Hi! I am Mila Ollenburg. I too, am an avid cross stitcher. Over the last 2 years I have completed nearly 15 projects, all different sizes and counts. About 7 years ago, I started working on a male and female cardinal. It was in the fall of 2005. My husband says, “You finish both of those by Christmas and I will have a surprise for you.” He wouldn’t tell me what! I finished both in 2 months. Attached is the photo of my Christmas gift. It is the most treasured piece in my home. Many have asked to buy it, with the work I did, and many ask if he will make them one.
It is 3 feet 10 inches wide by 2 feet 1 1/2 inches tall. The shelf is not included in that measurement. He special ordered the mirror and even bought me Ceramic Cardinals from Home interiors to place on the shelf. Since then, the birds have broken. This is a custom piece by far and probably will never be duplicated.
My husband has made furniture over the years. He is very particular and a perfectionist and very picky over the wood he uses.
Mila Ollenburg, Grand Marsh, Wisconsin