Showing posts with label cas card. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cas card. Show all posts

8.6.25

Jingle Bells

 Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are in June, and I’m already behind on my New Year’s resolution to craft at least two Christmas cards per month. So, in the spirit of catching up (and avoiding the December panic), I’ve whipped up a festive little number using supplies from my stash—because nothing says “holiday cheer” like a bit of crafty improvisation!


I started with black cardstock as the base—trying to use up what I have before I inevitably fall into the Amazon cart trap again. I die-cut a few leaves from green cardstock and adorned them with teeny jingle bells I found lurking in the depths of my craft drawer. Tied together with red and white baker’s twine, they bring just the right amount of jingle to the mingle.To add some sparkle, I gave the leaves a glossy dab and a polite sprinkle of glitter—just enough to say “Christmas cheer” without triggering a vacuum cleaner incident. The sentiment is stamped in Versafine ink using the
Season’s Tweetings stamp set from Honey Bee Stamps. This set was part of their Holiday 2017 release , and while it may be retired, it still brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

A few challenges:

Here’s hoping this card brings a bit of festive joy to someone’s mailbox. And if you’re like me, still pretending you’ll have 40 handmade Christmas cards ready by November—sure look, it’s never too early, too late, or too delusional to believe this is the year we’ll be organised!

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🎄✨

7.6.25

Fairies Don't Do Dry July

Dia Daoibh!
Well, the next challenge over at HQFCB is Anything Goes Fantasy with the optional twist of using a fairy. Now, being Irish, I feel I should warn you—our fae folk aren’t the dainty, glitter-and-rainbows type you see in storybooks. Oh no. Irish fairies are more the "move your fence or we’ll curse your cows" variety. Mess with a fairy fort at your peril, folks—those wee folk hold grudges longer than my ex-MIL after you "forgot" her birthday.


But enough folklore—onto the card! I’ve used Stamping Bella’s Edna Needs A Martini, because if anyone knows how to handle magical mischief, it’s a fairy with a cocktail. Coloured her up in Promarkers (... I got carried away, and now she’s basically celebrating the 4th of July). Glittered her wings because, let’s be real, if you’ve got wings and aren’t bedazzled, are you even trying? Mounted her on foam pads for dimension, because Edna deserves to pop right off the page—just like she’d pop into your local for a midweek martini.

Kept the background clean and simple (read: I ran out of patience) with a snazzy piece of polka dot embossed card. Classy and low-effort—my favourite combo.

A few challenges I'm joining in:

Right, I’d best wrap this up before the rain starts again. Summer in Ireland, my foot—more like "guess I’ll wear my wellies with my sundress" season. Here’s hoping the sun remembers we exist before Halloween.

Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 

(P.S. If you see Irish fae, offer them a drink. It’s the only way to stay on their good side.)

5.6.25

Floral Mail and a Bit of Craic

Dia Daoibh!

I’ve got a card today that’s full of crafty joy, a bit of sparkle, and a whole lot of positive vibes—because who doesn’t need a reminder that they’re fabulous every now and then?

This card came together with a few favourite supplies and a generous sprinkle of “ah sure, we’ll see what happens.” I used Core’dinations cardstock in shades closest to Peacock, Blueberry, and Grape—basically a fancy fruit bowl of the paper world—cut with the Taylored Expressions Easy Strips Die – 1/4". The flowers were die-cut and popped up with foam pads for a bit of dimension, with gem centres added because even minimalist cards deserve a little bling. The sentiment is from the Taylored Expressions You Are Additions set, stamped in Versafine for that crisp, “look at me being professional” finish. And yes, it’s on foam pads too—because flat sentiments are only for days when you’ve run out of tea.

A few challenges I'm joining:


This little number will be heading off to one of my mailing buddies as part of the Card Chain Challenge. I’ll be sending it along with my actual challenge card (which is still just a twinkle in my crafty eye). If you haven’t signed up yet—go on, you’ll have great craic sending happy post around the world!

Seriously, what’s better than opening your letterbox to find something that isn’t a leaflet for solar panels?

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 😊

3.6.25

No Frills, Just Chills

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, the elusive masculine card— sometimes harder to craft than a good excuse for buying more paper. But fear not, I’ve kept this one clean, simple, and unapologetically blue (despite what my phone camera is trying to say).

