Showing posts with label silhouette cameo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silhouette cameo. Show all posts

2.9.25

Toucan Play

Dia daoibh!

Right, before we get stuck into card chat—let’s tackle the Irish phrases at the top and bottom of the post. No, I haven’t dropped my keyboard or made up a spell from Harry Potter 😂.

Dia daoibh” is a grand Irish way of saying Hello to you all. Not just one of ye—all of ye. It’s pronounced “Dee-ah yeev”, and here’s a handy trick: it kinda sorta rhymes with “see a sleeve”—as in, “See a sleeve there now, and pass me the biscuits. Then there’s “Sláinte” at the bottom—it’s what we say for cheers or good health. Pronounced “Slawn-cha”, and best said while raising a glass, toasting a friend, or recovering from the sheer disappointment of not winning the Euromillions again. One of these weeks, lads. One of these weeks.

Now, on to the crafty craic! For the August Card Chain Challenge, I made a tropical-themed card for Joanne in the USA, and in return, I got a gorgeous one from Pia in Norway—and let me tell you, the standard was so high—just like you'd expect from the stylish Scandinavians.

I chose the Tropical theme (as you do when it's lashing rain outside) and used the Pop Up Box Card Toucan design by Lori Whitlock. The file even included some little waves—because what's a tropical scene without a splash? Cut with my trusty Silhouette Cameo, I went to town with glitter, glossy accents, and foam pads to give it that fabulous 3D effect. It's bright, bold, and folds flat for mailing—so it can fly across the Atlantic without costing more than a Ryanair seat sale.




Challenges:

If you’ve never joined the Card Chain Challenge, you’re missing out. It’s like grown-up pen-pals, but with cardstock and sparkle. You make a card, send it off, and then boom—happy post lands in your letterbox from somewhere halfway across the globe. It’s joyful, it’s personal, and it’s not a dentist appointment. Win-win!

So while I might not be sipping cocktails in a tropical paradise, at least my craft table is sunny, colourful, and full of birds that require no feeding or cleaning.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 🌴📬🦜

18.8.25

TAKE ME TO YOUR CAKE

Dia daoibh!

Ah, a glorious Monday morning – the start of autumn if you go by the old Irish calendar, where Lughnasadh on the 1st of August kicks off the harvest season. The air has that crisp bite to it, the kind that makes you feel alive – but it’s still just warm enough to dry the laundry without it coming back stiffer than cardboard. Honestly, nothing beats the smug joy of bedsheets flapping on the line, pretending you’re in an Ariel ad while really just standing in the back garden with a peg bag.

Now, onto my card. 


Today’s star is an alien, die-cut from an SVG I designed in CorelDRAW. I cut him out of core card and glitter card, then layered him up for a bit of 3D fun. Kept it CAS – though with three eyes, this fella clearly spots chocolate cake from light years away. Forget UFOs, he’s definitely landing for dessert.

Challenges:


And let’s be honest – with his glittery finish and those three peepers, he’s either here to invade Earth or audition for a boyband. Either way, I’m ready.

Sláinte,
Wendy R. 👽

13.8.25

When Life Gives You Interns, Make Cards

Dia daoibh!

It’s creeping up to that time of year again – when the intern nurses wrap up their internships. Four years of study, practice, and lugging around Stanley water bottles the size of small fire extinguishers… done! I’ve had the privilege (and occasional giggle) of being preceptor for some amazing interns. One of them has about ten shifts left before the big send-off. This card isn’t the official graduation card – that’s scheduled for September, complete with dress shopping updates during breaks. I sit there nodding along to all the fashion talk while secretly knowing my own style philosophy boils down to: sturdy footwear, funky socks, and earrings that say, “I’m fun, but I still know where your care plan is filed… and I’m not afraid to use it.”

Now, onto the card...

The design came from the Silhouette Design Store, cut on my Cameo from bright, cheerful cardstock. The flower centre is mirror card, sprinkled with clear glitter for sparkle, and everything’s mounted on foam pads for a bit of pop.

Onto a few challenges: 

Just like the interns – standing out, ready to take on the world… and hopefully never spilling a litre of water down themselves from those giant Stanleys. I swear, some of those flasks are so big you could baptise a small cow in them. And the way they carry them around – like a fashion accessory and emotional support object all in one – makes me wonder if hydration is the new personality trait. Still, if it keeps them happy (and upright during a 12-hour shift), I’m all for it.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

8.8.25

Black Glitter, Bald Tyres & Birthday Cards

Dia daoibh!

