How to Make a Shaker Card with Your Cricut (Step-by-Step Guide)
Whether you're using a beach theme, hearts, florals, or your own custom design, this tutorial will walk you through the entire process — from uploading your files to sealing in those fun little shaker bits!
In this post, I’ll cover:
- What supplies you need
- How to upload and use SVG & JPG files in Cricut Design Space
- How to Print Then Cut with patterned paper
- Cutting acetate and assembling your card
- Two different ways to use patterned JPGs as backgrounds
- Plus a few helpful tips to make the process easier!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
Printed or cut pieces from your shaker card kit (card base, window frame, backer panel, etc.)
Clear acetate sheet (for the window)
Foam adhesive tape (double-sided)
Shaker bits like sequins or mini clay pieces
Tape runner or glue
Cricut cutting machine and mat
Optional: ribbon, stickers, ephemera, or die cuts for decorating
💻 Step 1: Set Up in Cricut Design Space
Unzip the File
Download and unzip the shaker card kit. Inside, you’ll find:
- SVG templates for your card pieces
- JPG files for Print Then Cut designs like ephemera, sentiments, or background panels
Upload the Files
- Open a new project in Design Space.
- Upload your SVG and JPG files.
- For JPGs, use Background Remover to delete the white areas and watermark text (if needed).
- Save each one as a Print Then Cut image.
📏 Step 2: Resize Elements in Design Space
Unlock proportions (click the padlock icon) and resize each part using these general dimensions:
Acetate Window Panel: 4" wide x 5.2" high
Pattern Paper Panels (x2): 4" wide x 5.2" high
Inner Panel (optional): 3.2" wide x 4.3" high
Card Base: 5.5" wide x 8.5" high
Die Cuts & Ephemera Sheet: 6" wide x 7.65" high
✏️ Step 3: Add the Score Line
- Select the card base and ungroup the layers.
- Click on the center line, change it from Basic Cut to Score Line.
- Attach the score line to the card base so the machine knows where to fold.
🖨️ Step 4: Print Then Cut
- Click Make It and set your material size to 8.5 x 11 inches.
- Optimize your mat layout using “Move Object” to combine pieces onto one page.
- Print with Bleed Off and Best Quality or Max DPI in your printer settings.
- Place the printed page on your mat, press with a brayer, and use the Light Cardstock setting to cut.
💡 Tip: Peel the mat away from the paper to avoid curling.
✂️ Step 5: Cut Acetate and Cardstock
- Use the Acetate (non-foil) setting with pressure set to More.
- Run the cut twice, unload and recut for a total of 4 passes.
- Use scissors or a craft knife to clean up any missed spots.
- Cut your solid cardstock using the Light Cardstock (65 lb) setting.
- Score the card base using a stylus or wheel.
🧵 Step 6: Assemble the Shaker Card
1. Fold the Card Base: Fold on the score line and crease with a scraper tool.
2. Attach the Acetate: Add glue or tape to the acetate edges and place behind the card front.
3. Apply Foam Tape: Create a tight border around each window. Fill gaps with extra foam if needed.
4. Add Shaker Fill: Use an anti-static tool on the acetate. Add sequins or mini bits—don’t overfill!
5. Seal the Back: Peel the backing from the foam tape and press the patterned panel on top to seal.
🐚 Step 7: Decorate Your Card
- Adhere a second panel inside the card if desired.
- Add a sentiment or message.
- Layer your ephemera or die cuts using glue and foam tape for dimension.
- Optional: cover the back with another panel to hide foam tape.
🎨 BONUS: Two Ways to Use Patterned JPGs in Design Space
🖼️ Option 1: Use JPG as a Pattern Fill
1. Upload JPG as a Pattern Fill.
2. Select your shape (like a rectangle) in Design Space.
3. Set it to Print Then Cut, then change Print Type to Pattern.
4. Choose your uploaded pattern and click Edit Pattern to scale to ~103.
5. Attach the shape and any cutouts together.
🖼️ Option 2: Use JPG as a Flattened Image
1. Upload the JPG as an Image. Use Background Remover and Eraser tools as needed.
2. Set as Print Then Cut, then resize and place in your project.
☕ Final Tips
- Use mini clay pieces or glitter for creative shaker fills.
- Keep extra die cuts for future projects.
- Play around with layering — no two shaker cards need to look the same!
Check out more shaker card and paper craft projects here! I look forward to seeing you again soon! 💖☕