I went for a classic CAS look—because sometimes less is more, especially when glitter isn’t on the menu. I cut strips from different shades of blue card using the Taylored Expressions Easy Strips Die – 1/4". Now, I know some of the strips look green or grey in the photo, but I promise you, they’re all blues. My phone just likes to express its artistic freedom now and again 😉.

Once the strips were assembled onto a piece of white card like a tidy little paint chart, I used a bold “HAPPY” die to cut the letters out of it. Then I stacked a few layers of "happy" die cuts behind the top layer to give it some dimension and help the letters pop. The “Birthday” script was cut from dark blue card and given a glossy finish—simple, sharp, and perfect for the no-fuss types in your life.

Here’s the finished result—a fresh, modern birthday card with not a flower or sequin in sight.


A few challenges I'm participating in:

Whether you're team sparkle or team streamlined, a good stash of masculine cards is always handy. And if your phone camera gives you teal when you wanted navy… sure, just call it “artistic licence.”

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💙✂️

26.5.25

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:
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.

Core Chaos & Crafty Apples

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, hasn’t it been some week? Between the whirlwind of emotions, sleep doing its usual disappearing act, and Autism taking the wheel while ADHD quietly sulks in the corner, let’s just say my kitchen presses got the full “Wendy Works” treatment. There's now a brand new streamlined system in place for when the dishwasher gets unloaded – colour-coded, shelf-aligned, and possibly requiring a user manual. But hey, the mugs are happy.

I’ve also switched over to night shifts for a while – figured since sleep had clocked out, I might as well clock in. Four nights back-to-back… so I’ll be off to bed shortly. Just don’t ask if I’ve remembered how to human during daylight hours.

Now, onto something far juicier – my card!  I whipped up a wee number featuring some dinky die-cut apples that I “borrowed” (read: plundered with no shame) from the stash. They're perched on foam pads for that bouncy 3D pop – just the thing to make it look like the apples are actually trying to escape. Can’t say I blame them. Especially after reading the sentiment… let’s just say it hits a bit too close to home. Definitely one for the ‘laugh or cry’ drawer! Oh, and I embellished the wee hearts with some irridecent glitter.



Onto a few challenges:
Sisterhood of the Snarky Stampers #262 - R is for Rude
Carlin’s Challenge #82 – Yummy, that’s tasty
Farmquest General Store Challenge #28 Anything goes and/or country theme goes
Allsorts #824 Anything Goes
Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025 - Clean and simple (optional: flowers) 
Fab n' Funky - 2W, #617 - Add a Sentiment 
CAS Colours & Sketches #560 - Sketch: 


Right, I’ve one more post to share before I shuffle off to bed for the night shift ;)

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🍎


15.5.25

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:

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

12.5.25

Bubble Banter and a Bit o’ Glitter

Dia Daoibh!

Well, another almost summer’s day in Éire – the kind where the rain politely takes a tea break and lets the sun shine for, oh, about 20 minutes. But sure look, the polytunnel got a bit of warmth, and I didn’t have to sprint to rescue the washing. A small win!

Now, onto today’s crafty creation. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s got just enough speech bubbles for a polite group chat – no drama, just vibes.


I whipped out the Silhouette Cameo (who still behaves despite her age), and cut these colourful speech bubbles—layered with foam pads for that subtle "pop" effect. The hearts got a wee glittery glow because who doesn’t love a sparkle in their chat?

The "Hello" is stamped with Memento ink, keeping things chill and cheerful. No drama, just a tidy CAS card to soothe the soul before a hectic week of work and herding cats (aka life).

Onto a few challenges: 


Easy peasy, mildly squeezy, and a grand way to de-stress without reaching for the emergency Jaffa Cakes.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

6.5.25

All White, All Right

 Dia Daoibh!

Another bank holiday bites the dust, and I spent mine in the most exhilarating way possible—peeling dried gloss paint off my fingers (turns out I’m now part human, part Dulux) and pretending I know what I’m doing in the garden. The snails are judging me. Hard.

Wedding card time! Decided to go full-on bridal with an all-white design. Embossed background? Check. Die-cuts courtesy of my geriatric Cameo? Check (after three attempts and some creative language). Piled on foam pads like I'm being paid by the layer, then added three tasteful gems because I'm fancy like that. Finished it off by glittering the 'Mr & Mrs' and rose leaves. 


