10.2.25

You’re My One and Only (No Gnomes About It!)

Alright, let’s get one thing straight: if you’re reading this, you’re either the legendary nurse I’m talking about, or you’re just here for the laughs. Either way, welcome! Today’s blog post is a love letter (sort of) to my partner-in-crime, my fellow nursing school survivor, and the person who’s stuck with me whether she likes it or not. Spoiler: she doesn’t have a choice.

So, let’s set the scene. I sat down to make a card for this absolute gem of a human being. You know the type—assertive, wickedly fun, and the kind of nurse who can run a unit with her eyes closed while simultaneously making you laugh so hard you forget why you’re even there. She’s one of the bestest of the bestest (yes, that’s a technical term), and I knew this card had to be just as epic as she is.

Originally, I was going to go with “You’re My No. 1 Gnomie” because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good gnome pun? But then I thought, nah, she’s not just a gnome—she’s the gnome. The one and only. 

click on pic for a better view;)

Here’s how the card came together:
Stamp & Sentiment: Clearly Besotted 
Colouring: Promarkers
Embellishments: A background rectangle die-cut (fancy, right?), a silver glitter card heart (because she’s a glittery kind of person), and Ranger’s Glossy Accents (for that chef’s kiss level of shine).
Layering: Foam pads, because if it’s not 3D, is it even a card?

A few challenges:  

Now, let’s end this on a funny note, shall we? Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned from our time together, it’s that laughter is the best medicine (unless you’re in A&E, in which case, maybe just stick to the actual medicine). So, here’s to my one and only: thank you for putting up with me, for being the kind of nurse who makes people feel like they’re in the best hands, and for being the kind of friend who makes me laugh until I cry (or until I pee a little—nursing school flashbacks, am I right?).

You’re stuck with me, doll. No gnomes about it.
Love,
Your No. 1 Gnomie (Okay, fine, your one and only).

P.S. If you ever leave nursing, I’m coming with you. Just saying.
11 comments
Label: , , , , , , ,

Fleeces, Daffodils, and Christmas Cards

 Ah, what a week it’s been. The kind of week where you question every life choice you’ve ever made, starting with why you thought a fleece was adequate outerwear for what felt like the Arctic tundra. Every morning, I’d confidently stride out the door, fleece-clad and borderline smug, only to spend my afternoons near the nursing station, silently bargaining with the heating gods. “Please,” I’d whisper, “just one degree warmer. I’ll even stop complaining about the rain. Well, maybe.”

But hey, spring is technically in the air. I know this because I spotted a few rogue daffodils blooming bravely next to the shed. Bless them. They’re like the overachievers of the plant world, blooming weeks early just to flex on the rest of the garden. Of course, this is Ireland, so spring doesn’t mean sunshine and picnics—it just means slightly warmer rain. Still, those daffodils are a glimmer of hope. A glimmer, mind you, not a guarantee.

Now, onto my Christmas card. Yes, you read that right. Christmas. In February. Look, I’m not saying I’m organised—I’m saying I’m terrified of December. This year, I’m getting ahead of the game. The card in question is a box card designed by Lori Whitlock. It’s one of those clever designs that folds flat for mailing, perfect for my family in the Southern Hemisphere. I always feel odd sending cards with snowmen while they’re in 40°C heatwaves. “Merry Christmas! Here’s a reindeer in a scarf. Enjoy the sunstroke!” This design, though, works for any gender and any hemisphere—whether it’s a chilly northern December or a warm southern summer. No more seasonal mismatches, just a universally thoughtful card.


click on pic for a better view;)

The cardstock is from my stash (read: hoard), and the Christmas tree is cut from a piece of dark green glitter card I’ve had for years. It’s so old, it’s practically vintage. I embellished the card with Ranger Glossy Accents for a bit of shine. When folded flat, the card measures about 19cm x 11.5cm, which is the perfect size to fit in an envelope and also to make me feel like a crafting genius.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

So, there you have it. A week of questionable fashion choices, premature daffodils, and Christmas cards that would make even Santa proud. Life is chaotic, but at least I’ve got my priorities straight: fleeces, glitter, and pretending I’m not cold. And to anyone else out there who’s already thinking about Christmas in February—solidarity, my friend. We’re not crazy. We’re just… prepared. Or delusional. Either way, pass the glitter.

Until next time, stay warm, stay crafty, and maybe invest in a proper coat.

Wendy R.

