Creating A Wedding Shaker Card: Step-By-Step Guide

A wedding shaker card is a fun and creative way to invite guests to your wedding. Shaker cards are interactive cards with a window through which you can see small items like confetti, glitter, or sequins that move around when the card is handled. They are called shaker cards because the recipient is encouraged to shake the card, which makes the items inside move around. These cards are easy to make and highly customisable, making them a unique way to invite guests to your wedding.

Choosing a theme and filler

When making a wedding shaker card, it's important to choose a theme and filler that complement each other. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Choosing a Theme

The theme of your shaker card will set the tone and help you determine the filler and overall design. Here are some theme ideas to consider:

• Love: You can incorporate heart shapes, romantic colours like red and pink, and love-themed messages or quotes.
• Elegant: Opt for a sophisticated and classy look with elegant fonts, neutral colours, and simple designs.
• Rustic: Go for a rustic theme with natural elements like kraft paper, twine, and wooden embellishments.
• Seasonal: Tie your shaker card into the season by using colours and elements associated with that time of year, such as flowers for spring or leaves for autumn.
• Personalised: Make the card unique to the couple by incorporating their initials, wedding date, or even a photo of them.

Selecting a Filler

The filler is the fun part of a shaker card, adding movement and interactivity. Here are some filler ideas for a wedding shaker card:

• Confetti: This is a classic choice for wedding shaker cards, and you can find confetti in various colours and shapes to match your theme.
• Glitter: Add some sparkle to your card with glitter in different colours and sizes. Chunky glitter will move more freely and create a bolder effect.
• Sequins: Sequins come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them a versatile option for shaker cards.
• Beads: Small beads can add a delicate touch to your card, and you can choose from different materials like glass or plastic.
• Charms: Tiny charms such as hearts, rings, or doves can be a meaningful addition to your shaker card.
• Polymer clay shapes: Create custom filler by making tiny shapes out of polymer clay, such as hearts, stars, or initials of the couple's names.
• Rhinestones: Add a touch of elegance and sparkle with rhinestones in various sizes and colours.
• Sand: If the couple loves the beach, consider using sand as a filler to represent their favourite place.

Remember to choose a filler that fits the theme and colour scheme of your card, and always test it out to ensure it moves freely and doesn't get stuck.

Cardstock and window materials

To make a wedding shaker card, you will need cardstock and window materials.

For the base of your card, choose a cardstock that is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your shaker elements. A cardstock weight of 65-80 lb. is recommended, but weights up to 110 lb. are also mentioned. You will need five sheets of 8.5" x 11" or 12" x 12" cardstock per card. You can use regular cardstock, or get creative with holographic foil Kraft board. You will also need one sheet of contrasting cardstock for the card front.

For the window, you will need a clear material such as acetate, clear plastic sheets, or window plastic. Cut the window material slightly smaller than the size of your card front. You can also use an old cutting mat cover in a pinch.

To assemble the shaker card, you will need double-sided adhesive tape, as well as foam mounting tape or strips to create a raised border around the window.

Shaker elements

The shaker elements are the small objects that fill the window of your wedding shaker card and move around when the card is shaken. For a wedding theme, confetti is a popular choice, but you can also use glitter, beads, or sequins. If you want to get creative, you can use custom confetti made from party foil, small polymer clay shapes, rhinestones, or small pieces of party foil.

When choosing your shaker elements, consider using colours and shapes that match the theme of your card. For example, if you are making a beach-themed card, try using embellishments in the shape of stars, shells, and other items that can be associated with the beach. This will create a colour-coordinated card that is pleasing to the eye.

Remember not to add too much filler material to your shaker card. When there is too much included, the elements won't shake as much, and the background won't be visible.

Foam tape and adhesive

Foam tape is an essential component of shaker cards, creating a raised border around the window of the card to hold the shaker elements in place. It is a double-sided adhesive tape that comes in various thicknesses, lengths, widths, shapes, and even colours.

When selecting foam tape, opt for one that is sticky but item-safe, with no glue residue. This ensures that the tape does not damage your precious items and can be used for a long time.

To use foam tape effectively, first, peel off the tape from its backing sheet. Next, push the sticky side down on the back of the item you are adhering to your project. Then, remove the release paper on top of the tape. Finally, adhere the item in place on your project.

When creating the frame for your shaker card, it is important to keep the foam tape away from the edges to prevent it from showing. Additionally, ensure there are no gaps at the corners, so your shakers don't leak out.

If you are having trouble removing the release or backing liner, use craft tweezers or a craft pick to pull them off easily.

For added convenience and creative options, keep different-sized double-sided foam tapes on hand.

If you want more flexibility in the shape or size of your tape, consider using a foam tape roll. This can be cut to any shape or size, making it perfect for various craft projects.

To avoid the white core of the foam tape from peeking through the sides and edges of your card, use clear or transparent double-sided adhesive foam tape, or colour the edges with a black alcohol marker, black pen, or black nail polish.

Assembly

To assemble a wedding shaker card, you will need the following materials:

• Cardstock in two complementary colours—one for the back of the card and one for the frame
• A transparency sheet (cut to size after adding it will be easier to ensure it covers the frame area)
• Quality paper for the message or invitation
• Printer or markers for the message
• Scissors, a craft knife, and a ruler or straight edge
• Glue or double-sided tape
• Double-sided foam tape strips
• Decorative filler items (glitter, sand, sequins, confetti, etc.)

Now, here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a wedding shaker card:

• Prepare the card base by folding it and decorating it as desired. This is what will show through the shaker window, so choose a colour that complements the filler items and the frame.
• Prepare the frame by cutting out a shape from the centre of the cardstock. Ensure that the frame is smaller than the card base.
• Attach the window sheet to the backside of the frame with glue or tape.
• With the backside of the frame facing up, create a border using foam adhesive strips. Keep the strips away from the edges so they don't show, and make sure there are no gaps at the corners so that the filler items don't leak out.
• Remove the paper backing from the strips and set it aside.
• Lay the desired amount of filler items (e.g. confetti, glitter, sequins) on top of the card base. Be careful not to overfill, as this will cause the elements to get stuck.
• Carefully lower the frame and attach it to the card base.
• Press down firmly on the frame to secure it in place.
• You can further decorate the front of your card with stamps, ink, or other embellishments as desired.
• Shake your card and enjoy the interactive effect!

Frequently asked questions