Reel Bear-y Good

Dia daoibh!

Easter is over but the chocolate situation says otherwise. Shop shelves were stripped bare by Saturday morning like a scene from a survival documentary, and yet… chocolate is everywhere. Every cupboard you open, there it is. Eggs, bunnies, things wrapped so nicely you feel guilty even looking at them. It is like chocolate has developed legs and is quietly multiplying when no one is watching. Honestly, working nights felt less like a rota and more like a tactical escape from a full scale chocolate avalanche. Strategic planning at its finest.

Now, onto the card before I get ambushed by a caramel filled situation.

This gorgeous image is from KleineBieneKv on Etsy and I mean… a bear in striped shorts holding a fish? Say no more. I coloured him with Promarkers, keeping everything soft and blended so he looks all calm and content, like he has absolutely no idea the fish might have other plans. I kept the design CAS because sometimes the best thing you can do is step away before you start adding bits just for the craic. A soft blue mat frames him nicely, and instead of real twine I used a faux twine die cut from Spellbinders which gives the same look without the faff.  I added a touch of Glossy Accents to the anchor and the fish... It just lifts it without turning the whole card into a glitter explosion.

A few challenges:

Cardz4Guyz #384 Colour Challenge: Light Blue & Brown

I Love ProMarkers & Other Mediums #604 Cute & Whimsical / Anything Goes

Daisy Chain Challenges #106 No design paper

Girlz Make Guyz Cards #38 Food and/or drinks

Daisy Chain Challenge #106 No Design Paper

All in all, a calm, simple make… which is exactly what was needed in a world currently overrun by chocolate eggs that seem to appear out of thin air. If you need me, I will be opening cupboards very cautiously for the next few days. You never know what might jump out.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐰

Sprite Sparkle

Dia daoibh!

Easter has a funny way of sneaking up on you. One minute everything is calm and sensible and the next the world is full of pastel colours, bunny references, and chocolate being treated like a perfectly reasonable life choice. Spring does that to people.

Which brings me nicely to challenge #4 over at HQFCB where the theme is always Anything Fantasy Goes (cards, atc's, mixed media, home decorations, journals, tags, gift bags, etc.). The DT have some absolutely amazing creative makes over on HQFCB. Seriously inspiring stuff and a guaranteed way to make you eye up your craft stash with big plans.

For my card I used a little sprite that I designed myself using Corel Draw. She was coloured with Promarkers and I added a touch of Tonic Studio's White Blizzard Nuvo drops for some extra sparkle. The background was stencilled using Memento ink and a few Nuvo drops were added as embellishement. 

Do pop over and check out the DT’s creativity over on the HQFCB blog for plenty of inspiration and fantasy fun.

And finally a little spring truth. Flowers bloom, days get brighter, and glitter will continue to appear in your house long after Easter has hopped away.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌸

Leaf It in Your Pocket

Dia daoibh!

I am absolutely delighted, over the moon, and one small step away from dancing around the kitchen waving a glue stick, to be a Guest Designer for the CAS on Friday Challenge blog. The DT have some incredible creativity going on, the kind that makes you side eye your craft stash like “you and me need a serious chat, lads.” A massive thank you to Janneke and the DT over at CAS on Friday for having me.

The theme for challenge #331 is Botanical, so naturally I went leafy and proud:

I used diecuts for the greenery and then went a bit wild with glossy accents, glitter, and some Nuvo drops. Not too much now, just enough to make it sparkle without causing a public safety announcement. A few pieces are popped up with foam pads so the leaves have a bit of lift. The "Hello" is from Tonic Studios and stamped in white using Hero Arts Unicorn White ink on black card, and let me tell you, it stamped so crisp I nearly framed the ink pad as well. I added a light sprinkle of black distress ink across the background, just enough to keep things interesting without turning it into a full blown art experiment gone rogue.

