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.

Not Sold To The Circus

Dia Daoibh!

This month's Ally’s Angels challenge (Anything goes) arrives at a poignant time for me. Just yesterday, I said goodbye to my wonderful dad. He was the kind of man who appreciated a good laugh, even in the face of adversity. So, in his honor, I'm sharing the Father’s Day card I had made for him—a tribute to his strength and humor.

Crafting for dads can be a tightrope walk—glitter is a no-go, florals raise eyebrows, and ribbons might end up as makeshift cable ties. Enter the Tough Guy stamp set from Avery Elle (a classic from 2016), which perfectly captures that retro, rockabilly vibe. There's a hint of vintage circus flair to it, which inspired the cheeky inside message: “Cheers for not selling me to the the circus when I was eight… Happy Father’s Day!” And let’s not pretend it wasn’t a near thing—I was that child.

The card features a muscle-bound hero stamped in Memento ink and brought to life with Promarkers. That shine you see? It's Ranger Glossy Accents on the weights—no sweat, just strategic sparkle! The bold ‘DAD’ letters were cut with my Silhouette Cameo, stacked for 3D impact, and, yes, drenched in more Glossy Accents because subtlety has never been my strong suit.

Onto a few challenges:

• Shopping Our Stash #547 - Red, Red Wine Red as your primary color or use wine (or another beverage) as your theme, or mix it up and do both
• Try It On Tuesday - Keep it simple
• Neglected Stuff Challenge  (Must use old/neglected crafting stuff: Tough Guy stamp set) - Anything Goes
• Crafts Galore Encore - Always Anything Goes
• Daisy Chain Challenges - #96 - Boys/Men

This card was more than just paper and ink—it was a tribute to the man who shaped me (and survived my pre-teen years without phoning the circus). He might not get to physically open it, but I know he would’ve had a good chuckle at the sentiment—and probably made a smart remark about the glossy weights ;)

Sláinte, 

Wendy

Bubble Banter and a Bit o’ Glitter

Dia Daoibh!

Well, another almost summer’s day in Éire – the kind where the rain politely takes a tea break and lets the sun shine for, oh, about 20 minutes. But sure look, the polytunnel got a bit of warmth, and I didn’t have to sprint to rescue the washing. A small win!

Now, onto today’s crafty creation. It’s clean, it’s simple, and it’s got just enough speech bubbles for a polite group chat – no drama, just vibes.

I whipped out the Silhouette Cameo (who still behaves despite her age), and cut these colourful speech bubbles—layered with foam pads for that subtle "pop" effect. The hearts got a wee glittery glow because who doesn’t love a sparkle in their chat?

The "Hello" is stamped with Memento ink, keeping things chill and cheerful. No drama, just a tidy CAS card to soothe the soul before a hectic week of work and herding cats (aka life).

Onto a few challenges: 

• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog - May - Anything Goes
• Stamps & Fun = Creativity #475 - Clean and Simple
• AAA Colorful Challenge  (M, P15, E3) - #15 - Colourboard: 

• CAS Colours & Sketches #559 - Colours: 
  

Easy peasy, mildly squeezy, and a grand way to de-stress without reaching for the emergency Jaffa Cakes.

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

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.

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:

• First Cup Challenges #1 April: - Anything Drink related prjects
•  Cardz 4 Galz #247 Stripes
• A Cut Above - Apr - Anything Goes
• Aud Sentiments Blog Challenge #324 - Embossing (wet or dry) and/or Flowers + a Sentiment 
• Stamps & Fun = Creativity #473 - Words
• Crafty Calendar - April - Feminine
• Word Power - April -  Anything Goes with Words as Focus

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

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x

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.

Bunny Business Before Bedtime

 Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are—the night before another week of back-to-back 12-hour shifts. You know, that magical time when you suddenly remember all the hobbies you meant to do, the housework you definitely didn’t do, and the life admin you’ve been avoiding since approximately 2019. But priorities, right? Instead of sensible things like meal prep or sleep, I’ve been squeezing in one last Easter card—because nothing says “responsible adult” like glitter and pom-poms near midnight.

So, about this card… I was just messing around in Corel Draw today (as you do), fully intending to make a fancy egg frame with bunnies in the background. But—plot twist!—somehow I ended up with a bunny inside the egg instead. Oops? .... But hey, it actually looks pretty cool! Cut it out with my  Silhouette Cameo (still going strong, bless it), and used the very last scrap of my beloved ditsy floral paper from Pink Petticoat. (Moment of silence for Pink Petticoat, please. Gone but never forgotten.) Added an Easter sentiment (Sizzix Framelits Easter Fun, because why not?), then went craft goblin and glued on a wee pom-pom and a bow. Now, since I’m more of a crochet gal, my thread stash is… sparse. So, in true “make it work” fashion, I grabbed a trusty Promarker and coloured the thread to match the background paper. Resourceful? Absolutely. Slightly unhinged? Maybe. But look, when the crafting urge strikes, you roll with it—even if it means dyeing thread with a marker at 11pm.

