Showing posts with label promarkers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label promarkers. Show all posts

20.8.25

Crafting My Way to a Five-Star Spa

Dia daoibh!

I spent today sorting through my growing mountain of cards and made a big decision – this year, all my friends are getting their very own wee pack of handmade cards for Christmas. Have you seen the price of shop-bought ones lately? I’d need a small mortgage to keep up! Besides, nothing beats the charm of handmade (well, in my opinion anyway). I’m also experimenting with shower steamers for the Christmas baskets – because if you can’t relax in a cloud of eucalyptus at the end of the year, when can you?

Anyway, onto my card. I was inspired by Debi Gardner over at the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge blog

click on pic for better view

My hands were itching to use the Charming Day stamp set from Stampin’ Up. I stamped it with Memento ink, coloured it with Promarkers, then highlighted the leaves with Tonic Studios Nuvo Blue Lagoon glitter drops. The roses got their sparkle fix too with a touch of White Blizzard glitter drops. To finish, I raised the sentiment and roses with foam pads for a bit of dimension.

Promarkers used: Coral, Rose Pink, Berry Red; Turquoise, Marine, Petrol Blue

A few challenges:


And as I looked at the finished card, I realised: between glitter drops, foam pads, and shower steamers, I’m basically one craft session away from opening my own spa. Glitter facials, anyone?

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. 🐝✨

2.6.25

From Kitchen Walls to Cardstock Calls

Dia Daoibh!

Ah sure, it’s one of those Bank Holidays again—the kind where you tell yourself, “I’ll rest, I deserve it,” and five minutes later you’re knee-deep in paint, wondering why your kitchen walls have more coats than a Donegal sheepdog.

So, yes, the painting saga continues. I’ve wisely decided to leave the rest of the walls to their own devices until later in the week—maybe Thursday, unless the walls paint themselves or a miracle occurs (neither likely, but sure we live in hope). All this, of course, before I return to the night shift on Friday where at least someone will appreciate my multitasking talents.

Anyway! On to today’s card, the real reason you’re here and not just to hear about my domestic misadventures.


I've been playing with the Gus & Gertie stamp set from Taylored Expressions, and honestly, if those two don’t brighten your day, nothing will. I used the matching die—because let’s face it, fussy cutting after painting is a level of madness I’m just not ready for. Coloured them up with Promarkers (as always, the good ones that haven’t gone mysteriously dry) and gave the balloons a proper party glow with Ranger’s Glossy Accents. Then, of course, I couldn’t leave well enough alone, so I chucked a bit of iridescent glitter on top because why not? If you're not sparkling, are you even celebrating? Popped the whole thing up with foam pads because flat cards are just… too emotionally relatable right now.

I adore this stamp set, and honestly, I’m eyeing up a few more from the Gus & Gertie gang. Though with the postage from the States, it’s nearly cheaper to fly them over myself and give them a biscuit.

A few challenges:

Until next time, may your paint stay on the walls, your glitter stay on the card (not your face), and your stamps be ever sassy.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

May 2025 Card Chain Challenge

 Dia Daoibh!

May’s Card Chain Challenge has come and gone — and what a gorgeous one it was! For May 2025, I joined in the fun and chose the colour palette option: a rich and elegant mix of aubergine, crushed rose, and coffee cream. I also followed the theme option "smiles" — which, let’s be honest, we all need a bit more of these days.


My card was posted off to 
Robyn in Australia (hi Robyn! 👋) — I hope it brings a smile when it lands! 

I used a fabulous digital stamp from Power Poppy, coloured with Promarkers, and gave the mug a glossy coat of Glossy Accents for that satisfying shine. The "smile" sentiment was layered up a few times to add dimension (because flat sentiments are just not living their best life), and I gave it a coat of Glossy Accents too. That card was positively grinning by the time it left! 😄

Side note: the aubergine cardstock may look black in the photos — blame the lighting and my camera’s dramatic flair. It’s a rich purple in real life, I promise!

And what a treat I received in return — a fabulous card from Carol in the UK (hi Carol! 👋)!  It was full of beautiful butterflies, which made my heart flutter. Butterflies are more than just pretty paper motifs for me — I’ve got an entire right arm tattooed in them, and I consider them my spiritual insects. They always seem to show up at the right time, like nature’s little wink.

On to a few challenges:

All in all, another lovely round of CCC, and I’m already looking forward to the next one. If you haven’t joined the Card Chain Challenge, what are you waiting for? It’s happy mail with a crafty heartbeat. 💌

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

26.5.25

Hippie Hippie Birthday!

Dia Daoibh!

Right so, last post of the day before I crawl off to bed and mentally prepare to hit the snooze button twice at 5 p.m. — because that’s how we pre-game on night shift. 😅

Now, onto the card — because before the caffeine kicks in and the uniform goes on, there was a crafty moment worth sharing! This little number features a fab stamp by Treeebird (Küstenmädels) — what a find, right? I stamped it up with trusty Memento ink and gave it the full rainbow treatment with my Promarkers. It's popped up on foam pads (because dimension is life), all set against an acrylic paint-splattered background that may or may not have also hit the cat.

