Shaker Card Archives

Creativity doesn’t have to start from scratch—sometimes it begins with one simple design. In this Crafting Creativity feature, I’m sharing how one tag design by Rabea Bilz can be taken far beyond its original purpose. With a single file as the foundation, we’ll explore four creative tag craft projects that spark ideas and show just how versatile a good design can be. From paper crafting to dimensional and decorative projects, this is all about inspiration, creative possibilities, and seeing your designs in a whole new way.

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Crafting Creativity with a Layered Tag Design

Don’t feel limited to using a design for just one project. When you start thinking outside the box, a single file can open the door to countless creative possibilities. Try mixing materials, changing sizes, or adapting the design for completely different purposes—you may be surprised by what you can create. I hope this inspires you to stretch your creativity and even expand your supplies in new ways as you discover just how versatile your designs can be.

Project #1 – Layered Tag Design with Print and Cut

A collection of various holiday-themed gift tags featuring illustrations of trees, reindeer, and decorative elements, displayed on a crafting table with tools and materials.

After I had the tags assembled I decided to grab a couple Gelly Roll pens and add a few special touches to the print and cut design.

A workspace scene featuring various gift tags designed with holiday themes, including reindeer and Christmas trees. Nearby, Gelly Roll pens in red, pink, and yellow are placed next to the tags. A cutting machine is visible in the background.

Just a little bit of additional color or shine can really make things stand out on custom projects.

A close-up of a festive gift tag featuring a reindeer design with a decorative border, held by a hand. Several more tags and colorful gel pens are visible in the background.

Supplies Used:

4 Tags with 2 Layers by Rabea Bilz – Design #1282420
Christmas Tree Calligraphy by Rabea Bilz – Design #1302043
Santa’s Reindeers Sticker Sheet by Rabea Bilz – Design #1290058
Santa’s Reindeer Rudolph Comic Diagonal Green by Rabea Bilz – Design #1298291
Bold Marker Font by Gina Marshall – Design #451778
Scalloped Top Tie Box by Lori Whitlock – Design #187438 – no longer available
Scallop Bag by Pebbles in my Pocket – Design #435173
Recollections cardstock
Adhesive Tape Runner (tape runner refills)
Gelly Roll pens
Silhouette Portrait 4
Silhouette Autoblade

Additional Resources:

Project #2 – Monogrammed Faux Leather Bag Tags

I created these as a custom monogrammed bag tag, but they could also be keychains or even a gift tag that’s reusable, multi-purpose, or part of the gift itself.

Two layered tag designs featuring the letters 'E' and 'V' adorned with floral illustrations, displayed on a craft mat next to a crafting machine.

These are double sides bag tags. Make sure to mirror the design when creating a double-sided design so that it will match up exactly. For these particular shapes, they are symmetrical, so it’s not a necessity, but it is a good habit to get into, especially if you did not create the design yourself. This way the front and back will line up exactly with each other.

Two metal tags featuring detailed designs: one with flowers and crystals, and the other with a cute calf illustration, both attached to keychains.

I used Siser Easyweed Adhesive HTV in the middle to glue the layers together. Faux leather or leatherette can also be glued with fabric glues, but I’m really loving the ease of use with the Siser Easyweed Adhesive HTV. Cut the HTV the same shape as the tag and then press on the backside of one, remove the carrier sheet and line up the layers and press again. Done!

A workspace featuring a Silhouette cutting machine, various crafting supplies, and tags ready for decorating. The image shows colored materials, a cutting mat, and decorative elements indicating a crafting project.

Supplies Used:

4 Tags with 2 Layers by Rabea Bilz – Design #1282420
Silhouette Leatherette
Siser Easyweed – found at Heat Transfer Warehouse or Heat Press Nation
Monogram Letter V Floral Alphabet by AnastatsiyaArtDesign
Monogram Letter E Floral Alphabet by AnastatsiyaArtDesign
Crystals with Moon Phases & Flowers by Tanya Batrak – Design #352534
Cute Bull by Your Magic Line – Design #375846
Black Eyelet
Crop-o-dile
Swivel Snap Hooks with Key Chain
Silhouette Portrait 4
Silhouette Autoblade

Additional Resources:

Project #3 – Shaker Tags

Have you ever created a shaker card? What about a shaker tag? Or any other “shaker” project. Basically, to create a shaker, you are making a “pocket” where some material such as glitter, sequins, or fake snow can be contained.

