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:

• Jingle Belles: Fa-la-la-la-la
• The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #186 - Anything goes
• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog  - MLCCB #62 Anything Christmas Goes
• C.R.A.F.T. #756 - Christmas
• FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenge #20 - Anything Goes Country Christmas
• The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #123 - Anything Goes with option of : One or Two Layers
• Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge #89: 

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. 🎄✨

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:

• CAS on Friday #310 - Embossing 
• Crafty Catz #694 - Anything goes (make us smile)
• Cut It Up #331 - Anything Goes
• Craft Rocket Challenges #126 No Design Paper
• The Card Concept #217 - Patriotic (Edna matches the colours): 

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.)

Craft Now, Tidy Never

Dia Daoibh!

Is there anything better than a bit of crafty time and a fresh cuppa? I finally got a chance to play with some new bits, and I’m properly chuffed with today’s make—it’s bright, cheerful, and covered in enough sparkle to lift even the dullest of days (without needing sunglasses indoors… just about).

I used die cuts from Doodlebug Design—honestly, their designs never fail to bring the joy. I cut everything with my vintage Silhouette Cameo machine, bless her. It’s lovely to get dinner going while she hums away doing her thing—if only she could unload the dishwasher too.

The flowers and foliage were layered into the little envelope, all held together with foam dots—because flat is grand, but let’s be honest, we all love a bit of crafty puff. I added some shine with Ranger’s Glossy Accents on the sentiment and a few flowers, and recycled some black and pink glitter card for the floral bits—leftover from a Mother’s Day card back in March (because in Ireland, we celebrate early and craft thriftily). Just enough sparkle to say “look at me” without setting off the glitter alarm.

A few challenges:

• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog - Anything Goes
• Paper Craft Crew Challenge - PCC623 - Color Challenge: 

• A Place To Start - June - Anything Goes (option: Recycle): 

• The Paper Players - PP740 - Theme - Recycling is in: 
  

I honestly think Doodlebug Design flower dies are pure joy in papercraft form—cheerful and so cute they could charm the glitter off a unicorn. They’re the card-making equivalent of a perfect cuppa, a biscuit you don’t have to share, and a good natter where no one judges your ever-growing stash.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. ✂️

This Reindeer was Made for Sparkling

Dia Daoibh!
Well, would you look at that — I’ve landed meself a spot as a Guest Designer for the June challenge over at Rudolph Days and I’m more delighted than a reindeer in a field of carrots! 🎄🦌

To mark the occasion, I’ve rustled up a Rudolph card that’d make even the big man himself crack a smile. The Kraft and White card die cuts were cut on my ancient Silhouette Cameo — it’s been with me longer than most of me Christmas decorations, but still going strong, fair play to it! I layered up all the die cuts with foam pads for that lovely 3D pop. 

The background paper, a sweet itty-bitty polka dot from Pink Petticoat (RIP to that crafty gem 💔), adds a gentle charm. Then of course, I had to lash on a bit of sparkle — glittered Rudolph’s nose and specs like a good elf would, and gave his antlers a glossy shine for good measure. Sure, if you're not adding glitter in June, when are you?

Onto a few challenges:

52 Christmas Card Throwdown - May Technique Challenge: Use Die Cuts or Punches

Jingle Belles: Animal Antics

ABC Christmas Challenge - J is for Jingle Bells & K is for Kraft are for?

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #185 - Anything Christmas Goes

FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenge #20 - Anything Goes Country Christmas 

Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog #62 - Anything Christmas Goes

Christmas Crafts All Year 'Round: May Challenge-I'll Be Home for Christmas Song - Lyrics- "You can count on me (you can count on me)"

Peace on Earth #88 - Anything Christmas Goes ( or Inspiration Board): 

The challenge over at over at Rudolph Days kicks off on the 25th of each month and runs till the end. A Top 3 is picked at the start of the next month, and they’re invited to guest design too! Make sure to follow the blog and join in — it’s always Anything Goes, as long as it’s handmade and Christmassy!

And before I go — here’s a wee joke to keep your sleigh bells jingling:

Who is a reindeer’s favorite celebrity?
 

