How to Make a Tiered Wiper Card (No Dies Needed)

Cut four 5 inch wide panels from cardstock: 5x7, 5x6, 5x5 and 5x4. Mat the first three with patterned paper 1/4 inch smaller on each side. The 5x4 is the front. Sam layers it with a 4-3/4 x 3-3/4 white mat and a 4-1/2 x 3-1/2 red panel, run through a brick wall embossing folder. The panels step down so every tier shows above the next.

Cut a scrap strip 6-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches. Along the long side, mark score lines at 1, 2-3/4, 3-3/4 and 5-1/2 inches, plus a small dent at 4-3/4. Fold the third section in half and mark a dent 1/2 inch down. Then draw the two diagonals that make the V. Write every measurement on it. This template saves you measuring again for each tier.

Cut three strips of cardstock 6-1/2 x 1-1/2 inches, one for each tier. Lay a strip on the scoring board along the long side and score at 1, 2-3/4, 3-3/4 and 5-1/2 inches. Press a small dent at 4-3/4. Fold along the third score line, set the fold at the top of the board, and dent it at 1/2 inch.

Lay a metal ruler from the top of the second score line down to the 1/2 inch dent and score that line with a bone folder. Then score from the same point up to the 4-3/4 inch dent. These two diagonals let the mechanism collapse flat and swing open. Check the template to make sure the V points the right way.

Fold along every score line and burnish each one well. Fold the diagonals down to the 1/2 inch mark on both sides. Now push the whole piece in so it collapses along the folds, keeping the edges lined up. You will feel some resistance at the end flap. Trim a thin sliver off it and fold it over flat.

Add a little glue to the end flap and fold it over to close the shape. You now have a small rectangular tube with a folded pocket in it. That pocket is where the lever slides in to push the character out. Make three mechanisms the same way, one for each tier.

Fold a mechanism so the sloped section faces you. Cover the square back section and the slope behind it with glue. Press it into the bottom right corner of the 5x7 panel, flush with the bottom edge. A flush bottom matters, since the finished card stands on that edge. Let it dry while you cut the levers.

Cut three levers 1 inch wide: 6, 5-1/2 and 5 inches long. Take the longest. Glue only the small triangle at its end, then slide it into the mechanism's slot while the mechanism is upright. Keep it at a right angle to the panel. Test it now: lift the lever and watch the far end swing out and back.

Put glue on the sloped section only. Never glue the edge you see when the card is open. Press the 5x6 panel on top, flush with the bottom and lined up on the right. Repeat for the next tier: mechanism in the corner, middle lever, glue on the slope, then the 5x5 panel. Finish with the front panel.

Pull the card open and glue a small image to the end of each lever, as close to the edge as you can. Sam used three elves for this Christmas card. Tuck part of each image under the panel above and curve any loose ends slightly under so nothing catches. Close it, open it, then decorate the front.