A few challenges:
Simply Clean and Simple - SCAS April 2026: CAS (Optional theme: Baskets)

Craft Rocket Challenges #135 Layer It Up

Ellibelle's Garden Party #13  Anything in (or from) a Garden

Crafty Gals Corner #275 Anything Goes (optional twist: Make it Green)

Right, I am off now to check if my paper plants need watering. If they start growing, I am opening a garden centre and retiring early.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 💚

March Card Chain Challenge

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland was a wild little month altogether. One minute you were spotting daffodils and feeling hopeful, the next minute the wind nearly carried you into the next parish. The leprechauns were out in full force, I was convinced of it. There was no other explanation for sunshine, hailstones, and sideways rain all happening before lunchtime. If you saw me squinting at a rainbow it was only because I was checking for a pot of gold to fund more craft supplies.

Now onto the Card Chain Challenge, which is basically international happy post 💗. I sent my card off to lovely Gundi in Germany and in return I received a card from Joanne in the USA. Absolutely beautiful. The kind of card you rotate slowly in your hands like you are assessing fine art in a gallery. Pure magic landing through the letterbox.

For my card I went with the colour challenge of periwinkle, fuchsia, and pale peach. Sounds like a trio of fancy macarons but works beautifully on cardstock. I used the Spellbinders Kokeshi Dolls Die Set. The background was embossed using the Spellbinders Bold Floral Embossing Folder which gives lovely texture without stealing the spotlight. I die cut a hello, layered it up for a bit of oomph, and coated it in Glossy Accents so it shines politely in the light. Not too flashy. Just enough to say hello with confidence. Embellishments include Glossy Accents, Nuvo Drops White Blizzard, and a few gems ... because apparently I believe every card deserves accessories. If it twinkles, it earned its place.

A few challenges:

Cardz 4 Galz #273 Spring Flowers 

Creative Knockouts #568 Embossing Delight

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Simon Says: Emboss it

Craft Rocket Challenges #135 Layer It Up

Allsorts #846 - It's Springtime  or Anything Goes 

And honestly, if you have never joined the Card Chain Challenge, you should. You send a card off into the world and in return one lands back in your letterbox. It is like crafty pen pals with surprise sparkle. No leprechaun required, just stamps and goodwill. Sure what more could you want.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🍀

Positivi-Tea

Dia daoibh!

Spring cleaning has arrived, which is that magical time of year when you open a drawer “just for a quick tidy” and somehow end up sitting on the floor two hours later reading instructions from a toaster you no longer own. The house smells like lemon, the windows are sparkling, and I have absolutely no idea where half my stuff went. Probably living its best life without me.

Right, onto the important business… the card!

I kept this one CAS because sometimes less is more ... and also because I had already used up all my energy deciding whether to keep or throw out a mysterious cable. I used the Gerda Steiner Positivi-Tea stamp set, stamped with Memento ink, and coloured with Promarkers. The little bear with the cuppa is basically all of us, emotionally and spiritually. And the sentiment… “Sending you some Positivi-Tea” … honestly, if tea solved problems any faster, we would have it prescribed on the HSE.

The background panel is partially die cut and embossed, giving it that bit of texture without shouting about it. For embellishments, I added some clear glossy accents for a bit of shine and a few drops of white blizzard Nuvo drops.

A few challenges:

Simply Clean and Simple - March 2026: CAS (Optional Theme: Baby Animals)  

First Cup Challenges #12 - Anything Goes

The Paper Funday #85 - Anything Goes or furs/Feathers

Fab n' Funky #633 - Four Legged Friends

CAS Colours & Sketches #581 - Sketch Challenge: 

Spring cleaning can wait. Tea and crafting are clearly the superior life skills.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

Happy Spring!

Dia daoibh!

Shopping for chocolate Easter eggs has become less of a casual stroll and more of a tactical operation. You head in for “just one” and suddenly you are comparing chocolate like a seasoned judge on a baking show. This year though, I have my eye firmly on a Toblerone egg. Pure class. Triangles  egg of joy. 

Now, onto my card!

I went full spring cheer with this one and kept it lovely and CAS. The SVG design is my own. I cut everything with my trusty Silhouette Cameo, who continues to behave like a dream as long as I whisper kind words to it and threaten it only slightly. Some of the elements are popped up with foam pads to give a bit of dimension. For embellishments, I added some iridescent glitter for that subtle sparkle that catches the light just right, along with a few white Nuvo enamel dots scattered about like they just wandered in and decided to stay. 

