Hello friends! A few days ago I posted a video where I shared my creative process and all the decisions (and indecisions) I make when I design a card. It was heartwarming to read all of your comments and feedback and I’m so happy you have found that video useful.
Today I’d like to share something different, but something that in a way continues the topic of cardmaking – I’d like to share my go-to cardmaking formula, I call it a perfect cardmaking formula (only in a way that it works perfectly for me when I make Clean & Simple cards). I’m also sharing a way to replace one of the elements I use in my formula with something that can be found in pretty much everybody’s stash.
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VIDEO TUTORIAL
I’m sharing a video tutorial, watch it below or on Youtube:
THE FORMULA
So my formula is simple: white card base (usually using specialty cardstock like woodgrain, spicy yogurt or simple colored card) + gold frame or gold die cut (usually using Altenew’s Antique Trims) + a large floral or a floral cluster + sentiment. Simple as that. I use this combo when I have a hard time coming up with a good design idea for a card and it has never let me down. See some ideas below (click the photo to go to that blog post):
One of the elements in this formula, gold die cut, can be created using dies and gold mirror cardstock (or silver if you are a silver kind o girl). I pulled out my Spellbinders’ dies and experimented a bit to see what frames/dies cuts I could make for my cards. I only made 8 examples (I wanted to show them in my video and I didn’t want the video to be very long, showing 7 on photos below as the 8th one is used on a card), but I look forward to making additional examples using dies from Spellbinders and other companies.
I chose Spellbinders to show as an example as they have very fancy and detailed dies and also because I have a lot of their designs (and I truly love their dies). See below the photos of the die cut + the names of the sets I used to create them. I also have all of these sets linked below.
Dies listed: Pierced Delight, Majestic Circles, Standard Circles, Royal Circles, Gold Rounds, Heart & Flutter
Dies listed: Luscious Labels One, Labels One, Fancy Framed Tags Four
CARD DETAILS
The frame I used for my card was created using a different set, Triple Tear. It is simple, yet elegant and I felt it was a perfect match for this project. To stick with my formula I went with white woodgrain cardstock from Simon Says Stamp (Altenew has identical card). For the flowers I used Altenew’s Vintage Flowers and matching dies. I did use a completely new color combo for me and I went with Peach and Yellow colors.
I used my mini MISTI stamping tool to stamp these and if you watch my video you can see how easy and quickly I was able to stamp two sets of flowers and leaves. I don’t use MISTI for all of my stamping, but it does work wonderfully for stamping color layering stamp sets and for stamping on textured paper such as watercolor paper.
For the sentiment I used one of my all time favorite sets, Labels Love, and heat embossed Thank You in gold embossing powder onto white cardstock cut it out and foam mounted over the frame. I couldn’t resist adding several sequins and clear drops to finish this project.
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!
 Spellbinders Majestic Circles Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Standard Circles LG Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Platinum Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Platinum 6 Die Cutting Machine Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Fancy Framed Tags Four Dies Shop at: SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Labels One Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Triple Tear Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinder Hearts and Flutter Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Pierced Delight Dies Shop at: SSS | SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Royal Circle Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Gold Rounds One Dies Shop at: SSS | SPEL | AZ |
 Spellbinders Luscious Labels One Dies Shop at: SC | SPEL | AZ |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Clear Droplets (small) Shop at: SSS | RAH |
 Pretty Pink Posh 4MM Metallic Gold Sequins Shop at: SSS |
 Mini Misti Stamping Tool Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Altenew Label Love Stamp Set Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Stamp Set Shop at: SSS | AZ | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Die Set Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Vintage Flowers Clear Stamp and Die Bundle Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Peach Perfect Dye Ink Pad Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Summer Afternoon Oval Set Dye Ink Pads Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Red Sunset Dye Ink Pad Pack Shop at: SSS | AN |
 Altenew Gold Mirror Cardstock Shop at: AN |
 Altenew Woodgrain White Cardstock Shop at: AN |
Simon Says Stamp Woodgrain Cardstock White Shop at: SSS |
 DoCrafts Gold & Silver A4 Mirror Board Pack Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 ScraPerfect Crafting Pouch Shop at: SSS | AZ |
 Hero Arts Gold Embossing Powder PW100 Shop at: SSS | SC | HA | AZ |
 Versamark Watermark Emboss Ink Pad Shop at: SSS | HA | AZ |
 Ranger .5 Oz. Multi Medium Matte Adhesive Shop at: SSS | SC | AZ |
 Scrapbook Adhesives Thin White Foam Squares Shop at: SSS | AZ |
Hi Yana! Thanks for sharing your card making formula with us! It’s great! I’m sorry to say that I don’t have one myself. I’m still learning. Thanks for the opportunity to win a mini MISTI!
Your cards are always so stunning! And you provide such great information! Thank you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your formula. I tend to search for card layout sketches on Pintrest or search YouTube when I get “card design” block ^_^
I always love watching your video’s and picking up a lot of fun techniques. Now I’m really in to the gold backgrounds because of you. I find it difficult to use but after reading and watching about your formula i have to give it another go. THanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your formula! Your cards are incredible. Love how your work with gold. These die cuts trims is something to think about (maybe should get myself a set or two of these dies).
Your formula is wonderful, thanks for sharing it with us. I don’t have a formula, but I can see the advantage of developing one. The gold accent makes all the difference, it adds just the right pop of color and shine.
Thank you for showing those fabulous frames. I have a couple of the dies and have never used them…now I will!
Yay for a video today, Yana! I found several dies in my stash to use. I would love to win a MISTI Mini as it takes so much less real estate than the regular size. Desk space is a premium at my house!
