
I’ve managed to surprise myself in doing this card, because it works for three challenges and as a bonus I have a Christmas card done for later this year. I’ll list and link the challenges below.
I still had a stamp set out on my desk and I only used the main image in a previous (not posted yet) card but wanted to use the frame as well. Stamp set is from the Netherlands and is by Marianne Designs. Using a leftover scrap square I added the frame first, although I did check to ensure the bird image was going to fit before stamping. I heat embossed in clear and did this on each element I used. Once the frame was cool I added the bird and then coloured it using Inktense pencils and some water. When it was dry I also added some Posca pen to parts of the wing which changes the colour just slightly so it is a more realistic looking bird. The focal image and sentiment are from a very old CTMH set that I’ve used fairly often over the years. I fussy cut (very challenging today) around the sentiment before adding it using foam tape for dimension. My red layer is from my stash and I honestly can’t remember where it came from. Most likely is StampinUP but it could also be CTMH as I still have some old CS from them. Size of the card ends up being 5″ by 5″.
The card will be entered to the following:
The Color RED Challenge , https://www.asyouseeitchallenge.com/, https://alphabetchallengeblog.blogspot.com/



Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate you and any comments you may leave.

Pretty card! I like the cardinal.
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Thanks Lisa
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That frame is so effective, Johanna, and you’ve done a fantastic job of colouring and fussy-cutting that beautiful cardinal! Thanks for your entry in “For the Birds” at As You See It.
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Happy you like it. Thanks so much
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This is beautiful, and you did an amazing job with your coloring!
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Thanks. It took a while but I like it too.
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Oh so pretty!!! That red frame is so perfect and your coloring is amazing.
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Thanks Gerry.
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That’s a WOW card in my opinion!! LOVE IT and I am very partial to birds. We have a bird feeder and enjoy seeing the cardinals, blue Jay’s, mourning doves and black capped chickadees going back and forth especially since we had about 80 cm’s of snow on Monday and a cold snap as well. This card involved a lot of work and even on the cardinal. Someone will be very fortunate to receive it at Christmas.
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Thanks so much Brenda. We saw the news about the snow. We now have rain – torrential with some wind so our snow is mostly gone.
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Gorgeous – love the difference in the red for realism. The frame really makes it po. xx
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Thanks Lynda
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This card with the regal cardinal is just the best for this challenge at Double D. Your red frame is so attractive, and I can’t get over the fussy cutting on the sentiment. My hat off to you and thanks for sharing it with us.
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Thanks Barbara. I paid for the fussy cutting with pain, but it was worth it.
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Beautiful card, love seeing the pretty red cardinals on snowy days but since the bird flu outbreak I have been leery of feeding them. Thanks so much for joining our challenge at Double D! Diane DD Co-Owner
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Thanks. We don’t get them here unfortunately. I understand about the bird flu. Its a bit scary.
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Love your framed and beautifully colored cardinal. Great start for Christmas 2025.
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Thanks Gayle. I do like this particular stamp and sentiment
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That black wonky frame is seriously good! Your red bird is fabulous: such a great focal point. I wish we had them here. We have interesting birds but not colourful birds! Thanks for joining in with us at As You See It. 🙂
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Such a lovely focal image with that red cardinal, Johanna – great CAS card! Thanks for joining our ‘birds’ these at AYSI
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Thanks a lot
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Very pretty, your coloring and attention to the details really makes the cardinal look so realistic. Thanks so much for sharing with us at The Alphabet Challenge!
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Thanks so much
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What a really stunning card! Love that pretty bird! Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us at the Alphabet Challenge!
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Many thanks.
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Such a beautiful card! The red frame and the detailed coloring of the cardinal make it a stunning piece. Thank you for visiting my blog and I hope you return.
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Thanks so much
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