Smudge

Rare Kalon
{Non-Rarity Edits: chubby weight edit, sclera colour}
{Standard Edits: hair, shine}
{Common Edits: fur, tail}
{Uncommon Edits: ears}
{Rare Edits: shaped paw pads}
Hex Codes: #3a1813 #522d29 #7c4a45 #b68f7c #f4ede7 #f67c41 #e5622b #af4e2a
Breeding Slots: 3/3 Remaining
Oekaki Links: Partridge in a Pear Tree

Smudge likes to craft realistic bird ornaments! Any type of bird, from cardinals to spoonbills; even emus. They start with a foam base, painstakingly hand-sculpting it into the shape of the desired bird. Next, they add the feathers. Smudge likes to forage in the woods behind their house for fresh feathers, always being sure to clean them before using them in their crafts. They also save the moulted feathers from their pet birds for crafting purposes. If they don't have enough moulted feathers, then they'll stop by the local craft store to pick some up.
Sometimes, the birds Smudge replicates have very specific colours and patterns, which can be difficult to find at the store. If they can't find a feather with the correct colour or pattern they're looking for, they'll often end up dyeing the feathers themself so they can get the finished product to look as accurate as possible to the bird it represents. Then, they'll add a hand-painted beak and eyes, and voila! The bird is almost done.
The final addition to the ornament are the legs. While other bird ornaments may be secured to a tree via a metal alligator clip, Smudge's ornaments have adjustable wire talons. You can simply position the talons to curl around the tree branch! This gives the birds a more natural posture when perching in a tree. Though the winter holidays are Smudge's favourite time of year to make the birds, they craft them for all occasions - robins and nests of chicks or eggs for spring, doves and swans for Valentine's day, and turkeys and grouses for autumn.
Every one of Smudge's friends has one of their ornaments - their first holiday gift to a new friend is always their favourite bird. If they don't have a favourite bird, Smudge will choose a bird that reminds them of their friend.
Not only are the bird ornaments handmade with love and care, but they look so lifelike that some kalons have taken to fooling relatives with them. But who knows? Maybe with a little holiday magic, they'll come to life.