I can’t wait to start using your formula!
I don’t have a formula except for mass producing whatever card I am working on to build up my stash of cards
Thank you so much, Yana, for the video, your tips and techniques, AND for participating in this amazing blog hop and giveaway! What a wonderful and generous idea! Thanks again.
No, Yana, I do not have a formula for card making. My videos down at the moment so I’ll be back to view later.
Your cards are lovely! And I love,the gold mirror card stock. The Spellbinder dies cut it beautifully.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a fabulous mini MISTI!
What did we ever do without the MISTI? LOVE!
Hi, I either CASE a card or use that as my inspiration more often than not. When I do come up with originals it usually happens when I am trying to go to sleep. I come up with some awesome layouts, but they rarely look like I had planned them the night before. Always a few of the elements but…. Thanks for the ideas and inspiration in your video. I will try again now that I have a few ideas of how to create my own formula. Thank you for participating in the MISTI give away.
Thank you for sharing your Formula. I guess I really don’t have a formula but I will try your formula. I would LOVE to win a MISTI.
Thank you for sharing your formula! Your cards are incredible
Thanks for the chance to win
Oh, the gold parts are beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win a MISTI.
My favorite formula is clean and simple white or kraft with a splash of color and a little bling.
This is such a stunning card.
I’m not sure one would call mine a formula but my “go to” card style when my creativity leaves me and I need a card fast is when I stamp flowers down the open side of my card front and cut just around the edge. Then on the inside edge I place some wide tape and use Glitter Ritz to make the partially cut flowers on the front stand out!
Thanks for the chance to win.
I have to say that I don’t have a formula, but thanks so much for sharing yours with us. AND for participating in this great and amazing blog hop and giveaway! What an awesome prize!
My formula is just “whatever I want to make that day’
Thank you for sharing your formula and the very elegant card you made. I will work on a formula for myself – it sounds great to have a basic idea on which to build !
Your card is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your formula. I always try to do simple but it never turns out, will have to try your way.
Very enjoyable. Love your formula and the bit of shine to take it up a notch. Thanks for the chance to win a Mini Misti. Would love to have one.
Luv you card designs. thx for sharing the formula. Would also luv to have a mist i tool!
Great formula, beautiful cards! I would love to win the mini-Misti. Today is my 25th wedding anniversary so it would be so great to win this today!:-)
I think your card is stunning! Thank you for sharing your formula with us. Also, thanks for the opportunity to win a Misti!
What a beautiful card. Thanks for a chance to win a mini misti!
I think your card is stunning! Thanks for sharing your formula with us! Also, thanks for the opportunity to win a Misti!
How very clever. Loved your video and what great ideas. Thanks for the chance to win the Misti. Looks like it saves a lot of time.
Beautiful cards Yana. Thank you for your useful tips. Thanks for a chance to win a Misti.
Thanks for sharing your formula. I always love your cards, so I will definitely try your ideas. I really don’t have a go to formula when I make cards. Maybe that is why I often struggle with coming up with the design.
I don’t have a formula, depends on how I am feeling as to what I will use. Thanks for the chance.
Pretty card. At first I thought your gold pieces were metal not die cuts of gold paper.
I have no formula but sure do need one….I spend too much time on one card.
Love your cards. I also use a lot of gold foil. My go to technique is distress inking a piece of white card stock with different color combinations then die cutting my flowers, butterflies, leaves and feathers. They look watercolored and I have them to add to my cards as I make them. I would truly love a mini misti and thank you for the chance to win one.
Interesting formula and the cards are stunning. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Hi! I have a stamp positioner set for card making but a mist tool would be even more perfect!! It is a little bit expensive for me and if i win it, it would be great!! Thank you for the chance!
Your cards are amazing!!! SO inspired and beautiful!
Gorgeous card! Love it! Nope, i don’t have a card making formula – but I definitely need one because it takes me way too long to make a card – Its probably because i’m just too indecisive. LOL
Love your formula and will definitely be giving it a try. The gold foiled paper really adds to the design. Guess I need to take another look at some of my dies to see what might work so I can give this a try. Thanks for the great video and for the chance to win a mini MISTI!
No special formula for me. I want until the inspiration hits for each particular card, something I think will be meaningful for the recipient. Your cards are beautiful.
Wonderful card.
Thanks for sharing your go to formula for card making and how you use the misti. fingers crossed as seeing you use the misti makes me really want one!
Stunning clean and simple.
My formula is clean and simple corner building toward the center. I also didn’t think I would use a Misti but the more I watch the more I’m seeing this is a MUST! Great card thanks for your formula and the opportunity to win a MISTI.
Thank you for sharing your tips Yana. Your blog and tutorials are so helpful. It would be great to win a Misti!
My card making formula is to grab a new stamp set I haven’t used, research on line samples, then mix and match ideas and colors.
Thanks for sharing your formula, it is always interesting to know how others approach this task. As for me I like using distress inks, heat embossing and sentiments on strips of paper. My cards change quite a lot from one time to another so maybe it is not so much appropriate to talk about a formula…
Hi! I have not yet adopted a formula…
Thank you Yana for sharing your secret to making beautiful cards!!! I have learned so from you here and your Instagram. I usually will color the image first then go from there. Or I make a quick sketch of what I’m thinking then go from there. Thanks for the chance!!! Crossing my fingers
Thanks for sharing your formula! I use Pintrest to store examples of cards using stamp sets that I own. Then when I feel like using a particular stamp set, I have an idea gallery to choose from that helps me to pick a design. Thanks for the chance to win a Mini-Misti!