July Card Chain Challenge

Dia Daoibh!

It's that time again — the big reveal over at the Card Chain Challenge Blog. 

Here’s the card I sent valiantly paddling its way to Pia in Norway — hopefully it remembered its arm bands — Hiya! 👋 And in return? I was utterly spoiled with a faaaabulous card that flew all the way from Linda in the USA — jet lag and all — Hiya! 👋 

On to my card, so... For the July 2025 challenge I picked the theme: windows, and the technique / product option: Mirror Card (oooh shiny!).

I dusted off the Silhouette Cameo (now old enough to vote) and cut the Box Card Flower-Filled Mason Jar from Lori Whitlock. The 3-d jar is layered with flowers and leaves that were embossed, glittered, and generally zhuzhed to within an inch of their lives. The lid? Cut from mirror card for that fancy “ooh, shiney!” moment. I added acetate for the window so you can see all the floral fabulousness inside. Best bit? This wee mason jar folds flat for posting – I scaled it down a bit so it fits into a 5" x 7" envelope. Handy, right? I left the back (sentiment space) blank so it’s versatile – birthday, thank you, “sorry I ate your snacks” – it covers all emotional emergencies.

A few challenges:

• Creative Creases - July  #105 Anything goes with a fun fold
• Cardz 4 Galz #255 Fun Folds
• Ellibelle's Garden Party  #5  Anything in or from a Garden
• Paper Shelter #647 Anything Goes
• 2 Sisters On The Blog #98 - Flowers in a vase

I'm off now to join in the next Card Chain Challenge – it’s genuinely addictive (like Pringles… or craft stash… or washi tape you absolutely don’t need but definitely buy anyway).

Sending crafty love and envelope confetti worldwide 💌

Sláinte, 

Wendy R.

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.

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:

• Moving Along With the Times Challenge # 178 - White on White May 2025
• 2 Sisters On The Blog #97 - Wedding/wedding anniversary
• Creatalicious Challenges #288 - Anything Goes + option: Embossing (wet or dry)
• Girlz Rebel Challenge #39 - Apr - Anything Goes with flowers 
• Heart's Quest Celebration of Love #5 Birthdays, Engagements, Weddings, Anniversaries and/or Sympathies + optional theme: Graduation
• The Flower Challenge #102 - Add Spots or Stripes

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.

Mer-Mazing!

 Dia Daoibh!

Your brand new HQFCB Design Team member here, ready to dive into some fantasy fun! I'm absolutely buzzin' to be part of the Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenge Blog team! Woohooo!

May's challenge #5 of 2025 over at HQFCB is "Anything Goes" with a wee nod to mermaids if you're feelin' fancy. Now, I'm a sucker for a good mermaid tale. Anyone else remember Splash from the 80s with Daryl Hannah? Begorrah, I was always mesmerised by that tail!... 

Soooooo, I whipped up a card featuring a mermaid tail! I cut it from glitter card with my Silhouette Cameo, because who doesn't love a bit of sparkle? The wee fishes are die-cuts, and I've used gems as embellishments. Sure, you can never have too much bling, can ya?

Onto a few challenges:

• Dragonfly Dreams - May Challenge: Sea Life
• Creative Fingers - No. 300: Always Anything Goes
  
• Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025:  Clean & Simple (Optional: Flowers)
  
• Creative Inspirations Challenge #26:  Anything Goes
  
• Krafty Chicks #766: Birthday
  
• Little Red Wagon #805: Use Your Stash (using all the stashed gems)
• Crafty Calendar Challenge - May Challenge: For a Child
• Allsorts Challenge Blog #822: Inspired by a song  (Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish)
• Leigh SB Designs Inspirational Challenges - May No. 41: Mermaids or Halfoween in May or Anthing Goes 

Right so, that's my mermaid-tastic creation! Don't be a cod ;)... head on over to HQFCB  and enter the challenge! Show 'em what you're made of!

And now, for a mermaid joke to leave you with a smile:

What do fashionable mermaids wear?

Sea-quins!

 yes.. I'll see myself out ...

Sláinte! 

Wendy R.

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: 

• I Love Promarkers #581 Anything goes or No Patterned Papers

• Dragonfly Dreams - Apr - Animals
  

• Sweet Stampin: Easter Creations 
  

• Daring Cardmakers  - Little lambs, fluffy chicks and baby bunnies
  

• Krafty Chicks #764 - Clean and Simple

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. 

You’re My One and Only (No Gnomes About It!)

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re reading this, you’re either the legendary nurse I’m talking about, or you’re just here for the laughs. Either way, welcome! Today’s blog post is a love letter (sort of) to my partner-in-crime, my fellow nursing school survivor, and the person who’s stuck with me whether she likes it or not. Spoiler: she doesn’t have a choice.

So, let’s set the scene. I sat down to make a card for this absolute gem of a human being. You know the type—assertive, wickedly fun, and the kind of nurse who can run a unit with her eyes closed while simultaneously making you laugh so hard you forget why you’re even there. She’s one of the bestest of the bestest (yes, that’s a technical term), and I knew this card had to be just as epic as she is.