I saw these new Gingerbread Cookie designs by Rabea Bilz and knew I had to use them!

Three shaker tags featuring a gingerbread man, a reindeer, and a Christmas tree design on a crafting workspace with various supplies and a cutting machine in the background.

This design is 4 layers. The background is a solid piece of cardstock, then a layer of Kraft cardstock with the Gingerbread design, a layer of clear transparency to hold the snow in, and then a final layer of the Kraft cardstock. Here is a look at my file in the Silhouette Studio software.

Screenshot of Silhouette Studio software displaying shaker tag design pieces, including a Christmas tree, a reindeer, and a gingerbread character.

Rather than use my machine to cut the transparency, I simply used a scrap piece of cardstock to cut a template for the size I needed and then used scissors to cut the transparency down to size. This saved time finding the right cut settings and saved a blade since cutting plastic can dull it quicker.

Crafting workspace featuring layered tag designs made of cardstock, scissors, adhesive tape, and a cutting machine.

Once the pieces are all cut, it’s time to assemble. I used the Precision Glue Press to adhere the Gingerbread layer to the backing and then set that part aside to dry. Next I used an adhesive tape runner to secure the transparency to the backside of the top layer. Then added double sided foam tape to the edges. Since it’s a shaker project, it has to be completely taped off so the shaker bits are contained.
Then I added in the fake snow. You will have to test how much to add. Too much and it won’t move around easily.
Then carefully remove the backing off the foam tape and secure the back layer over top of the foam tape.

And then the fun part – give it a shake!

A hand holding a layered tag design featuring a gingerbread decoration with fake snow inside, showcasing a DIY crafting project.

I don’t know which one is my favorite.

A hand holding a gingerbread man shaker tag with a transparent layer, set against a crafting workspace featuring scissors and a silhouette machine.

The Moose, Gingerbread Boy, or the Tree?

A hand holding a layered shaker tag featuring a Christmas tree and gingerbread man design, with snow-like material inside.

Supplies Used:

Additional Resources:

Project #4 – Ornaments

For this one, I used the tag design to create ornament designs that could be sent to my Glowforge to cut, but you could also create ornaments with other materials that could be cut with the Silhouette machine such as cardstock, acetate, adhesive vinyl, sketch pens, and more!

Three decorative Christmas tags featuring 'Merry Christmas' text, the year '2025', and a snowflake design on a wooden background.

Check out the video on making the interactive ornament HERE.

Supplies Used:

4 Tags with 2 Layers by Rabea Bilz – Design #1282420
Merry Christmas by Echo Park – Design #306724
Merry Christmas by Sophie Gallo – Design #309990
Snowflake Card by Daniela Angelova – Design #160909
Spinning Mechanism
Glowforge Pro
Multiple types of wood

Additional Resources:

A great big thank you to Rabea Bilz for contributing the free file for the Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter! If you missed grabbing the free design during the month, grab it HERE and start creating!

Find designs by Rabea Bilz at:

Follow along with Rabea Bilz on Instagram HERE

Each month I offer a free file for Silhouette Secrets+ newsletter subscribers. I love designing in the Silhouette Studio software and have shared some of my creations as well as look forward to collaborating with more artists in the future too!

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I hope this inspired you to look at your designs a little differently! It’s amazing how a single file can turn into so many unique projects when you let creativity lead the way. I loved exploring new themes and possibilities while showcasing just how versatile this design can be. If you’re craving even more inspiration, helpful tips, and creative project ideas, be sure to visit the Crafting Creativity section on the Silhouette Secrets+ website — click HERE to explore what’s waiting for you!

Save this for future reference by pinning the image below.

A collection of crafted tags showcased around a cutting machine, featuring festive designs including a tree, an 'E' monogram, and holiday messages, all highlighting creative project possibilities.

Enjoy !

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