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

20.8.25

Crafting My Way to a Five-Star Spa

Dia daoibh!

I spent today sorting through my growing mountain of cards and made a big decision – this year, all my friends are getting their very own wee pack of handmade cards for Christmas. Have you seen the price of shop-bought ones lately? I’d need a small mortgage to keep up! Besides, nothing beats the charm of handmade (well, in my opinion anyway). I’m also experimenting with shower steamers for the Christmas baskets – because if you can’t relax in a cloud of eucalyptus at the end of the year, when can you?

Anyway, onto my card. I was inspired by Debi Gardner over at the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge blog

click on pic for better view

My hands were itching to use the Charming Day stamp set from Stampin’ Up. I stamped it with Memento ink, coloured it with Promarkers, then highlighted the leaves with Tonic Studios Nuvo Blue Lagoon glitter drops. The roses got their sparkle fix too with a touch of White Blizzard glitter drops. To finish, I raised the sentiment and roses with foam pads for a bit of dimension.

Promarkers used: Coral, Rose Pink, Berry Red; Turquoise, Marine, Petrol Blue

A few challenges:


And as I looked at the finished card, I realised: between glitter drops, foam pads, and shower steamers, I’m basically one craft session away from opening my own spa. Glitter facials, anyone?

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

8.8.25

Black Glitter, Bald Tyres & Birthday Cards

Dia daoibh!

Let me tell you a tale of terror, tread, and terrible judgment. I popped down to get the car “checked” – you know, the kind of check where you're hoping for a bit of air and a nod of approval. Instead, yer man looks at my tyres, raises an eyebrow, and says, “You got here on these? Fair play to ya – I'd have called a priest.” Apparently, they were less "roadworthy" and more "may spontaneously combust if you look at them sideways." So, four new tyres later and a quiet sob into my debit card, I now glide through the village like a woman who definitely didn’t wait too long.

Anyway! On to the card – the real star of the show (unlike my tyres).


This cool birthday number was made with my Silhouette Cameo, which at this stage should probably be paying rent. I die-cut both the sunset background and our dashing skater, who I layered up like a good lasagne – bit of height, bit of drama. And yes, that’s black glitter on the skater – because just because it’s a “masculine card” doesn’t mean it can’t sparkle like a fella who uses fancy shampoo and owns at least one cardigan. Perfect for that lad in your life who’s too cool for Hallmark but not above appreciating a bit of handmade magic.

A few challenges:

Thanks a mil for stopping by – and if your car’s been sounding like a cement mixer full of cutlery, go get your tyres checked. You mightn’t get a card, but you’ll live to make one.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 🚗

19.7.25

Hello? Is It DHL You’re Looking For?

Dia daoibh!

You know you’re in an Irish house when your daughter gives you the full operations manager spiel — “just sit there and wait for DHL, Mam!” — and here I am being treated like a flight risk with a history of absconding mid-courier. I should be wearing a hi-vis and holding a clipboard the way she’s carrying on! And so, like any Irish mammy under strict instruction, I tidied the house from top to bottom while waiting. Not just for any package, oh no—this is the package. The wedding rings! They’re getting married in less than a fortnight, and somehow, this sacred symbol of eternal love is being flung across the country in a van. Meanwhile, I’ve a night shift ahead of me, and I’d love to catch a few winks before heading off to wrangle care plans instead of double-sided tape. But can I rest? Not a hope. Every engine noise has me leaping up like a caffeinated meerkat at the window: “Is it him? Is it DHL? Is it... the neighbour again?!”

Anyway, in between pacing the floor and side-eyeing the doorbell, I managed to finish a wee card. Kept it clean and simple—CAS, for those in the know (and for those who think that’s short for "Can’t Actually Sleep," you’re not far off). I used die cuts: a cute coffee cup, some hearts, and a sentiment. Went full magpie and highligted with liquid pearls and glitter, then glossed nearly everything with glossy accents because... well, if I can’t sparkle right now, at least something in this house should!


A few challenge blogs I'm visiting:

I think it turned out sweet—like a latte with extra caramel syrup. And if DHL ever arrives, I might just glue the tracking label onto the next card as a keepsake.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.🥤🚚

18.7.25

Crafting in Socks: A Tropical Risk Assessment

 Dia daoibh!