Originally, I was going to go with “You’re My No. 1 Gnomie” because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good gnome pun? But then I thought, nah, she’s not just a gnome—she’s the gnome. The one and only. 

click on pic for a better view;)

Here’s how the card came together:
Stamp & Sentiment: Clearly Besotted 
Colouring: Promarkers
Embellishments: A background rectangle die-cut (fancy, right?), a silver glitter card heart (because she’s a glittery kind of person), and Ranger’s Glossy Accents (for that chef’s kiss level of shine).
Layering: Foam pads, because if it’s not 3D, is it even a card?

A few challenges:  

• Addicted to CAS: #276 Code word: Friends
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Love is in the air
• Double D Challenges-Hearts
• Allsorts-Challenge 816-Romance
• Crafty Catz: Anything goes with optional twist use a die
• Polkadoodles: Challenge 3, Wk 1 - Anything goes 
• Creative Moment: February challenge #267 *Cute*
• We Love Stamping-February - CAS/Anything goes
  
• Heart's Quest Fantasy: Anything goes Fantasy

Now, let’s end this on a funny note, shall we? Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our time together, it’s that laughter is the best medicine (unless you’re in A&E, in which case, maybe just stick to the actual medicine). So, here’s to my one and only: thank you for putting up with me, for being the kind of nurse who makes people feel like they’re in the best hands, and for being the kind of friend who makes me laugh until I cry (or until I pee a little—nursing school flashbacks, am I right?).

You’re stuck with me, doll. No gnomes about it.

Love,

Your No. 1 Gnomie (Okay, fine, your one and only).

P.S. If you ever leave nursing, I’m coming with you. Just saying.

Cardz 4 Galz - Glittered adhesive tape

Hi Peeps

Time for another Cardz 4 Galz challenge day!
Thank you to everyone who plays along each fortnight :)
Onto this fortnight's challenge. Challenge # 81 is What's New. 
Showcase your newest technique.

Here is my DT card:

I tried the "glittered adhesive tape" technique.
I love looove loooooove it!!
Die used is from Winnie & Walter.
Embellished with clear gems.

Here's a video demonstrating the technique:





Hope to see your creations in the card gallery and Thank You for stopping by!

Wendy xxx

Thank You

Hi Peeps
A Quick card today:

Die cuts are from the Silhouette Cameo store.
Background is dry embossed.
Hearts cut from glitter card.
Sentiment die cut is layered and embellished with clear gloss.

A few challenges:
Happy Little Stampers August - Die Cuts - must be CAS
A Bit More Time to Craft #73 - Anything Goes



Thank You for stopping by!

Wendy xx

Welcome Baby

Hi Peeps
A quick CAS card today:

"Baby" die cut is from Winnie & Walter.
"Welcome" stamped with Memento tuxedo black ink.
Embellished with glitter stars , cloud die cuts & icicle stickles.

Onto a few challenges:

Simply Create Too #140 - No patterned paper

Casology - week 308:


CAS(E) this Sketch #281:


Southern Girls #188 Tic Tac Toe:



Thank You for stopping by!

Wendy xx

Christmas in July - Shaker Snowman

Hi Peeps
Onto a few Christmas cards in July :)
Here is one of my cards:

Snowman coloured with Promarkers. Designed by Heather Ellis.
Embellished with clear sequins and a glitter die cut.

Onto a few challenges:
Crafty Gals Corner #170 - Christmas in July 
A Snowflakes Promise #53- Anything Goes
Sweet Stampers #22 - Christmas in July
The Merry Christmas Challenge - Jul 15 - Aug 14 - Anything Christmas Goes
AAA #119 Christmas in July
 I ♥ ProMarkers #363 - Anything goes (Christmas in July)

Thank You for stopping by!

Crafting By Designs - Get Ready For Christmas

Hi Peeps

Time for another challenge at Crafting By Designs.
The theme this week is "Get Ready For Christmas".

 Sparkle N Sprinkle  

Prize - $15 gift certificate

Here is my card:

Image: used is Christmas Tags .
Coloured with Promarkers.

Embellished with teal glitter card , gems and flat back pearls.

Challenges:
Fab 'n' Funky #400 - Christmas Creations
I love Promarkers #361 - Anything Goes
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #176 - Christmas
A Snowflakes Promise #52- Anything Goes
The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #32 - Anything Christmas Goes
The Merry Christmas Challenge  #25 - Anything Christmas
Winter Wonderland - Square Cards

Can’t wait to see you in the card gallery and be sure to check out my teamies awesome creations :)

Thank You for stopping by xx

Butterfly ride

Hi Peeps
My card today features Butterfly ride - House-Mouse stamp.
Coloured with Promarkers.
The butterfly is decoupaged for a 3d effect.
Sentiment is a die cut cut from glitter card.

