Hello, friends! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet elegant thank you card that I created using the beautiful Graceful Swans stamp set from Simon Says Stamp. I adore the peaceful, timeless feel of this set — it’s the kind of imagery that instantly makes you slow down, breathe, and get lost in the creative process. This card came together with just a few key supplies, and it’s one of those projects that looks sophisticated but is actually quite easy to make.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
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CARD DETAILS
I started with one of my favorite cardstock colors — Sage. It’s soft, muted, and makes such a lovely backdrop for any classic design. I used my MISTI stamping tool to stamp the bridge, swans, and floral details from the Graceful Swans set in Versafine Clair Ink in Nocturne. This ink gives beautiful, crisp black impressions that contrast perfectly against the sage background.
Once the stamping was done, I added some subtle highlights using my white Polychromos pencil from Faber-Castell. This small step adds a gentle dimension and really helps the images pop — especially the swans and the ripples of water under the bridge.
If you try this technique, I recommend stamping your images again after coloring. It helps redefine those black lines that might get softened by the pencil work and gives your scene that perfectly finished look.
The sentiment — “Thank you for all that you do” — is the heart of this design. I framed it using the A7 Frames Wafer Dies from Simon Says Stamp. To add depth, I cut several frame layers: three from kraft cardstock and one from mirror gold. Stacking them together creates that dimensional, polished look that makes handmade cards feel extra special.
Before assembling everything, I softly ink-blended around the edges with Pawsitively Saturated Ink in Sage and a large blending brush. This step helps ground the scene and gives the design a warm, cohesive glow.
Once everything was in place, I adhered my finished panel onto a white A2 card base using a tape runner. And just like that — the card was complete!
It’s a project that feels both classic and serene. I love that it’s mostly monochromatic, yet still so full of texture and life. You could easily adapt this same layout for other occasions — the Graceful Swans set includes several sentiments that would work beautifully for birthdays, sympathy, or peaceful all-occasion cards.
This design is one of those “less is more” projects that reminds me why I love clean, classic cardmaking. Sometimes, all it takes is a beautiful stamp set, a touch of shading, and a thoughtful sentiment to make something that truly shines.
Thanks so much for stopping by today! I hope you feel inspired to create something elegant and heartfelt.
SUPPLIES
I’m listing the products I used below. Click on the link to go directly to the product. Where available I use compensated affiliate links which means if you make a purchase I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!
 Simon Says Clear Stamps Graceful Swans Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp A7 Frames Wafer Dies Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Cardstock 100lb Sage Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Gold Assortment Treasured Cardstock Shop at: SSS |
 Neenah Classic Crest 80 Lb Desert Storm Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp White A2 Side Fold Scored Cards Shop at: SSS |
 Mini MISTI Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Tool ‘n One – White Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Machine With Universal Plate System Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Nocturne Black VersaFine Clair Ink Pad and Re-Inker Shop at: SSS |
 Faber-Castell Polychromos 12 Set Shop at: SSS |
 Faber-Castell Polychromos 24 Set Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Everything 6 Inch T Square Ruler Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Pawsitively Saturated Ink Pad Sage Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Blending Brush Set Large Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp Dot Runner and 2 Refills Shop at: SSS |
 Bearly Art Mini Precision Craft Glue Shop at: SSS |
 Spellbinders Best Ever Craft Tape Shop at: SSS |
 Simon Says Stamp 3D Foam Strips Shop at: SSS |
