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 like trying to reinvent the wheel very card I make. It forces me to think Differently than I do all day at work! Love it
What a great tip! Beautiful cards.
I usually use layers of background to accent the main stamp image that I start with. Would like to find some card formulas to mix it up.
I don’t really have a formula per se, but I do tend to set my work aside and come back to it. Often if I’m stuck, doing this helps me in the inspiration department. Thanks for sharing your formula.
I enjoyed your post and videos. It’s inspired me to make a stash of simple elements based on your formula for quick and easy card making. Thanks! The mini misti would be handy too!
Yama,what a beautiful card! Thank you for sharing your formula,I will try it.please put my name in the bowl to win the mini Misti.
I don’t have a formula since I’m a new card maker. I do get a bit of help ( a lot actually) from my mom, which is helpful. So for now I’m using the “Mom-formula” when I’m stuck on a design.
Thanks for the great video. I didn’t have a formula before but I’ll take my inspiration from you now. I’d love to win a MISTI thank you for the opportunity.
Nice video. I don’t have a formula but will try later. I like the cards you made. So beautiful. Wish to get a chance to win the misti. Cheers!
Yana,
Awesome formula. Now I get your style. I noticed one of the cards you created for a blog hop and you used this formula.
I’m just getting back into card making, so I don’t know that I have a formula as yet. Maybe it’s making “pocket cards” because all you have to do is decorate the pocket? Maybe one day I’ll come up with a “go to” formula of my own.
TFS. I will definitely incorporate this into my card making!!!!
Thanks for sharing your ideas! And thanks for the opportunity to win a Misti!!
I don’t actually have a formula, as I’m relatively new to card-making. I follow tutorials and try my hand at applying the techniques that I see, and so far so good! It’s a lot of fun.
I do not have a cardmaking formula, but seeing what wonderful cards you create with yours, maybe I need to come up with one when ideas are lacking. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win a Mini MISTI!!
Hello Yana, thanks for the great idea for a clean and simple card. I was always struggling with this kinds of cards. I love them, but I wasn’t able to create them. To answer your question, I don’t have any cardmaking formula, but I will use yours for sure 🙂
I don’t have a formula but I’m definitely going to be trying this one! Absolutely gorgeous
I love your cards. They are very beautiful. I am not as advanced as most of you girls but I’m trying. And too bad for me the cut off has,already happened for the misti. Anyway, I look forward to seeing more and learning more. Thanks for all the inspiration
Your tip was really awesome and I hope to try it out soon.
I usually start with a simple white based cardstock, a panel of Watercolor paper for watercolor stamping and a big and bold sentiment diecut and mounted on foam tape. Glitter to add a bit of subtle shine is my go to approach.
I am still figuring ut my formula, since m fairly new cardmaker and dont have lots of supplies, so i try to use what i have in the best possible way 😀 i love the opportunity for winning the misty, it would be a great tool to have!
Thanks for sharing your ideas and the chance to win a misti!
Love the ideas and a chance for a MISTI! Thanks!
I usually start with a background and the decide how to pop the sentiment.
I really don’t have a formula but am open to suggestions! Love your cards! Thanks for the chance to win a mini Misti!
I’m still new to cardmaking so no formula yet but I’m definitely learning 🙂
I can see myself using this formula a lot in future. Thank you for sharing Mrs O.
My formula – start with the central element and then choose the background to it. But sometimes I start with a background). Thanks for sharing your ideas! And for the chance to win!)
A really great formula Yana, thanks for sharing this with us, I will give it a go.
