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 |
Gorgeous card! I don’t really have a formula but I try to tailor each card according to its recipient!
Lovely card. No formula, just inspired by the stamps, meduims and supplies that I am planning to use. That misti is at the top of my wish list. I have been getting into the layered flower stamps and they arent as easy as they look! Could use the help.
I don’t have a set formula I use as I like to try lots of different techniques, etc. Thank you so much for the chance to win.
Hi. I don’t have formula yet. I am only beginer, but one day maybe.
Gorgeous card, Yana. I had already noticed you love using gold frames, but now that I’ve watched your video, I want to go and create a gold frame myself. i don’t have a success recipe yet. I guess my signature style is still under development.
I like your formula and love your cards. I don’t have a formula, just start out thinking about who I am making the card for and then take it from there. But I am going to try to incorporate your formula idea. Thank you.
This is truly one thing I will try to do, this card is lovely.
Thank you for posting this great video.
Looking forward to seeing lots more.
Love these cards and your formula. I’m relatively new to card making so I don’t usually have a formula I just kind of start with either a stamp or technique I want to use and go from there.
I’m fairly new to cardmaking, so I haven’t developed a formula yet. So far most of my cards are created with trial and error. Thanks for sharing yours though, it’s a great way to think about starting the cards!
Your formula is amazing! I just realized that I have the perfect die for this. I’m so excited to try it!
Beautiful card! I don’t have a formula to share but I tend to take out one set of stamps and just work with that or I get overwhelmed.
I am fairly new to cardmaking, so I haven’t come up with a formula yet. So far most of my cards have been created through trial and error. :o) Thanks for sharing your formula though – it’s a great way to think about starting the cards!!
don’t have a formula, but would certainly be very helpful as I can sit for a long time trying to figure out a card. Will def. give it a go. I love your cards.
Your cards are just beautiful
I have not used a card formula, but I love the idea and would welcome the chance to use it with the Misti.
I wish I had a cardmaking formula. I basically watch your (and other cardmaker’s) videos and use your designs as inspiration. I never thought I needed a MISTI, but now I think I really need one!
whenever i see your cards i am blown away.sharing the design formula/plan is very helpful.i would love to win a mini misti to help with positioning flowers.i know it will make a huge difference to being able to stamp again with tendonitis in both shoulders, less pressure should be needed and it will be a lot easier to re ink stamps and make sure any areas missed can be stamped at second go
I don’t have a set formula I use as I like to try lots of different techniques, etc. Thank you so much for the chance to win.
I’m a beginner in the card making family. So I’m only trying to learn and your videos help me a lot. Your explanations are so detailed, it’s really helpful. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity and knowledge with us.
I’ve discovered the MISTI at the end of last year and I’m a fan since then. I can finally use my stamps and mix them with my die cuts, it gives me so much possibilities and is so easy to use. So I cross my fingers, the mini MISTI would be the perfect complement to my original one !
Gold mirror card stock is stunning. I don’t really have a card making formula. I look for inspiration and take my own spin.
I usually start with my stamped image and the sentiment I want to use and try different placements on the card front I want to use. Then I add the smaller embellishments to finish the panel. It is different every time but this is my basic formula that I use. I really love your idea of the die cuts for a foundation in your formula. I think I will try it as I really love the finished look you achieve. Thank you for sharing. I would love to win a MISTI so thank you for the chance to win.
Thank you for another informative video! I didn’t realize I actually had a formula until I started thinking about it. My formula is one dimensional focal point with a textured background. I obtain a textured background using a number of different techniques, such as using textured card stock, stamping a background in a monochromatic color scheme or even dry embossing card stock. The focal point is where I focus color. In addition to texture I like to add dimension to the focal point using foam tape.
I really struggle with positioning layered stamps, so I would love to win the mini misti. Thank you for the opportunity and please keep posting your videos!
I absolutely love this video as I do not have a cardmaking formula that works for me and I struggle and it takes a long time to come up with something. So thank you for your ideas and thanks for the chance to win a mini MISTI!
Love your card! Beautiful! Wish I had a go to formula to create cards like yours. I kinda fly by the seat of my crafting chair and see where it leads me. 🙂 thank you for an opportunity to win a mini misti!
I don’t know if it’s a formula but I like to use odd numbers for my elements in designing cards. I tend to use a lot of gold as well.
Hello Yana! Your cards are very elegant! I’m very impressed with all the card making and surely would like to go to your video to learn more. Right now, I’m only making recycled cards that friends gave me. I make a new card then donate them to different churches for their fund raising for children’s toys for Christmas. Yes, please put my name for the give a way for a chance to win supplies that I can use to make more cards (will also helped my arthritic hand). PS. I don’t know how to create blog nor Twitter or any other social media, hard to teach a 74 year old : ).