11 comments

7.2.25

Love, Dragons, and a Hint of Glitter: A Valentine's Adventure

Valentine's Day is upon us, and the world has turned pink and red — even the dragons at the Game of Thrones experience in Northern Ireland would feel right at home! In the spirit of this love-filled season, I've crafted a Valentine's card using the "Dragon Love" stamp and die set from Avery Elle (hoarding this beauty since forever). I colored the dragon and hearts with Promarkers — because even dragons need a makeover sometimes. If you're curious, you can find my Promarker recipes linked at the top of my blog. Who knew coloring could be so deliciously fun?  ... The "xoxo" die-cut is layered and glittered to perfection, and the wee hearts are highlighted with Ranger glossy accents for an extra touch of magic.


A special shoutout to the talented designers of the CAS on Friday blog who inspire us with their beautiful work. Your creativity is as boundless as a dragon's wingspan, and your designs bring our paper fantasies to life. The current challenge is 'Valentine', so make sure to get your creations liked! 

As I wander past shops bursting with heart-shaped everything, I can't help but giggle at the Easter eggs already on display. Added calories and it's not even April yet! Guess we're getting a head start on the holiday indulgence.

Card challenges I'm enteringing:

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with someone special or just enjoying your own fabulous company, remember to spread love and glitter like confetti — because why not leave a little sparkle in your wake?.

May your day be filled with love, laughter, and just the right amount of chocolate (or dragon fire, if that's your thing). 

xoxo

Wendy R.

17 comments
Label: , , , , , ,

5.2.25

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. 
6 comments
Label: , , , , , ,

31.1.25

Crafting My Way to Christmas: A Year-Long Journey of Glitter and Glue

 ooooh, Christmas cards. The bane of my holiday season for the last six years. Every December, I’d find myself knee-deep in a pile of store-bought cards that felt as personal as a generic “Happy Holidays!” text from your dentist. But this year, 2025, I’m flipping the script! My mission? To craft at least three Christmas cards each month. By the end of the year, I’ll have a stash of handmade cards ready to dazzle and delight!

My card is for a dear friend who’s as obsessed with purple and gold as I am with avoiding last-minute holiday shopping. Coincidentally, these are the same colors as her Christmas decor, so I’m basically a psychic now.



For this card, I used a bauble diecut from the Spellbinders Festive Ornaments Etched Dies (Essential Holiday Collection). It's been lounging in the press for months, gathering dust like it's trying out for an episode of "Hoarders."   These dies are like magic — one crank through the diecutting machine, and boom, you’ve got festive shapes that’ll make Santa himself jealous.... Foam pads lift the bauble for a 3D effect.

The sentiment comes from the retired Honey Bee Season's Tweetings stamp set. It’s sweet, it’s seasonal, and it’s stamped with more love than a Hallmark movie marathon.

To give the card a little extra oomph, I added Ranger Glossy Accents and flatback gold drops. It's like the card decided to dress up for the holidays — a bit of sparkle here and there, just enough to catch the eye without needing sunglasses.

Now, to keep things interesting, I’m entering the following challenges:

And finally, a little nugget of wisdom to end this crafting saga: If you ever find yourself buried under a mountain of glitter, just remember — at least you’re not the one sweeping it up off the floor. 

Happy crafting, and may your glue guns never run dry!

Wendy R.

3 comments
Label: , , , , ,

28.1.25

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!

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

7 comments
Label: , , , , ,

27.1.25

Crafting Capers: A Glittery Tale

 Hello folks! Let's dive into the whimsical world of card crafting, where even mishaps can lead to masterpieces.

I set out on a serene afternoon with die-cuts of lavender stems, a charming little frame made with nesting square dies, and a "Thanks" word metal die. The brand? Oh, who remembers! Everything was going splendidly until I had a minor catastrophe with the Ranger Gloss.

In a move worthy of a slapstick comedy, I accidentally tipped the gloss over, leaving smudges everywhere. But fear not! Enter ultra-fine iridescent glitter, my crafty savior. A sprinkle here, a dash there, and suddenly those smudges transformed into glittery trails of accidental glamour.

Oh, and apologies for the quality of the photo—I've just snagged a lightbox for under €20 on Amazon, so better photos are on the horizon!

With my card now sparkling in all the right places, I'm gearing up to enter it into a few crafting challenges. Who knew a little glitter could turn disaster into dazzle?

CAS on Friday: Challenge #301 - Flowers

Cardz4galz: #242 Anything BUT Square

Daisy Chain Challenges: Challenge #92 - No Design Paper

Beautiful Blossoms - anything floral + option mood board

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - anything goes

Fab 'n' Funky - all things bright and beautiful

So, remember, fellow crafters: when life gives you smudges, just add glitter and call it art. Keep crafting, keep laughing, and may your creations always shine bright!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Wendy R.

