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 |
Awesome Cards ! Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win the Misti
I usually think about what card I’ll make for days then just do it. I like your card, Thanks for sharing.
Your card is gorgeous Yana ! It seems so simple when I watch the video but it’s another story when I try on my own ! ;-))
Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win !
Your formula is very simple and awesome description for each technique, I really appreciate you sharing your ideas on your beautiful card creations.
Wow, very elegant. Nice job! Would also make a lovely shower card. The MISTI seems pretty cool.
Thanks!
I love your cards; the colors and the composition, so I really enjoyed this video to hear and see how your formula works. Love all the Spellbinder die options for the frame. It would be wonderful to win a mini MISTI!
Absolutely beautiful card! I can’t say I have a formula for making cards, but you’ve given me something to think about!
Thank you for your inspiration. I too don’t have a formula, I usually just work from something that inspires me. Like your beautiful card. Thank you for sharing.
Tess
I don’t use a formula for my cards unless I mass produce Christmas cards. I love all styles so I never do the same design twice! Having said, that I took notes during your video and there are plenty of ideas for me to use.
Every year I make 20-30 Christmas cards all one design. I do them by stamping and die cutting 20-30 pieces of each section then putting them together.
I love the idea of having a formula to fall back on when you just can’t hit on the right idea for the moment!
I’m usually a “card lifter”, but I love the idea of a formula and am inspired to develop my own. Your artwork is beautiful and thanks for the opportunity to win!
Very elegant looking card. Thanks for your ideas.
I don’t have a formula either. I save Pinterest ideas and then combine them into something fun.
I have no formula. I fly (and scramble at the last minute) by the seat of my pants. Thanks for the chance to win.
I do all the cutting at one time…all the stamping at one time…etc….for mass production.
Thanks for your inspiration.
Thanks for a very helpful and informative video and for the chance to win.
I usually start with a product I want to use (either a stamp set, patterned paper, a die cut etc). Then I turn to pinterest or other boards for inspiration (and after getting lost there for WAY too long…possibly days LOL) I FINALLY get started 🙂
My go-to cards usually seem to feature balloons: hot air ones for people who need a lift and pretty, bright ones for birthdays and celebrations
Beautiful cards as always, and I can see where creating from a ‘formula’ can be very helpful. I don’t think I have my own formula; I am still learning and like to try lots of different things using inspiration from designers like yourself. TFS your talent, inspiration, and helpful hints.
Your card is perfect. It is very pretty. I do alot of casing either from fabulous card artist and pintrest. Thanks for sharing. Would love to win a Mini Misti.
beautiful card. Thanks for the chance to win!
I just usually wing it with my cards or take my inspiration from magazines and blogs. Love the video and your very informative information
Beautiful simple card. Thanks for sharing!
Beautiful card! Your formula definitely works for you! I don’t have a formula, but I might have to figure one out so that I can create cards quickly … Thanks for sharing. And thanks, too, for the chance to win a mini MISTI !
No real formula just get everything out and dive in:)
Thank you so much for the ideas you gave. I’m pretty new to stamping, but am quickly getting addicted to it. I always have problems figuring out how to put my ideas together so thank you very muchfor your formula. I particularly enjoyed the misti tool you used.
Formula, what formula? I normally take lots of classes but the best formula I use is my head and taking things I have in front of me to create a card which is unique.
I think my new obsession are spellbinders dies….. thinking about trying to make shabby chic cards next! Gorgeous card 🙂
Thanks for YOUR formula … I don’t have one. I usually will find a sketch I like and go from there. Your card is beautiful; love that frame!
Lovely cards. I am going to use your formula. This is my first visit to your blog.
Your card is beautiful. I don’t seem to have a formula. I love to search blogs to get ideas and go from there. I have wanted a MISTI for a long time — hope this is my lucky month to win one.
I don’t have a formula but I definitely like yours because I love Altenew florals and I will be trying this technique. You made a beautiful card and I appreciate your videos very much. The MISTI is my favorite item in my craft room!
I usually start with an idea, but at the end my card looks totally different 🙂
Lovely card! I don’t have a formula but found your process interesting and very helpful to getting me to think more about my own designing process. Thanks for the inspiration!!
I do not have a formula when I stamp. If I did I would say it is organic…I go with the flow. I love clean and simple but sometimes I love to layer things up just as you demonstrated. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win BIG! Love this misti.. How about you?
Lovely cards. I will try your formula. You have made me see my die cuts differently. I will try your ideas. This is my first visit to your blog.
Enjoyed watching your video. Will have to break out more of my dies to try this. Fingers crossed for winning the Misti.
Thank you for another great tutorial and would love to win a mini misti to try out various techniques!!
I don’t really have a formula for making cards, BUT, I do like to start a card, complete all the components (the coloring, die cuts etc) and set them all on my card. THEN, I wait awhile and come back the the card and see if it still works. By not gluing everything down straight away, I can easily change the layout, color or component part. So sorry for the rambled explanation!!!! LOL
I don’t really have a formula, other than trying to personalize the card for the recipient. Your card is beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win a Misti!
Very elegant yet very simple, love your card! The Mini MISTI makes this card a lot easier to do.
Great formula and beautiful card! I have to say I don’t really have a formula. I just kind of wing it and see what I like at the time, it’s very unscientific and as a result cardmaking takes me a while, but I enjoy the process so it’s OK.
I don’t have a set formula but if I can’t decide what I really want, I leave the card on my work surface and ‘revisit’ it for the next few days until the right plan comes along.
Beautiful card! Great formula. Thanks for sharing.
I have no formula YET!! Very new to this would love to win that Misti such a helpful tool. I watch alot of videos just hoping to get myself inspired to make something fantastic. Time is not always on my side. thanks for your great tips and videos you share
I think a tag – any shape an size – with a few small die cuts on top always looks good!
Beautiful ideas you used on your card!
Very lovely card, but I like much simpler, one or two layers at the most. I would love a mini Misti to be able to get my sentiments set straight. I would also like to be able stamp again if my stamping doesn’t come out even the first time.
What a beautiful card! No formula for me, I just “wing it”. But maybe I’ll try your idea. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
When I make cards, I like to think about who will be receiving it first and try to select colors and images that fit that person or reminds me of them. Then, I choose the stamp or embellishment focal piece and/or collage elements, adhesive, and then Wink of Stella, bling, enamel dots, or pearls, depending on the card design. Thank you for sharing your card formula. Your card is beautiful and I loved seeing all the die cuts in gold. I am trying to find some good gold mirror cardstock at a a good price.
thanks for sharing your formula, you have some great ideas. sometimes I start with a stamp set and try to create a card around that. Other times I take an idea from others cards and make changes to make it my own.