Beyon-sleigh! 😄

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

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:

• First Cup Challenges #1 April: - Anything Drink related projects
• Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenge Blog #4 Anything Goes Fantasy and/or Focus on Unicorn
• I Love Promarkers #581 Anything goes or No Patterned Papers
• We Love 2 Create #4 - Anything Creative/Mixed Media Goes
• CAS on Friday No. 307: Use a Stencil
• Halloween and Other Ocassions Crafts All Year Round #25: Birthday
• AAA Cards #288 - Sketch: 
  
  
  

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.)

From Tape Troubles to Glitter Glories: A Box Card Adventure!

Dia Daoibh!

Gather 'round, because I've got a card creation saga for you! As a nurse, I'm pretty good at keeping things in order – like,  I can juggle a full medical chart without breaking a sweat.... but when it comes to crafting with double-sided tape, let's just say a roll of tape has met an untimely demise in my trash bin  #CraftingStruggles .

This time, I called in a big gun: my trusty silhouette (yes, v1 and as old as the hills). I used it to cut Lori Whitlock's fabulous Carrot Box Card elements, and let me tell you, it was like having a crafting fairy godmother. The carrot tops? Oh, they're not just any carrot tops. They're decked out with glossy accents and ultra-fine iridescent glitter, because why not add a little sparkle to your veggies? ... and don't worry about mailing this little gem – it folds flat for mailing! On the back, there's a nice little spot for you to write a heartfelt sentiment. 

Onto a few challenges: 

• The Paper Funday #75 - Anything Goes/Optional Twist Anything with a "B" (B: Box Card)
• Love Those Pretty Papers Challenge: April - Anything Goes with Patterned Paper (optional theme: Springtime)
• Cardz 4 Galz #247 Stripes
• C.R.A.F.T. #752  Spring / Easter / Anything Goes 
• Craft Rocket Challenges #124 Layer It Up
• Shopping Our Stash #545 - Hippity Hop (Easter card / rabbit / chick)

Right then, buckle up buttercups, 'cause Challenge #93 at Ally's Angels is 'Anything Goes'! My teamies have been proper busy little bees, whipping up some absolutely gorgeous creations. Honestly, you simply must pop over and have a gander – they're dead brilliant. And while you're at it, why not chuck your hat in the ring and join in the fun? Go on, you know you want to!

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x.

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.

Hey Friend

Dia Daoibh ! ☘️

Hold onto your hats—It is 14°C in Ireland! That’s right, we’re basically almost in a heatwave (by our standards). Summer has officially arrived ;)

To celebrate this suspicious weather phenomenon, I made this cheerful card using the 'Hey Friend' set from Graciellie Design. Coloured with Promarkers (with all the precision of a caffeinated squirrel) and embellished with iridescent glitter,  and gems - because why be subtle when you can sparkle?

Onto a few challenges:

• A Perfect Time To Craft (M, P1) - Always Anything Goes
• Beautiful Blossoms #27 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional Mood Board)
• Crafter's Cafe #317 - Anything Goes (optional: CAS)
• Girlz Creative Crafts #53 Happy Birthday Girlz 
• Girlz Rebel Challenge #38 - Use Glitter 
• The Creative Crafters #86 - Always Anything Goes
• Addicted to Stamps and More #489 - Any Occasion
• Color Throwdown #830

Have a great day, folks!  😉

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:

• Alphabet Challenge: Z is for Zoom .. because Pac-Man moves at 11 tiles per second ;) 
• My Time to Craft #557 -  Rectangle shape-based cards
• Krafty Chicks #762 - Birthday
• Fab n' Funky #613 - Boys or Men
• Simon Says Stamps Wednesday Challenge: Happy Birthday
• The Male Room #197 - Geometric
• Cardz 4 Guyz #369 - Fun and Games

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. 

Birdbrains

Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are—another crafting session miraculously squeezed in between surviving back-to-back 12+ hour shifts (because apparently, sleep is optional when you’re a nurse and a card-making maniac). Today’s little burst of creative therapy features the absolutely adorable Easter Egg Birdbrains by the late, great Faith Skrdla (From The Heart Stamps).

  Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I’ve brought these feathery goofballs to life with my beloved Promarkers (because even birdbrains deserve to look fabulous), then slapped on some iridescent glitter—partly for sparkle, partly to distract from the fact that I may or may not have coloured outside the lines just a smidge. The sentiment (Hello Bluebird’s retired Spring Banner Script) was stamped in Stazon ink—AKA the only ink that doesn’t smudge when I inevitably sneeze glitter halfway through.

