Hello, my crafty friends!

I couldn’t let June go by without sharing this super simple wiper card design with a Pride theme. This is one of those interactive cards that looks impressive, but is actually very beginner-friendly once you understand the structure.

I’ve included all the measurements and steps you need so you can recreate this card—whether you’re using the printable handout or cutting everything yourself with a Cricut.

Be sure to download the Pride Mini Kit so you can follow along with this tutorial!

Wiper Card Base Measurements

For this project, you’ll need:

• 1 piece of 12″ x 12″ cardstock (or equivalent)
• Additional cardstock for panels and mats
• Acetate (for the wiper mechanism)

Wiper Card Base Cuts

1. Start with your 12″ x 12″ cardstock
2. Cut it down to 10″ x 10″
3. Then cut that into two pieces measuring 5″ x 10″

These two pieces will become your front and back card panels.

Scoring the Card Base

Take each 5″ x 10″ piece and score at 1½” and 3″.

You’re creating a folded structure that will eventually form a 5″ x 7″ card when closed.

Folding Tip

• Fold along all score lines
• Burnish well with a bone folder
• Some folds may need to be creased both ways depending on front vs. back orientation

Constructing the Wiper Mechanism

This is the “magic” part of the card. Here’s how to build it:

Step 1: Score and Fold

• Mark your 3″ x 4½” piece at 1½” on both top and left side.
  • In the video, I did this on a piece of paper first, but you can skip that step and start with the acetate.
• Score from each mark to create a triangle in the upper left corner.
• Fold and burnish both directions for smooth movement

Step 2: Attach to Card Base

• Mark a placement line about 2″ up from the bottom of the inside of your card between the 1½” and 3″ score lines.
  • Please note that this is actually the top front of your card. You will flip it over when adhering the card bases so that the wiper pops out the top of the card.
• Add strong adhesive (double-sided tape) to the triangle corner.
• Adhere the acetate so that the adhesive does not cover either score line.

Step 3: Add Wiper Decoration and Attach Card Bases

• Attach the opposite end of the card leaving the wiper mechanism easily accessible for decorating.
• When decorating the wiper mechanism, make sure that:
  • It clears the fold when the card closes.
  • It does not show outside the card edges.
  • The mechanism pops out of the top of the card.
• Adhere the other end of the card together.

Decorative Panels

For the finished look, you’ll want to make sure you are decorating the card so that the wiper pops out the top of the card.

• Mats are 1/4″ smaller than the card front and patterned paper is 1/4″ smaller than the mats.
• The Happy printable back panel is larger than the front and does not leave room for a mat.
• Be sure to decorate the back of the wiper mechanism with the mirrored rainbow in the printable (or mirror the SVG in Design Space).
• Stamp a sentiment and optional embellishments on the back panel as desired prior to adhering to the card.

Printable vs. Cricut Option

You have two ways to create this card:

Printable Handout

• Cut out all pieces:
  • Rainbow
  • Panels
  • Sentiment
  • Front cover elements
• This is simple and ready to use

Cricut SVG Files

Upload:

• Rainbow SVG
• Rainbow back SVG
• Clouds SVG
• “Happy” sentiment SVG

These files come pre-sized, but you can:

• Ungroup rainbow layers for custom colors
• Use Contour to remove tiny pieces if needed

Finishing Touches

To complete your card:

• Add your main sentiment (like “Happy Pride”) to the front with foam tape
• Layer rainbow elements and embellishments
• Make sure everything is secure but still allows the mechanism to move

When the card opens, the wiper pops up. When it closes, it disappears neatly inside.

Bonus Idea

You can adapt this design all year long:

• Birthdays
• Mother’s Day
• Holidays
• Any “happy” occasion

Just swap out the sentiment and colors.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this wiper card a try. It’s such a fun way to add movement and surprise to your handmade cards—and once you make one, you’ll definitely want to make more.

Remember to make time for creative play, because your mental health matters.