And that is it. A quick, cheerful make that did not involve glitter explosions or losing my sanity, which frankly deserves its own celebration.

A few challenges:

Girlz Creative Crafts #66 - Flowers

Die Cut Divas  - Warm Spring Wishes

Addicted to CAS  #304 - Code Word: Stripes 

The Crafting Challenge - March - Waiting for Spring

CAS on Friday #330 - Spring

Right-e-o, I need to go “accidentally” buy three Easter eggs… for research purposes.

Sláinte, 

Wendy R. 🌷

Éirinn Go Brách!

 Dia daoibh!

It is that glorious time of year again when suddenly everyone owns a shamrock somewhere on their clothing. Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all! The kettle is on, the craic is mighty, and the village is buzzing ahead of tomorrow’s celebrations.

Before the marching bands, green hats and general shenanigans kick off, I managed to sneak a few quiet minutes at the craft desk and make a card.

I kept this one CAS because sometimes simple is just perfect. The sweet Shamrock Fairy from Mo’s Digital Pencil peeks in from the side of the card like she has wandered in to see what all the fuss is about. She was coloured with Promarkers and I used the off the page technique so she looks like she is stepping right into the card. For a little sparkle I added some iridescent and green glitter ... because if there is ever a time when glitter is completely acceptable it is St Patrick’s Day.

The sentiment Éirinn Go Brách felt just right for this card. Ireland forever and a lovely little nod to the day that is in it.

A few challenges:

Aud Sentiments Blog Challenge #335 - Glitter/Bling and/or St. Patrick's Green + a Sentiment

Allsorts #845 - Things with wings or Anything Goes

Crafty Gals Corner #275 - Anything Goes  with optional twist of Make it Green

Color Dare Challenge #694: 

Inspiration Station #83 - Inspiration Photo: 

Tomorrow the celebrations begin. There will be parades, music, dancing, and someone somewhere attempting Irish dancing in shoes that absolutely were not designed for it. I am also fairly certain there will be at least one person proudly wearing green from head to toe like a walking shamrock field.

However you celebrate, have a wonderful St Patrick’s Day filled with laughter, a bit of sparkle and plenty of craic. 

☘️ Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit! ☘️

(Pronounced roughly: law ay-la paw-drig sunna ditch)

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 

Seas the day!

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland is a strange little circus altogether. The kids are on their St Patrick’s Day break bouncing off the walls like caffeinated leprechauns, work is being managed one week roster at a time, the weather can’t decide if it wants sunshine or sideways rain, and the fuel prices seem to be climbing faster than a sheep on a mountain. Sure at this stage we are all just rolling with the chaos and hoping the kettle keeps working.

On the bright side, the parade is tomorrow and I am very much looking forward to it. There is something magical about marching bands and questionable dancing in the street.

So while the world outside is doing its usual Irish jig of unpredictability, I took fifteen minutes to switch off and make a quick card.

For this one I used the Küstenbande stamp from Creative Depot / Treeebird. The little sailor bear was coloured with Promarkers and I kept the design nice and CAS. A bit of baker’s twine wraps around the card with a small bow and I added a few Nuvo white drops for a simple embellishment. The whole thing came together in under fifteen minutes which was exactly what I needed to clear the head. Sometimes a quick crafty moment is the perfect cure for a noisy house, wild weather, and fuel prices that make you stare at the pump like it personally offended you.

A few challenges:

Little Red Wagon # 849 - Boy Inside the Man

Creative Knockouts #566 Birthday Wishes 

Passion For Markers - Week 828 - Anything Masculine

Girlz Make Guyz Cards #37 - Maritime

The Male Room #208 - Blue and Brown

CAS on Friday #329:

Right-e-o, I am off to prepare for the parade tomorrow and possibly adopt this bear’s life philosophy. Paper hat, striped jumper, and just SEAS the day.

🍀🍀 Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona daoibh! 🍀🍀

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

Top o’ the Morning!

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland means one thing and it is not subtle. Leprechauns appear from nowhere. Everything turns green. Shops explode with shamrocks. And before anyone asks: no, we do not turn the Liffey green. We do not need to. This island is already about forty shades of green on a Sunday. Add a bit of March drizzle and you have fifty. At least.

