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The Cardinal: Day 12 of the S&S 12 Days of Christmas

Hello bloggy friends! Welcome to the 12th day of the Smeared & Smudged 12 Days of Christmas. I cannot believe this is the end! But have no fear, I will of course be around with plenty of new things…including some jewelry! But on to today’s card. I made this for a commission I had from Phoenix’s former teacher. She and I have a mutual love and respect for cardinals, so there had to be one in each of her cards (the other card I had made for her was in the beginning of the month). This one is a bit more rustic than the first card.

I had done a few versions, each featuring different papers where the green plaid is. But all were very…log-cabin-y, if you catch my drift.

The cardinal is perched quite regally on the boughs of holly, as he should be. They are such beautiful birds. Cardinals are the main way my Dad comes to visit me. For example (and there are many, many examples), as soon as I found out I was pregnant with Rhiannon, a cardinal couple made their nest on my porch in our wisteria vine. There were 3 babies, and they all flourished. It was my Dad’s way of congratulating us. That had never happened before or since that singular time. I still have the nest. <3

I hope you have enjoyed the 12 Days of Christmas. I wish I had more time to hop around! But thank you so very much to those of you that came by to visit. Your words mean so much to me, and in the new year, I plan on reciprocating. You all rock my socks, and I so enjoy seeing your creations. Thank you for inspiring me, and I hope I have inspired you. Be sure to visit the rest of the Jolly Bloggers, one last time. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Blessed Yule, etc. Thank you for stopping by!!!

Comments

MaRyKaY said…
what a sweet story to go along with your card today. thank you for sharing that is very awesome and made my morning.
your card is beautiful.
Hope you have a safe and merry christmas
December 23, 2011 at 7:51 AM
Laura B said…
Really beautiful! I've seen some cardinal stamps recently and they made me think of you.:) Oh, and thanks for the super cute card you sent! You and your family are so sweet! *hugs*
December 23, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Unknown said…
A lovely card Alison
Luv Jane xxx
December 23, 2011 at 2:52 PM
ike said…
Beautiful card and such a wonderful tale. I have never actually seen one of these birds - more's the pity. How wonderful to have the nest :-) Merry Christmas :-)
Luv
Ike xxx
December 23, 2011 at 4:21 PM
Monique's art said…
very beautiful, love the card, merry christmas
December 23, 2011 at 6:23 PM
I Don't Do Straight said…
Beautiful card Alison and a lovely story :)
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas
December 24, 2011 at 7:31 AM
Jamie Phillips said…
Very pretty card! Happy Holidays!
December 24, 2011 at 9:02 AM
Sparkly Engineer said…
This is lovely. Cardinals are a fav of mine and I have a pair in my backyard year round.
December 27, 2011 at 9:44 AM
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