Shaker cards look wonderful and make a satisfying sound. And they entertain whoever sees them. But the kits are expensive. You can make your own shaker cards for under a dollar with materials you can buy at Walmart.
You will first want to read my general hints and instructions. They can be found at this link:
https://crazycricutlady.com/shaker-cards-tutorial-and-tips-on-materials/
What you will need:
- Download file of the shaker you want to make
- Acetate
- Adhesive 2 mm craft foam
- Shaker parts for the inside (I use sequins or beads mostly)
- Cardstock
- Xyron Create a sticker machine or liquid glue
The Design Space files have multiple shakers in most of them but the SVG file contains all I have ready right now. You only need to download the one SVG file. The download files can be found here.
Cutting the Foam and Other Parts
In the download files, the blue parts are cut from foam, cut the black part from acetate and cut the pink parts from cardstock. Some of the shakers have other parts (the cake has candles). Cut these from cardstock. The design space files have text labels that say this. Do not cut the text labels out. Cut one set of shapes at a time and cut out all the parts before you try to assemble the shaker.
I suggest that you cut the foam from a color close to the cardstock color you use. Other than that choose the colors you like.
When cutting the foam I have found you need a little more pressure than the standard foam setting.
Assembling the Shaker
Before you start assembling, run one of the pieces of foam through the Xyron Sticker Machine putting glue on the foam side without the paper. If you have to remove the foam from the paper to get it off (this happens a lot) use a piece of wax paper or left over paper from another sticker to cover the sticky side. Leave the center piece inside the outline until after it is run through the Xyron. This makes cleaner glue edges.
I have found it easier to build up from the solid back, so first put down your solid back on the work surface. Then remove the paper from one of the pieces of foam and stick it to the acetate. Use the piece not put through the Xyron. Make sure all the edges are sealed. The foam will move slightly if you need it to. Then put the other piece of foam on top exactly over the first piece building it up.
Adding Shaker Parts
Next put your shaker parts (sequins, beads or whatever ) in the center carefully avoiding the glue on the edge. You can add a little or a lot. Your choice, but if you add too much it won’t shake well.
Lastly, put the acetate over the foam to seal the bead area. Be sure the chamber is sealed all the way around.
You can now put the piece of cardstock with the holes cut in it over the acetate. Glue it with whatever you like. Finally, decorate it if necessary (attach the candles on the cake etc.)
The shaker is now ready to attach to your card or whatever you are making. Enjoy!
Here are some examples of cards I made.
