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.
Like this project? Pin it and save for later!
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 |
I don’t have a formula, I just do whatever comes to mind that day!
I like to view card designs on Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube videos for inspiration!! Love your work and your videos, Yana!!
I just purchased the vintage flower stamp so am grateful for ways to use it. This is a very clever way to
make clean and simple cards. I see how the Misti helps a lot. Thanks.
I don’t have a formula. I just choose my image(s) and “wing it” until I have a completed card!
You are so dang creatively talented! Thank you for sharing your inspiration. it helps me to know what works for you!
I never thought about a card making formula but really see how using one could make designing easier. Today I borrow techniques from others and modify the ideas to make them my own. Thanks for sharing your wisdom on this and you made me want a Misti even more.
I love your tip! Thank you so much for sharing
I just wonderful ideas from people like you and try to copy them. I looove these cards : )
Your formula truly works because your cards are outstanding!
I love all your cards. Thank you so much for the great ideas.
You make beautiful cards and thank you so much for sharing your talent and techniques.
I love your cards and your videos are very informative. I really don’t have any specie formula when I make a card or a scrapbook page. I get my inspiration from artists like you and from Pintetest.
I do not have a formula. Usually I will sketch out a layout of the card and then plan as I go. Sometimes the card will turn out totally different from the initial sketch. I love your tip. Thanks for sharing.
I love your simple formula for making cards. I usually look thru Pinterest to get my ideas &Athens modify with what I have on hand.
No formula. Might be simpler if I had one.
This is a beautiful card, Yana – the yellow leaves are a great idea! Thanks for sharing your “go to” formula – it looks like a real winner, as does the mini MISTI. Thanks for the opportunity to win the latter :-).
Love your cards and creative genius, Yana!
Thank you for sharing your formula. I always love your cards and wondered how you do it. Now I know. Thanks again.
I love your work. I always enjoy your videos. I always look forward to all your videos.
Hi Yana, this is probably backwards, but I always start with a sentiment and work around it. I like your clean and simple formula!
I love the gold! I don’t have a formula yet…I am still new to the card making field. What I love is all the videos everyone posted…my formula is find a video on youtube and hopefully win a misti 🙂
My technique is to stalk pinterest and you tube vidoes!
Your designs & videos always inspire me. You have amazing talent! I can only imagine how much easier perfect stamping would be with the help of a Mini Misti.
It’s a great idea to have a formula! I sort of just wing it and some times things work perfectly (then I copy the design) other times it’s just a hot mess. But I have fun no matter what! I love your cards! Clean and beautiful.
I would love to win a mini Misti. I watch YouTube tutorials, check Pinterest and compare what my friends are making to give me inspiration for what cards I will make. I just learned to make an easel card and I love it. Thanks for your inspiration!
I love a white card base, 110 lb at least. Scrapbooking Made Simple has 200 lb cards so I plan to use that soon. I think white is so elegant. I usually use black cardstock as my next layer to make my designs pop but not always. That’s about all of my formula! I love love love cardmaking and really enjoy your blog and videos. Keep ’em coming please!
I do not have a formula, but really enjoy your suggestions…
No I don’t really have a formula, but often I pick a stamp set or a product and build it up like plunging in puzzle pieces. Thanks for a chance to win this awesome product!
Usually, I just do my best to imitate something I’ve seen created by someone with a lot more creativity than myself. I wish I was more original, but with so many great ideas & tutorials available, I can fake it pretty decently. So excited for the chance to win a mini MITSI!
Great color combinations is usually my best card formula. Thanks for a chance to win a Misti.
Fabulous formula for cardmaking! Thank you for sharing them and thank you for a chance to win this mini MISTI!
Yana, I’m a big fan of yours! Thank you for sharing your perfect formula for a clean and simple card, I’m totally adding it to my list of quick techniques! And thank you for continuous inspiration and a chance to win a MiniMisti!
You are SO talented! I don’t have a go-to card making formula unless you count card ideas from my many Pinterest boards 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win a mini MISTI!
I have a clean and simple style. I don’t usually have a premade plan – I just wing it!
I don’t have a favorite formula for making cards but I have been using die cuts with stamping more often. I also rarely use pre-made embellishments because I like to make my own. Thanks for the chance to win a MISTI. Your cards are always so beautiful.
I try to balance the image and color to express the emotion. Don’t know if that’s a formula or a process?
Beautiful cards!
I don’t have a formula. I usually pic my image and then just run with it!!!
I do not have much of a card making formula just yet. Maybe I will form one in the future. I generally start with an A 2,card . I prefer white over ivory. SoMe times I will do a watercolor wash and go from there. For me the pivotal jumping off start for me is the stamp. Usually a gorgeous flower stamp.
I don’t have a formula. I tend to mix things up. I like to try new things. Your formula produced a lovely card. I’ll have to try it.
Such elegant cards thank you for sharing and the chance to win a misti
Lovely cards. Love the card technique with frames. I don’t have any card formulas but do love to use card sketches. Thank you for sharing. I would love to win a Misti as I don’t have one.
God bless,
PeggyA
I love all those frames in the gold paper. Wow! I purchased a silicone mold and metallic glue sticks to make metallic frames, but might have to buy some of the dies you used. I don’t have a card-making formula, but I really like yours! The woodgrain card stock just adds so much to the CAS card.
I absolutely love your video tutorials! Whenever I see one on SSS, I have to watch it right away!
Love your videos your cards are always so detailed and your methods work so well
No, I don’t have a formula. I think yours is quite inspirational, yet the cards all look unique.
I love the fact that you have a formula. Love your cards.
Love your cards. I really didn’t use to like gold on cards.but now I love gold embossing.
Gorgeous card and great tips on the stamping. tfs!
I love background techniques. Ink blending, background stamps, stencils,etc. the rest is to keep it simple and not too busy. Thanks Yana.
I very much appreciate your sharing your “Perfect Card Making Formula” with me. Thank you. I love seeing how you use the MISTI, you go so fast. I’ve never used one, but when I get one, I hope I move like a pro. Great job.