Showing posts with label glossy accents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glossy accents. Show all posts

4.3.26

Llama Love

Dia daoibh!

There is something very civilised about baking a few scones on a Wednesday morning. Not a weekend. Not a special occasion. Just a random Wednesday where you decide the house deserves the smell of warm scones and the kettle deserves to be working overtime. The plan was to bake a few. The reality was eating one while it was still too hot, another for “quality control,” and suddenly the plate looked suspiciously empty. Pure mystery altogether.


Now onto today’s card. 

I used the Sizzix Llama Love stamp, kept it CAS, and let the llama do the talking. The sentiment “I’d never spit on you” was stamped with Versafine so it stayed nice and crisp. Which, coming from a llama, is basically the highest compliment imaginable. That is serious commitment right there. The llama itself was stamped with Memento and then coloured with Promarkers. For embellishment I kept it simple and added a few black gems and a bit of Glossy Accents. Just enough shine without taking away from the llama’s obvious charm. Sometimes simple really is best and this one came together quicker than a kettle boils for tea.

Onto a few challenges:
Critter Crazy Challenges #108 - Always Anything Goes
Crafty Animals #103 - Always Anything Goes
Sunday Stamps - SSC380 - Wide Open - Sketch by Claire:

ColorDare # 693 - Colour Palette

Right so I’m off now to check on the remaining scones. Purely for safety reasons of course. Would not want them going stale. That would be a tragedy of national importance.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💖

2.3.26

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 🍀

1.3.26

Party Time

Dia daoibh!

Norovirus arrived into the house this week like it had a key and a favourite chair by the fire. No knocking, no manners, just straight in and causing chaos. At one stage I considered charging it rent and handing it the hoover. We survived on Dioralyte and flat 7 Up like true Irish warriors. Nothing humbles you faster than warm fizzy minerals and a deep appreciation for indoor plumbing. But we are on the mend, colour returning to our faces and bravery returning to our tea mugs.

Once I could look at cardstock without feeling wobbly, it was time for a bit of therapy at the craft desk.


This card went full monochrome teal. There is something very calming about sticking to one colour when the rest of the week has been dramatic enough to qualify for its own soap opera.

The watch bands are die cuts from The Stamp Market. Clean lines, stylish shapes, and thankfully completely germ free. I kept it CAS because frankly I did not have the strength for anything fussy. The only embellishment is a touch of Glossy Accents for that subtle shine. Just enough to say look at me without shouting across the room. The watches are mounted on foam pads for a bit of dimension because even when you are recovering from a dose of the dreaded lurgy, you can still manage a little lift. It gives the card that gentle pop without overcomplicating life. We have had enough excitement for one week.

Onto a few challenges:
Crafty Catz #708 - Anything Goes
The Male Room #207 - CAS
Cardz 4 Guyz #383 - Monochrome Color Palette
Make My Monday #272 - Card for a male
Alphabet Challenge - V is for Volume (Dimension)
Krafty Chicks #809 - Masculine

And if you are wondering, the house currently smells less like bleach and more like hope. Progress is progress.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 😷

20.2.26

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  #25Colourboard: 
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. 🦋

17.2.26

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: 
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. 🌸

7.2.26

An Epic Day!

Dia daoibh!

Ah February. The month where the shops are absolutely heaving with chocolates in every flavour known to mankind and everything has mysteriously developed a heart shape. You cannot even pop in for bread without Cupid staring you down from a cardboard stand, silently judging your life choices and your lack of a bouquet. Love it or avoid it like a dodgy weather forecast, February does not do subtle.

With March on the way, I took my inspiration straight from the Irish outdoors. March in Ireland is forty shades of green, generously splashed with about fifty shades of grey rain. The kind of rain that goes sideways, upwards, and occasionally seems personal. So going green for this card felt less like a creative decision and more like following national guidelines.

The image is coloured with Promarkers, with Glossy Accents and Baker’s twine added as finishing touches, while the camper van itself looks ready for a grand adventure, or at least to reverse out of the driveway before deciding it is far too wet and calling it a day.

This makes a great birthday card for him. No fuss, no overthinking, just a classic image, strong colours, and a sentiment that does all the talking. Have an epic day. Short, sweet, and safely out of poetry territory.

A few challenges:
Cut It Up #349  This Makes Me Happy
Krafty Chicks #806 - Birthday
The Male Room #207 - CAS
Cardz 4 Guyz #382 - Epic Adventure
Creative Crafting Uncles #73 - Happy Birthday
Crafter's Cafe #326 - Anything Goes (option: One for the boys)

Thanks for stopping by and having a look. If this card does not make you want to pack a bag, grab a jumper, and drive off into the Irish drizzle with great optimism and very low expectations, then I truly do not know what will.