Let me tell you a tale of terror, tread, and terrible judgment. I popped down to get the car “checked” – you know, the kind of check where you're hoping for a bit of air and a nod of approval. Instead, yer man looks at my tyres, raises an eyebrow, and says, “You got here on these? Fair play to ya – I'd have called a priest.” Apparently, they were less "roadworthy" and more "may spontaneously combust if you look at them sideways." So, four new tyres later and a quiet sob into my debit card, I now glide through the village like a woman who definitely didn’t wait too long.

Anyway! On to the card – the real star of the show (unlike my tyres).


This cool birthday number was made with my Silhouette Cameo, which at this stage should probably be paying rent. I die-cut both the sunset background and our dashing skater, who I layered up like a good lasagne – bit of height, bit of drama. And yes, that’s black glitter on the skater – because just because it’s a “masculine card” doesn’t mean it can’t sparkle like a fella who uses fancy shampoo and owns at least one cardigan. Perfect for that lad in your life who’s too cool for Hallmark but not above appreciating a bit of handmade magic.

A few challenges:

Thanks a mil for stopping by – and if your car’s been sounding like a cement mixer full of cutlery, go get your tyres checked. You mightn’t get a card, but you’ll live to make one.

Sláinte!
Wendy R. 🚗

2.8.25

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:

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.

19.7.25

Hello? Is It DHL You’re Looking For?

Dia daoibh!

You know you’re in an Irish house when your daughter gives you the full operations manager spiel — “just sit there and wait for DHL, Mam!” — and here I am being treated like a flight risk with a history of absconding mid-courier. I should be wearing a hi-vis and holding a clipboard the way she’s carrying on! And so, like any Irish mammy under strict instruction, I tidied the house from top to bottom while waiting. Not just for any package, oh no—this is the package. The wedding rings! They’re getting married in less than a fortnight, and somehow, this sacred symbol of eternal love is being flung across the country in a van. Meanwhile, I’ve a night shift ahead of me, and I’d love to catch a few winks before heading off to wrangle care plans instead of double-sided tape. But can I rest? Not a hope. Every engine noise has me leaping up like a caffeinated meerkat at the window: “Is it him? Is it DHL? Is it... the neighbour again?!”

Anyway, in between pacing the floor and side-eyeing the doorbell, I managed to finish a wee card. Kept it clean and simple—CAS, for those in the know (and for those who think that’s short for "Can’t Actually Sleep," you’re not far off). I used die cuts: a cute coffee cup, some hearts, and a sentiment. Went full magpie and highligted with liquid pearls and glitter, then glossed nearly everything with glossy accents because... well, if I can’t sparkle right now, at least something in this house should!


A few challenge blogs I'm visiting:

I think it turned out sweet—like a latte with extra caramel syrup. And if DHL ever arrives, I might just glue the tracking label onto the next card as a keepsake.

Sláinte,
Wendy R.🥤🚚

5.7.25

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.

2.7.25

JUNE 2025 Card Chain Challenge

Dia Daoibh!

June’s Card Chain Challenge has come and gone — and sure wasn’t it a beauty! For the June 2025 round, I joined in the fun and picked the colour palette option: a dreamy blend of coffee, cream, and platinum. I also followed the theme of Friendship — which felt perfect, as I was crafting a cheerful 'hello' to a new friend.

I used a fab die cut design from the Silhouette Design Store (help, I might be hooked 😁). The “hello” sentiment was stacked up like a proper Victoria sponge — lovely and layered! I added some gems and pearls too, because who doesn’t love a bit of sparkle?

My card headed off to Arlene in the USA (hiya Arlene! 👋) — fingers crossed it brought a big smile when she found it in her letterbox… or mailbox… or postal cubby of joy (whatever they call it across the Atlantic — you know the one!).... Now for the cherry on top — I received an absolutely fab card from Hilary in the UK (hiya Hilary! 👋), and let me tell you, it was a treat! It’s always such a buzz getting happy mail that isn’t a bill, a flyer, or a suspicious letter from "Revenue".

Onto a few challenges: 

Honestly, it’s such a delight being part of this crafty circle. If you haven’t joined the Card Chain Challenge yet, you’re missing out on the best kind of post: happy mail with a handmade hug inside. 💌

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

25.5.25

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.

15.5.25

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:

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

12.5.25

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: 


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

Sláinte,
Wendy R.

6.5.25

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:

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.

3.5.25

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:


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.

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

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: 


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.