February Card Chain Challenge

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland arrives with leprechauns everywhere and pots of gold firmly on our minds. The shops are full of green, shiny things, and there is a strong feeling that spring is trying to show off. It is that time of year when everything feels a little brighter and a little more fun.

On to the February Card Chain Challenge. My card packed its bags and flew all the way to Greta in the USA, and I like to believe it enjoyed the trip and behaved itself the whole way. In return I received a gorgeous card from Julia in the USA, which was an absolute joy to open. The Card Chain Challenge really is international happy post at its best! 💚

For my card I used the 'xoxo' stamp from Penny Black and went with the bold colour theme of indigo, violet, and lime green. Apologies, the colours are acting up as my camera once again had other ideas.I created a stamped background using a polka dot stamp, then coloured everything with Promarkers. All the colour recipes I used are listed over on my Promarker Page. I added glossy accents, nuvo drops, flowers, glitter, gems, and flatback pearls ...because stopping at one embellishment is never an option! 

The Card Chain Challenge is one of those simple joys that never gets old. Sending a card out into the world and receiving one back always feels like a little pot of gold in the post.

Le Grá,

Wendy 🍀

Bloomin' Butterfly

Dia daoibh!

I do not know who needs to hear this but sausage rolls are a perfectly acceptable form of self care. I treated myself to a few today because the craving hit hard. You know the kind. The “I could demolish a Gregg’s sausage roll in three bites” kind. Sadly there was no time to leg it to Belfast, so I made do locally and told myself it was practically gourmet. If you close your eyes and believe, it is basically the same.

Anyway, fortified by flaky pastry and questionable self control, I headed to the craft desk.

Today’s card features the gorgeous Blooming Butterflies Stamp Set and Die Set Bundle by Gina K. Honestly, that butterfly deserves its own passport. I coloured it with my Promarkers, going bold with those rich blues and soft purples, and the flowers got the royal treatment too. I added glossy accents to give a bit of shine and popped on a few gems because if you are going to do sparkle you may as well commit. The background is kept nice and clean, with a few splatters of distress ink for a bit of artsy flair. Just enough to look intentional. 

The butterfly itself is raised on foam pads for that lovely bit of dimension. We love a card that refuses to lie flat. The sentiment is simple. Sending love. No essay required. Sometimes the butterfly does all the talking.

A few challenges: 

Cardz 4 Galz #270: Wings

Classic Design Challenge - Feb/Mar - Anything Goes (optional: Blooms or butterflies)

Crafter's Cafe #327 - For the girls (optional: Anything Goes)

AAA Colorful Challenge  #25: Colourboard: 

Triple B  - February: Anything with Birds, Blooms and/or Butterflies (optional Inspiration Image)

Right, I am off to pretend I do not want another sausage roll. If anyone sees me in Belfast clutching a Gregg’s bag, mind your business.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🦋

Mudpie & Amanda

Dia daoibh!

According to the radio there has not been a single day without rain since December 29th 2025. Not one. At this stage I am considering building an ark out of A2 card blanks and floating down the Shannon with my Promarkers held high above my head like sacred treasure. If you see two mice sailing past your window, just wave.

Speaking of small creatures thriving in damp conditions, here is today’s card!

I kept it CAS because sometimes less is more and sometimes I simply refuse to wrestle with busy layouts. The gingham background is giving full on cosy kitchen table vibes. Very jam sandwiches and strong tea. The focal panel is softly curved to keep things sweet and simple. I used House Mouse 'Everything is Coming Up Roses'. Mudpie and Amanda are clearly making the most of the horticultural situation. I coloured the pair of them and the rose with Promarkers, building up the browns for all that fluffy fur and giving the rose a rich red that practically glows.

Naturally I could not leave it alone. A bit of glossy accents on the rose for shine, a sprinkling of Nuvo Drops White Blizzard for that subtle sparkle, and a few gems dotted around like polite little raindrops that actually behave themselves.

You might notice there is no sentiment. That was deliberate. Sometimes I like to leave a card blank so it can be whatever you need it to be. Birthday, thank you, thinking of you, sorry I ate the last biscuit. It keeps its options open. Very wise. Very adaptable. Like an Irish person discussing the weather.

