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 |
I am new to stamping & card making, so I do not have a formula yet that works for me. I really like the intricate gold die cuts, they are beautiful. Pinks and yellows are also a nice combination. Thanks you for your videos and tips.
Your cards are just out of the world! Such beauty! Thanks for sharing!
I like this layered stamping – the depth and detail is so interesting!
~ginny
Hi Yana, I guess I would have to say that I sometimes stick to a formula when making my cards–i use a lot of florals, like you, and try to create a focal point. Sure helps to watch others and get inspired! tfs, Shelley
Hello. I love card making and never heard of a card making formula. What a gorgeous card!
No special formula for me, but I do like yours.
such a pretty card. Love the flowers. Its great how the misty too makes card layout so easy
I don’t have a formula, but I can see how useful it would be to come up with one. I think your formula would be a good one to start with.
Funny… I think my formula is go and see!!! Lol. I never really thought about it.
I don’t have a formula that’s why I was so interested in your post and video. Very inspiring!
I definitely have some go-to designs I use over and over again. Lots of centered focal points on vertical cards with sentiments in lower right corner!
I mostly Start with coloring then leave it for a couple days (or even weeks, when Chaos strikes once again…:o) Then I start matching backgrounds and embellishments which can also take up quite some time. Hate to be in a rush when making a card.
Lovely formula Yana. My formula is typically pick a central focal element, usually a grouping of flowers or a animal figure or two (love pandas & polar bears — simple coloring), with a clear easy to read sentiment.
Beautiful cards…
I, unfortunately, don’t have a formula for cardmaking —- I just fly by the seat of my pants. 🙂 Love your forumula, tho. Thanks for the inspiration. You card is bee-u-ti-ful!!!! 🙂 Thanks so much for a chance to win a Mini Misti!!! 🙂
Your cards are beautiful, they help my creative process.
This is such a gorgeous card. I do not own any spellbinder dies but the dies cuts you made with that foil paper from Altnew is absolutely stunning, makes me want to buy some now. Thank you for sharing your process with us. And thanks for the chance to win.
I love this card and how cool to have formula on making a card!!! Love it!!
Love your card and video. Thanks for the giveaway!
Beautiful cards, love those gold frames!
Beautiful cards, the gold is so elegant. I tend to use white or kraft cardstock for my card base. I always have a focal point and like to use a border or layers.
Thank you soooo much for sharing this. I love the gold frames. However I could not replicate them. I thought I needed a nesting die that also embossed. Silly me.
As for my cardmaking, I need to know who will receive the card. For some reason, these turn out much better than cards made on a whim.
I love your cards and ideas. I don’t have a formula. Just like to make cards. Thank you for the chance to win.
i love your cards. thanks for the chance to win a misti
I don’t have a formula but I like to have Bright colors as main feature..Your cards are so Classy ! Thanks for a chance to win a mini misti….
layering cards are fun to come up with a good contrast. I like using the pressn seal after I get everything arranged where I want things to go. Thank you for the fresh way of making your cards.
I don’t have a tried and true formula. I usually begin with an element I want to use, a stamp, an embellishment. sometimes I will look at sketches If I am having an artistic block. I love working with sketches. Thanks for the opportunity.
love your creativity 🙂 thanks for sharing and for the chance to win the Misti ~ oh I would love it 🙂
Having formulae make card making so much easier. I struggle with every card design. Thanks for string your secret!
Don’t have a formula….I start with the the theme and color, try multiple things and see what works best. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Yana your cards are gorgeous! I love your formula, I have never thought about having a formula, maybe that is why I struggle getting started on a card. I will definitely be giving this a try! Thank you for teaching me something new!
Beautiful card!! I don’t have a card making formula! Thanks for sharing!
-Berina
Moxie Craftie
I love that you have a formula for some of your cards, I call your style the “Yana”, because I can always can pick out your cards when I see them. They are always so beautiful! I don’t have a formula, but i will try the “Yana” on my next card.
Thank you for the video, I am sure to try this myself! Thank you for a chance to win a misti
Thanks for sharing your formula in this video. I myself don’t have a formula but i try to personalise my card as good as i can to the recipient of the card. Thank you for the giveaway
I like a 1:3 ratio for my cards. Divide card front into 4 “areas”
I leave 1 area clear for sentiments and the other 3 for color bursts or embellishments.
Or vice-versa, Leave 3 areas blank & 1 area highlighted with color.
I usually have a focal point and then fill in with other elements the compliment the focal point, which includes a sentiment. I don’t make a lot of fussy cards, so generally I make clean and simple cards, with a few embellishments.
I love your die cuts out of gold shiny paper. Those little detailed dies really are lovely. Thank you, Darlene:) I would love to be picked to win the MISTI-MAY-NE-A!!!!!
No, I don’t use a formula, but maybe it would help! You always have such beautiful cards! Thanks so much!!
I Have only been making cards for a half year (I LOVE it!) So I haven’t figured out a formula yet. But I hope it will come! thanks for sharing
I didn’t think I had a card formula, but realized I unconsciously use several simple formulas most of the time. With stamping I tend to put elements or sentiments on an angle so I don’t need to worry about everything lining up. This can look to haphazard, so I Misti would really help!!! Thanks to you for sharing and to Ilina for the month long Misti give-away.
I don’t have a formula for cardmaking, but I was interesting watching your video and seeing how having a formula can be beneficial. Usually for me, my cards just come together as I’m making them, kinda winging it, LOL
Thank you for the information on your Formula. Lately I’ve been selecting an under-used stamp set that I have and try to make it a focal point. I do like dies for the sentiments and usually tint ribbon the match the focal image. General I try not to have more that three effects (e.g. dry or heat embossing, dimensionally, color type, die cut, glimmer etc)
Thank you so much Yana for the video. I have several of these dies and even two of the Gold dies that I have never used. Now I know how to use them!!! I love your cards and have two of the Altenew layered flower stamps sets… also have some of the gold mirror board! Now I just need a Misti! Thanks for a chance to win one.
Beautiful card. I love Altenew stamps.
Yet again, an engaging, informative video. I so enjoy watching you create magic! My formula is incredibly basic: choosing an image, a stencil and a sentiment, then heading over to the lower right side of a panel. That ‘usually’ gets me somewhat out of a creative slump…Other than that, I go browsing through challenges; always something to pique my creativity. Your formula here: going on my must do list…thank you!
~carol
No specific formula, but I do rely a lot on sketches when I’m drawing a blank. Love the simplicity of your card, it’s beautiful!
Unfortunately, I don’t really have a formula but would like to develop one. It takes me longer than it should to make a card!
I start with some words, then do something in 3d and lastly choose a colour theme. Takes quite a while tho.
No, I don’t really have a formula, I’m not that organized. This is why I follow blogs such as yours so I can learn how to develope a formula. The card is beautiful and your video is very informative. Thanks for a great giveaway!
trishden948(at)yahoo(dot)com