Onto a few challenges:

• Addicted to CAS  #280 - Code Word: Bunny 
• Halloween Crafts and Other Occasions #25  April - Occasions - Birthday, Spring, and Easter
• Festive Friday #181 - Easter (Bunny, Flowers, Easter sentiment)
• If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #203 - Bunnies and Eggs 
  
• AAA Cards #287 - Silhouette and Pets:

Right, I’d best pack it in before my 4am self regrets all these life choices. 

Sláinte, 

Wendy R.

Spring Has ‘Sprung’

Dia Daoibh!

Ah, sure look—it’s officially spring! Or at least, that’s what the calendar claims. Here in Ireland, "spring" mostly means the rain has upgraded from vertical to sideways, and the shops are suddenly heaving with enough chocolate eggs to send us all into a sugar coma by Monday. Priorities, people! ;) 

Meanwhile, I’ve been working with my trusty vintage Silhouette Cameo (which, let’s be honest, is basically the crafting equivalent of a Nokia 3310—indestructible and weirdly nostalgic). I’ve been slicing, dicing, and bedazzling like a woman possessed because, let’s face it, when the weather’s this grim, what else is there to do but craft and eat Mini Eggs?

Tap the pic for an enhanced view ;)

The backing papers are from the Lovely Studio (sadly no longer trading), and I’ve jazzed them up with die cuts, glitter (because subtlety is overrated), Glossy Accents (for that "ooh, shiny!" factor), and even some rogue silver thread (which may or may not have tangled itself into next week).

Onto a few challenges:

Creative Crafting Uncles #63 Spring and/or Easter

A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog  (Must Use at least one die cut using a machine, not a pre-fabricated) - Mar - Anything Goes

Everybody-Art-Challenge #575 - Lots of Layers

Try It On Tuesday - Spring Fling

2 Sisters On The Blog #95 - Spring and/or Easter

With a hectic workweek looming, I’m squeezing in all the crafty chaos I can tonight—because nothing says "I’m an adult" like staying up late to glue tiny bits of paper together while mainlining tea.

So here’s to Easter, to spring (or at least the idea of it), and to chocolate eggs that definitely don’t count as calories if you eat them while crafting. May your bunnies be glittery, your die cuts be precise, and your raincoat be waterproof!

Sláinte!

Wendy R. x

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:

• Cardz 4 Galz #246 Springtime
• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog  ( Must Use at least one die cut using a machine, not a pre-fabricated) - Mar - Anything Goes
• Allsorts #819 Feminine  or Anything Goes 
• Polkadoodles #4 - Anything Goes
• Creative Fingers #297 Anything Goes
• Creative Knockouts #543  Spring Is In The Air
• Dream Valley Challenges #333 - Any Celebration
• Inspiration Station #71 - Inspiration Photo: 

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

Best Fishes!

Ah, the glamorous life of night shifts. Two weeks of living like an owl, surviving on caffeine and the occasional existential crisis. But now, I’m back in the land of the living—or at least trying to be. To celebrate my return to daylight (and to avoid face-planting into my cereal), I decided to stay awake as long as humanly possible. And what better way to do that than by crafting?

My trusty Silhouette Cameo—older than my sense of responsibility—handled the die-cutting like a champ... It’s like the Nokia 3310 of die-cutting machines—indestructible, slightly outdated, and weirdly endearing.The die cut fishes are coloured with Promarkers, and raised on foam pads for that extra oomph.  Added a few flatback gems too. The sentiment comes from Lawn Fawn’s Fintastic Friends stamp set, which is basically a goldmine for anyone who loves a good fish pun. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t? The cardstock’s been sitting in my press (cupboard, for non-Irish folks) for ages, gathering dust and guilt-tripping me every time I opened the door. And no, there’s no glitter. I know, I know—shocking. But sometimes, you just have to let the glossy accents ( and flatback dewdrop embellishments) do the talking.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

Cardz 4 Guyz: #365 Clean and Simple
MTTC #552: Masculine
Crafty Cats: #686: ATG - Blue and green
The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog: #315 January - Anyting goes (optional: Birthdays)

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Anything goes (featuring Spellbinders)

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge: Bright and Cheerful 

Ally's Angels #90: Anything Goes

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to nap for approximately three business days :) 

Cheers! 

