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Steps written out by Crafting Step by Step from Simply Simple Stamping | Connie Stewart's video (opens YouTube) (6:20). Published .
Most shaker card tutorials require shaker foam, double-sided tape, and a careful build that takes 30+ minutes. This shortcut version uses a small clear envelope as the shaker chamber - the whole card comes together in under 10 minutes.
This walkthrough from Connie at Simply Simple Stamping breaks the easy method into seven clean steps. The technique works with any stamp set and any small embellishments. Once you've made one, you'll have ideas for birthday cards, holiday cards, congratulations cards - anywhere a little extra movement makes a card more fun.
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Make a shaker card in 7 steps with a clear envelope. An easy project: about 30 minutes. Materials cost about $5 to $10. You need 9 things, including Clear envelopes, Cardstock and Embellishments. The 7 steps: stamp Your Focal Image, cut Small Embellishments, arrange Embellishments on the Focal Image, slide a Clear Envelope Over the Focal Image, add Loose Shaker Bits, seal the Envelope and mount the Shaker on a Card Base.
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Stamp a small design (about 2.5 by 4 inches) on white cardstock. The example uses a cake stamp colored in with stamp blends, then trimmed and matted on a slightly larger piece of colored cardstock for a clean border.
The focal image is what shows through the clear shaker window - so pick something with empty space around the main subject (where shaker bits will visibly move) rather than a busy background design.
Cut small embellishments from contrasting cardstock - die-cut letters, flowers, hearts, dots. The example uses 'happy' as a die-cut word plus tiny flowers and hearts. Run the dies through your machine twice for clean edges.
Keep all loose pieces under 1/4 inch - bigger pieces don't shake well inside the small envelope. The mix of word + small shapes gives visual interest and movement.
Lay your focal image flat. Place the die-cut embellishments and any other small items face-up on top of the focal image to preview the layout.
This is your design preview. Rearrange until you like the composition - the word here, flowers scattered there, dots filling the empty space. Once you're happy, you'll trap them inside the shaker.
Get a small clear envelope (the kind sold in cardmaking stores for shaker projects, sized about 3 x 4 inches). Slide it over your focal image and arranged embellishments.
Tuck the focal image into one corner of the envelope so the embellishments scattered on top get trapped between the focal image and the envelope's clear face. The envelope's open end stays free for the next step.
Sprinkle in the loose shaker bits - sequins, microbeads, glitter, or extra tiny die-cuts. About 1/8 teaspoon total. LESS IS MORE - overfilling stops the shake effect because the bits can't move freely.
The bits should slide around and re-settle when you tilt the card. If they're packed tight, dump some out. Mix textures (some flat sequins + some small die-cuts) for more visual interest as they shift.
Most clear envelopes have an adhesive flap on the open end. Peel and seal it. For extra security, run a strip of scotch tape across both short ends of the envelope - this prevents glitter leaks if the seal isn't perfect.
Test by shaking. The bits should move freely without anything escaping. If glitter is leaking out, add more tape until the seal is solid.
Cut a card base from cardstock - 8.5 x 5.5 inches, folded in half, gives a standard A2-size card. Run the front of the card through an embossing folder for texture if you have one.
Adhere the sealed shaker assembly to the front of the card base with double-sided tape or strong glue. Add a sentiment strip or matting layer if you want extra polish. Done - shake to play.
Save unused shaker materials in labeled bags - sequin mixes, glitter, micro-beads. Building a stash means future shaker cards take 5 minutes instead of 10 because you skip the supply hunt.
Keep going
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More on this topic, picked for this shaker card.
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How to Make a Shaker Card: 7 Step Easy Tutorial With a Clear Envelope
E6000
E6000 Craft Adhesive, Clear (3.7 oz)
The industrial-strength craft glue that bonds glass, wood, ceramic, metal, fabric, and concrete. The one adhesive most craft projects reach for.
Gorilla
Gorilla Dual-Temp Full-Size Hot Glue Gun
Dual-temp so it handles delicate florals and heavy materials alike. A precise nozzle and built-in stand make it the everyday craft-table gun.
OLFA
OLFA 18" x 24" Self-Healing Cutting Mat
The pro-standard cutting surface. Gridlines for square cuts, self-healing so blades never leave grooves, and big enough for paper, fabric, and leather.
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Question 1 of 5
What contains the loose shaker bits while keeping them visible?
Quick reference
5 questions, answers, and one-line explanations. Tap to expand.
1.What contains the loose shaker bits while keeping them visible?
Answer: A clear envelope sealed over the focal image
The clear envelope creates a see-through chamber — bits tumble freely inside.
2.What happens right before the clear envelope slides over the focal image?
Answer: Small embellishments are arranged flat on the image
Embellishments need to be flat on the image so the envelope can slide over without disturbing them.
3.When do you add the loose shaker bits?
Answer: After the envelope is over the focal image
The envelope creates an open pocket — drop in the bits, then seal it.
4.What is the final structural step before mounting the panel?
Answer: Seal the envelope closed
Sealing the envelope traps the shaker bits and completes the mechanism.
5.Why are small embellishments arranged under the envelope, not loose?
Answer: They create a visible decorated background behind the moving bits
The fixed embellishments add depth and color that shows through the clear window as the bits move.
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