Shake Things Up

With Handmade Shaker Cards

There’s something extra special about giving a handmade card. Whether it’s for a birthday, a baby shower, or just to let someone know you’re thinking of them, a card made by hand carries intention, care, and a personal touch that store-bought cards simply can’t match.

One of my favorite ways to add a little magic to a handmade card is with a shaker card. Shaker cards include a clear window filled with embellishments like sequins, gems, confetti, or die-cut shapes that move when the card is tilted. They’re playful, interactive, and guaranteed to bring a smile—and the best part is that they’re much easier to create than they look.

There are two shaker card techniques I reach for most often, and each one has its own advantages depending on your style, supplies, and how much time you have. I’m sharing a video for each technique so you can see exactly how they come together.

The first technique uses a clear envelope, and it’s hands-down the easiest way to make a shaker card. This method is perfect if you love quick results with lots of impact. In just a few simple steps, you’ve turned a flat card into something fun and interactive.

In the video above, I walk you through how to create a shaker card using a clear envelope from start to finish. You’ll see how simple it is to assemble the shaker, how to add the embellishments without making a mess, and how to attach the envelope cleanly to the card base. This is a great technique for beginners or anyone who wants a fast, stress-free way to add movement to their cards.

The second shaker card technique uses a window sheet and foam adhesive, giving you a little more flexibility and creative control. This approach allows you to customize the size, shape, and placement of the shaker window, making it a great option if you enjoy layered designs or want to try something slightly more advanced.

In this video, I show you how to create a shaker card using a window sheet and foam adhesive strips.

I’m also sharing the second window sheet shaker card I’ve got pictured here in the Freshly Made Sketches #720 challenge, which provided the perfect starting point for this design. I love working from a sketch because it gives just enough structure to get the creative wheels turning while still leaving plenty of room to make the design your own. The clean layout of this sketch paired so well with the shaker window, allowing the movement and embellishments to really shine without overwhelming the card.

Both shaker card styles are fun to make and easy to customize for any occasion. To make things even easier, I’ve created an exclusive step-by-step tutorial for these shaker cards that’s available only to my newsletter subscribers in the Jan. 26, 2026, newsletter. The tutorial is perfect for saving, revisiting, and using as a guide while you craft.

If you’re ready to add sparkle, movement, and a little surprise to your card making, shaker cards are a wonderful technique to try. And as always, if you have questions or need help choosing supplies, I’m just a message away. Happy crafting!