Winter Birds

Winter Birds are always on my mind.  My Father fed the Birds religiously growing up in Illinois.  Dad was very concerned about every living thing.  I guess that is where I get this strange Bird concern.  Trust me I don't really like Birds.......my parents had 2 maybe 3 parakeets growing up and they allowed the Birds to fly out and about.  TERRIFIED me, but no one ever cared that I was terrified, brush it off, don't be a baby!  So I went to my room when the cage door was open.
I guess I should thank my parents for forcing me to READ, I read every book in sight in my room hiding from a parakeet!

But in Winter, especially the wild and stormy days of winter, I do worry how these small frail creatures can survive in such conditions.  Our Home in New Windsor had two Pine trees in front of the House, these were Havens for the Winter Birds.  Dad had a Bird Feeder hanging near each tree and you could watch Birds while doing dishes or sitting in front of the Picture window. 

Dad had Bird books and would squeal with enjoyment when a new Bird appeared!! 
So it is only fitting that my Bedroom has a Huge Blue Spruce right outside the window.  I hear the Birds every morning and during this past storm they were huddled in safety in this tree.  SO glad I can provide them some shelter from the storm.

I used two stamp sets on this card.  Christmas Pines and Best Birds.  If you want a fabulous all Occasion stamp set BEST BIRDS is the one!!  Birds for ALL Seasons!! 

The card base is Smoky Slate.  Branches stamped in Black Stazon, then water colored with Garden Green and Early Expresso.  Pines stamped in Garden Green.  Snow Flakes are from Christmas Pines stamped in White Craft ink.

I stamped the Bird in Night of Navy on Very Vanilla card stock.  I then used the NEW WATERCOLOR pencils coming January 4th.  LOVE THEM!!  I used Bermuda Bay, Daffodil Delight and Early Expresso.  Colored lightly in circles and then blended with the Aqua Painter.  The Night of Navy Bled into my coloring, just as I had planned!!!  I used a Sponge to darken the edges of the Bird.  Popped him up on the Branch for a very Nice WINTER card.  I'm not sure if this Bird is a REAL Bird, I guess I need to look for Dad's Bird book and try to color an Authentic Bird!!


Christmas Pines 142049 $35.00 Photopolymer or Bundle with Thinlits 143496 $54.75

Best Birds  and Birds & Blooms Thinlits Bundle  142315 $43.00

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If your order is $150 or more DO NOT use the code.  You have qualified for your own Hostess Benefits and can redeem them at the time of your order.  Check out the Hostess only sets on pages 198-201 of the catalog.  The only way to earn these stamps is to have a $150 or more order.  Use your Hostess $$ to purchase the exclusive Hostess sets or purchase other catalog items.

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