Not Sold To The Circus

Dia Daoibh!

This month's Ally’s Angels challenge (Anything goes) arrives at a poignant time for me. Just yesterday, I said goodbye to my wonderful dad. He was the kind of man who appreciated a good laugh, even in the face of adversity. So, in his honor, I'm sharing the Father’s Day card I had made for him—a tribute to his strength and humor.

Crafting for dads can be a tightrope walk—glitter is a no-go, florals raise eyebrows, and ribbons might end up as makeshift cable ties. Enter the Tough Guy stamp set from Avery Elle (a classic from 2016), which perfectly captures that retro, rockabilly vibe. There's a hint of vintage circus flair to it, which inspired the cheeky inside message: “Cheers for not selling me to the the circus when I was eight… Happy Father’s Day!” And let’s not pretend it wasn’t a near thing—I was that child.

The card features a muscle-bound hero stamped in Memento ink and brought to life with Promarkers. That shine you see? It's Ranger Glossy Accents on the weights—no sweat, just strategic sparkle! The bold ‘DAD’ letters were cut with my Silhouette Cameo, stacked for 3D impact, and, yes, drenched in more Glossy Accents because subtlety has never been my strong suit.

Onto a few challenges:

• Shopping Our Stash #547 - Red, Red Wine Red as your primary color or use wine (or another beverage) as your theme, or mix it up and do both
• Try It On Tuesday - Keep it simple
• Neglected Stuff Challenge  (Must use old/neglected crafting stuff: Tough Guy stamp set) - Anything Goes
• Crafts Galore Encore - Always Anything Goes
• Daisy Chain Challenges - #96 - Boys/Men

This card was more than just paper and ink—it was a tribute to the man who shaped me (and survived my pre-teen years without phoning the circus). He might not get to physically open it, but I know he would’ve had a good chuckle at the sentiment—and probably made a smart remark about the glossy weights ;)

Sláinte, 

Wendy

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.

Doodle

Hi Peeps:
My card today features stamps from ALtenew (Hello Sunshine) and Avery Elle (Sentimental) .
Stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
Coloured with Promarkers and embellished with green enamel drops.

Okidoki, a few challenges:
Crafty Catz #361 - Anything Goes with a twist: Use Mainly Green
Simply Create Too - Lots of Green
Addicted to CAS - Doodle
Less is More:

Case This Sketch:


Thank You for stopping by!

Birthday Fishes

Hi Peeps
Card for today:

Stamps used: Avery Elle - That Bites & Simon Says Stamp - Best Fishes.
Coloured with Promarkers & embellished with clear gloss.

Okidoki, a few challenges:

Through the Purple Haze #119 Male Colours
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #105 Masculine Anything Goes



Thank You for stopping by!

Shark! Shark!

Hi Peeps
I just adore my new stamp set I treated myself to for Xmas. It's the Hello Chum stamp from Avery Elle. Both cards are coloured with Promarkers.

I made two cards, here is the the second. The sentiment is in Afrikaans. "Haai" is the Afrikaans word for shark and is pronounced much the same as "Hi" in English. So the translation is "Hi There!". Wordplay is such fun ;)

Onto a few challenges so:
CAS(E) This Sketch!  #203 Sketch

Craft Rocket Challenges - #30 Something New
Cute Card Thursday - #459 What's New
Crafty Calendar - January - Something New
My Time to Craft - #337 Something New

Thank You for stopping by!

Tough Guy

Hi Peeps
My card for today:

The Tough Guy stamp from Avery Elle is coloured with Promarkers.
Highlighted with clear 3d glossy accents.
Embellished with liquid pearls and enamel drops.
Square die - cut with a stitched die from AliExpress.

Onto a few challenges so:
Passion For Promarkers Challenge  - #375 Use Dies/Punches
Sisterhood of Crafters  - Pearls
Freshly Made Sketches - , must use sketch and clean lines


Thank You for stopping by!