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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 |
Loved your formula for a CAS card. The gold mirror card stock really adds a WOW factor. Thanks for sharing and a chance to win a misti
Very elegant!
Love your card. I take pictures of the cards that I really like and have a file so that when I’m out of ideas, I go to my pictures.
i love the gold accents. i just bought some to try it myself. love the creativity!!
Love the gold pieces. Very pretty samples. I don’t really have a card formula, but usually make clean and simple designs in A2 or 5×7 sizes.
I love the idea of a formula. Enough dies and a variety of color combos and each card looks unique but is easy to follow the formula.
No I don’t have a process, but I wish I did sometime it takes me so long to make a single card. Thanks for the chance to win.
I take photos of cards I make. When I need to make a card with a different theme, I search through my photos and find a layout I like, usually changing it up. It is amazing how the same card that was made with flowers and now made with horses looks great! Thank you for your video and your tips. I LOVE those spellbinders almost as much fun as it would be to win a MISTI.
I take photos of cards I make. When I need to make a card with a different theme, I search through my photos and find a layout I like, usually changing it up. It is amazing how the same card that was made with flowers and now made with horses looks great! Thank you, Yana, for your video and your tips. I LOVE those spellbinders almost as much fun as it would be to win a MISTI.
No, I don’t have a formula to making cards. I LOVE your formula. I appreciate the tips you gave me on how to quickly make stamped images with the MISTI. When I get a MISTI, I will put the tips into practice. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful. I love your formula idea. I need to follow that plan. The gold makes the cards so elegant. Would love to win the Misti. Thanks for sharing.
Great idea! Thanks for the opportunity to win this great tool.
Absolutely Beautiful and elegant!
Wow! All of your cards are stunning! The MISTI is perfect for making many layered stamping cards, very cool!!!
I love your cards and your elegant style, Yana. My stamping formula is simply to use a Sketch I’ve downloaded and most likely used before. I like to change up the orientation of the sketch. WOW, would I love a Misti ~ It looks like it would save hours of time when making cards 🙂
I don’t really have card formula but it might help if I did, it wouldn’t take mr near as long?
I don’t have a formula but i think I do now!! LOL! Awesome cards!!
Wonderful cards! I think my card formula is to keep it clean and simple, preferably one layer!
Great card! I love the gold accents. I do not have a card making formula…but I sure love yours! I just might have to “borrow” it. Your video was wonderful. So easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your ideas and for the opportunity to win.
I don’t have a formula, but I should try yours! I tend to over-think things 🙂
I like things clean, simple & tidy. Not too much fluff.
Thanks for sharing your formula. What a great idea. Especially if you get stuck coming up with a design.
Love the card and colors. I don’t have a formula but it takes me longer figure out what I want to do tan it is to complete it. Thanks for the chance to win.
This is a gorgeous card! Thank you for sharing your video. It was very informational. I don’t really have a card formula but I tend to make CAS A2 cards these days. Thank you for the chance to win a Mini MISTI.
Always love your cards, this one is so stylish, especially with that gorgeous frame!! And thanks so much for the chance to win a Misti too!
such a nice video….thanks for a chance to win…
I don’t really have a formula, but I tend to make clean & simple cards most of the time. Although you’d think those would take less time, it never seems to work out that way! Thanks for another beautiful card and a chance to win a misti.
thanks for great inspiration – I don’t have a formula – more than possibly variety – change it up – try new techniques to not get stale – don’t be afraid to mess up – it’s just a card -:)
Those are great tips! Love your formula!
Thanks for sharing your ideas and techniques! Beautiful card!
I love this post & gold is my favorite! My formula is simple. If I’m in a rush I can never go wrong with a rectangular card, some pretty ribbon tied vertically & and off center, embossed sentiment.
I don’t have a formula, but I can see how it helps to get over “designer block.” Thanks for the great idea!
LOVE this! What a great formula to use – it always turns out STUNNING!
Thanks for the tips on making beautiful cards!
Lovely card!
I would like to win the mini misti! I need some encouragement, my parents passed away with in the last 10 months and my life has been hectic. I need to get my cr8tive mojo going!
Gorgeous cards. I love the dies! Thanks for sharing and the opportunities!
Elegant card. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful elegant card. Don’t have a formula myself so I love casing the many talented cards like yours.
WOW! the cards are beautiful! Thank you for all the info, it is well appreciated.
Love the card.
Wow…stunning card! I love it! Thank you so much for a chance to win a Misti!
Love your cards!!! Thanks also for a chance to win a Misti.
what a beautiful card !
I immediately started looking for suitable dies and gold mirror cardstock. This is a great way to elegantly embellish cards. Your cards are stunningly beautiful as always
This is another wonderful card that you created. Every detail of this card is great. You’re my inspiration. Thank you for the movie, it was nice to spend time with you this time 🙂
hugs,
BozenA
I love the cards!
Thank you for sharing your formula. Will definitely give this a go! I just got some new Altenew stamps and inks, been stamping away all weekend, I just need to get all the other elements together.
Beautiful! I love your layers!
Beautiful!