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. 💖

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.🎄🎅

From Kitchen Walls to Cardstock Calls

Dia Daoibh!

Ah sure, it’s one of those Bank Holidays again—the kind where you tell yourself, “I’ll rest, I deserve it,” and five minutes later you’re knee-deep in paint, wondering why your kitchen walls have more coats than a Donegal sheepdog.

So, yes, the painting saga continues. I’ve wisely decided to leave the rest of the walls to their own devices until later in the week—maybe Thursday, unless the walls paint themselves or a miracle occurs (neither likely, but sure we live in hope). All this, of course, before I return to the night shift on Friday where at least someone will appreciate my multitasking talents.

Anyway! On to today’s card, the real reason you’re here and not just to hear about my domestic misadventures.

I've been playing with the Gus & Gertie stamp set from Taylored Expressions, and honestly, if those two don’t brighten your day, nothing will. I used the matching die—because let’s face it, fussy cutting after painting is a level of madness I’m just not ready for. Coloured them up with Promarkers (as always, the good ones that haven’t gone mysteriously dry) and gave the balloons a proper party glow with Ranger’s Glossy Accents. Then, of course, I couldn’t leave well enough alone, so I chucked a bit of iridescent glitter on top because why not? If you're not sparkling, are you even celebrating? Popped the whole thing up with foam pads because flat cards are just… too emotionally relatable right now.

I adore this stamp set, and honestly, I’m eyeing up a few more from the Gus & Gertie gang. Though with the postage from the States, it’s nearly cheaper to fly them over myself and give them a biscuit.

A few challenges:

• Inkspirational #342 -  Celebrate
  
• Stamping Sensations - Jun - Our Furry Friends + option: Anything Goes 
• Alphabet Challenge -  D is for dogs
• Passion For Markers Challenge #790 - 4 Legged Friends
• Crafty Animals #95 - Always Anything Goes
  
• Freshly Made Sketches #688 - Sketch:

Until next time, may your paint stay on the walls, your glitter stay on the card (not your face), and your stamps be ever sassy.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

Hippie Hippie Birthday!

Dia Daoibh!

Right so, last post of the day before I crawl off to bed and mentally prepare to hit the snooze button twice at 5 p.m. — because that’s how we pre-game on night shift. 😅

Now, onto the card — because before the caffeine kicks in and the uniform goes on, there was a crafty moment worth sharing! This little number features a fab stamp by Treeebird (Küstenmädels) — what a find, right? I stamped it up with trusty Memento ink and gave it the full rainbow treatment with my Promarkers. It's popped up on foam pads (because dimension is life), all set against an acrylic paint-splattered background that may or may not have also hit the cat.

The sentiment? “Hippie Birthday” — because nothing says celebration like a cute, feathered freeloader with  a groovy vibe 😉

Onto a few challenges:

• Allsorts #824 Anything Goes - Happy 16th Birthday 🎉🥳 !!
• Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025 - Clean and simple (optional: flowers) 
• Passion For Markers Challenge Week 788 Anything Goes (Happy Anniversary 🎉🥳 !!)
• Cardz 4 Galz #250 Things With Wings (real or fantasy)
• TIME OUT Challenges 2W #289  - Your Favorite Winged Thing
• CAS on Friday No. 309 Things with wings
• Crafty Animals #94 - Always Anything Goes

Right, that's me done. Off to bed now — tonight it’s all about calm voices, caring hands, and keeping the night ticking gently along.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.