Wendy R. 

Seas the Day!

 Hey folks!

So, I decided to dive into the world of masculine cards, and let me tell you, it was an ocean of fun! Introducing "Seas the Day!" 

The centerpiece of this card is a lighthouse design from the Silhouette Design Store, which I layered until it stood tall and proud. Then, I gave it a glossy look with Ranger Glossy Accents, making it shinier than a brand-new pair of sunglasses on a sunny day.

And then came the real fun—I unleashed my inner artist, mixing acrylic paint with a splash of water for that perfect splatter effect. Picture this: precise flicks of the brush creating a delightful splash pattern. It was a creative adventure that left everything exactly where it should be!

To add a dash of excitement, I'm entering this card into a few challenges just for the craic. It's all about the thrill of the craft, innit!

• MTTC #552: Masculine
• Cardz4Guyz: #364 Lighthouse
• Krafty Chicks: Challenge #752 {Masculine}
• Creative Knockouts: #539-Something To Say-Polkadoodles
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge: Funny/Punny
• A Cut Above: "It's a new year" and anything goes

So, as we wrap things up, remember to keep crafting with joy and laughter. "Seas the Day" and let your creativity sail smoothly into the sunset!

Catch you later, crafty captains!

Wendy xx

Thanks so much.

Hi Peeps
My card for today:

Flowers are die cuts from the Silhouette store.
Embellished with 3d enamel & buttons.

Onto a few challenges:
Fussy and Fancy #218 - Clean & simple
Through the Purple Haze - August - Make it CAS
Aud Sentiments Challenge #209 For The Girls + A Sentiment 

Tuesday Morning Sketches #465:



Thank You for stopping by!

Relax...

Hi Peeps
Card today features a diecut from the Silhouette store.
Layered for a 3d effect..

This is one of those "accidental "cards... thanks to a blunt silhouette blade and paper ripping when cutting curls ;)

Onto a few challenges:
Seize The Birthday - Birthday + Option Of Water
Cardz 4 Guyz #200 - Relax
Kreativ- Tanten Challenge #20 - Summer
Country View Challenges - August - Sun, sea & sand
Moving along with the Times #77 - For The Boys

Thank You for stopping by!

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

Hipster

Hi Peeps
a Hipster card for today:

Cut from Kraft and Core'Dinations card stock.
Embellished with sequins die cuts with the sequins die cut from Little Inkers.

Onto a few challenges:
Watercooler Wednesday Challenges #179 - Masculine
Cardz 4 Guyz #199 - Men's Fashion
Simon Says Wednesday - Die and/or Punch
Retarte #125 - Anything Goes
Crafty Creations #370 - Always Anything Goes 


Thank You for stopping by!

Hi Sweetie!

Hi Peeps
My nerves are completely shot. I'm waiting on offers an offer from Nursing School as a Mature Student. I passed the grueling exams and come Thursday 6am, I'll know what I'll be at for the next four years... eeeeeek!! :)
So in the meantime, I'm crafting!! :)

A quick CAS card today:

Strawberries are layered die cuts, design from the Silhouette store.
Sentiment is from the Berry Bliss stamp set by Sunny Studio.
Embellished with mini dewdrops.

Onto a few challenges:
Just Us Girls #447 - Anything Goes
Crafter's Cafe #197 - Keep it Simple
2 Sisters On The Blog - Fruit
Cute Card Thursday #536 CAS
CAS(E) This Sketch! #278 Sketch:


Thank You for stopping by!

Vroom Vroom

Hi Peeps
My card for today:

I imported a free SVG car silhouette to the Silhouette Cameo, welded it to a square and voila! :)
Backing paper is embossed. Card is embellished with a layered sentiment die cut and a banner die cut.

Onto a few challenges so:
Brown Sugar #78 - Masculine or Father's Day
4 Crafty Chicks #404 - Masculine Birthday
C.R.A.F.T. #469 - Father's Day/Male
Scribbles Designs Challenge #65 - Make it Masculine
Crafty Friends #84 - B is for ... Birthday
Alphabet Challenge -   E = Ebony

Thank You for stopping by!

Hoppy Easter

Hi Peeps.

The die cut is freebie from Lovesvg. Super cute!!
Added a few punched flowers and gems as embellishment.

Onto a few challenges:
Retarte #118 - Anything Goes
Through The Craft Room Door - Always Anything Goes
Unicorn Challenge #30 - Make It Girly
Crafting With An Attitude - Always Anything Goes
Little Red Wagon #436 - Hippity Hoppity


Thank You for stopping by!