Onto a few challenges:

House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge HMFMC #459: Anything Goes / use Pattern Paper

Krafty Chicks #808: CAS

Crafter's Cafe #327: For the girls (optional: Anything Goes)

Critter Crazy Challenges #107:Anything Goes With Featured Critter theme for Feb 2026

Heart's Quest Celebration of Love #2: Valentine's

A Place To Start #202602 - February: Anything Goes (optional: lil' critters)

Right, I am off to check if it is raining again. If it is, I may start colouring ducks instead. They seem more emotionally prepared.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐭

Kokeshi fun

Dia daoibh!

Had snow over the weekend. Driving at 6am not fun. Let me tell you, nothing wakes you up faster than sliding gently down a country road whispering sweet encouragement to your tyres like they can hear you. Black ice is out there living its best sneaky life while the rest of us are just trying to get to work with dignity intact. Sure look, we survived. Hero status achieved before breakfast.

Now. Onto my card.

Thanks to a few extra overtime shifts and a small moment of “go on, you deserve it,” I treated myself to the Spellbinders Kokeshi Dolls Die Set. Absolute joy in a packet. The minute I opened it I was grinning like I’d just found an extra custard cream in the tin. These wee dolls are the cutest things!! Cutting them out was pure therapy. Deciding where to place the wee blooms though… that was a full committee meeting in my head. Left? Right? Floating artistically like I meant it? In the end I just copied the picture on the front of the packaging. If the designers say that’s where the flowers go, who am I to argue? Confidence level restored immediately.

For the background I used the Spellbinders Cherry Blossoms BetterPress Plates. I coloured them with Distress Ink mixed with a splash of alcohol. Very technical altogether. A dab here, a hopeful blend there, and the occasional intense stare at the paper as if that helps. We are calling it artistic expression and moving confidently along. Then the embellishments arrived because self control and I are not on speaking terms. Flatback pearls. A few gems. Nuvo Drops White Blizzard for that soft frosty shimmer. If it sparkles, it made the team. I also added a layered hello die cut and coated it in Glossy Accents so it catches the light nicely without stealing the spotlight from the wee doll, who is clearly the real star of the card.

A few challenges: 

Spellbinders Monthly Cardmaking Challenge - February: Pop of Color

Classic Design Challenge - Feb/Mar - Anything Goes (option: blooms or butterflies)

Crafter's Cafe #327 - For the Girls (option: anything goes)

Moving along with the Times #186  - February - Floral

Make My Monday #271 - Use 2 dies

Beautiful Blossoms #38 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional mood board) 

Now if only I could drive to work in the snow as gracefully as she stands on that card. Until then, I will continue sliding gently into Mondays like a cautious penguin.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌸

Ever Thine, Ever Mine!

Dia daoibh!

Fun February fact. It is the only month that regularly forgets how many days it is meant to have. Twenty eight. Sometimes twenty nine. Absolute chaos. Yet it still expects romance, hearts, and emotional commitment. The nerve 😉.

My card is for Challenge #103 over at Ally’s Angels where the theme is Anything Goes. The DT have amazing creations this round and they are seriously inspirational. Well worth a look.

I used the Anita Jeram Ever Thine stamp set from Colorado Craft Company . It is sweet, cosy, and full of feel good vibes. I coloured the image with Promarkers, keeping everything soft and cheerful. I kept the design very CAS and let the image do the talking. I added pearl drops for a touch of elegance, Glossy Accents for some shine, and a die cut bow to finish it off nicely. Clean, simple, and no fuss. Exactly how February cards should behave.

A few challenges:

Crafty Calendar - February: Love Is In The Air

Sweet Stampin - No Designer Paper 

Cardz 4 Galz #269: Hugs and Kisses 

C.R.A.F.T. #773: Love / Anything Goes

Creative Knockouts #564: Love, Valentines, Anniversary

Just Us Girls #810 - Word Week: Valentine

All in all, a fun little card with big February energy. Short, sweet, and finished before the month disappears again.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

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. 💖

Cupid with a Sprinkle of Sparkle

Dia daoibh!

February is that short, chaotic month where Cupid is clearly on a trial shift. He swoops in, fires a few arrows, dumps hearts absolutely everywhere, and clocks out again before HR can find him. Short month. Big attitude.

