Hello crafty friends. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be making handmade cards. Shaker cards are simple and so much fun. The new Simple Stories Vintage My Valentine bundle is the perfect package for all of your Valentine card needs! The bundle contains 6 double sided sheets of cardstock, 2 sticker sheets, chipboard stickers, layered chipboard frames, a mini sticker book, and 3 rolls of coordinating Washi tape. Head over to the FotoBella online scrapbooking store now and treat yourself!
In addition to the Simple Stories Vintage My Valentine Bundle, FotoBella offers a variety of products perfect to create with for Valentine’s Day. I am also using the beautiful gold foil transfers from Bo Bunny to accent my card. To make my shaker piece, I am adding “Sweethearts” and “Crystal Hearts” Sparkletz Embellishments from Buttons Galore & More to my shaker piece. The focal point for the inside of my card is “Willow,” a Julie Nutting doll stamp that is available in the FotoBella online store.
I hope you will check out the written instructions and short video tutorial below and try making one of these fun and easy shaker pieces yourself. You will love the look when it is finished and be amazed at just how simple it is to make!
Making the Shaker Piece - a Simple Tutorial
To begin making the shaker piece, you will need a small piece of plastic. I am using a piece of a page protector that is cut to the size I need. However, you can also use acetate sheets or even recycle the packaging from your craft store purchases! Next, you will need to select one of the chipboard frames from the Vintage My Valentine layered frames assortment. I am using one of the smaller frames for my project. Measure the opening of your frame and cut the plastic 1/2” larger to allow for a 1/4” overhang.
Using double sided tape (1/4” or 1/8” sizes are recommended), add tape around the edges along the inside of the plastic. Do not remove the paper backing on the second side yet. My plastic piece already has a seam so I only need 3 strips of tape, but if using two separate pieces of plastic, you will need to use 4 pieces of tape.
Next, we are going to begin taping the plastic pieces of the shaker pocket together. Align all 4 sides of the plastic and peel back a small section (about 1/2”) of the backing tape on one strip. Stick the pieces together. Then, holding pressure on the pieces so they do not shift, gently peel rest of the backing paper off and the two pieces stick together. Repeat this process until you have only one side open.
Fill the Pocket with Embellishments
The next step is the fun part! Add embellishments to the inside of your shaker pocket. In addition to the beautiful Sparkletz Embellishments, I added some plain red sequins and shimmery baby pink sequins from my stash for more color. These Sparkletz Embellishments would be perfect to add to your project for a pop of red. In this step, add a little at a time and then pinch the top so you can shake it up to see the effect. Then simply keep adding more embellishments until you are happy with the result. Be careful not to overstuff the shaker pocket because you will want to see through it when it’s done.
Once the embellishments are inside the pocket, repeat the step above to seal the fourth side of the pocket. Test out the shaker to make sure there are no holes where the pieces can fall out. Then add double sided tape along the edges on the back side of the frame. Keep the tape as close to the frame opening as you can get so the shaker stays flat when assembled. Position the shaker packet on top of the tape with the backing still attached. Using the method described above, start with one side and tape the shaker packet to the frame. Then repeat on the three other sides and you will have assembled your first shaker frame!
Links to Products Used
Simple Stories Be My Valentine Bundle
Sweethearts Sparkletz Embellishments
Crystal Hearts Sparkletz Embellishments
Stamperia Aquacolor Spray in Baby Pink
Willow - Julie Nutting doll stamp
I hope you enjoy this quick and easy shaker tutorial and find it helpful. Head over to the FotoBella online scrapbooking store today and grab the supplies you need to create your shaker pieces! These shaker pieces are a fun addition to cards for any occasion and can also be added to your scrapbook layouts and mixed media projects.
Happy crafting! ~Kristine, FotoBella Design Team Member
