Elegant Thank You Card Idea with Minimal Coloring with NEW Exclusive Graceful Swans: Yippee for Yana
Hi friends! Please join me in welcoming back the oh-so-talented and amazing Yana Smakula! (Please note: our dear friend Yana is Ukrainian. To show support to our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, please see Yana’s post HERE.)
Hello, friends! Yana Smakula here, and I’m excited to share a new project for the Yippee For Yana series — an elegant “Thank You” card created with the beautiful Graceful Swans stamp set from Simon Says Stamp.
This design combines timeless elegance with soft, classic tones for a card that’s simple in color yet rich in detail — perfect for expressing heartfelt gratitude in style.
Creating the Scene
I started with Sage cardstock and placed it in my MISTI stamping tool. Using Versafine Clair Ink in Nocturne, I first stamped the sentiment in the center and masked it. Next, I stamped the graceful swans, a charming arched bridge, and soft floral details to build a serene lakeside scene.
To add soft highlights and dimension, I used a white Polychromos pencil from Faber-Castell. This simple touch of white pencil over the black ink brings the scene to life — especially the swans, water, and floral accents.
I recommend stamping your images twice: once for placement and coloring, and a second time afterward to restore crisp detail. It’s an easy trick that ensures those delicate black lines stay sharp after layering pencil work
Framing the Sentiment
The sentiment, “Thank you for all that you do,” is at the heart of the design. I framed it using the A7 Frames Wafer Dies, cutting several layers — three from kraft cardstock and one from mirror gold. Layering them adds a sturdy dimension and that perfect, luxe finishing touch.
To ground the scene, I softly ink-blended the edges with Pawsitively Saturated Ink in Sage and a large blending brush. This step gives the card depth.
Once the inking was complete, I adhered my finished panel to a top-folding A2 card base. The result is a refined, timeless “thank you” card — minimal in design yet full of elegance and intention.
You could easily adapt this layout for other occasions by swapping out the sentiment — the Graceful Swans set includes lovely messages for birthdays and peaceful greetings, too.
I hope this project inspires you to create something elegant and heartfelt — whether it’s a thank you card, a peaceful scene, or just a moment to enjoy creative calm.
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Ways to support Ukraine:
If you are looking for ways to support Ukraine, we encourage you to visit this page on Yana’s blog:
A big thank you to YOU, our reader — and to Yana for being our guest!
Easy Blended Thank You Card featuring the November 2025 Card Kit
Hi friends! Happy Monday! We’re delighted to welcome back special guest Laura Bassen with this pretty duo of inspiration featuring components of our November 2025 Card Kit, Give Thanks! Be sure to watch the video for all the details, and enjoy!
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A big thank you to YOU, our reader — and to Laura Bassen for being our guest!
Fall in Love with Foliage! Create a Stunning Thank You Card with our November Kit by Tina Smith
Hi friend! Happy Happy Sunday! I’m delighted to welcome back special guest Tina Smith to our blog today with fresh and gorgeous inspiration showcasing our brand new November 2025 Card kit! Be sure to watch the video for all the details, and enjoy!
Hello, cardmaking friends! Tina here, get ready for a luminous mixed-media project that anyone can do! I’ve used the Simon Says Stamp Give Thanks Card kit to create this golden Autumn thank-you card. The star is a beautiful, large, multi-colored leaf, but the real magic comes from the extra touch of shimmer. Using Distress Glitter and Distress Paint, I was able to create a lovely, textured finish. While I incorporated some additional supplies like twine and a corner rounder, this card is a testament to the versatility of the kit’s contents. I particularly love the mixed-media vibe. I’m thrilled with the result and can’t wait to guide you through the process in the tutorial!
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Did you know?! We’ve made our card kit subscription BETTER THAN EVER!
Here’s what makes our new service a crafting paradise:
Exclusive Access: As a subscriber, you get first dibs! Each month, you’ll get an exclusive sneak peek at our new kit, with the option to add more coordinating items to your cart, including handy replenishable supplies, all shipped together for your convenience.
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Why wait? Step into the realm of our NEW Simon Says Stamp Monthly Card Kit service. Welcome a box full of crafting marvels, right to your doorstep. Craft with ease and let creativity come to you!
Ready to elevate your craft? Subscribe Now and open the doors to boundless creativity!
We’re thrilled to have you in our crafting community and can’t wait to embark on this renewed creative adventure together!
A big thank you to YOU, our reader — and to Tina Smith for being our guest!
