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Nothing says “I care about you” more than handmade cards. If you love paper crafting or just making handmade birthday cards and such for the people in your life, then you’re going to love this easy craft idea.
Here is a way for you to make your very own dimensional and interactive cards to give your loved ones. Have you ever seen those higher-priced 3-D cards in your local store and wondered “Why are these so expensive?” Well, ask no more and make some handmade cards yourself. It can be an easy and inexpensive process. (Not to mention the fact that it is good for the environment!)
First, you will need to dig into the recycling bin and pull out some of those clear (and clean) pieces of clear packaging that seem to come with so many products that we buy every day. Sometimes these are referred to as blister packaging. Trust me, after making some shaker cards, the next time you are shopping you will take notice of these clear beauties.
In the craft industry you can purchase these clear domes and elevated plastic cases to adhere to the front of your own cards. However, they are usually difficult to find and they are expensive considering that they are just a piece of plastic! I prefer to save and collect my own blister packs because it’s much more budget-friendly and thrifty.
Once you become a pro at making these simple shaker cards, you can try a few that are more difficult (like my “When Life Gives You Lemons…” card).
Here is how you can use pieces of clear packaging to embellish your handmade cards.
1. Get a clean blister or piece of clear packaging. If it has a lip that’s even better. Lay some glitter, sequins, or confetti inside the concave portion of the plastic (the part that will be on the facing of the card).
2. Add some adhesive along the lip of the plastic. Lay the face of the card over and let it stick. Once everything is stuck in place, flip the card over and admire your work.
Note: If the lip or edge of the plastic seems unsightly just cover it with some ribbon, Washi tape, or even go over it with a permanent marker pen.
Do you always make handmade cards, or do you only make them for certain occasions (like birthdays or Mother’s Day)?
Related: Got Yarn Scraps? Make a Handmade Card!
Ann Koeman
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Hi Ann, Thank you for this information. I love making cards and have never tried these type of cards but always wanted to. You have given me inspiration today. I’m going to start keeping the blister packages to use on these type of cards. I have the beads that would look great inside so now I need to recycle. Thank you again!
Barb Henry
Yeah for inspiration and yeah for recycling. Have fun!
I own my own greeting card company and have made many cards which I sell. Hope to expand my FB page of Rose’s Garden of Verses and hope to do my first craft show this year.
Go for it! Good luck!
Unfortunately I only make cards for special occasions and usually last minute when I really need them! I have made a couple of shaker cards and this is a wonderful idea with using the “pockets” you already have and come free with needed supplies! I just made my window with transparency and foam tape because I didn’t have anything else available.
That is how I made my first shaker card too!So glad I have helped to inspire some creativity and recycling!
WD-40 will usually take off the left over stuff stuck to the plastic spray it onto a tissue and wipe the edges carefully with the edges on something hard so not to damage them . I use it to take off left over glue and smutz on things like peanut butter jars to repurpose them.
Love this idea I make and sell cards and would love to add these to my cards the blister packaging is a great idea. I can’t wait to make these