Today, I’m thrilled to share a whimsical shaker card that has a few extra surprises in store! Not only does this card feature beautiful sequins that shift and shine, but it also has a hot air balloon suspended on a loose clear thread, allowing it to sway within the scene like it’s really floating among the clouds. This project features some fantastic new products from Picket Fence Studios’ November release, which made creating this dreamy scene a joy.
CARD RECIPE
Balloon
Use PFS Black Hybrid Ink to stamp out the Hot Air Balloons Sighting Stamps. I then colored one of the balloons using Copic Markers and fussy cut it. To bring out the details of the hot air balloon, I used White and Gold Gelly Pens to add highlights and accents. To the back side of the balloon, I attached a clear thread using glue and tape to ensure it would have a stronghold. Set it aside to work on the shaker window.
Background and Shaker Preparation
I started with the Fabulously Glossy A2 Card Front - Blue Skies Ahead. This beautiful card front has a clear and vivid sky scene, making it perfect for this project. I placed the A2 Cloud Peek-a-boo Cover Plate Die over the card front and die-cut it to create a cloud-shaped window that would serve as the focal point for the shaker area. Glue the center of the die cut to the front of the card base.
I started with the Fabulously Glossy A2 Card Front - Blue Skies Ahead. This beautiful card front has a clear and vivid sky scene, making it perfect for this project. I placed the A2 Cloud Peek-a-boo Cover Plate Die over the card front and die-cut it to create a cloud-shaped window that would serve as the focal point for the shaker area. Glue the center of the die cut to the front of the card base.
Creating the Shaker Compartment
Next, I used the Shaker Sheets to cover the opening, providing a clear window for the sequins. I then added foam tape around the back of the cloud opening to form a well that would hold the sequins. I filled the compartment with the On a Midnight Dream Sequin Mix, which complemented the blue sky beautifully with its mix of blues and iridescent tones.
Next, I used the Shaker Sheets to cover the opening, providing a clear window for the sequins. I then added foam tape around the back of the cloud opening to form a well that would hold the sequins. I filled the compartment with the On a Midnight Dream Sequin Mix, which complemented the blue sky beautifully with its mix of blues and iridescent tones.
Suspending the Hot Air Balloon
To make the hot air balloon appear as if it’s floating in the sky, I used clear thread to suspend it. I attached the top and bottom of the balloon to the foam tape card with the thread, giving it room to move freely. This clear thread lets the balloon “fly” without being tethered too tightly, adding to the illusion of it drifting through the clouds.
To make the hot air balloon appear as if it’s floating in the sky, I used clear thread to suspend it. I attached the top and bottom of the balloon to the foam tape card with the thread, giving it room to move freely. This clear thread lets the balloon “fly” without being tethered too tightly, adding to the illusion of it drifting through the clouds.
Adding the Sentiment
For the sentiment, I stamped "nothing but blue skies await" from the Hot Air Balloons Sighting Stamps in a coordinating blue ink and placed it below the cloud window. This message perfectly complements the floating hot air balloon and adds a dreamy, hopeful note to the card.
For the sentiment, I stamped "nothing but blue skies await" from the Hot Air Balloons Sighting Stamps in a coordinating blue ink and placed it below the cloud window. This message perfectly complements the floating hot air balloon and adds a dreamy, hopeful note to the card.
Inside Sentiment
On the inside, I stamped out the Happy Birthday Stamp from the Hot Air Balloons Sighting Set. Birthday cards are always the first to get used up in my stash!
Tips for Crafting a Moving Shaker Card
- Use Clear Thread: Attaching the balloon with clear thread allows it to blend into the background seamlessly, creating the illusion that it’s floating.
- Create Ample Space for Movement: Make sure there’s enough room for your suspended element (the balloon, in this case) to sway slightly without hitting the edges. This makes the movement look more natural.
- Shaker Depth: Using foam tape around the edges of the shaker area ensures the sequins have enough space to move, adding extra dimension and sparkle to the card.
This card is perfect for anyone who loves the sky and dreams of adventures! It would make a wonderful greeting for a loved one or a friend who might need a reminder to keep looking forward to brighter days.
I hope you enjoyed this walkthrough of my "Nothing but Blue Skies Await" shaker card! Let me know if you try this technique – I’d love to see your creations.
Thank you for stopping by and until next time... Happy Crafting!
Ilda💙☁
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