Tutorial - Magic Rain Shaker Card

I'm going to say from the outset that even though I love the effect these little seed beads give, this card is a one-and-done for me. It wasn't an overly complicated card to create, but it was definitely fiddly and time consuming. On the plus side, it can be created in any size and is easily personalised with images and sentiments. 

1. Print or stamp an image onto a piece of patterned paper. (You could ink or colour a background if you prefer). Secure the image onto the front of a card blank, leaving a small space at the top and bottom and borders on the sides if you wish. (For those who are curious, I used an A5 card blank).

2. You'll need thread that is either clear or matches the background of your image, and a roll of foam tape. Apply a length of the tape to the top and bottom of your card. I also added small pieces on each side to give my patterned paper a little more support.

TIP: If you want your "rain" to come down evenly along the card, use a ruler to measure the distance between each piece of thread. I wanted a more random look so spaced the thread unevenly.

3. Start by securing a thread to the top piece of foam tape with the length running down the card. It needs to be at least an inch or so longer than the card.

4. Thread seed beads onto the strand using a needle if necessary. I used between 3 and 10 beads per length for a random pattern.

5. Press the end of the thread into the foam tape at the bottom of the card. Take care to keep the thread taut without pulling it off the top piece of foam tape.

6. Repeat the process with more thread and more beads. As I mentioned above, I'm randomly spacing my threads and applying between 3 and 10 beads per length. If you prefer, you can be more consistent with the placement and number of beads.

7. I added glue to the thread to help secure it to the foam tape as I worked.

8. Once you've threaded the beads on each strand of thread, add another layer of foam tape to secure the threads in place and allow room for the beads to slide. (The small pieces will also require a second layer of tape).

9. Trim the ends of the tread, then add patterned paper over each end of the card. Embellish as desired. When you tilt the card, the beads should slide freely down each thread creating a cascade of little "raindrops".

Digital Stamps: