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.

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: 

• I Spy with My Little Eye #27 - vintage Vibes
  
• Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge - Sending Flowers
  
• Girlz Creative Crafts #57 - Butterflies
  
• Triple B - June - Anything with Birds, Blooms and/or Butterflies (optional mood board)
• A Perfect Time To Craft - Always Anything Goes
  
• The Creative Crafters #89 - Always Anything Goes
  
• Beautiful Blossoms #30 - Anything Flowers Goes (optional mood board)

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.

Anything Goes, Honey!

Dia Daoibh!

It’s that time again – a brand-new challenge is live over at Ally’s Angels, where the theme is (as always!) Anything Goes. You’ve no idea how freeing that is for someone like me, who can’t follow a theme without wandering off halfway through. The design team has once again created absolute stunners – their cards are so gorgeous I considered framing my laptop.

Now, let’s buzz on over to my card! This card is bringing all the summer vibes – sunshine, sparkles, and a sassy little bee who’s clearly the queen of the hive! Featuring Tiny Townie Busy Bee from Stamping Bella, she’s dressed in her finest yellow-and-black stripes, ready to take on the summer garden party circuit. I coloured her with ProMarkers, gave her buzzing sidekicks a lift with foam pads (they're high-flyers), and added glossy accents and glitter – because no summer is complete without a little sparkle and a lot of drama. The bold yellow background? Pure sunshine in cardstock form.

Warning: may cause spontaneous humming of “Flight of the Bumblebee.” 🐝🌞✨

Onto a few challenges:

• Creative Crafting Uncles #66 - Summer
• The Crafting Challenge - June - Anything Goes
• If You Give a Crafter a Cookie #205 - Sunshine and Rainbows
• AAA Cards #293 - Anything CAS Goes
• We Love Stamping  - Jun - Nature (optional: Anything Goes)
• CAS on Friday #311- Summer
• Crafty Catz #696 - Anything Goes
• C.R.A.F.T. #757 - Cute or Anything Goes 
• Craft Rocket Challenges #126 - No Design Paper
• Krafty Chicks #773 - Clean and Simple

Come join the fun over at Ally’s Angels! It’s always Anything Goes, so grab your stamps, your glue, and possibly a hoover for the aftermath – and let’s get creating!

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🐝✨🎨

Jingle Bells

 Dia Daoibh!

Well, here we are in June, and I’m already behind on my New Year’s resolution to craft at least two Christmas cards per month. So, in the spirit of catching up (and avoiding the December panic), I’ve whipped up a festive little number using supplies from my stash—because nothing says “holiday cheer” like a bit of crafty improvisation!

I started with black cardstock as the base—trying to use up what I have before I inevitably fall into the Amazon cart trap again. I die-cut a few leaves from green cardstock and adorned them with teeny jingle bells I found lurking in the depths of my craft drawer. Tied together with red and white baker’s twine, they bring just the right amount of jingle to the mingle.To add some sparkle, I gave the leaves a glossy dab and a polite sprinkle of glitter—just enough to say “Christmas cheer” without triggering a vacuum cleaner incident. The sentiment is stamped in Versafine ink using the Season’s Tweetings stamp set from Honey Bee Stamps. This set was part of their Holiday 2017 release , and while it may be retired, it still brings a smile to my face every time I use it.

A few challenges:

• Jingle Belles: Fa-la-la-la-la
• The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge #186 - Anything goes
• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog  - MLCCB #62 Anything Christmas Goes
• C.R.A.F.T. #756 - Christmas
• FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenge #20 - Anything Goes Country Christmas
• The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up #123 - Anything Goes with option of : One or Two Layers
• Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge #89: 

Here’s hoping this card brings a bit of festive joy to someone’s mailbox. And if you’re like me, still pretending you’ll have 40 handmade Christmas cards ready by November—sure look, it’s never too early, too late, or too delusional to believe this is the year we’ll be organised!

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 🎄✨

Fairies Don't Do Dry July

Dia Daoibh!

Well, the next challenge over at HQFCB is Anything Goes Fantasy with the optional twist of using a fairy. Now, being Irish, I feel I should warn you—our fae folk aren’t the dainty, glitter-and-rainbows type you see in storybooks. Oh no. Irish fairies are more the "move your fence or we’ll curse your cows" variety. Mess with a fairy fort at your peril, folks—those wee folk hold grudges longer than my ex-MIL after you "forgot" her birthday.

But enough folklore—onto the card! I’ve used Stamping Bella’s Edna Needs A Martini, because if anyone knows how to handle magical mischief, it’s a fairy with a cocktail. Coloured her up in Promarkers (... I got carried away, and now she’s basically celebrating the 4th of July). Glittered her wings because, let’s be real, if you’ve got wings and aren’t bedazzled, are you even trying? Mounted her on foam pads for dimension, because Edna deserves to pop right off the page—just like she’d pop into your local for a midweek martini.

Kept the background clean and simple (read: I ran out of patience) with a snazzy piece of polka dot embossed card. Classy and low-effort—my favourite combo.

A few challenges I'm joining in:

• CAS on Friday #310 - Embossing 
• Crafty Catz #694 - Anything goes (make us smile)
• Cut It Up #331 - Anything Goes
• Craft Rocket Challenges #126 No Design Paper
• The Card Concept #217 - Patriotic (Edna matches the colours): 

Right, I’d best wrap this up before the rain starts again. Summer in Ireland, my foot—more like "guess I’ll wear my wellies with my sundress" season. Here’s hoping the sun remembers we exist before Halloween.

Sláinte, 

Wendy R. 

(P.S. If you see Irish fae, offer them a drink. It’s the only way to stay on their good side.)

Floral Mail and a Bit of Craic

Dia Daoibh!

I’ve got a card today that’s full of crafty joy, a bit of sparkle, and a whole lot of positive vibes—because who doesn’t need a reminder that they’re fabulous every now and then?

This card came together with a few favourite supplies and a generous sprinkle of “ah sure, we’ll see what happens.” I used Core’dinations cardstock in shades closest to Peacock, Blueberry, and Grape—basically a fancy fruit bowl of the paper world—cut with the Taylored Expressions Easy Strips Die – 1/4". The flowers were die-cut and popped up with foam pads for a bit of dimension, with gem centres added because even minimalist cards deserve a little bling. The sentiment is from the Taylored Expressions You Are Additions set, stamped in Versafine for that crisp, “look at me being professional” finish. And yes, it’s on foam pads too—because flat sentiments are only for days when you’ve run out of tea.

A few challenges I'm joining:

• Sisterhood of Crafters (5/14/25) - Flowers
• Word Art Wednesday #702-703 - Anything Goes
• Unicorn Challenge #110 - Not Square
• Addicted to CAS #284 - Code Word: Floral 

• CAS Colours & Sketches #610 - Color Challenge: 

This little number will be heading off to one of my mailing buddies as part of the Card Chain Challenge. I’ll be sending it along with my actual challenge card (which is still just a twinkle in my crafty eye). If you haven’t signed up yet—go on, you’ll have great craic sending happy post around the world!

Seriously, what’s better than opening your letterbox to find something that isn’t a leaflet for solar panels?

Sláinte,

Wendy R. 😊

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:

• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Masculine
• 613 Avenue Create  - Jun - Anything Goes + option: For the Guys
• Cardz 4 Guyz #373 - Shades of Blue 
• Fab n' Funky #617 - Add a Sentiment 
• AAA Birthday - game #74 : No Stamping
• Pearly Sparkles Challenge #108 : Masculine

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:

• A Cut Above - Die Cut Challenge Blog - Anything Goes
• Paper Craft Crew Challenge - PCC623 - Color Challenge: 

• A Place To Start - June - Anything Goes (option: Recycle): 

• The Paper Players - PP740 - Theme - Recycling is in: 
  

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. ✂️

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:

• Inkspirational #342 -  Celebrate
  
• Stamping Sensations - Jun - Our Furry Friends + option: Anything Goes 
• Alphabet Challenge -  D is for dogs
• Passion For Markers Challenge #790 - 4 Legged Friends
• Crafty Animals #95 - Always Anything Goes
  
• Freshly Made Sketches #688 - Sketch:

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.

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.