That made it a perfect match for challenge #2 over at the HQFCB. As always, anything fantasy goes... wings, magic, whimsy, and a healthy suspension of reality are all welcome here.

For my card, I reached for a Cupid stamp from Sweet November Stamps and coloured him up with Promarkers. I kept the design very CAS, and letting Cupid do the heavy lifting. A light sprinkle of glitter on his wings adds just enough sparkle, and a touch of Glossy Accents finishes it off with shine right where it matters. The cloud die cuts and Cupid himself are popped up on foam pads, so they’re floating about like they own the place. All very dreamy. All very February.

A few challenges:

CAS on Friday #327  Anything Goes

C.R.A.F.T. #773  Love/Anything Goes 

I Love Promarkers #600 Anything Goes or Love and Romance

Passion For Markers Challenge #823 - Add Some Red

Festive Friday #FF0202 - Valentine's Day

A quick burst of fantasy fun, a little sparkle, and thankfully no arrows aimed in my direction this time. I’ll happily take that win.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💖

Rain or Shine: Make a Rainbow

Dia daoibh!

Picture this. A freshly stamped piece of cardstock. Perfect. Pristine. Untouched by the world. Enter the kitty cat. A full dramatic catwalk straight across it like she was late for Paris Fashion Week, leaving behind tiny pawprints like she’d signed the artwork. So I restamped. New sheet. Fresh optimism. And then I glued the topper on upside down. Instantly. With confidence. As if I’d learned absolutely nothing. With the white cardstock Amazon order refusing to arrive until after three today, there was nothing for it but to trim it down and adhere it to blue cardstock like a seasoned professional who definitely meant to do that. Moral of the story: confidence fixes everything. Almost.

Now onto the actual card before anything else could interfere. To brighten up the classic Irish weather I went full rainbow. If the sky won’t cooperate I’ll sort it myself. 

I kept it CAS (the card had already been through enough). The sentiment is from the Best Ever set from Simon Says Stamp from 2017 which is still earning its keep. I had a little play with die cuts and used a rainbow design from the Silhouette Design Store. I popped the cloud and rainbow up on foam pads for a bit of dimension.  finished it off with a few sprinkled gems. Sparkle is essential. I also added Nuvo Drops White Blizzard around the edges of the cloud for extra detail... I was feeling brave again.

A few challenges:

A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog  - January 2026 - Anything Goes

Make My Monday #270 - Clean and Simple

A Place To Start #202601 - Anything Goes (option: Rainbow)

Seize the Birthday #319 - Rainbow of colours

And just like that, the card was finished. A cheerful rainbow card created in between a catwalk moment, an upside down surprise, and a very late Amazon delivery. Crafting magic at its finest.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 😺

Falala!

Dia daoibh!

I never have enough Christmas cards. Ever. Every year I tell myself I’ll be organised… and every December that plan quietly wanders off into the mist like a lost sheep in the Wicklow Mountains. So this year I’m being very sensible and starting early. The goal: two Christmas cards a month. By the time Christmas 2026 rolls around, I’ll either have a glorious stash… or a small craft-room avalanche. Either way, progress!

So here’s my first Christmas card for 2026 ... yes, I’m that person now.

I used the sweet little angel from Lori Whitlock’s Snow Globe Shaker Card set. She was cut on my Cameo using Tonic Studios card, because if you’re going to start early, you may as well be fancy about it. The sentiment is the falala from Hello Bluebird Christmas Words number one die, sadly retired but still living its best life in my die drawer. For the background I used the partial die cut inlaid embossing technique. I die cut the word from the cardstock, embossed the panel with a star pattern, then placed the word back into its opening for that clean inlaid look. I finished it off with glossy accents, gold details, and iridescent glitter, because subtlety left the building a long time ago. The wee angel is popped up for a bit of dimension, so she is floating there in full festive sparkle mode.

Onto a few challenges: 

Christmas Kickstart Challenge #106 - Dreaming of a pink Christmas

Rudolph Days January Challenge - Anything Goes

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #130 - Anything Goes Christmas (Optional: Snow people)

The Outlawz Christmas Challenge January Challenge - Anything Christmas Goes

Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog MLCCB #66 - Anything Christmas Goes

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge #104 - Anything Christmas Goes (optional: inspiration board)

And that’s card one done for 2026. Only… checks notes… twenty-three more to go.