You’d think waiting for floors to dry wouldn’t be a dangerous sport—but here we are. Thanks to the glorious Irish humidity (yes, even when it’s raining sideways), I was tiptoeing around like I was defusing a bomb… and honestly, I’m still at it. At this point, I’ve developed the stealth and balance of a cat burglar in Crocs. One wrong move and it’s Riverdance: The Return.

Anyway, let’s leave the slippy drama behind and get to the good stuff—my latest tropical-themed card:

This sunshiney number features die cuts from the Sizzix Framelits Detailed Tropics set. I cut the elements from glitter card and Core’dinations cardstock. The background is a cheerful yellow striped paper from the Let’s Flamingle set by Piatek Trzynastego—just bright, happy vibes that make you think of lemonade and sunhats.

To finish the background, I gave it a light sprinkle of Ranger Distress Spray Stain in Brushed Pewter. It’s not really visible in the photo—but in person, it shimmers just enough to make your craft room lighting feel fancier than it is. The sentiment says hello, but with its warm colours and tropical flair, this card could easily moonlight as a thank you, a birthday card, or just a cheerful pick-me-up for someone in need of a smile.

Challenges I'm playing:


So while the floors are drying at the speed of a soggy turtle, at least this card turned out dry, dazzling, and drama-free.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 🌴✨🍍

14.7.25

Buzz Buzz

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, settle yourselves in, because I have a tale that will make your sides split faster than a cheap pair of leggings on Christmas Day. Let’s start with my attempt at baking the best flan known to humankind—in, of all things, an electric pressure cooker. Aye, you heard that right. Nothing screams “culinary genius” quite like sloshing custard into a metal contraption that hisses at you like an irate tomcat. But let me tell you, that flan came out smoother than a politician’s excuses and wobblier than my knees after a glass of Baileys.

And now, onto my card... I used the adorable CCL Clear Stamp Bee Happy Friendz set—stamped with Memento Ink, then coloured with my trusty ProMarkers until every bee was beaming with personality. The wee bees are raised up on foam pads for that extra bit of dimension—because no bee should be flat when it can float fabulously. Since this cheerful creation is flying off to Norway, the sentiment proudly says Hei!—so it can greet its new home properly. I cut the letters from black card and layered them up like a stylish sandwich, ready to impress any Norwegian postie. To finish it all off, I gave the bees a glossy shine (because even insects deserve to feel fancy) and added iridescent glitter to their wings—because sparkle is mandatory in my craft room.

On to a few challenges:

I hope this card brings a smile as bright as a summer meadow and a little buzz of happiness when it lands.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🐝✨

5.7.25

Glitter Elves & Craft Stash Interventions

Dia Daoibh!

The HQFCB challenge this time is Anything Goes Fantasy with an Elf focus - which is ironic because our "Elf on the Shelf" is basically in witness protection. When I'm on night shifts, this festive spy couldn't move if you paid him in candy canes. Santa's definitely getting a strongly worded performance review this year.


For my card, I resurrected my ancient Silhouette Cameo (Version 1 - we're talking "vintage" like my last good night's sleep) to cut a cheeky elf shape and sentiment from glitter cardstock. Layered it up for dimension because flat die cuts are about as exciting as January gym memberships. Kept it clean and simple, then "repurposed" some silver thread and leftover diamond painting gems (read: finally found a use for that impulse buy from 2022).

On to a few challenges:
Creative Knockouts #550 - Christmas in July
Crafty Catz -No. 697 - Anything goes
Creative Inspirations Challenge  - #28  Anything Goes
Leigh SB Designs Inspirational Challenges - July No. 42 - Christmas in July
Craft Rocket Challenges #127 - Christmas in July
Fab n' Funky - #620 - Christmas in July
Paper Shelter -#645 - Christmas in July

Now for the scary bit -  there's less than 25 weeks until Christmas 2025! That's right, we're closer to next Christmas than last Christmas. Let that sink in while you try to remember where you stored the decorations.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🎄🎅

P.S. If our Elf doesn’t step up his game this year, I’m replacing him with a caffeine-fueled garden gnome. Fair warning.

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.