Throwback Thursday: Simple Stories Autumn Splendor Shaker Easel Card Tutorial

Hello, Friends!  Are you ready for this Throwback Thursday Autumn Splendor Shaker Easel Card Tutorial?  It’s just loaded with fall goodness from top to bottom and side to side! This Simple Stories collection came out in 2021, but it’s still one of my favorite autumn collections.  When I found myself wanting to make a little project that could double as a bit of fall home décor, I knew this was just the right paper to work with!

My focus for this tutorial was on sharing tips for adding lots of texture and layers.  You will learn how to build the 6×6 easel card base, see how I turned the chipboard frame into a shaker box, find out how to layer the leaves and flowers around the box, and how to add the pocket/stopper on the inside of the card.

Bee-Utiful Shaker Box Embellishment

Chipboard frames lend themselves beautifully to being transformed into a shaker box!  It’s just too easy NOT to do it!  Here’s how:

• First, lightly sand the surface of the frame so you can add a little color with Gathered Twigs Distress Ink.  I do this by smooshing the ink pad on my non-stick craft sheet.  Then I spritz the ink with a little water so that bead of color form.  Next, I tap the frame lightly into the beads and heat dry.  Repeat this process until you are happy with the way the frame looks.
• Now, back the frame with 1/4″ Scor-Tape or Red Line Tape.  Then adhere clear acrylic cardstock (acetate) to the back of the frame.  Follow up with 3 rows of 1/8″ foam adhesive strips.
• Next, cut the bee and woodgrain paper to fit the back of the frame.
• Then, place the frame face down and fill with your shaker elements.
• Finally, remove the foam adhesive liner and adhere the patterned paper to the back of the box.

Adding Texture and Visual Interest

Flowers, ribbon and burlap string add great texture to the card composition.  I dug into my stash of retired Petaloo flowers and found these lovely textured blooms.

**Note: I added the chipboard pumpkin to my card AFTER I finished the video tutorial.  In the process of cleaning my desk, I found it buried under a scrap of paper.  It fit so nicely behind the flower that I just had to tuck it in.  If you decide to add it, too, make your life easier by adding it in BEFORE you glue down the flower!

Embellishments can help “tell the story” on a card when they are used well.  This little embellishment cluster features a monocle charm, acorn charm and bee charm all strung on burlap string and topped with a gingham bow.

A Peek Inside

We’ll decorate the inside of the card together, so I won’t bore you with details.  I just thought you might like to see some photos.

Create a 5 1/2″ photo wallet with leftover bits of cardstock and paper.  Then dress up the cover with some of your ephemera bits.

Tuck a little Pumpkin Spice tea bag inside as a special treat.  This would also be a great place to add your favorite gingerbread or tea bread recipe.

Autumn Splendor Shaker Easel Card Tutorial on YouTube

If you’re ready to see how this pretty card comes together, please enjoy the video tutorial.

Did you enjoy this Throwback Thursday?  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section.

You can find a linked supply list below the post.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

SUPPLY LIST

**Please note: Throwback Thursday Tutorials are designed to inspire you to use retired papers and embellishments from your stash.  For that reason, not all items can be readily found online.  I will link whenever possible, but if an item is missing from the list, it is because I couldn’t find it.  Thanks for understanding!

• Simple Stories Autumn Splendor Collector’s Essential Kit
• Autumn Splendor Layered Chipboard Frames
• Copper and Cream Gingham Ribbon 3/8″ 
• Prima Autumn Sunset Leaves
• Petaloo Amber Textured Blossoms
• Acorn Charm
• Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Monocles
• Patina Bee Charm
• Safari Sunrise Shaker Mix