Now, I could have gone full-on Easter extravaganza with layers, die-cuts, and enough embellishments to make the Easter Bunny himself apply for overtime... but between you and me, Nurse Wendy's current life admin consists of remembering which day is bin day and occasionally feeding herself. So CAS was the only logical approach!

A few challenges: 

• Passion for Markers Week 781 Spring Colours
• Creative Fingers No. 297 Anything Goes
• Daring Cardmakers -  Mellow Yellow
• Digi Choosday anything goes #3 
• Double D - Birds /Photo Inspirations* 

And for a joke so bad it should be hidden in the deepest, darkest corner of the garden:

Why did the Easter egg hide?

Because it was a little chicken!

(I’ll see myself out… right after I mainline another coffee.)

Sláinte, 

Wendy R. 

Crafting, Craic, and Christmas in March

Dia Daoibh!

Well, St. Patrick’s Day went grand – I was on night shift over the bank holiday, but I managed to sneak in for the last half hour of the céilí at the local pub. Let’s just say, I’m fairly certain Disprin is now the official sponsor of March 18th. 😉 But hey, it was worth it! The craic was mighty!

Now, onto my card for today. I decided to channel my inner Grinch because, well, why not? Christmas in March? Sure, it’s practically summer in Ireland anyway! (Kidding, it’s still raining sideways.)

I created a Grinch Christmas tree card using my Silhouette machine. I layered it up to add some dimension, and kept the embellishments simple – just a touch of gloss and glitter. Because if there’s one thing the Grinch needs, it’s a bit of sparkle to soften that grumpy heart of his.

I’m entering this into a few challenges 

• A Perfect Time To Craft - Always Anything Goes
• Jingle Belles: Get Your Grinch On
• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog #61 - Anything Christmas Goes
• The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #120 - Anything Goes with option of: Owls
• Peace on Earth #84 - Anything Christmas Goes + Inspiration Board 

• Christmas [or not] Bingo Challenge #12 - Anything Goes with Featured BINGO Card - I chose N :
  

Until next time, keep crafting, keep laughing, and keep the Disprin close.

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x

Merry Craftmas: Decking the Halls with Handmade Cards!

Dia Daoibh!

I set a New Year's resolution to craft two Christmas cards a month, and I'm trying to stick to it, though Netflix and my nap schedule have other plans. Apparently, "just one more episode" is the greatest crafting nemesis of all time!

Today's wee card features the irresistible reindeer from the Clearly Besotted Let's Prance Stamp set. I kept it CAS and added a dash of sparkle. Using ProMarkers, I brought those reindeer to life and added three sparkly red gems for their noses, making them shine as bright as my holiday spirit. A touch of Ranger's Glossy Accents adds the perfect finishing touch.

The striped background was a delightful surprise, made from an offcut in my stash. Waste not, want not, right? And with foam pads for dimension, this card has more pop than my Christmas playlist.

Onto a few challenges:

• FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenge #18 - Anything Goes Country Christmas
• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog #61 - Anything Christmas Goes
• Sparkles Forum Christmas #170 - Christmas Critters
• The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #120 - Anything Goes (Owls optional)
• The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #180 - Anything Christmas Goes
• Crafty Animals #92 - Always Anything Goes
• Daisy Chain Challenges #94 - Animals 
• Christmas [or not] Bingo Challenges  #12 - Anything Goes with Featured BINGO Card: 
  (I chose the letter 'N')
  
  

So, if you see me swimming in a sea of cards come December, just know I'm happily crafting away. 

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x.

Crafty Catch-Up: Christmas in March

Dia Daoibh!

So, here I am, in the middle of March, realising my New Year's resolution to craft at least two Christmas cards per month has gone a bit off track—surprise, surprise! December is creeping up faster than a cat on a laser pointer, and my card stash is sadly lacking. But fear not, I've whipped up a delightful card featuring the whimsical "Woodland Scenes Owl" by LOTV to get back on track.

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

This adorable owl takes center stage, coloured with ProMarkers and adorned with just the right amount of glitter and gems. A touch of gold 0.4mm thread adds a bit of festive sparkle. The background, dry embossed with Lisa Horton Craft's wood panel embossing folder, gives it a rustic charm.

