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 |
Beautiful card! I don’t really have a card making formula. I tend to just do various things and methods based on what I’m making. Thank you so much for the chance to win!
Really pretty C&S!
No special formula for me. I actually never thought to have a specific formula, but that sure sounds like a way to make things go easier and faster. I like that you shared your perfect formula with me. I really liked your tips you gave about using the MISTI. I plan on remembering the tips for when I get one. Super job, and thanks again for sharing the info with me. .
Beautiful card, I don’t have a formula I just see what stamps I want to do and then go about making it
You are an amazing designer! I love your blog and videos. Please enter me into the mini Misti draw. Have a great day!
no I don’t have a formula but always open to new ideas to make the process easier and quicker!
thanks for sharing
I do not have a card making formula, but you have made me think about it. Having a formula would be a time saver! Thanks for the idea and chance.
Love your formula-gold frame & flowers. It works so beautifully-thanks for sharing & for the chance to win a MISTI.
You are just unbelievable! Thank you for all of your hard work, whenever I receive your newsletter, I’m so happy! You fill my life with so much inspiration! I’m so grateful!
Your tutorial demonstrations are always so interesting, clever and inspirational – I’m presently watching them at 3am in the morning due to not being able to sleep because of a police helicopter noisily hovering close by! The stitching you do on cards is so unique and effective. The simplicity of the formula directive you have demonstrated here is a perfect place to start ideas from. I have always derived my designs around a focal image and worked backwards. I can’t say this is a formula and I don’t believe I do anything the easy way to get a card made. I love incorporating stamping into my projects and despair when a card is nearly complete and mess up on the stamping and can’t go back over it exactly in the same place to re-stamp – oh to have a Misty tool!
I watch you create each time you post a video. I have been drooling over the misty since I first saw it! It would cut down on positioning so much. Especially with stamps for sentiments..love it!
These are outstanding designs
I’m new to card making and I enjoyed learning about your formula to make simple designs. I do love the gold intricate dies and will be adding some to my collection. Thanks so much for sharing!
I really love your go to design and I think I’ll try it: I love paper and ribbon so I pick out my paper and ribbon and from there it seems to come easy. Please enter me in the Misti giveaway.
I usually start with the stamp image and then choose the colors from there. My brain seems to think first in color rather than specific item.
That is a truly beautiful card! Thanks for the great tips on card design. These dies are all wonderful & I can see a few of these coming to live in my craft room. I usually start my cards with the chosen image & go from there but having a go to design would be very helpful. Thanks for sharing!
This was a great video. I tend to lean more towards making elegant cards and love the mirrored card stock. I’ve never had a formula for cardmaking, but think this is a fantastic idea. I get most of my inspiration from watching all the other card maker’s videos. My biggest issue is trying to make a decision on colors of ink and card stock; too many choices, not enough time. I will have to try your formula idea for my next project, thank you for sharing. Your videos are always very inspirational. I appreciate all you ladies do to help us paper crafting addicts, thank you.
I love your stunning card!
I use the magic of threes, seems to work for me every time.
Thank you for sharing your three elements that make a beautiful card. So nice. MISTI no doubt helps.
I love your card. I can see how a card making formula would be a big help. I might have to try that some time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the chance to win.
I don’t have a formula but I do love yours! I have not considered frames this way, but now I will! Thanks for sharing Yana
Hi Yana. I do not have a card making formula but I really think it’s a great idea. I love the frames and those flowers are gorgeous
Wow, great formula, WONDERFUL using gold!!! LOVE the MISTI!!!!
Pretty card and I can see that this formula would be great if you ever got stuck. I don’t have any as formal as a formula…if all else fails, layers! I would love to win a Mini Misti, so thanks for the chance.
Hi Yana!! I adore your card making style and love your fresh take on card making. I’m an organized clutter bug. LOL. Although, I have grown immensely in the 8 years I have been stamping. I really have no design training and only had one official art class as a freshman in my one and only year of college. That was 33 years ago and I’d never had art before and didn’t learn anything! My teacher was not there to teach. I have 2 strategies, either spend a long time making a card or spend a little time making a card. Haha! Cards really evolve as I make them. It’s easier for me to make cards for someone, than just sit down and create random cards. But I did make 7 huge sets of all occasion cards for my Mother’s Days Gifts, including a group for Me and I gave one to my niece graduating HS. I try my best to spend as little time per card design for this project, so I can move along and get them done in about 2 weeks, usually going over 2 weeks! Doing my yearly series on Name Tags has really catapulted me on simple design and I find that making A2 sized cards are much easier than 5 1/2″ x 8″ or 8 1/2″ x 11″ cards, which were the best sizes for many signatures, when I was making bday cards for my husband’s coworkers. Thanks so much for all that you share! I don’t have a Misti, but it’s on my wish list.
