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 tend to fall back on the frame, floral, and sentiment combo when I’m in a hurry or can’t come up with an idea, but I’ve never made it a habit to use a gold frame. Yours are gorgeous and I will give it a try. I have many of the Spellbinders dies but never seem to use them. Thanks.
My formula is keep it clean and simple Love your tips and formula, Yana! Thanks for sharing them. I pin them so I can get back to it when I need some inspirations.
And Thank You so much for a chance to win this most amazing stamping tool!
No formula. I like sketches, and when I find inspiration, I tend to work on “batches” of similar cards or techniques.
I don’t have a formula but I like the idea. Thanks for sharing
Your cards are lively. My go to formula is a clean, classic background (usually white) with a bright, colourful focal image that is raised with foam tape. I would LOVE to win a MISTI.
No formula. I like sketches, and when I find inspiration, I tend to work on “batches” of similar cards or techniques.
Such beautiful cards! I do not have a formula other than trying to keep the recipient in mind when picking colors and elements. I can see how having a formula would be quite handy. The Misti looks like a wonderful tool that would really help while stamping.
love your simple formula!
Hi Yana. I don’t have a formula, but I wish I did because I often need a lot of time to think through my ideas. I’m going to ponder that one and see if I can come up with my own formula! Thanks for the chance to win the Misti.
No formula for me, but enjoyed learning about yours!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful card. My only formula for card making is to make more than one at a time. I don’t generally have much time so when I do I use every minute of it creating and use the extras as needed, or I gift them away.
Your videos are always so informative! You share great tips! I love your card formula and will have to give it a try. I actually don’t have a card formula of my own. I’m fairly new to card making and I’m still finding my style and learning new-to-me techniques. Thanks for the inspiration!
Beautiful card!!! No formula for me but I like to try to recreate cards that I like:)
I don’t have a card making formula, maybe that is why I make lame cards. I have always admired your card making style, maybe I should use your formula.
Very pretty cards…..I don’t have a card making formula but I would like to try your formula. Thanks for a chance to win a MISTI
Your card is beautiful
Great go to formula. Love what you created. My style tends to be clean and simple so I stick that that in general – not a formula but a style I guess! Thanks for the chance to win a misti.
I don’t really have a formula, just what looks good. Once I work it out I do a card to keep for reference. Thank you for opening my eyes to something different.
I found your formula really helpful. I don’t really have a formula. I tend to look at Pinterest or you tube videos to get ideas, and then adjust them to work with the tools and paper, etc that I have. Thanks for the techniques and ideas today, and thanks also for the chance to win a Misti.
I need all the help I can get..yours is a winner…thanks! I have intestinal flu for the first time in decades. The mini mister will make me feel better. 😉
Love your cards…so many great ideas! Thanks for the opportunity to win a mini-Misti!
Wow!!! Really Gorgeous card!!
I don’t have a formula, I like to try different styles and adapt them to reflect the interests of the recipient. Your cards are beautifully elegant! I will definitely use your formula.
Hi, Yana! Your formula is absolutely brilliant! Thanks for the inspiration. Love your cards!
Yana, you are one of my favorite card designers. I LOVE that you made that video for us!!
It never would occur to me that you use a “formula,” Yana. I just think they’re beautiful! I love that Altenew layered flower and the MISTI makes it pretty much foolproof.
Yana, I really enjoyed watching your video about your formula for cardmaking. I made 3 cards last night BUT it took me all night – I saw that white card and I get overwhelmed. I will try using your formula. I haven’t seen the frames so I have to consider doing that. Thanks for a chance to win the mini-misti!
I don’t really have a recipe for cards…I usually just wing it based on who I am making the card for and what stamps/images I want to use.
I don’t have a formula- I’m too new to this craft. I love your idea though!
I don’t have any great idea…I can use all the help I can get!
I tend to use the florals, frame and sentiment combo when I’m in a hurry or don’t have an idea. However, mine aren’t ever as elegant as yours! I’m going to try using the gold frames. I have many Spellbinders dies, but never use them. Thanks for the ideas.
I have no formula. I work slow and steady. I do not attach anything until I am positive that is where I want it….that could take awhile. Love your cards
I don’t have a formula, but I like to hear other’s ideas.
Those Spellbinders dies are beautiful in gold. I don’t have a method for making cards but I definitely should!!! Would probably save me lots of time. Your cards are beautiful!
I wouldn’t have thought that use a formula, Yana. I just thought they were beautiful cards! I love that Altenew layered flower and the MISTI makes it pretty foolproof to use.
Gorgeous card and great tips!! I have some similar mirror card stock… somewhere…. going to have to find it now and give it a try!!!
As soon as I read your formula it made perfect sense and I thought of my Spellbinders dies! I find blogs such as your’s inspring when I’m stuck for ideas. The crafting world is so generous with inspiration! Ger x
I don’t have a card making formula but I probably need to consider getting one.
I don’t have a specific formula but I favour a few sketches, and change them up with different elements. I love your formula idea, thanks for sharing it. Thank you for a chance to win a Misti as well, I don’t own one yet! Cheers, Dotty C.
Very interesting! Clear, & concise without lots of extra chatter. Great job!
My formula is layering colors on a single page. I struggle with layouts and seem to get stuck! Love your card!
Thanks for all the great tips. Card making is a great artform.
No formula. I have a few sketches I like to use. Fabulous card!
I love your cards. I left a comment a few minutes ago. Hope you have received it.
I use the rule of thirds for my cards.
Your formula is great, Yana – I have none but I might try yours sometime. Thanks for the video, inspiration and the chance to win a mini-MISTI!
I always love seeing your beautiful cards so your formula works wonderfully! I usually start with a solid, or embossed background and then add a simple die cut shape with a stamped image. I go back and forth between fancy and plain, depending on my mood! Thanks for the chance to win a MISTI!
Love your gold frames, I’ll need to try some myself! I like to use a lot of white cardstock with pops of gorgeous colors too. Sometimes I will mix it up with colored cardbases. Thanks for sharing your video!
Your card is so elegant. I am new to card making and never considered it before. Thanks for insight for future csrds.
Such a beautiful card!!!! I really don’t have a formula. Sometimes I do work with sketch’s from several different blogs.