Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus and method for creating folded multi-dimensional shapes from pliable substrates. An apparatus having a handle connected to one or more plungers that are configured to move along a longitudinal axis is used to form folds in a flat substrate by pressing dies attached to the plungers into a die area to shape the flat substrate. The handle is depressed multiple times to achieve the desired number of folds in the substrate. The apparatus may include one or more plunger adjustment mechanisms to switch use of the one or more plungers to create different sets of folds in the substrate with each depression.