Copyright Note
The contents of this web site including all text, graphics, photos and design ideas are my own. If you use any of my designs, please provide a link back to this blog page.
If you use my poems in any way, would you please comply with copyright rules and give credit by providing a link back to this page if posted online: gracenotes4today.blogspot.com.
If you use my poetry for UNPUBLISHED projects, please type a byline under the poem's title or somewhere in the description stating Grace M. Baxter as the author. Thank you.

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November 29, 2013
To the World's Best Son-in-law
To the World's Best Son-in-law, Birthday card with Poem by Grace Baxter
Pick a Theme... But WHAT?
Not all mothers are happy with the choice their daughter makes in a husband. I am NOT that mother. I couldn't be more proud of my Son-in-law. The problem with choosing a theme for his birthday card is... well, he is so well-rounded, grounded, smart, fun and adventurous... where would I start!Card base is cream.
Taupe background frame is from the "Linen Closet" stack. It actually has a linen-like texture.
Globe and compass points: from a large bunch of double-sided cardstock purchased at Costco. Sorry, there is no name on the case.
Crackle paper: used for compass backing and the sentiment frame.
Metallic CS: used for birthday sentiment and to highlight the compass. Metallic CS is actually more silver than it appears in the closeup picture at left. Light reflection changes it somewhat. The first pic is more accurate for colour.
Compass
The compass centre is cut from tan. The cartridge does not give the long points so I had to come up with my own. For this I used my George cartridge and created 4 triangles, gluing them to the back of the compass face so the dark blue would show through the small points and N,E,S,W.I wanted some shine so, using the Gypsy, I hid all of the compass frame except the 4 rings which I cut from the same metallic CS used in the title.
To keep it real, I used crackle paper over cream on the outer circle. Once assembled, it looked more believable than the simplified version in the handbook. To make it sturdy and hold well to the card, I covered the back with pop-dot 'negative' parts, i.e., what's left when the dots are gone. Works great for large areas.
Hardware Heavy
I like hardware on a man's card. And the frame surrounding the more gentle sentiment needed the extra heft that metal brads provide. Even the centre of the compass has a small pewter brad to match. This title bar is what I call "substantial". More 'mesh' pop adhesive keeps it firmly planted on the card.Inside
I found the perfect Bible verse for the inside left panel: paraphrased from Psalm 139, verses 9 and 10.To reinforce the global theme, I cut a 2-1/2 inch globe from tan and shadowed it in the same dark blue which is the reverse side of the globe cardstock.
Psalm 139:9-10
I used two different vintage fonts in creating this verse; 'Subway' and 'My Underwood'. I love how these two work so well together.The Verse
I usually prefer to write my own poetry and verses for my cards. That's what makes them so personal. For this verse, I maximized the global theme which ties everything together. I am excited for my Son-in-law to open his card.Cartridges Used
Going Places - compass, globe insideGeorge and Basic Shapes - Birthday Blessings sentiment, compass pointsFabulous Finds - frame for sentiment
November 4, 2013
HEMMED WITH PRAYER
Birthday Card for a Sewing Sister, Hemmed with Prayer
For a Sewing Sister...
Designed for my 'sewing' sister', this birthday card should make any seamstress smile.
The overall design is fairly simple. Most cuts were right off the cartridge.
The only cut I had to 'customize' was the table (since none of my carts had one). Do you recognize it? I'll tell you what it is at the end of this post.
If you are familiar with my style, you will know that I don't usually make things that look "old". But when it comes to sewing machines, vintage equals charming!
Tag
I made the tag by first stamping the outline. The sentiment is from a stamp set that came with a variety of words (don't remember what brand). I think the two combine nicely to make this wee tag.
Coral thread wrapped around the tag resembles the cards of thread people used years ago, and adds to the sewing theme.
The papers used are soft hues so as not to compete with the sewing machine.
Inside
As usual, I prepared all the text on the computer, playing around with fonts until I was happy with it. Then I printed the verse and sentiment onto the same paper used for the card front.
The rest is self-expanatory by the pics.
Cartridges Used
Elegant Edges - front frame
Heritage - sewing machine
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About Me

- Grace Baxter
- I guess you might call me a "right brainer", loving all things creative. Cardmaking is the perfect hobby for me as it allows me to be totally creative, combining design with poetry or verses I can compose myself. With Christmas being such an important occasion for cardmaking and crafting, I decided to create a separate blog just for Christmas projects. "It's All About Christmas" will host all my Christmas items. "Gracenotes For Today" will still feature items every other occasion of the year. I hope you'll drop by often and stay awhile!