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. 💖

2.2.26

January Card Chain Challenge

Dia daoibh!

January was either very long, or I blinked and it still somehow lasted forever. Every day promised brighter mornings, yet January lingered on like it had nowhere else to be. Still, the shops are full of leprechauns and Easter eggs already, so someone somewhere thinks spring is coming. I am cautiously optimistic, while still recovering from the Christmas chocolate situation. There is also a box of Ferrero Rocher in the press that refuses to leave. We are in a respectful standoff.

On to the January Card Chain Challenge. My card packed its bags and travelled all the way to Dagmara in Poland, and I am hoping it did not stop for pierogi along the way. In return, I received a beautiful card from Gundi in Germany, which absolutely made my day. There is something extra special about happy post landing on the mat!


For my card, I went with the
friendship theme and a warm colour theme of peach, pineapple, and terracotta. Apologies for the colours looking darker than real life, as my camera had other plans. I used the Flower Girls Die Set from A Pocket Full of Happiness and layered everything with foam pads for a bit of dimension. I added gems and glossy accents, because a card always needs a little shine. The sentiment says “Hey girlfriend” in Polish, and I am choosing to trust my grammar. It was stamped using a forgotton wooden stamp set I found on Amazon for under a fiver, which felt like a crafty victory.

A few chanllenges: 
Neglected Stuff Challenge - February 2026 - Anything Goes
Stamps & Fun = Creativity #488 - Anything Goes
Crafts Galore Encore #144 - Always Anything Goes
Daisy Chain Challenges #104 - Something New (the flower girls die set)
Beautiful Blossoms #37 - Anything Flowers Goes - optional mood board:
Inspiration Station #82 - Inspiration Photo: 

If you have never joined a Card Chain Challenge, I can highly recommend it. Sending a card off into the world and getting one back is pure joy in an envelope! 

Now we brace ourselves for February. Shorter, brighter, and already full of leprechauns and Easter eggs everywhere you look, while Valentine’s Day quietly waits in the background wondering if it will get a look in at all.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💚

3.1.26

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: 

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. 💗

2.12.25

Breezy Swings and Postman Things

Dia daoibh!

Ah, winter in healthcare. That magical time when everyone’s coughing in harmony, the hand sanitiser flows like holy water, and the staffroom kettle is working harder than management at inspection time. Between chasing thermometers, losing pens, and pretending the vending machine coffee is grand, we’re practically superheroes. Still, we keep the spirits up with biscuits, sarcasm, and industrial-strength hand gel.

Now onto something with less sneezing and more sparkle: the Card Chain Challenge Reveal! 
This month my card took flight to Tina in Slovenia, and in return, I received a faaaaabulous card from Gail in Norway 💙.  There’s nothing like proper happy mail arriving, an envelope that isn’t a bill, a staff meeting notice, or another reminder to book flu jabs.

For my own creation, I worked with the colour theme of Pewter, Ruby and Lapis Blue. Apologies - the pewter looks moodier in the photo than it does in real life. It’s not actually auditioning for a goth phase. The design features the Spellbinders “Breezy Swing” die set, cut from Tonic Studios cardstock, layered over a softly stencilled cloud background created with Memento Platinum ink for a delicate shimmer effect. I finished it off with some sparkly gems, and a sentiment (Sizzix: Sunnyside Sentiments) stamped with StazOn ink for that crisp finish (and the faint whiff of “no going back now”).

If you haven’t joined the Card Chain Challenge, you really should. You make one card, send it off to a crafter somewhere in the world, and get one back. It’s like pen pals for glitter lovers and slightly unhinged scissors hoarders. The excitement when that envelope arrives is unreal ... you’d think the postman was handing out scratch cards and free biscuits.

Right, I’m off to make a strong coffee and pretend that tidying my craft desk counts as cardio.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 😊

10.11.25

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:
  • 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. 🍂🍁

31.10.25

Ghosted... But in a Cute Way!

Dia daoibh! 

Halloween is finally here! The night when the doorbell gets more exercise than the treadmill ever did! Between dodging tiny vampires, witches, and one very determined dinosaur, I managed to whip up a batch of chocolate-covered apples at last (about time, says everyone in the house). Sticky fingers, sugar highs, and a few ghostly giggles later, I finally sat down to make something spooky of my own.