Thank you for the awesome tutorial and the chance to win Mini Misri.
What a drop dead gorgeous card Yana. I love the gold die!
Would love to win a Misty. Here’s hoping
Shonz
What a great card formula I’m going to try that out! Thanks so much for sharing and for the chance to win a Misti!
I never thought of using a gold card stock to make elements! I learn something new every time i watch one of these videos.Thank-you!
What a great idea! Beautiful
I love your card and the video on making simple cards. Great ideas. I do not have a formula for making cards. I get ideas from looking at all the samples on the internet and add my own touches.
Love the elegance of your card designs! I wouldn’t say I have a card-making formula. I generally first choose what type of technique I’m in the mood to use and base a card around that particular technique of choice.
Wow, what a gorgeous card! As a beginner card maker, I don’t have a formula. I’m still learning–and your videos and detailed instructions have helped me so much. Thanks for your help and thanks for the chance to win a mini Misti!
Your card looks great. I don’t think I have a card making formula, although there are techniques that I enjoy using regularly.
Thanks for your video I like to watch these videos to pick up new tips. Thank you the dies are beautiful.
Thanks for sharing your formula. I don’t have one but enjoy watching your videos as I learn something every time. You are an inspiration.
Yana, I really enjoy your videos and my basic go to formula is to take double sided pattern paper cut to the size of the card front I’m making and to cut it in half at about the 2/3 mark so that the top is about 1/3 and the bottom is 2/3. I then add a coordinating paper or ribbon as a strip covering the join ( which may or may not have a gap, if I’ve had trouble cutting the card front to the right size!) and then add a floral embellishment to either the left or right side of the strip covering the join. I then add a sentiment if I need one or leave it plain and add the sentiment to the inside.
What a beautiful card!! Love the gold die cut!! The Misti is surely a great tool for us card makers!! Thanks!!
I love your card. I can see how a card making formula would be a big help . I’m new to card making and I hope to one day be able to say that I have a card that makes the formula. Thank you for sharing
Awesome as always! Thanks Yana!!
Beautiful card!! Love the gold die cut!! The Misti looks like an amazing tool for us card makers!! Thanks!!
Beautiful cards. I am fairly new to card making so I do not have a formula worked out. I usually start with a focal point, pick colors and experiment.
Such a lovely card. Love the way the elements fallen n place beautifully. Thanks for the video tute. My go to trick is textured bg using emb,folders and distressing or through stencils and a water colored floral clusters on top at different fashions. It always works for me best 🙂
I discovered you and your beautiful creations recently on You Tube as I got interested in floral stamp layering and found Altenew stamps. You have so many beautiful creations! I find it very interesting that you use a formula for your cards. That is something I don’t do, but I think it’s an excellent idea! I need to follow your example. I tend to start with the main stamped image I want to use, but after that everything varies. It would be nice to be more disciplined! I think having a MISTI would help the whole process in so many different ways. I would love to have one! Thanks so much for giving us the chance to win this awesome stamping tool!
I do not have a formula, but have within the last eight months or so been gravitating towards a very simple card. I am using large stamps as the focal point and adding little around it so that the image is enhanced. It’s a work in progress. I love your cards… talk about beautiful and elegant! I will try your gold paper. I purchased something similar a while back, but it was thick and only suitable for sentiment dies. Thank you so much for sharing and the opportunity to win a Mini MISTI.
Your card is beautiful. Thanks for sharing it and your crafting formula.
AND thanks for the chance to win a Mini Misti.
I do not really have a formula I just create what feels right in the moment.
Crafty hugs,
Dawn
DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot
I usually try to think about the design for a time before sitting down to create the card. I like your ‘go to formula’ and will give that a try when I get stumped….thanks so much!
Paper Hugs,
Jan