Make Shaker Cards
Make colorful shaker cards using cardstock, clear window film, foam tape, and sequins; cut, assemble, and shake to explore creativity and fine motor skills.
Step-by-step guide to make shaker cards
Step 1
Pick a piece of cardstock and fold it in half to make your card base.
Step 2
Use your pencil and ruler to draw a rectangle or circle on the front where you want the shaker window.
Step 3
Cut out the window shape with scissors to make the opening.
Step 4
Cut a piece of clear window film slightly larger than the window opening.
Step 5
Stick the clear film over the opening from the inside using glue or double-sided tape so it covers the hole.
Step 6
Cut thin strips of foam tape to go all around the inside edge of the window.
Step 7
Press the foam tape strips onto the inside front of the card around the window to form a raised border.
Step 8
Sprinkle a small pile of sequins into the center area inside the foam tape border.
Step 9
Peel the backing off the foam tape to expose the sticky surface.
Step 10
Press a second piece of cardstock or the card back onto the foam tape to seal the sequins inside the pocket.
Step 11
Trim any extra clear film or foam that sticks out from the edges with scissors.
Step 12
Decorate the card front and write a message using your coloring materials.
Step 13
Shake the card gently to watch the sequins dance inside the window.
Step 14
Share your finished shaker card on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have clear window film or foam tape?
Cut a piece of clear plastic from a report cover, food packaging, or a produce bag and 'stick the clear film over the opening' with double-sided tape or glue, and replace the thin foam tape in step 6 with doubled-up craft foam strips or folded masking tape for the raised border.
My sequins keep escaping or the window leaks — how do I fix that?
Ensure the foam tape strips in step 6 form an unbroken seal with no gaps, press the second piece of cardstock firmly in step 10 to fully adhere to the exposed sticky edge, and trim any overhanging clear film or foam in step 11 so the edges lie flat.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children have an adult pre-cut the window (step 3), pre-attach the clear film (step 5), and use large chunky sequins in step 8, while older kids can freehand detailed shapes in step 2, use precision scissors or a craft knife for step 3, and add layered embellishments in step 12.
How can we make the shaker card more special or interactive?
Before sealing in step 10 add tiny paper cutouts or themed confetti, create multiple windows by repeating steps 2–11, or glue a small clear sleeve inside to swap different filler mixes so shaking the card (step 13) changes the look.
Watch videos on how to make shaker cards
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Facts about cardmaking for kids
♻️ You can reuse clear plastic from old packaging as the window film, making your shaker card more eco-friendly.
✂️ Cutting, placing foam tape, and filling with sequins helps kids build fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination.
✨ Shaker cards work like tiny snow globes — loose sequins or beads move around behind a clear window when you shake them.
🧩 Foam tape (or foam strips) creates the spacer that keeps sequins moving freely without falling out — it's the secret to a good shake!
🎉 Shaker elements are a super popular interactive trick in modern cardmaking and scrapbooking communities.
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