Gee I like your formula Yana! I don’t have one but should probably think one up hehe. I get stuck with cards a lot. I recently saw a style using patterned paper on the front excluding a white (base card) strip on the left. Then die cutting a word from the patterned paper (and letting the white base show through). I found that one so useful and ended up making a bunch of cards which is unusual for me. Some I cut the word from the paper, some I layered it on top. I popped sequins on some, Wink of Stella on others, twine on others. I always had a problem with doing too much and so perhaps sometimes I am too simple I guess. This is why your style here is so appealing! It’s simple but very effective, loving the gold 🙂
I don’t have a specific card-making formula, but my general process usually starts with wanting to experiment with a product or stamp set…my card turns out from whatever direction my experiment takes! Thank you, I enjoy your YouTube channel
Love your Cards!! I usually begin with choosing a color scheme. Then I collect all my supplies in that colors and go from there. Thanks for the chance to win a Misty!!
Great formula, thanks for sharing! I think you’ve enabled me with some of those pretty frame dies, lol!
Beautiful simple card. I love the dies too. Thank you so much for the idea.
I don’t have a specific formula. I take inspiration from all of you wonderful card makers and artists like yourself☺
I don’t gave a formula, but your cards are gorgeous! Thanks for a chance to win
Hi Yana! I use Pinterest and you tube for a lot of my card inspiration and go from what I find. My formula isn’t a regular thing as my style is going through some changes lately. I love bold sentments and bright colors!
I don’t have formula of my own, but yours is so clever. Those frames are so cute. I’ll definitely try it.
Love your style, thx for the inspirations!
I’d noticed your beautiful gold frames but didn’t think it was part of a formula! I need to find a formula of my own, to make it easier to get those last-minute cards done!
Love this post and all its inspiring comments !
I like to stamp an image multiple times and then color one of the images slightly different from the rest. I tend to find that while I’m coloring all the images my creative juices get flowing and I come up with other card ideas.
I do not have a formula which is why I appreciate yours! I’m a fan of your gold embellishments and was just googling recently to try to find a die in a fancy diamond shape! No success yet! I’d love to give the MISTI a try. Such a clever invention.
Well…I don’t have a precise formula…for me it’s a sort of “on going” process. Even if I planned it before, there will always be some (in)decisions that pop out during the creative process. But I love all of this… 🙂 except when I have to do some “last-minute cards” (in this case, yes, I usually follow a formula, something like cardstock, subject(s), background, sentiment, embellishments).
Thanks for sharing your beautiful works and ideas.
Your cards are beautiful. Your formula is certainly working for you! I haven’t developed a formula yet. I save cards to Pinterest to use for inspiration. The MISTI looks like a great tool.
Your card is stunning! The Mini Misti looks to be the tool to have! Thanks for the chance to win one!
Wonderfull card Yana and the gold mirror card paper sure make awesome diecuts, have to go to the craftshop and look for it ;o)
I do not have a specific formula, mostly when I join in a card-mingle or card-swap with a topic, the idea for the card pops up in my head and I sit down an make it and 9 out 0f 10 times it works for me.
I don’t have any formula but I surely use yours.
Hello, Yana! I am new to card making so your post and video are very educational! I am working on developing my own style and trying out different techniques to see what works for mе! I am drawn to bright colors and I love coloring with copics and water coloring! My go to formula is finding inspiration to create with a special person and occasion in mind and finding a stamp set that will inspire me. I use gold paper a lot too for layering and gold power for embossing, and usually add a larger frame to my cards! Дуже дякую, привіт із Флоріди!
Yana beautiful clean and simple cards. Thank you for your formula. I don’t have a formula.
You always have the most beautiful cards! Love this idea to make your own gold frames.
I don’t have a formula, unless it’s to get inspiration from great stampers and cardmakers!
Love you cards ♡
I don’t think that I’ve adopted a card making formula as of yet .
Thanks so much for a chance to win!!! This is the greatest giveaway yet.
Thanks for ur video. Usually I would play around with an idea for some time. Draft it and fuzz with it and finally done with it. Thanks again.
Yana, I just find it so refreshing and very helpful to see your card making process. It can be frustrating sometimes to watch the pros “whip” together a card when it takes so much more for me to put one together. Nice to find out I am not alone. Love your work. I will try using your formula. Thanks from Texas, USA.