Sláinte, 
Wendy R.

Hip Hip Hooray… HQFCB Challenge 1 for 2026!

Dia daoibh!

We’re rocking the month of January… all 365 days of it. Honestly, is it just me or does January last longer than a queue at a Primark on a Saturday?

Now onto the next challenge over at Heart’s Quest Fantasy Challenge Blog - Challenge 1 for 2026! The design team have kicked off the year with some absolutely fabulous makes. Truly amazing creations to swoon over. The theme is nice and simple: Anything Fantasy Goes ... so unleash the dragons, fairies, unicorns, or whatever else your crafty heart fancies.

Here’s my CAS card for the challenge.

I used the adorable Dragon and Cupcake from Kinda Cute by Patricia. He’s coloured with Promarkers, and I added tiny details with a trusty white Sharpie. The cupcake and fiery whoosh are finished with Glossy Accents for that shiny, “please don’t lick the card” look. The bunting is cut from a die that finally got a turn, and I popped it up with foam pads for a bit of extra dimension.

Challenges: 

• Krafty Chicks #801 Birthday
• Simply Clean and Simple - Jan: Use Something New ( Dragon & Cupcake)
• I Love Promarkers #596  Anything Goes or Purple and Yellow
• AAA Colorful Challenge #23 - Colourboard: 
  
  
  

And for some January wishes… may your resolutions last longer than your tin of Celebrations, may your heating bills behave themselves, and may your year start with more sparkle than your Christmas tree had on December 24th.

Nollaig..... wait, wrong month.

Athbhliain faoi mhaise daoibh, my friends!

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.🎄🎅

Herald Harry

Dia Daoibh!

The next HQFCB challenge is Anything Goes Fantasy.

For today's card, I kept things CAS using Mo Manning's Herald Harry - an angel with that perfect blend of heavenly patience and "I sang 'Hark the Herald' three times today already" energy. Coloured him with Promarkers, then added just a whisper of glitter to his wings. Popped him up on foam pads because Christmas is all about dimension - in cards, in desserts, and in our patience levels.

Onto a few challenges:

• Crafty Calendar - December - Winter / Christmas
• Jingle Belles - Wrapping Up 
• Simply Clean and Simple - December 2025: Reds & Greens
• Cardz 4 Galz #265 Christmas Sparkle
• Color My Heart Color Dare - No. 680 Colour Board: 
  
  
  

Wishing you a season filled with more joy than stress, more mince pies than to-do lists, and at least one silent night.

Nollaig Shona Duit!

Wendy R. 😇

Spidey’s Got Moves

Dia daoibh!

You know those random Halloween die cuts that linger on the craft table long after the sweets are gone and the decorations are packed away? Well, I finally tackled mine. Among them was this wee spidey, one of a few Spellbinders die cuts I received as a gift, and he’d been staring at me accusingly for weeks. I paired him with a Spellbinders stamp sentiment, and it turned out both cute and slightly creepy at the same time.

The spider is layered and attached to a wobbler so it actually wobbles when you touch it. Pretty cute but strangely unsettling, like something you’d expect to see skitter past your feet at 2 a.m. The sentiment is stamped with StazOn, and I added a touch of glitter and a few Nuvo enamel drops for sparkle and texture. Bold stripes, cheeky spider, mission accomplished. This is officially the last Halloween card for the stash until next year, or so I tell myself.

A few challenges: 

• Cardz 4 Guyz  #379 Use Orange/Black/Purple 1 or more
• Creative Crafting Uncles #70 - Halloween
• Mix It Up Challenge #80 - Anything Goes (option: Clean and Simple)
• Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge -November 2025 - Anything Halloween

• CAS Colours & Sketches #572 - Sketch Challenge

And on a funny note, I left the finished card on the table, and my son nearly dropped his tea when the spider started wobbling. He jumped, shouted, and declared I was never to leave “moving insects” lying around again. I’ve never been prouder of my crafting skills.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🕷🕸

Thankful, Grateful, and Slightly Glittered

Dia Daoibh!

