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:

• Dream Valley Challenges #337 - Hand colored image 
• Di's Digis Designs - Sentimentally Yours
  
• Cardz 4 Galz #251 - Floral 
• I Love Promarkers #584 -  Anything goes or In the Pink 
• Little Red Wagon #809 - Friendship
• Sisterhood of Crafters - 5/14/25 - Flowers

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.

The Great Stamp Escape – June Challenge!

Dia Daoibh!

Guess what? I've been let loose as a Guest Designer over at the AAA BIRTHDAY Card Challenges Blog—and let me tell you, the Design Team is seriously creative! If you're looking for birthday card inspiration that's fresher than a just-opened packet of biscuits, you're in the right place.

For Game #74 (June's challenge), the AAA Birthday Team is shaking things up with a NO STAMPING theme. That's right—it's time to put down the ink pads and break out your dies, stencils, and anything else that won't leave fingerprints on your forehead (we've all been there).

My card: I've used MFT's Stitched Blooms Die-namics and some Core'dinations cardstock, with a layered die-cut sentiment finished with Ranger Glossy Accents for that perfect shine. I've also added a few clear epoxy enamel drops—just because they're pretty!

On to a few challenges:

• Addicted to CAS #284 - Code Word: Floral
• Allsorts #824 - Anything Goes
• Cut It Up: No. 330 - Anything goes
• Cardz 4 Galz #251 - Floral 
• Sisterhood of Crafters 5/14/25 - Flowers

The AAA Birthday Team's creations are so gorgeous they'll make your crafty heart skip a beat—go take a peek and try not to swoon! Plus, this is your official excuse to finally use that "too pretty to cut" paper stash.

Sláinte,

Wendy R. x

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:

• Allsorts #824 Anything Goes - Happy 16th Birthday 🎉🥳 !!
• Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025 - Clean and simple (optional: flowers) 
• Passion For Markers Challenge Week 788 Anything Goes (Happy Anniversary 🎉🥳 !!)
• Cardz 4 Galz #250 Things With Wings (real or fantasy)
• TIME OUT Challenges 2W #289  - Your Favorite Winged Thing
• CAS on Friday No. 309 Things with wings
• Crafty Animals #94 - Always Anything Goes

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.

Core Chaos & Crafty Apples

Dia Daoibh!

Well now, hasn’t it been some week? Between the whirlwind of emotions, sleep doing its usual disappearing act, and Autism taking the wheel while ADHD quietly sulks in the corner, let’s just say my kitchen presses got the full “Wendy Works” treatment. There's now a brand new streamlined system in place for when the dishwasher gets unloaded – colour-coded, shelf-aligned, and possibly requiring a user manual. But hey, the mugs are happy.

I’ve also switched over to night shifts for a while – figured since sleep had clocked out, I might as well clock in. Four nights back-to-back… so I’ll be off to bed shortly. Just don’t ask if I’ve remembered how to human during daylight hours.

Now, onto something far juicier – my card!  I whipped up a wee number featuring some dinky die-cut apples that I “borrowed” (read: plundered with no shame) from the stash. They're perched on foam pads for that bouncy 3D pop – just the thing to make it look like the apples are actually trying to escape. Can’t say I blame them. Especially after reading the sentiment… let’s just say it hits a bit too close to home. Definitely one for the ‘laugh or cry’ drawer! Oh, and I embellished the wee hearts with some irridecent glitter.

Onto a few challenges:

Sisterhood of the Snarky Stampers #262 - R is for Rude

Carlin’s Challenge #82 – Yummy, that’s tasty

Farmquest General Store Challenge #28 Anything goes and/or country theme goes

Allsorts #824 Anything Goes

Simply Clean and Simple - May 2025 - Clean and simple (optional: flowers) 

Fab n' Funky - 2W, #617 - Add a Sentiment 

CAS Colours & Sketches #560 - Sketch: 

Right, I’ve one more post to share before I shuffle off to bed for the night shift ;)

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🍎

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

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:

• Sisterhood of the Snarky Stampers #262 - R is for Rude
• First Cup Challenges #2 May: - Anything Drink related projects
• Digi Choosday #5 Wk 1 - Anything Goes
• Crafty Animals #94 - Always Anything Goes
• Critter Crazy Challenges #98 - Anything Goes with a Featured Critter
• Girlz Rebel Challenge #40 - May - Anything Goes with an image
• Carlin’s Challenge #82 – Yummy, that’s tasty

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

Sláinte,

Wendy R.

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.