough to catch the eye without needing sunglasses.

Now, to keep things interesting, I’m entering the following challenges:

• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything goes featuring Spellbinders
  
• Christmas Kickstart Challenge: #94 Bring the Baubles
  
• ABC Christmas Challenge - January: A is for anything goes
• Park Hopping is My Happy Place : Inspired by 'FRIENDS'
• NBUS Challenge #70
• Ally's Angels #90: Anything Goes

And finally, a little nugget of wisdom to end this crafting saga: If you ever find yourself buried under a mountain of glitter, just remember — at least you’re not the one sweeping it up off the floor. 

Happy crafting, and may your glue guns never run dry!

Wendy R.

Seas the Day!

 Hey folks!

So, I decided to dive into the world of masculine cards, and let me tell you, it was an ocean of fun! Introducing "Seas the Day!" 

The centerpiece of this card is a lighthouse design from the Silhouette Design Store, which I layered until it stood tall and proud. Then, I gave it a glossy look with Ranger Glossy Accents, making it shinier than a brand-new pair of sunglasses on a sunny day.

And then came the real fun—I unleashed my inner artist, mixing acrylic paint with a splash of water for that perfect splatter effect. Picture this: precise flicks of the brush creating a delightful splash pattern. It was a creative adventure that left everything exactly where it should be!

To add a dash of excitement, I'm entering this card into a few challenges just for the craic. It's all about the thrill of the craft, innit!

• MTTC #552: Masculine
• Cardz4Guyz: #364 Lighthouse
• Krafty Chicks: Challenge #752 {Masculine}
• Creative Knockouts: #539-Something To Say-Polkadoodles
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Funny/Punny
• A Cut Above: "It's a new year" and anything goes

So, as we wrap things up, remember to keep crafting with joy and laughter. "Seas the Day" and let your creativity sail smoothly into the sunset!

Catch you later, crafty captains!

Wendy xx

Crafting Capers: A Glittery Tale

 Hello folks! Let's dive into the whimsical world of card crafting, where even mishaps can lead to masterpieces.

I set out on a serene afternoon with die-cuts of lavender stems, a charming little frame made with nesting square dies, and a "Thanks" word metal die. The brand? Oh, who remembers! Everything was going splendidly until I had a minor catastrophe with the Ranger Gloss.

In a move worthy of a slapstick comedy, I accidentally tipped the gloss over, leaving smudges everywhere. But fear not! Enter ultra-fine iridescent glitter, my crafty savior. A sprinkle here, a dash there, and suddenly those smudges transformed into glittery trails of accidental glamour.

Oh, and apologies for the quality of the photo—I've just snagged a lightbox for under €20 on Amazon, so better photos are on the horizon!

With my card now sparkling in all the right places, I'm gearing up to enter it into a few crafting challenges. Who knew a little glitter could turn disaster into dazzle?

CAS on Friday: Challenge #301 - Flowers

Cardz4galz: #242 Anything BUT Square

Daisy Chain Challenges: Challenge #92 - No Design Paper

Beautiful Blossoms - anything floral + option mood board

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - anything goes

Fab 'n' Funky - all things bright and beautiful

So, remember, fellow crafters: when life gives you smudges, just add glitter and call it art. Keep crafting, keep laughing, and may your creations always shine bright!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Wendy R.

Surviving Storm Éowyn: A Crafty Adventure

Well, folks, we did it! We survived Storm Éowyn (pronounced Ay-oh-win, for those of us not fluent in Irish-speak). This tempest came in like a drama queen, but all it managed to do was give our side gate a one-way flight lesson and lay a tree to rest in the front yard. No major drama, just a bit of garden redecorating.

Now, you know what's a lifesaver during a storm? Flasks of hot water. Big shoutout to Stanley brand for keeping our coffee piping hot while the wind howled outside. Nothing like a warm cuppa to make you feel like a warrior in your own living room.

But enough about weather woes, let's talk about something way more exciting—crafting! With the storm raging outside, I turned my attention to my trusty die-cutting machine and card-making supplies. Picture this: die cuts, foil washi tape, and a background stamp paired with Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. This ink is like the superhero of the crafting world—six years in and it's still giving me the deepest, darkest black. Honestly, it's like the Batman of inks.

The card was coming together nicely, embellished with baker's twine and Ranger Glossy Accents for that extra sparkle. I even managed to sneak in a computer-generated pun because, let's face it, a card without a pun is like a storm without wind.

Sorry for the potato-quality photo—blame it on Storm Herminia!

I decided to enter my creation into a few crafting challenges, because if there's anything better than surviving a storm, it's winning a prize for your crafty genius. Fingers crossed!

• MTTC #552: Masculine
• Creative Fingers Challenge: Challenge #293 – Anything Goes
• A Place to start: Challenge# 12025: Include A Balloon!
• Daisy Chain Challenges: Challenge #92 - No Design Paper
• Krafty Chicks: Challenge #752 {Masculine}
• Creative Knockouts: #539-Something To Say-Polkadoodles
• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Fun with Foil
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Funny/Punny

And there you have it, folks. Just another day in the life of a storm survivor and card-making enthusiast. If Éowyn taught us anything, it’s that sometimes life throws a bit of chaos your way, but with a flask of hot water and a stash of craft supplies, you can weather any storm.

