How to Make a Shaker Card + 5 DIY Shaker Cards

Cut out two pieces of cardstock: Gather your materials. If you need to cut your card and cardstock pieces, do that now. These two cardstock pieces can match the size and color of your card but they don't have to. If your card is 5" x 7", cut out two pieces of 5" x 7" cardstock. If you want a more dimensional look, you can cut these pieces smaller and then center it on the front of your card.

In this tutorial, the card is 5" x 7" but the cardstock has been cut to 4" x 6" so that there is 1/2" around.

Cut out the window shape from one piece of cardstock: Your shape can be a square, rectangle, circle, or any other desired shape. Whatever your shape, it should be a few inches in diameter to fully incorporate the shake effect.

Note: You are not cutting from the front of the card. You will add this piece of cardstock with the shaker element to the front of your card once finished.

Cover your window with clear plastic: Measure the opening of your window. Cut the plastic piece 1/2" larger so that it covers the window and overlaps by 1/4" on each side. 

Run a thin line of glue on the four edges of the plastic and attach it to the inside of your window.
 

Create your window border wall: You need some depth to create a shaker effect, so you will need to build up the window area and then fill in the rest of the cardstock to even it out.

There are a few different ways to make a shaker card. This method uses foam tape to build up the window area of the shaker card. Other methods use cardstock to build up the window. 

Simply create a frame by attaching four pieces of foam tape to the edges of your window (backside).

Note: If you have thick shaker materials, you may need thicker foam tape or to build a second layer.

Fill the window with your shaker materials: You don't want to overfill the window with your materials, so make sure you leave some space for the materials to move around when the card is shaken.

Attach the second piece of cardstock to cover your window: Use the second piece of cardstock that you cut in Step 1 to cover the back of the cardstock with the window. Line cardstock with glue and then line up the two pieces of cardstock evenly and press together.

Attach the shaker element to the front of your card: Apply glue to the backside of your shaker cardstock piece. Line up with the front of your card and adhere.

Finish your card: You can add embellishments, sentiments, and other messages as desired.

Butterfly Shaker Card

Gorgeous Handmade Shaker Card

Masculine Shaker Handmade Birthday Card

Colorful Confetti Shaker Cards

Super Star Printable Shaker Card