A single or dual channel cord enclosure adapted to hide at least a portion of a cord drawing a shade or blind up or down is included as part of an apparatus, which may also include a roller mechanism adapted to drive a roller to operate an architectural cover, and a cord mechanism adapted to drive the roller mechanism. The enclosure may completely enclose the cord and utilize a slider to actuate the cord within the cord channel enclosure. In another embodiment, an apparatus for actuating an architectectural covering includes an enclosure configured to receive a cord mechanism; a roller mechanism provided on an end of the enclosure; and a slider configured to be movably engaged to the enclosure so that moving the slider actuates the roller mechanism to lift or lower the architectural covering. Also included is a method of making an apparatus for actuating an architectectural covering.