Hi there, fellow crafter! If you’re selling bookmarks, jewelry or keychains at craft fairs or through your small business, you already know how important presentation is. Thoughtfully designed DIY Retail Display Cards not only keeps your items organized but also makes them irresistible to customers. That’s why I’m so excited to share this step-by-step tutorial on how to create paper bookmark and keychain hangers using your Cricut machine and cardstock. The best part? These DIY Retail Display cards are affordable, easy to make, and totally customizable. Let’s dive in and turn your product display into something unforgettable!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
DIY Retail Display Cards with Cricut
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:
- Cricut Machine (Explore Air 2, Maker, or Joy work great!)
- Cricut Design Space (free software to design your hangers)
- Cardstock (I recommend heavyweight, 80-110 lb, for durability)
- Glue Stick or Double-Sided Tape (optional for layering)
- Cricut Cutting Mat (StandardGrip or LightGrip, depending on your cardstock)
- Display Stands or Clips (to show off your work at craft fairs)
- Personalized Ink Stamps
Got everything? Perfect—let’s get crafting!
I created a super quick video showing you the cutting and assembly. check it out below:
Step 1: Designing Your Display Cards in Cricut Design Space
This is where the magic begins! Don’t worry if you’re not a design pro—Cricut Design Space makes it super easy. (Or you can use my design linked below.)
- Open a New Project
Fire up Cricut Design Space and create a blank canvas. Bookmark hangers are typically rectangular, so we’ll start with that shape. - Create Your Shape
Use the Shapes tool to make a rectangle. For bookmarks, a size like 2.5″ x 7″ works well. For keychains, a smaller size like 3″ x 4″ is perfect. - Add Slots or Holes
Here’s where your products will hang! Add a rounded rectangle (for bookmarks) or small circles (for keychains) about 1 inch from the top of your shape. - Customize Your Design
Want to stand out? Add your business name, logo, or a fun design. Use the Text tool to write something like “Handmade with Love” or upload your brand’s logo. Or use a custom stamp like I did! - Duplicate and Save
Once you’re happy with the design, duplicate it across your canvas so you can cut multiple hangers at once. This saves you time and cardstock.
Don’t want to make your own? Go ahead and use mine! Feel free to resize as needed for your own purposes.
Step 2: Cutting Your Display Cards
Now it’s time to bring your design to life!
- Prepare Your Mat
Stick your cardstock to the Cricut mat. For thicker cardstock, I recommend the StandardGrip Mat to keep it secure. But the LightGrip Mat may work better for thinner cardstock. - Set Your Material Settings
In Cricut Design Space, select “Cardstock” or “Heavy Cardstock,” depending on what you’re using. Adjust the blade pressure if needed. - Cut Away!
Load your mat into the Cricut machine and press the Go button. Watch as your hangers take shape—it’s always so satisfying to see the machine in action! - Unload and Remove
Carefully peel your hangers off the mat. If you’re using intricate designs, a spatula tool can help prevent tears.
Step 3: Assembling and Perfecting Your Display Cards
Here’s where the fun details come in!
- Test the Fit
Pop your bookmarks or keychains into the slots or holes you created. Make sure they hang securely but are still easy to remove. - Seal the deal
Fold the keychain/jewelry hangers in half and use a glue stick or tape runner to secure your creation. (see video for demonstration) - Add Decorative Touches
- Use stickers, stamps, or washi tape to jazz up your hangers.
- Add a pop of color or texture that complements your product.
Step 4: Packaging and Displaying Your Creations
You’ve made beautiful hangers—now it’s time to show them off!
- Protect Your Work
Slip the finished hangers into plastic sleeves to keep them clean and dust-free. It also gives a polished, professional look. I wanted to keep my costs low, so I opted to go without sleeves. I wanted to make sure customers can see the pretty holographic finishes on the bookmarks. - Add Pricing
Use a small sticker or handwritten tag to add pricing to the back of the hanger. This saves time at craft fairs. - Display Like a Pro
- Use tabletop stands or hanging clips to showcase your items.
- Group similar designs together to make your booth visually appealing.
Affordable Tips for Small Businesses and Craft Fairs
Let’s keep this cost-effective! Here are a few tips to save money while still creating high-quality hangers:
- Buy Supplies in Bulk
Look for sales or wholesale deals on cardstock and plastic sleeves. Bulk buys are always cheaper in the long run. - Use Scrap Cardstock
Don’t throw away those leftover pieces! Use scraps for smaller designs or accents on your hangers. - Free Design Resources
Cricut Design Space has tons of free templates. You can also find free SVG files on crafting websites like Creative Fabrica. - Keep Branding Simple
A clean, minimalist logo or text can be just as effective as a colorful design—and it saves on printing costs.
Why This Works for Your Business
By creating your own display cards and hangers, you’re not just saving money—you’re adding a personal, handmade element that customers love. Plus, you can tweak your designs to match seasonal themes, upcoming events, or your brand aesthetic.
Whether you’re preparing for your next craft fair or looking to elevate your Etsy shop, these hangers are a game-changer. And the best part? They’re fun to make!
So grab your Cricut, fire up your creativity, and start crafting. Your products—and your customers—deserve it!
Happy crafting!
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