With all that Irish magic floating around it felt only right to lean fully into the theme for today’s card and have a bit of craic along the way. Over at Ally’s Angels Challenge Blog we are on challenge #104 and the theme is always Anything Goes. Which is basically permission to craft with wild abandon and a cup of tea in hand.

For my card I used Paddy from Mo’s Digital Pencil. He was coloured up with Promarkers, added a wee touch of Glossy Accents, and kept the whole card CAS ... because every Paddy likes to be the centre of attention ;) Honestly they would not have it any other way.

A few challenges:

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: A Bit O' Green

Crafty Catz #709 Anything goes

Fab n' Funky #632 - Shades of Green

Crafty Gals Corner #275- Anything Goes (optional: make it green)

Inspiration Station #83 - Inspiration Photo: 

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #214 - Clovers are Green

Now before I toddle off there must be a blessing because March demands it:

May your tea be strong

May your greens always blend smoothly

And may your leprechauns never steal your last biscuit!

Be sure to pop over and check out the DT’s creative makes over on the Ally’s Angels blog. They are full of inspiration and a serious danger to your craft supplies.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 💚

Umbrella Bloom

Dia daoibh!

Well would you look at that. The sun has shown up for two whole days in a row. I checked twice out the window just to be sure it was not a trick. Even the birds are in great form, singing like they have just had three cups of strong Irish tea and a biscuit.

After soaking up a bit of that rare golden sunshine it felt like the perfect excuse to sit down at the craft desk and make a card. 

I used the Spellbinders Umbrella Bloom die set which is just adorable. There is something cheerful about flowers popping out of an umbrella that makes it feel like a little pocket of spring on a card. I kept the design nice and simple so the die cuts could do all the talking. For embellishments I only added a touch of Glossy Accents and a few flatback pearls. Sometimes a card just wants to be simple and elegant and who am I to argue with a piece of cardstock having notions. The sentiment comes from the A Selection of Sentiments stamp set by Tonic Studios and I stamped it using Versafine ink. Versafine never disappoints. It behaves like the reliable friend who shows up on time with biscuits.

A few challenges:

Alphabet Challenge -  W is for Wild Flowers

Craft Rocket Challenges #134 - No Design Paper

C.R.A.F.T. #775 - Spring / Easter / Anything Goes

Die Cut Divas - Spring is Coming

CAS Colours & Sketches #580 - Color Challenge:

And that is today’s little bit of crafty sunshine. Between the bit of sun and the umbrella blooms on the card I feel like spring has officially clocked in for duty. Now if the weather could kindly keep up the good behaviour we might all start acting suspiciously cheerful.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🌼

A Little Bit of Luck and a Whole Lot of Glitter

Dia daoibh!

March in Ireland is that lovely in-between month where the days get longer, the light gets brighter, and we all optimistically declare winter over… while still keeping the big coat within arm’s reach. Also, a wee fun fact: St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other national festival in the world. Tradition is tradition.

Which brings me neatly to my card for Challenge #3 over at HQFCB, where the theme is always Anything Fantasy Goes. And really, with March rolling in and St Patrick’s Day on the horizon, there was only one sensible choice… leprechauns. Obviously.

I used the leprechaun from Mo’s Digital Pencil, coloured him up with Promarkers, and then had a bit of crafter’s craic with the embellishing. I added Glossy Accents for shine and a dose of gold glitter... because leprechauns without sparkle are just tiny men in green, and that won’t do at all! At this stage I’m convinced leprechauns exist solely to justify glitter in March – and I, for one, fully support that!

A few challenges: 

Fab n' Funky #632 - Shades of Green 

Colourful Options - March 2026 - Moodboard (Option 1: Green)

Festive Friday #204 - St Patrick's Day (Incorporate 3 of the items from inspo list)

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #214 - Clovers are Green 

{PIN}spirational #335 - Use Color Combo from Inspiration Image  

The DT members over at HQFCB have absolutely amazing makes for this challenge; so much inspiration, it’s well worth popping over for a look!

May the road rise to meet you,

may the rain fall softly,

and may your days be touched with a little bit of Irish magic.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🍀

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.