A few challenges:

And just like that, another card. Or as I like to call it, another reason my kids sighs and asks if we really need more glitter on the tiles. (Yes. Yes, we do.)

Sláinte, 
Wendy R.

22.4.25

The Last Easter Card

Dia Daoibh!

Well, that’s it, folks—my final Easter card ! [Moment of silence for the empty chocolate wrappers now littering my craft desk.]


I couldn’t resist using Sweet ‘n Sassy’s Bunny Love stamp—that little guy’s gloriously round belly was basically begging to be coloured in. Promarkers did the job nicely, and I kept things CAS because, let’s face it, that tummy deserved centre stage.

Popped the die-cut onto some  lilac cardstock for a bit of depth, then layered it onto the card. And because every bunny needs a snack, I added a cute little carrot garland—no glitter disasters this time, just good old-fashioned glittercard!


Onto a few challenges: 


So there we have it—my Easter card-making officially wraps up with one chubby, happy bunny. Now, who’s ready for Christmas in July? …Too soon?


Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 



21.4.25

Glitter, Glue & Chocolate Comas

Dia Daoibh!

Well, Easter has come and gone, and my kitchen now looks like a chocolate smuggling operation. There are chocolate Easter eggs everywhere – hidden in cupboards, stashed behind the cereal box, and let’s not even talk about the “emergency” stash in the bread bin. (What? A girl needs options.) 

Onto today’s card! I used the Unicorn stamp set from The Rabbit Hole Designs.  I strongly relate to this unicorn .. and the sentiment ;) ... Same energy, honestly....



Coloured the little guy with my trusty Promarkers, then went full mad scientist on the background (stencilled). Mixed up a DIY paste of iridescent glitter and Ranger Glossy Accents – which, by the way, is basically crafting cement. That paintbrush is done for. RIP, little buddy. You died for sparkle. Popped the whole thing up on foam pads for dimension, because if I’ve learned anything from Easter, it’s that everything’s better with a bit of extra oomph. (See also: chocolate consumption.)

Onto a few challenges:

Right, I’m off to “supervise” the remaining Easter chocolate. (Quality control is very important.) Wishing you all a post-Easter glow – whether it’s from glitter, sugar, or sheer denial about Monday.

Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 

(P.S. If you need me, I’ll be in a chocolate coma, pretending I don’t own a vacuum.)

15.4.25

A Card for Ms D

 Dia Daoibh!

I'm back with another card for you! This time, it's all about the joy of reading! A topic I feel qualified to tackle, mostly because I own a lot of books... that I haven't read yet. Fun Fact: May I also mention that I own every single Jamie Oliver recipe book and have only ever cooked one recipe (from the Nintendo DS game, mind you!) 🙈

Today's card showcases some incredible art by Rina Rudny! I colored it using my go-to Promarkers and layered it on an embossed background with a distressed edge (apologies for the snapshot barely picking it up due to the bright white card). To finish it off, I added some die-cut embellishments, enamel dots, and even a few staples. Let's just say my budget and my craft supplies aren't exactly on speaking terms right now.


This card is for a gorgeous friend who was kind enough to lend me a book to read. Oh, be the hokey, it was a heartbreaker  (yet truly inspiring) from a child-now-adult perspective! A real must-read! The book is called "A Time for Truth" by Sarah Corbett Lynch. Thank you, Ms. D! I'll be popping the book and the card in the post shortly -  Hopefully, it will make her smile!

Onto a few challenges:

Right so, that's my card! I think it is as lovely as a summer's day in County Clare! 

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

6.4.25

Bunny Business Before Bedtime

 Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are—the night before another week of back-to-back 12-hour shifts. You know, that magical time when you suddenly remember all the hobbies you meant to do, the housework you definitely didn’t do, and the life admin you’ve been avoiding since approximately 2019. But priorities, right? Instead of sensible things like meal prep or sleep, I’ve been squeezing in one last Easter card—because nothing says “responsible adult” like glitter and pom-poms near midnight.