4 comments
Label: , , , , ,

26.1.25

Surviving Storm Éowyn: A Crafty Adventure

Well, folks, we did it! We survived Storm Éowyn (pronounced Ay-oh-win, for those of us not fluent in Irish-speak). This tempest came in like a drama queen, but all it managed to do was give our side gate a one-way flight lesson and lay a tree to rest in the front yard. No major drama, just a bit of garden redecorating.

Now, you know what's a lifesaver during a storm? Flasks of hot water. Big shoutout to Stanley brand for keeping our coffee piping hot while the wind howled outside. Nothing like a warm cuppa to make you feel like a warrior in your own living room.

But enough about weather woes, let's talk about something way more exciting—crafting! With the storm raging outside, I turned my attention to my trusty die-cutting machine and card-making supplies. Picture this: die cuts, foil washi tape, and a background stamp paired with Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. This ink is like the superhero of the crafting world—six years in and it's still giving me the deepest, darkest black. Honestly, it's like the Batman of inks.

The card was coming together nicely, embellished with baker's twine and Ranger Glossy Accents for that extra sparkle. I even managed to sneak in a computer-generated pun because, let's face it, a card without a pun is like a storm without wind.

Sorry for the potato-quality photo—blame it on Storm Herminia!

I decided to enter my creation into a few crafting challenges, because if there's anything better than surviving a storm, it's winning a prize for your crafty genius. Fingers crossed!

And there you have it, folks. Just another day in the life of a storm survivor and card-making enthusiast. If Éowyn taught us anything, it’s that sometimes life throws a bit of chaos your way, but with a flask of hot water and a stash of craft supplies, you can weather any storm.

Stay crafty and safe, my friends, and may your ink always be as deep and dark as your morning coffee. 

Wendy R.

3 comments
Label: , , , ,

20.1.25

A Comeback, Crafty Style: Cards, Crochet, and a Whole Lot of Chaos

Well, hello there, world! It's been a mere six years since my last blog post — a blink of an eye, really. Nothing much has happened except, oh, qualifying as an Registered Nurse specialising in Intellectual Disabilities, surviving a global pandemic as a student nurse, and experiencing the joys of being underpaid and overworked. You know, the usual.

Let's just say, when your allocated petrol is less than 40c per mile, you start to question your life choices. But hey, I cleared out the craft stash, picked up crocheting and knitting, and now I'm back to card making to keep my sanity in check. So, let's dive into my latest crafty adventure!

Today, I’m kicking things off with a Clean and Simple (CAS) card that’s as straightforward as my life's been these past years (ha!). Here's the lowdown:

  • Cardstock and Paper: Straight from my stash — the craft stash that is, not the emergency toilet paper stash.
  • Stamp Used: Paper Smooches Swanky Snow Dudes. Because who doesn’t love a dapper snowman?
  • Inked With: Hero Arts Intense Black Ink. Bold, like my attempts to negotiate a raise.
  • Coloured With: Promarkers. Still going strong after six years, unlike my nerves during peak pandemic shifts.
  • Embellished With: Baker's twine, Ranger Glossy Accents, and a sprinkle of glitter. Because life’s too short for dull cards.
  • Die Used: Hero Arts Infinity Dies Nested Frames. For that perfect edge — something I lost long ago.

Yes, folks, I'm entering this little masterpiece into a few card challenges. Wish me luck! If nothing else, it’s a good excuse to procrastinate on adulting for a bit longer.

CAS on Friday: Winter
Park Hopping is My Happy Place : Inspired by : "Just like Joey and Chandler, these snowmen are Friends forever!" 

Despite the chaos of the past few years, it's good to be back in the crafty saddle. Card making has been a delightful reminder that even in the whirlwind of life, there's always room for a little creativity. So, here's to cards, crafts, and finding joy in the small things.

Catch you on the flip side, hopefully before another six years pass!

Stay crafty and keep smiling!

Wend R.

4 comments
Label: , , , , , ,

6.12.18

Cardz 4 Galz - Non Traditional Christmas Colors

Hi Peeps

Time for another Cardz 4 Galz challenge day!
Thank you to everyone who plays along each fortnight :)
Onto this fortnight's challenge. Challenge # 86 is Non Traditional Christmas Colors.
Here is my DT card:



The design is from the Silhouette store.
Cut from glitter card and embellished with flatback pearls and gems.
Background is dry embossed with an Alexandra Renke embossing folder.



Hope to see your creations in the card gallery and Thank You for stopping by!

4 comments
Label: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts ( Atom )