Stay crafty and safe, my friends, and may your ink always be as deep and dark as your morning coffee. 

Wendy R.

Crafting By Designs - Anything Goes

Time for another challenge at Crafting By Designs.

The theme this week is

 "Anything Goes".

The Sponsors for this challenge is:

MHK Designs:

  

The digital stamp is from MHK Designs, coloured with Promarkers.

I used the Eclipse technique with a Winnie & Walter "Hi" die.

Can’t wait to see you in the card gallery and be sure to check out my teamies awesome creations :)

Thank You for stopping by xx

Wendy

Cardz 4 Galz - Let's Go Digital

Hi Peeps

Time for another Cardz 4 Galz challenge day!
Thank you to everyone who plays along each fortnight :)
Onto this fortnight's challenge. Challenge # 83 is Let's Go Digital.

Here is my DT card:

Digital polka dot paper is from The Beautiful Studio.
Digi stamp used is - Mo's Digital Pencil: Make a wish.
Coloured with Promarkers.
Embellished with gems, sequins & clear glitter



Hope to see your creations in the card gallery and Thank You for stopping by!

Cardz 4 Galz - Thoughts Of Fall

Hi Peeps

Time for another Cardz 4 Galz challenge day!
Thank you to everyone who plays along each fortnight :)
Onto this fortnight's challenge. Challenge # 80 is Thoughts of fall.

Here is my DT card:

The stamp set used if from My Favourite Things - BB Harvest Mouse.
Coloured with Promarkers.
Embellished with clear gloss.
The frame is raised with foam pads to add dimension to the card.

Challenges:
Aud Sentiments Challenge #212 Fall + A Sentiment
Addicted to Stamps and More #309 - CAS
That's Crafty! Challenge - Autumn
I love Promarkers #367 - Anything Goes/Option of No Patterned Paper



Hope to see your creations in the card gallery and Thank You for stopping by!

Eeeeekkkk

Hi Peeps
My CAS card for today:

Stamp is a mini clear stamp from Inkadinkado.
Embellished with 3d enamel and a spiderweb die cut.
This wee card is inspired by our Chilean  Rose Tarantula, Chilli.. she's an awesome pet and best of all.... she's pink!!:)



Onto a few challenges:
Crafty Friends Challenge #90 - Anything Goes
Crazy 4 Challenges #447 - Bugs
Less Is More #377 - Pets
Fussy and Fancy #218 - Clean & Simple


Thank You for stopping by!

Thank You

Hi Peeps
A Quick card today:

Die cuts are from the Silhouette Cameo store.
Background is dry embossed.
Hearts cut from glitter card.
Sentiment die cut is layered and embellished with clear gloss.

A few challenges:
Happy Little Stampers August - Die Cuts - must be CAS
A Bit More Time to Craft #73 - Anything Goes



Thank You for stopping by!

Wendy xx

Fifi Cupcake

Hi Peeps
My card today features the sweet little Fifi Cupcake from Crafty Sentiments Designs.
Coloured with Promarkers.
Embellished with a banner diecut, clear gloss, glitter & gems.
Mounted on an embossed background.

Onto a few challenges:
Creative Knockouts #257 For The Kids
Aud Sentiments Challenge #209 For The Girls + A Sentiment 
The Creative Crafters #6 - Anything Goes 
Crafty Sentiments Designs Challenge Blog - Anything Goes

Thank You for stopping by!

Wendy xx

Crafting By Designs - Anything goes

Hi Peeps

Time for another challenge at Crafting By Designs.The theme this week is "Anything Goes".

There are four Sponsors for this challenge is:

 Eureka Stamps  

Prize - winner choice of 3 digi images

 Polkadoodles       
Prize - winner choice of 3 digi stamps

 Di's Digi's
Prize - $12 voucher to store

Here is my card:

Image is from Di's Digi's - Cute as cupcake mice.

Coloured with Promarkers.

Embellished with 3d enamel and a stamped sentiment.

Challenges I'm entering:
Creates and Makes #23 - Anything Goes
Digi Choosday Challenge #31 - Anything Goes
Di's Digi Challenge - Use your stash
Passion For Promarkers Challenge #455 - Spots and/or Stripes

and my second creations:

Ruby Sweet from Polkadoodles is coloured with Promarkers.
Embellished with a word die cut, glitter, ribbon and clear gems.

Challenges I'm entering:
Polkadoodles Crafting - Week 30 - Anything goes
Crafting from the Heart #216 Anything goes
Digi Choosday Challenge #31 - Anything Goes
Make My Monday #76 Coloured Image

Can’t wait to see you in the card gallery and be sure to check out my teamies awesome creations :)

Thank You for stopping by xx