Now, I know you're wondering how an owl connects with a manger. Well, if you squint and use a bit of imagination, this wise little owl might just be the silent observer of the nativity scene, standing watch over the manger with all the wisdom of the ages—or at least that's what I tell myself!

Onto a few challenges:

• Creative Crafting Uncles #62 Embossing Folder(s)
• Addicted to Stamps & More #487 Christmas
• Christmas Crafts All Year Round: March - Away in a Manger
• FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenge #18 - Anything Goes Country Christmas
• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog #61 - Anything Christmas Goes
• Sparkles Forum Christmas #170 - Christmas Critters
• The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #120 - Anything Goes (Owls optional)
• Jingle Belles: Bling on the Holidays
• Girlz Creative Christmas Challenge #115: Use glitter
• Hand Stamped Sentiments #458:

And now, for a giggle to end things on a high note: Why was the Christmas card sent to jail? Because it was framed!

Sláinte!
Wend R. x.

A Wee Bit of Irish Card-Making Fun

Dia Daoibh! ...bringing a touch of Irish charm to your day. 

Today, I'm tackling the 'Try a Sketch on Tuesday' challenge #665 with the delightful '4 Leaf Clover' stamp set from Colorado Craft Company, designed by Anita Jeram, to sprinkle a bit of luck on my card.

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I've coloured it using Promarkers—check out the bar at the top of my blog for all my colour recipes. I hit a slight snag with my green ink pad collection, but Memento's Bamboo Shoot saved the day. It's not quite the emerald green of Ireland, but hey, it's close enough to be shade number 41 in the '40 Shades of Green' collection! I also went and put two grand lines on a card, like a couple of leprechauns doing a jig down the left side with their scoreboard in tow.

For a finishing touch, I've used Ranger's Glossy Accents and glitter to make the butterfly and clover shimmer. After all, if it doesn't glisten like a leprechaun's gold, can you even call it complete?

Onto a few challenges:

• Moving along with the Times #176  March - Pets
• Critter Crazy -#96 - Anything (featuring a critter) goes
• Crafty Animals #92 - Feature an animal
• Daisy Chain Challenges #94 - Animals
• Simply Clean and Simple CAS card design with optional shades of green
• Triple B - March - Anything with Birds, Blooms and/or Butterflies + optional Inspiration Moodboard* 
  
• Try a Sketch on Tuesday #665: 
  
  
  

And here's a little Irish humour to wrap things up: 

Why don't you ever borrow money from a leprechaun? 

Because they're always a little short!

Sláinte!

Wend R. x

Layered Embellishments on the Fast Track

Greetings! Broadcasting straight from the realm of eat, sleep, work, repeat. Yes, I'm back on the dayshift treadmill, so brace yourself for a quickie!

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

Today's card is as "simple" as it gets — if by "simple" you mean an extravaganza of layered embellishments meticulously cut with a Silhouette Cameo. We're talking about cardstock that’s been lounging around since 2018, finally getting its moment in the spotlight. The digital SVG cut files hail from Lettering Delight, all perched atop white embossed cardstock. Those embossed scribbles are so faint, they're practically playing hide and seek with the camera’s flash. Who knew crafting could be this cheeky?

The embellishments are stacked with foam pads for that blockbuster 3D effect — without those ridiculous glasses. The vintage cassette die cut is a nod to us Generation Xers, who still remember the joy of rewinding tapes with a pencil. The 'rock' is bedazzled with red glitter, the undeniable diva of the card, while 'you' gets the royal treatment with Ranger's Glossy Accents. Because, let's face it, nothing says "you rock" like a glossy finish worthy of a superstar.

Onto a few challenges so:

• Neglected Stuff Challenge  - card stock and glossy accents were sitting in the press since 2018 ;(
• A Cut Above - Use at least one die cut using a machine - - Feb - Anything Goes
• Crafts Galore Encore: Always Anything Goes
• Daisy Chain Challenges #93 - Layer it up
• Dragonfly Dreams: Feb - CAS
• Alphabet Challenge: V is for Vintage
• CAS Colours & Sketches #554 - Sketch Challenge

And there you have it....  But before I dash off to my next eat-sleep-work cycle, let me leave you with a little chuckle: Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.

Sláinte!

Wendy R.