My Ghosts in Envelope card is from Furrow and Feather, cut on my trusty Silhouette Cameo from Parklane cardstock. I added a sprinkle of glitter and finished it off with glossy accents for that eerie shimmer. I’ve made a few of these little hauntings to send off to extended family (because nothing says “thinking of you” quite like a ghost popping out of an envelope!).

🎃 A few challenges:


And on that note... may your treats outweigh your tricks, may your costume survive the rain, and may you remember which child belongs to which witch before bedtime!

💀Oíche Shamhna Shona Daoibh!💀

Sláinte,
 Wendy R. 

15.10.25

Let’s Flamingle

Dia daoibh!

It’s time for Challenge #99 (Anything goes) at Ally’s Angels - and while we’re knee-deep in soggy weather in Ireland, the folks in the southern hemisphere are swanning about in their shorts and sunnies. Honestly, I think the flamingo on my card is plotting a one-way flight to Melbourne.

So, onto the card! 


I used Spellbinders Grand Flamingos die set, cut from gorgeous Tonic Studios cardstock. A splash of glossy accents and glitter, a sprinkle of caribbean blue nuvo glitter drops, and a dash of sparkly gems — because no flamingo worth its feathers leaves the house without bling.

I left off a sentiment so this card can sashay into any occasion: birthdays, celebrations, or even “sorry I nicked your paddling pool while pretending it was a lagoon.”

Onto a few challenges:

And let’s be honest — flamingos are meant to stand on one leg, but mine’s clearly knackered and leaning on the flowers for support. Diva behaviour at its finest!

Sláinte,
Wendy R.🌴

15.8.25

Bouquets Are Better in Waffle Cones

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, it’s been a hot minute, hasn’t it? I’ve been up to my oxters learning the ropes in a new role — yes, I’ve been transferred! No witness protection programme needed (yet), but let’s just say my brain has been doing cartwheels trying to remember who’s who, what’s what, and why the kettle is always empty. Luckily, I’ve landed with a great bunch — supportive, sound, and just the kind of people who can laugh through the chaos and still know where the stapler is.

Now, onto much prettier things… it’s time for Challenge #97 over at Ally’s Angels, where the theme is, as always: Anything Goes! 

For this card, I used the fabulously fun Ice Cream Bouquet from Graciellie Design — because why settle for one flower when you can have a cone full of colourful blooms? I coloured it up with ProMarkers, and thanks to all the modern food colouring bans (only rightfully so!), this one ended up looking like an ice cream bouquet straight out of the 1980s. If you grew up in the southern hemisphere, you’ll remember the bright blue Smarties, and ice creams, especially that one scoop that looked more radioactive than dessert. Those were the days — slightly questionable, highly memorable.

To give it some oomph, I raised the bouquet with foam pads for a bit of dimension, added glitter, Ranger’s Glossy Accents, a few clear gems, and finished it off with a rebellious spritz of Black Soot Distress Spray Stain. A bit of sparkle, a bit of splatter — just the way I like it.

A few challenges:

I do hope you’ll pop over and join us in the gallery at Ally’s Angels! The rest of the DT team have outdone themselves — their creations are absolutely gorgeous, and you’ll come away feeling inspired (and maybe a little tempted to buy new stash — go on, treat yourself).

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

14.7.25

Buzz Buzz

Dia Daoibh!

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

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

On to a few challenges:

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

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🐝✨

8.6.25

Jingle Bells

 Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are in June, and I’m already behind on my New Year’s resolution to craft at least two Christmas cards per month. So, in the spirit of catching up (and avoiding the December panic), I’ve whipped up a festive little number using supplies from my stash—because nothing says “holiday cheer” like a bit of crafty improvisation!


I started with black cardstock as the base—trying to use up what I have before I inevitably fall into the Amazon cart trap again. I die-cut a few leaves from green cardstock and adorned them with teeny jingle bells I found lurking in the depths of my craft drawer. Tied together with red and white baker’s twine, they bring just the right amount of jingle to the mingle.To add some sparkle, I gave the leaves a glossy dab and a polite sprinkle of glitter—just enough to say “Christmas cheer” without triggering a vacuum cleaner incident. The sentiment is stamped in Versafine ink using the
Season’s Tweetings stamp set from Honey Bee Stamps. This set was part of their Holiday 2017 release , and while it may be retired, it still brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

A few challenges:

Here’s hoping this card brings a bit of festive joy to someone’s mailbox. And if you’re like me, still pretending you’ll have 40 handmade Christmas cards ready by November—sure look, it’s never too early, too late, or too delusional to believe this is the year we’ll be organised!

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 🎄✨