2 Elegant Swan Cards with One Die Set | Soft Ink Blending & Scene Building Ideas

There are some die sets that practically design the card for you, and then there are the ones that make you stop, experiment, and think a little differently.

Two elegant handmade 5x7 swan cards featuring embossed backgrounds and dimensional die-cut swans.

When I first saw these swans, I knew I didn’t want to create the typical “swans on a lake” card. Instead, I challenged myself to make two completely different elegant cards using the same swans and background—one soft and romantic, and the other framed like a vintage botanical illustration.

Along the way, I also discovered two techniques that I think you’ll use again and again:

ink blending white pigment ink onto coloured cardstock for a beautiful gradient
turning your dies into temporary stencils to add subtle colour exactly where you want it

If you enjoy stretching your supplies, I think you’ll love these ideas.

You can watch the detailed YouTube tutorial here. For your convenience I’ve gathered every supply used in today’s project—including a few substitutes where products are no longer available. I’ve also included a detailed list of tools I use regularly at the end of the blog post for your reference:

👉 See the complete linked supply list here:

Main products

Card #1 – Romantic Swan Anniversary Card

Romantic handmade anniversary card with two dimensional swans on an embossed floral background.

White pigment ink blended onto coloured cardstock to create a soft gradient effect.

Finished Size

5 in. × 7 in.

Card Measurements

Card base: 10 in. × 7 in. scored on the long edge at 5 in.
Mint embossed panel:
- Cut slightly larger than 5 in. × 7 in.
- Trim to final size after embossing
Ink blended strip:
- Approximately 1½” wide
- Trim after adhering
Swans:
- Die cut from Fog cardstock
- Lightly shade with Lost Shadow Distress Oxide
Swan details/accessories
- Die cut from Alabaster cardstock

Step 1 – Add subtle shading to the swans

Rather than leaving the swans completely plain, I added just a whisper of Lost Shadow Distress Oxide around the shadow side of each bird.

This tiny amount of ink makes the layers stand out without losing that soft, elegant look.

I also coloured the tiny beaks and eyes with an orange and black Sharpie respectively, instead of cutting additional cardstock—a quick little shortcut.

Step 2 – Create a soft gradient strip

Instead of blending colour onto white cardstock, I reversed the process.

I started with coloured cardstock and blended white pigment ink from one edge inward.

This creates a beautiful soft gradient that almost looks airbrushed once the pigment ink dries.

Don’t worry if it looks dramatic at first—it lightens considerably as it dries.

Step 3 – Assemble the swans

One thing I really appreciate about this die set is that the etched guide lines show exactly where each piece belongs.

The cob (male swan) comes together quickly, while the pen’s (female) has a few additional decorative pieces.

Step 4 – Emboss the background

The embossed background adds plenty of texture while still keeping the overall design soft.

After lightly misting the cardstock, I embossed the panel before trimming it down to its final 5 in. × 7 in. size.

(Watch the video to see what actually happened during the making of this card. It was a bit of a disaster, if I’m being honest!)

Step 5 – A fun stencil hack

Here’s one of my favourite tricks.

Earlier, I had die cut several circles from cardstock. Instead of throwing away the negative piece, I used it as a temporary stencil/mask.

By blending white pigment ink through just a few of the circles, I created subtle highlights that add extra interest without overwhelming the embossed background.

It’s another great reminder that dies can often do much more than simply cut paper.

Step 6 – Build the layout

The ink blended strip is popped up with foam tape before the swans are added.

To create even more depth:

the strip is raised on foam tape
both swans are raised on foam tape
the head of the swan receives a second layer for support where it overhangs the raised band

Dimension is one of my favourite ways to make a card feel more polished.

Step 7 – Finish the card

The finishing touches include:

a sentiment raised with thin foam tape
Opal gems scattered around the background and the pen’s (female swan) bow
a few silver foil accents for extra elegance (optional)

The final card has a soft anniversary or wedding feel without being overly complicated.

Card Two – Elegant Floral Swan Birthday Card

Elegant handmade birthday card featuring a swan surrounded by flowers inside an arched frame.

Elegant handmade birthday card featuring layered flowers and a dimensional swan.

Finished Size

5 in. × 7 in.

Card Measurements

Card base: 10 in. × 7 in. scored on the long edge at 5 in.
Background panel:
- Windy cardstock cut slightly oversized
- Trim to exactly 5” × 7” before assembly
Indigo arch
Brushed silver arch frame
Floral embellishments
One dimensional swan

Step 1 – Create a custom arch

I didn’t have a plain arch die in the size I wanted.

Instead, I used a large oval die and trimmed both the background and the silver frame together to create matching arches.

Sometimes the best solution is simply adapting what you already own.

I adhered the indigo arch in the centre of the embossed panel and then the silver arch frame around it.

Step 2 – Build the focal point

After assembling the swan, I adhered it with liquid adhesive in the bottom right corner of the arch before arranging the flowers around it.

Once I was happy with the arrangement, I used Press’n Seal to lift the entire composition, making it easy to glue everything back in exactly the same place.

If you’ve watched my videos for a while, you already know how much I rely on this trick.

Step 3 – Add flowers and foliage

Rather than placing every flower individually, I first arranged everything dry until I liked the composition.

Only then did I begin adhering the pieces – some with foam tape for dimension and some directly on the card panel with liquid glue.

This saves a surprising amount of frustration and usually results in a more balanced design.

Step 4 – Finish the card

The finishing touches include:

a sentiment raised with thin foam tape adhered right above the focal point
denim blue gems used as centres for the smallest flower

Finished Cards

Even though both cards feature the same swan dies, they couldn’t feel more different.

One has a soft romantic elegance that’s perfect for weddings or anniversaries.

The other feels sophisticated and botanical, making it ideal for birthdays or almost any special occasion.

That’s one of my favourite things about paper crafting—one collection can inspire completely different designs with just a few changes in colour, layout, and embellishments.

Which Card Is Your Favourite?

I’d love to know which design you prefer.

Are you drawn to the romantic anniversary card, or does the floral birthday version speak to you more?

Leave me a comment below—I always enjoy hearing which design catches your eye.

✂️ Want to craft along with me? Members get perks like monthly live Q&A sessions, badges, shout-outs, and Foiled Florals craft-along livestreams. Join the membership here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKhctb1ss7hbxVHivhT5YQ/join

Need More Inspiration?

If you enjoyed these ideas, you might also like my tutorial where I use one die set to create a card with a vintage frame against a modern backdrop, an elegant wedding card and a bold and modern version. It’s another fun way to get much more from a single die set.

Handmade Cards by Toni