The sentiment? “Hippie Birthday” — because nothing says celebration like a cute, feathered freeloader with  a groovy vibe 😉


Onto a few challenges:
Right, that's me done. Off to bed now — tonight it’s all about calm voices, caring hands, and keeping the night ticking gently along.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

12.5.25

Bear Minimum Requirements

Dia Daoibh!

I’ll keep this one short – mostly because I’m about to collapse into a duvet cocoon. It’s been a week of everything, everywhere, all at once (nurses, you know the vibe), and there’s another one queued up. So this is my last crafty upload for a wee while before I enter the work whirlwind.

Now. This bear. This mood. This sentiment.
The amazing digi stamp is from Xaxelu Design – “All We Need is Love” (…plus a touch of sass and coffee, obviously). Coloured with ProMarkers, and the mug is finished with glossy accents because life’s too short for a matte latte.


I adore this sentiment. Feels like it was written by someone who’s done one too many double shifts with no break and is now surviving purely on fumes and good intentions. Which is to say – extremely relatable.

Onto a few challenges:

Right. Off to snore aggressively. Be kind to yourself this week – and if in doubt, blame Mercury retrograde.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

21.4.25

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:

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.)

15.4.25

A Card for Ms D

 Dia Daoibh!

I'm back with another card for you! This time, it's all about the joy of reading! A topic I feel qualified to tackle, mostly because I own a lot of books... that I haven't read yet. Fun Fact: May I also mention that I own every single Jamie Oliver recipe book and have only ever cooked one recipe (from the Nintendo DS game, mind you!) 🙈

Today's card showcases some incredible art by Rina Rudny! I colored it using my go-to Promarkers and layered it on an embossed background with a distressed edge (apologies for the snapshot barely picking it up due to the bright white card). To finish it off, I added some die-cut embellishments, enamel dots, and even a few staples. Let's just say my budget and my craft supplies aren't exactly on speaking terms right now.


This card is for a gorgeous friend who was kind enough to lend me a book to read. Oh, be the hokey, it was a heartbreaker  (yet truly inspiring) from a child-now-adult perspective! A real must-read! The book is called "A Time for Truth" by Sarah Corbett Lynch. Thank you, Ms. D! I'll be popping the book and the card in the post shortly -  Hopefully, it will make her smile!

Onto a few challenges:

Right so, that's my card! I think it is as lovely as a summer's day in County Clare! 

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

6.4.25

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:



Have a great day, folks!  😉

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

30.3.25

A Festive Toast

Dia Daoibh!

Well, butter my crumpets and call me festive – I've gone and created a Christmas card so simple, it practically made itself! Today I'm sharing my one-layer wonder featuring the hilarious ' A Festive Toast' stamp from Crafter's Companion. 

  Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

I've brought this cheeky carb to life with my trusty Promarkers (because even toast deserves to look its best), added just a wee skoosh of glitter (legal requirement for December crafting), and finished with some sparkly red gems – for that extra cheeky wink of festivity. Now, I could have gone full Christmas-crazy with layers, die-cuts and enough embellishments to make a reindeer dizzy... but where's the fun in that? Instead, I kept it CAS (... or as I like to call it: "Look, Ma! No glue gun burns!").

A few challenges:
And because no blog post is complete without a terrible Christmas pun to make you groan louder than Uncle Terry after his third helping of turkey:

Why did the snowman bring a ladder to the Christmas party?

…Because he heard the drinks were on the house!
(I’ll see myself out.)

Sláinte, 
Wendy R. 

Wheely Cute

Dia Daoibh!

Feast your eyes on this absolutely adorable little bunny from the brilliant Rachelle Anne Miller – and would you look at that? This happy wee chap (or lass!) is off on a delightful bicycle ride!  Honestly, could it be any more charming?  Pssst… fancy making your wallet as happy as this bunny? Simply RAM-ember to use code WENDYR at checkout and bag yourself 10% off every purchase! No hopping around the bush – that’s a blooming good deal!



I kept the design sweet and simple, colouring with my go-to Promarkers, then added some sparkle with iridescent glitter (because who doesn’t love a bit of shimmer?) and glossy accents on the eggs and bike wheels  for extra dimension. And yes, of course, a few enamel dots joined the party – they’re like the confetti of cardmaking! The background paper is from Pink Petticoat / The Lovely Studio’s gingham collection – such a perfect picnic-perfect pattern, though sadly Liz is no longer trading. 

Onto a few challenges:
CAS on Friday – #305 Spring
I Love Promarkers #579 Anything goes or girly card 
Paper Shelter #631 Feathers or Fur
Simon Says Stamps - Anything goes (optional: use Waffle Flower Products)
Allsorts #819 Feminine  or Anything Goes 
Cardz 4 Galz #246 Springtime 
Moving along with the Times #176  March - Pets
2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter

Hope this bunny brightens your day! And since Easter’s hopping closer, here’s a joke to egg you on:

Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter egg a joke?
…Because it might crack up! 🥚😂

Okay, okay—I’ll hop off now. Happy crafting! 🐇💖

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

24.3.25

With a Side of Scotch!

Dia Daoibh!

Well, my nerves are doing the cha-cha today—I’ve just sent off my CV and cover letter for a Leadership in Clinical Governance position (say that five times fast!). Between you and me, my stomach’s hosting a full-on ceilidh of butterflies. So, what’s the best way to shoo them away? A wee bit of cardmaking, of course!

Today’s creation features the fabulous Whiskey Business Cling Stamp Set from Stampin’ Up. Because nothing says “calm under pressure” like a stamp set dedicated to Scotland’s finest liquid courage, am I right? (Don’t worry, I stuck to colouring with Promarkers—no actual Scotch was harmed in the making of this card… though a dram may have been consumed afterwards for research purposes.)


I kept the design simple—coloured the Scotch, added some clear flatback gems for a bit of bling (because even a stiff drink deserves to sparkle), and stamped a sentiment (free from a craft magazine many moons ago) in Staz-On ink—because nothing says "permanent life choice" like a sentiment that won’t budge, much like my love for puns.

I’ll be entering this into a few challenges :
--

Anyway, if you're also drowning in adulting—whether it's job applications, life-altering decisions, or the crushing realisation that your cat judges you harder than your own inner critic—just know you're not alone  remember: deep breaths, a wee bit of crafting, and maybe a cheeky whisky reference. Or just the whisky. No judgement here.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

P.S. If I don’t get the job, at least my cardmaking skills are still on the rocks. (I’ll see myself out.)

13.3.25

Didly Day Hey

Dia Daoibh!

As the calendar inches closer to March 17th, you can almost hear the collective sound of Ireland sharpening its wit, preparing its livers, and dusting off its finest green attire. Yes, St. Patrick's Day is upon us, that glorious day when everyone suddenly discovers their inner Irish roots ;) . It's a day of revelry, laughter, and the occasional questionable decision—like attempting to dance a jig after a few too many pints of Guinness. But hey, isn't that what makes the day so special?

Spring is also making its grand entrance, with flowers starting to bloom and the world waking up from its winter nap. It's the perfect time to send out a little cheer with one of my last St. Patrick's Day cards, ready to be mailed today. This one features a charming shamrock bouquet from Waltzingmouse Stamps, colored with Promarkers. It's mounted with foam tape for that added dimension, giving it a little extra pop. I used the last of my shamrock scrapbook paper as the background—waste not, want not! Some of the shamrocks are highlighted with glossy accents and embellished with ultra-fine iridescent glitter for that extra sparkle.

Onto a few challenges:
Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: A Bit of Green
Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bit O' Green
Creatalicious Challenges #286 - Anything Goes + option: Use Green
Halloween Crafts and Other Occasions #24  March - Halloween and Other Occasions (Occasions - Birthday, St. Patrick's Day, and Caffeine)
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #202 - Lucky in Green
2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter
Digi Choosday #3 - Anything goes
Colourful Options - Mar - Moodboard:

Thanks for joining me on this journey toward the greenest day of the year. May your celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and just the right amount of mischief!

As we gear up for the festivities, here's a little something to put you in the mood for St. Patrick's Day: a classic featuring Richie Kavanagh ;)

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x.

10.3.25

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:

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.

6.3.25

Luck, Laughter, and Leprechauns: A St. Patrick’s Day Card Adventure

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, it's Springtime! The sun's trying its best to break through the clouds like it’s in a game of peekaboo, and we’re all dressed in green, looking like a bunch of overly enthusiastic leprechaun impersonators. As the big day approaches, I've got a little gift for ye, straight from the heart of the Emerald Isle — and no, it’s not a pot of gold (trust me, I checked, and the leprechauns are still holding onto those).

So, about that wee gift I mentioned: it's Molly, a free digi stamp all the way from Ireland! To download, just click on the digi, and a new window will open. Right-click and select 'save as.' Easy as pie. Or should I say, easy as a pint of Guinness on St. Paddy's Day?

Now, onto my card: featuring herself, Molly, happy out and ready for the parade. I've coloured her with Promarkers and added some enamel dots and glitter for that extra sparkle. I also used Ranger's glossy accents, tinted with Promarkers, to give it a glossy finish. Just a note: in the picture, the gloss appears much darker, but trust me, it’s as bright as a leprechaun's smile.

.... and a wee tip for colouring the flag: Green, white, and orange, folks! Not to be mixed up with the Ivory Coast flag. Unless, of course, you fancy celebrating St. Patrick's Day with elephants and a side of cocoa beans!

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

Onto a few challenges:

  • Double D : Green  /Photo Inspirations:  


To wrap up, here’s an Irish joke to keep the craic going: 


How can you tell if an Irishman is having a good time? 
He's Dublin over with laughter!

Sláinte!
Wendy R.