Showing posts with label ranger's glossy accents. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ranger's glossy accents. Show all posts

3.6.25

No Frills, Just Chills

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, the elusive masculine card— sometimes harder to craft than a good excuse for buying more paper. But fear not, I’ve kept this one clean, simple, and unapologetically blue (despite what my phone camera is trying to say).

I went for a classic CAS look—because sometimes less is more, especially when glitter isn’t on the menu. I cut strips from different shades of blue card using the Taylored Expressions Easy Strips Die – 1/4". Now, I know some of the strips look green or grey in the photo, but I promise you, they’re all blues. My phone just likes to express its artistic freedom now and again 😉.

Once the strips were assembled onto a piece of white card like a tidy little paint chart, I used a bold “HAPPY” die to cut the letters out of it. Then I stacked a few layers of "happy" die cuts behind the top layer to give it some dimension and help the letters pop. The “Birthday” script was cut from dark blue card and given a glossy finish—simple, sharp, and perfect for the no-fuss types in your life.

Here’s the finished result—a fresh, modern birthday card with not a flower or sequin in sight.


A few challenges I'm participating in:

Whether you're team sparkle or team streamlined, a good stash of masculine cards is always handy. And if your phone camera gives you teal when you wanted navy… sure, just call it “artistic licence.”

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 💙✂️

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:


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. ✂️

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.

1.5.25

Critter Crazy & a Cat with a Plan

Dia Daoibh!

Well, butter my crumpets and call me whiskered—I'm absolutely feline the joy of being a guest with the brilliant DT at Critter Crazy ChallengesThe theme is "Anything Goes with a Featured Critter." - real or fantasy.

Let me introduce you to Scrapberry's Basik and Fishes—a stamp set that's been sitting in my stash since 2015, waiting for its moment to shine. I brought this cheeky chap to life with my Promarkers, making sure his round little face got all the attention it deserves. A swipe of Ranger's Glossy Accents on the fishbowl made it look properly glassy,  added some white enamel dots and tied it all together with silver thread.

Onto a few challenges:

The 
Critter Crazy Challenges DT have created enough adorable critter cards to make your heart explode from cuteness overload. You simply must pop over to the blog to see their creations—they're the cat's pyjamas, the bee's knees, the... well, you get the idea. And while you're there, why not enter the challenge yourself?

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 😸🎨

P.S. That fishbowl is definitely safer on paper than it would be in my actual house... just saying!

6.4.25

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:

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. 

30.3.25

Eggs-tra Manly Easter Card (No Bunnies Were Harmed)

Dia Daoibh!

 I've realised my Easter card collection is eggs-clusively (sorry) aimed at the fluffy-bunny-and-chicks fan club. Which is great… unless you’re trying to make a card for the men in your life who might raise an eyebrow at a pastel parade of tiny animals in waistcoats. 


                               Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

So, I decided to keep it simple and slightly more man-friendly with the ‘Osterhängerchen’ stamp set from - ready to bring the festive cheer without the frills. Stamped with Memento ink and coloured with Promarkers. I love looove looooove how versatile this stamp set is. Next step? Investing in the matching dies, because cutting out fiddly little egg shapes is not how I want to spend my Sundays ;) For the sentiment, I went full die-cut diva—layered, glossy-accented (Ranger’s, obvs), and looking sharpThe enamel dots? Totally planned. Definitely not because I got distracted by something shiny. Again.

Onto a few challenges:


So there you have it— an Easter card that even the most sceptical uncle can appreciate. Or at least pretend to, while plotting how to steal all the Crème Eggs.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

24.3.25

Glitter Bunnies

Dia Daoibh!

Well, crafty friends, I’ve been at it again— trying to transform humble cardstock into something that shimmers with festive cheer! 

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

First, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Lovely Studio/ Pink Petticoat backing papers—absolutely divine, though sadly no longer with us. (Cue dramatic sigh.) I’ve been guarding these like a dragon with a particularly pretty hoard, and Easter felt like the perfect time to let them shine.

Next up, my wee rabbits—a self-designed SVG cut with my trusty (and slightly vintage) Silhouette Cameo. It’s seen better days, but like a determined little trooper, it still delivers! These bouncy fellows were crafted from iridescent white glitter cardstock because, let’s face it, Easter should always have a bit of sparkle.

The "Easter Blessings" sentiment got the Ranger’s Glossy Accents treatment—transforming it from "nice" to "Ooh, shiny!" in seconds. (No regrets. Zero.)

Onto  a few challenges:


So here we are: a card that’s equal parts whimsy and wonder, with bunnies that practically glow. Wishing you an Easter filled with joy, chocolate, and just the right amount of crafty chaos!

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x

18.3.25

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 

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

Sláinte!
Wendy R. x