How to Create a Valentine's Day Shaker Card

Say "I Love You" this Valentine's Day with a unique handmade shaker card that can be filled with small candies or confetti--your choice!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4-by-6 inch piece of foam core board
• 4-by-6 inch piece of card stock for the back of the card
• 4-by-6 inch piece of card stock for the front of the card
• 4-by-6 inch piece of acetate or thick clear plastic
• Valentine's decorations such as stickers, rubber stamps and inkpads, heart-shaped cutouts
• Confetti or small heart shaped candies
• 1/4-inch ribbon
• Razor blade
• Double sided tape
• Clear glue

1. Using the razor blade cut out a circle, square, or heart shape from the foam core board. This will be the area that will be filled with the candies or confetti.

2. Cut the size shape, just slightly smaller, into the piece of card stock that will be used as the front of the card. Make sure it is in the same position as the foam core board.

3. On one side of the foam core board, place a bead of glue around the cutout hole. Attach the double-sided tape around the edge of the foam core board. Attach the piece of card stock for the back of the card.

4. Turn the card over. If desired, decorations can be glued or stamped into the cut out area. You may also choose to glue a photograph onto the background.

5. Place some candy and/or confetti into the cutout area.

6. Place a bead of glue around the cutout hole. Attach the double-sided tape around the edge of the foam core board.

7. Place the acetate over the foam core board. This will hold the confetti/candy in the card and acts as the windowpane of the shaker card. Allow the glue to dry before moving the card.

8. While the glue is drying, decorate the piece of card stock for the front of the card. This is where your message can be placed, as well as decorating with stickers, cutout heart shapes or rubber stamps and ink.

9. Attach the front of the card to the acetate with double-sided tape.

10. For a finished look, glue ribbon around the edge of the card to mask the foam core board

Tips & Warnings

• The bead of glue around the cutout keeps the confetti from leaving the cutout area.
• These cards can be made in any size and for any occasion, just follow the basic guideline and decorate to match any theme.
• Add interest to the card by using colored or printed cardstock for either the front or the back of the card.
• Use caution with cutting with a razor blade so that you do not cut yourself.
• Make sure to place a board or many layers of paper under the foam core board when cutting to avoid damaging a table or workspace's surface.

[GlindaLupo]

on 2/15/2008 I just missed this project for Valentine's Day :(
BUT, I am going to make one for my husband--our anniversary is just around the corner! YAY! This is adorable!
-Glinda :D

[WriterGig]

on 2/12/2008 Cute idea! I think that's lovely, and you make it simple. Thanks.