How to Make a Shaker Box or Shelf Sitter

Shaker or Shelf Sitter boxes are fun, easy to make, and make great decorative pieces or gifts. Follow this four-step guide to create your own unique shaker box! 

Overview

These designs are built in multiple layers. In the example below, we’ll use 4 layers. You can customize the number of side layers to make your shaker box as thick as you like.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Layer 1: Bottom Layer

• This is the base of your shaker box.

• Design Tips:

  • The red lines in the template are cut lines.

  • The yellow lines are score lines to help guide painting. You can choose to score or ignore them.

• Material: Typically a sturdy material.

• Purpose: Acts as the foundation and painting guide for your design.

Layer 2: Side Layers

• These layers add depth and create the inner space for your shaker elements.

• Instructions:

  • Cut as many copies of this layer as needed depending on your desired thickness.

• Material: Acrylic, Wood or MDF.

• Purpose: Forms the walls of the shaker box.

Layer 3: Clear Acrylic Window

• This transparent layer seals the shaker contents inside.

• Instructions:

  • Cut one piece using clear acrylic.

• Material: Clear acrylic sheet.

• Purpose: Acts as a viewing window into the shaker box.

Layer 4: Accent/Top Layer

• This final layer adds decorative detailing to the top.

• Instructions:

  • Cut in your desired accent colors. For example, to make a candy corn-themed design, use white, orange, and yellow.

  • Alternatively, you can use Layer 2 here if you prefer a solid color top instead.

• Material: Wood, MDF, or colored acrylic.

• Purpose: Final visual design touch.

Finishing Tips

• Assemble the layers using craft glue or acrylic adhesive, lining up the edges precisely.

• Fill the shaker box (after assembling Layer 1 and Layer 2) with small fun items like sequins, beads, or glitter before adding the acrylic window (Layer 3).

• Seal with the clear acrylic and then apply the top accent layer.

• Paint or decorate as desired!

Give it a Try!

Follow this link for the Candy Corn Shaker Box file for free! 

Share Your Creation

Once finished, we’d love to see what you’ve made! Share your shaker box on social media and tag us: @craftclosetsupply.