Onto a few challenges:
House-Mouse & Friends - HMFMC #268 Anything Goes / Birthdays
Crafty Animals #15 - Always Anything Goes
Creative With Stamps Challenge #27 - Cute Animals
Sweet Stampers #21 - Animals
Sisterhood of Crafters - Animals

Thank You for stopping by!

Crafting By Designs - Floral

Hi Peeps
Time for another challenge at Crafting By Designs.
The theme this week is "Floral".

The sponsor this week is:

Fred She Said    

Prize - $10 gift certificate to store

Here is my card:

Dig used is Poppies - Fred She Said. Coloured with Promarkers.

Embellished with a gold glitter card circle frame.

The "Friend" die cut is layered 4 times for a 3d effect.

Challenges:
The Crafty Addicts #49 - Anything Goes/Optional flowers
Through The Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes 
Tuesday Throwdown #397 - You Are On My Mind
Crafting from the Heart #211 Anything goes
Less Is More #373 - Friendship

Can’t wait to see you in the card gallery and be sure to check out my teamies awesome creations :)

Thank You for stopping by xx

Crafting By Designs - Paper Piecing

Hi Peeps
Time for another challenge at Crafting By Designs.
The theme this week is "Paper Piecing".


The sponsor this week is:

PolkaDoodles  

Prize - voucher for 3 digi images

Here is my card:

Dig used is Winnie Balloon days. Coloured with Promarkers.
"Party" die cut is cut from glitter card.
Embellished with die cuts, clear gloss, glitter and a satin ribbon bow.

Challenges:
Crafty Gals Corner #167 - Summer Colors
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #174 - All About Occasions
Through The Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes
Crafty Friends Challenge #85 - Happy Birthday

Can’t wait to see you in the card gallery and be sure to check out my teamies awesome creations :)

Thank You for stopping by xx

White on White

Hi Peeps
Card for today:

The die cut is layered 4 times to add dimension. The top card is cut from white glitter card.
A very quick and easy card :)

A few challenges:
The Crazy Challenge #271 Shine on! Use glitter
Dragonfly Journeys #114 Bunnies, Chicks & Ducks
Creates and Makes #19 - Anything Goes
Hiding in my Craft Room #345 - Any Holiday

Thank You for stopping by!

Santa Baubles

Hi Peeps
Here's another card for the Christmas stash:

Ornaments are cut with the Silhouette cameo from red, black and gold glitter card.
Embellished with striped baker's twine.

Onto a few challenges:

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas #376 - Anything Christmas Goes - optional theme: Father Christmas
ABC Christmas Challenge - G is for glitter
Christmas at Sweet Stampin' - Anything Goes Christmas
The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #24 - Anything Christmas Goes

Thank You for stopping by!

Irish Luck - Downland Crafts

Hi Peeps
It's almost time to get your green on and paddy! :))
Here is my card for today:

This little cutie is a fab fab fab stamp I bought from Downland Crafts.
Oh my gosh!!! Easy to colour and soooo cute!!
Coloured with Promarkers and embellished with 3d gloss.

Onto a few challenges:
Addicted to Stamps and More #283 - Holiday
Craftaholics R Us #11 - Green
Crafting By Designs - St. Patrick's Day
Crafty Gals Corner #161 - Green
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #161 - All About Occasions
Passion For Promarkers Challenge #435 - Spring
Crafts Galore Monthly Challenge - Anything Goes and DT Call

Thank You for stopping by!

Addicted to CAS GTD & A Sprig O' Luck

Hi Peeps
I'm over the moooon to be a GDT for Addicted to CAS in the challenge:

Here is my card:

The sentiment is from Geltic-Gestures, stamped with Memento ink.
The frame (reminds me of Irish lace) is from Aliexpress and I've layered a few die cuts to add dimension.
Embellished with a glitter clover and a sprinkle of gold sequins.

Hope to see your creations in the card gallery and Thank You for stopping by!

Purse Gift Card Holder

Hi Peeps
I'm showcasing my gift card holder today.
Designed by Lori Whitlock and cut with a Silhouette Cameo.
This was a Christmas gift for my mammy in law.

Onto a few challenges:

Crafty Creations #357 - Always Anything Goes
Crafty Gals Corner #155 - Anything Goes
Lemon Shortbread #57 - Always Anything Goes
 Pause Dream Enjoy #205 - Anything Goes
The Crafty Addicts #42 - Nontraditional Christmas

Thank You for stopping by!

'Tis the Season

Hi Peeps
A last minute Christmas card:

Dies are from the Silhouette store.
Sentiment is from The Lovely Studio.
Embellished with glitter, sequins and gems.

Onto a few challenges:
Cardz 4 Guyz #185 - Last minute Christmas cards
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog #187  Anything Christmas related or Red, White and Green
The Paper Girls Challenge Blog #142 Holiday Fun
Come and Get It Challenges: Christmas Challenge
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #150 - Anything masculine

Thank You for stopping by!