So, about this card… I was just messing around in Corel Draw today (as you do), fully intending to make a fancy egg frame with bunnies in the background. But—plot twist!—somehow I ended up with a bunny inside the egg instead. Oops? .... But hey, it actually looks pretty cool! Cut it out with my  Silhouette Cameo (still going strong, bless it), and used the very last scrap of my beloved ditsy floral paper from Pink Petticoat. (Moment of silence for Pink Petticoat, please. Gone but never forgotten.) Added an Easter sentiment (Sizzix Framelits Easter Fun, because why not?), then went craft goblin and glued on a wee pom-pom and a bow. Now, since I’m more of a crochet gal, my thread stash is… sparse. So, in true “make it work” fashion, I grabbed a trusty Promarker and coloured the thread to match the background paper. Resourceful? Absolutely. Slightly unhinged? Maybe. But look, when the crafting urge strikes, you roll with it—even if it means dyeing thread with a marker at 11pm.

Onto a few challenges:


Right, I’d best pack it in before my 4am self regrets all these life choices. 

Sláinte, 
Wendy R.

A Wee Bunny

Dia Daoibh!

Well, Easter is hopping up on us faster than a chocolate-fuelled bunny... But fear not—I’ve been busy colouring, glittering, and trying not to eat all the mini eggs meant for cake decorating. (Spoiler: Some may have mysteriously vanished. Ahem.)



This sweet little bunny is from the lovely Elena (Just Me Prints). I coloured him up with my trusty Promarkers and then, because restraint is overrated, I added a tiny touch of iridescent glitter. Just enough to make it sparkle, but not so much that the postman needs a hazmat suit to deliver it. Clean and simple? Absolutely. Pretty? You bet.

A few challenges:
Addicted to CAS  #280 - Code Word: Bunny 
CAS on Friday #306 - Easter
Dragonfly Dreams Apr - Animals
Simply Clean and Simple - APR Clean and Simple (optional umbrellas)
Festive Friday #181 - Easter (Bunny, Flower, Easter sentiment)

Right, I’d best get these in the post tomorrow—before the Easter Bunny files a complaint for lateness. Wishing you all a cracking Easter—may your chocolate be plentiful, your eggs be hidden (but not too well), and your glitter be minimal.

Sláinte, 
Wendy R.

Blinky, Inky & Clyde

Dia Daoibh!

Well, that was a lovely two days of sunshine, wasn’t it? Just enough time to dust off the barbecue, dig out the sunglasses, and remember what that big yellow thing in the sky is called… before the rain came back with a vengeance. Ah, Ireland, you fickle tease. One minute we’re basking in the glow of "summer," the next we’re back to the usual—windswept hair and wellies as permanent footwear. But hey, at least it keeps our complexions dewy, right?

Now, onto today’s card—because what better way to cheer up a soggy day than with some good old-fashioned Pac-Man nostalgia? I designed the pixelated SVG files with a little help from Corel Draw. Meet the gang: Pac-Man himself, Clyde, Blinky, and Inky, all cut out with my trusty Silhouette Cameo. I mounted them with foam tape for a bit of dimension because, let’s face it, flat is so last season.


The "HB2U" letters are in the Joystick font (free download—thank you, internet!) and were also cut with the Silhouette. I layered them up and then, because everything is better with glitter, I went full magpie and bedazzled them in black sparkle. Because why wouldn’t you want your birthday message to look like it’s been dipped in disco dust?

Onto a few challenges:

So there you have it—a card that’s fun, nostalgic, and just the right amount of extra. Perfect for any retro gaming fan, or really anyone who appreciates a good glitter explosion.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to dig out my raincoat… again. 
Sláinte,
Wendy R. 

30.3.25

A Festive Toast

Dia Daoibh!

Well, butter my crumpets and call me festive – I've gone and created a Christmas card so simple, it practically made itself! Today I'm sharing my one-layer wonder featuring the hilarious ' A Festive Toast' stamp from Crafter's Companion. 

  Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I've brought this cheeky carb to life with my trusty Promarkers (because even toast deserves to look its best), added just a wee skoosh of glitter (legal requirement for December crafting), and finished with some sparkly red gems – for that extra cheeky wink of festivity. Now, I could have gone full Christmas-crazy with layers, die-cuts and enough embellishments to make a reindeer dizzy... but where's the fun in that? Instead, I kept it CAS (... or as I like to call it: "Look, Ma! No glue gun burns!").

A few challenges:
And because no blog post is complete without a terrible Christmas pun to make you groan louder than Uncle Terry after his third helping of turkey:

Why did the snowman bring a ladder to the Christmas party?

…Because he heard the drinks were on the house!
(I’ll see myself out.)

Sláinte, 
Wendy R.