Love your card! Beautiful! I wish I had a set formula when I made card. Most times I’m flying by the seat of my crafting chair to see where it leads me. 🙂 thank you for an opportunity to win a mini misti!
I don’t have any card making formulas, but my style is definitely clean and simple. I really like how you use your die cut frames with your cards and will have to see if that will work for me. Thanks for sharing your ideas and for the chance to win.
I don’t have a formula, I just pull out everything I have and hope that things go together! (if not, pull out more stuff and make a bigger mess!) 🙂
HI, Yana! I love all your cards so much! This formula you’ve come up with is absolutely brilliant. I am definitely going to try it, because I always have a lot of trouble figuring out a design. I’m more a ‘silver’ kind of girl, but I do like gold, as well. Thanks for all the great videos you release! Love from Ohio (USA)!
Oh, and I don’t have a formula, at all… which is why I’m going to try yours. 😉
My card making formula is to have a focal image,usually a matte behind it in a coordinating color and always a bit of Bling! The gold frames on your cards make them look so rich and expensive- Lovely!
What a beautiful, stylish card !
I don’t have a magic formula… It would be handy though, because most of the time, I make my cards lastminute.
Thank you for the useful tips and the clear video !
And thank you for a chance to win a Mini-Misti; I understand it must be a pleasure to work with.
Your cards are beautiful. I love the look of the gold frame with the floral image. I don’t have a set formula for designing cards.
Thanks for sharing your card making formula. It’s inspiring to see how others design and make their cards. Your creative process is inspiring and I hope some day to reach your level of expertise. Thanks for the opportunity to win the Mini Misti. I’m sure this tool will help me achieve better card making and finished products. Thanks!
Soooooo clever to use the gold cardstock! And I always thought the woodgrain texture was from an embossing folder. Nice to know I can just buy it. And um, my card making “formula” is pretty much search my pinterest board for a card to copy 😉
I’ve never thought about a formula before….I always use a plain white card base, always the same size and I keep my design simple. Why? limited finances and high postage costs! Beautiful cards you have made…that’s got me thinking that it is time for a change…..!!!
Love your card and I agree with the watercolor paper and the MISTI. I used my daughters MISTI and almost did not return it for that reason.
Fancy & elegant! Thank you for sharing! Aloha!
I have no set formula — i usually stare at a piece of paper or stamps for a while and then start experimenting! Or i CASE something and adapt it to stamps that I have
One of the things I most enjoy about your work is that I can normally recognize it. There is a comfort in structure and beauty in patterns.
I love your card!!! It is beautiful! My formula is to usually start with my focal image and build from there incorporating colors and patterns that make the image stand out. I love stamping and love the MISTI tutorials I have been seeing. Thank you for this opportunity to win!
What a wonderful idea to have a formula like this in the back of your mind that can work on so many occasions, and to say that’s it’s gorgeous is an understatement! Love these cards you’ve shown us today, and how you use a MISTI to do the layers of colors – Wow, thanks, Yana!
I don’t have a set formula. I’ll start with the occasion I need and then go to the stamps, then colors. It falls into place with what supplies I have. I love trying new techniques so I’ll often try that in the card as well.
Wow! This is such a helpful formula! And it’s so versatile that you can tweak it just a bit to suit your style! Thanks for sharing! I find myself always going back to simple background + huge shaker + focal point image + sentiment. Works for me!
I wish I had a formula, but what always seems to happen is I need a last-minute card and scramble to make it 🙂 Your cards are always great!
My formula for CAS is as much empty space as possible, minimal layers and embellishments. rule of three if possible, that’s it. love your cards the frames are a great idea, I only have basic shapes dies
Love your cards, Yana! I do not have a card formula but just a concept of CAS cards is very appealing to me. I love floral cards.
Thank you for a chance to win a mini-misti!
Formula? I also start with dies (my obsession) Although I really like the gold accents, thank you for that 🙂 I love these layered floral’s, so reminiscent of old wallpaper.
I don’t have a formula but I love your idea & I am definitely going to try it.
Your cards are always stunning. Thanks for the inspiration & chance to win!
I have not seen cards using frame dies as beautifully as yours. You use it so well with your stamped images. The gold also works beautifully. I don’t have a card making formula at this time, other than a couple cards at the same time. If I win a Mini Misti, I know it will be a great tool to start me on a path of multi producing great cards. Thank you for the chance on winning one.