The Quality Street saga continues ... honestly, at this point it’s less of a treat and more of a tragedy. First, they binned the shiny wrappers (there goes my stash for Christmas crafts), and now I’ve learned the so-called Quality chocolate is made with palm oil. Palm oil! I’m convinced they should rename it Disappointing Street and be done with it. I think even the toffee feels like it’s questioning its life choices.

Anyway, onto something that actually brings joy ... my latest card, made using PowerPoppy’s Felt Leaves and Fruit Wreath Stamp Set. 

I coloured it up with Promarkers, added a sprinkle of iridescent glitter, a bit of glossy accents, and tied it all off with a delicate organza ribbon bow. PowerPoppy stamps never need much fuss, they practically design the card for you while you sip your tea and feel smug.

Challenges:

• The Flower Challenge #108 - Thanks
• 613 Avenue Create - Nov - Anything Goes (option: Thank you)
• Mix It Up Challenge #80 - Anything Goes (option: Clean and Simple)
• Classic Design Challenge - Oct/Nov - Anything Goes (option: Autumn Splendor)
• Girlz Creative Crafts #61 - Lace, ribbon, twine
• If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #210 - Fall Leaves and Turkey

• Double D: Fall Wreaths /Photo Inspiration: 
  

And on a funny note, I’ve sworn off buying Christmas chocolates until December officially starts. Every “just-one-tin” I buy disappears faster than you can say Roses and regret. We had a tin out for Halloween, and it’s a good thing we did! There were so many trick-or-treaters, including one very determined dinosaur who came back twice… I gave him an extra few sweets for commitment. If he shows up at Christmas, he’s getting a lecture on palm oil.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🍂🍁

Sweet Baby

Dia daoibh!

It’s that time of year again and the shops are drowning in Christmas chocolates. I’m fairly sure I heard a tin of Roses call my name in Aldi. But can we talk about Quality Street? Since they ditched the shiny wrappers, they’ve lost their sparkle, literally!! How are we meant to make our annual Quality Street wrapper stained-glass window projects now? The kids’ art, the cards, the accidental wrapper stuck to the cat… gone. Tragic altogether.

Anyway, back to something that does still sparkle. I went with a baby theme, and all the elements were designed in Silhouette Studio and cut on my trusty Silhouette Cameo. I used Tonic Studios blue cardstock and Florence brown glitter cardstock for a bit of shimmer. A few teeny blue gems added the perfect finishing sparkle because let’s face it, if I can’t bedazzle a chocolate wrapper, I’ll bedazzle a card instead.

A few challenges:

• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog  - November - Anything Goes
• Girlz Make Guyz Cards  - Blue and Brown
• Word Art Wednesday - Weeks #722-723 - Anything Goes
• Dream Valley Challenges #348 - A card for a child
• A Place To Start - November 2025 - Anything Goes (optional: Something New)

And on a funny note, I spent so long fiddling with the Cameo settings that by the time it finally cut right, I’d eaten half the tin of Roses. Crafting calories don’t count, right? 

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 😉

Yeti or Not

Dia Daoibh!

The next HQFCB challenge is Anything Goes Fantasy with an optional Yeti twist—because nothing says "magical creature" like a snow beast who definitely forgot to buy wrapping paper. 

For today’s card, I repurposed Clearly Besotted’s Yuletide Yeti (a Christmas stamp set now moonlighting as a birthday set, because rules were made to be broken). Kept the design CAS, mostly because the Yeti ate all my patience. Coloured the wee fella with Promarkers and embellihed the bow of the present with glossy accents. The "HBD!" sentiment was die-cut and layered for dimension. The card is embellished with liquid pearl drops for subtle texture ... because sometimes you want frosty accents without the glitter fallout of 2023 haunting you. 

A few challenges:

• Heart's Quest Celebration of Love #10 Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries and/or Sympathies (optional theme: Thanksgiving Day or Appreciation)
• We Love Stamping - Nov - Anything Christmas (option: Anything Goes)
• Polkadoodles  #12 - Anything Goes
• CAS on Friday #321 Birthday
• I Love Promarkers #594 - Anything Goes / Circles / Animals

Wishing you a season of perfectly sized envelopes, stamps that stick on the first try, and zero surprise glitter from projects past.

Sláinte, 

Wendy R. 🎁