Have you ever wanted to predict the future or simply have a bit of fun with your friends? One of the most classic and entertaining paper crafts is the fortune teller, also playfully known as a cootie catcher. This origami game is not only a breeze to make but also provides endless amusement for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic activity or want to introduce a new generation to this timeless paper game, learning how to make a paper fortune teller is a fantastic skill to have.
This guide will walk you through each simple step, ensuring you can easily create your own fortune teller. Get ready to fold, decorate, and fill it with fun fortunes and predictions!
Materials You’ll Need
Before we start folding, gather these simple supplies:
- Square Paper: Ideally, use an 8 ½-by-11-inch piece of paper and cut it into a perfect square. Regular printer paper or colored construction paper works great.
- Markers or Pens: For decorating your fortune teller with colors, numbers, and of course, writing the fortunes!
- Scissors (Optional): If you need to cut your rectangular paper into a square.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Fold a Fortune Teller
Follow these easy steps to transform a simple square of paper into a playful fortune teller.
Step 1: Crease Diagonally
Begin by creating diagonal creases on your square paper. Fold the paper in half diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner, making a triangle. Ensure the corners meet precisely. Crease firmly along the fold and then unfold the paper back to a square. Repeat this process with the other two corners, folding diagonally in the opposite direction. You should now have two creases intersecting in the center of your square.
Step 2: Fold in Half
Next, fold the square paper in half both ways. Bring the top edge of the paper down to meet the bottom edge, aligning the sides carefully. Crease the fold and unfold. Rotate the paper 90 degrees and repeat, folding the new top edge to the bottom edge. Unfold the paper once more. You will now see four crease lines intersecting at the center of your paper, dividing it into smaller squares.
Step 3: Fold Corners to the Center (Front)
Now, bring each corner of the square paper to the center point where all the creases meet. Fold each corner precisely to the center and crease. As you fold all four corners in, you’ll start to see a smaller square forming. Press down firmly on each fold to keep them neat and in place.
Step 4: Fold Corners to the Center (Back)
Flip your partially folded paper over to the other side. You’ll see another square with four corners. Just like in the previous step, fold each of these corners to the center of the square. Crease each fold firmly.
Step 5: Number and Color
Turn the paper back over to the side with the smaller squares. You will see four squares. Open each square flap and you will see triangles underneath. On these triangles, write numbers 1 through 8 in ascending order, going clockwise. Start with ‘1’ on a top triangle, then ‘2’ on the next one to its right, and so on, until you reach ‘8’.
Now, on the outer squares, write four different colors. You can choose any colors you like – red, blue, green, and yellow are popular choices. Write one color on each square.
Step 6: Write Fortunes
This is where the fun begins! Carefully open each numbered flap. Underneath each number, write a short fortune or prediction. Be creative and fun with your fortunes! Some examples include:
- “You will have a day full of laughter.”
- “A surprise is waiting for you.”
- “Good luck is on your way.”
- “You will make a new friend soon.”
- “An exciting adventure awaits.”
- “Happiness will find you today.”
- “You will receive a wonderful gift.”
- “Your dreams will come true.”
Write a different fortune under each number, ensuring you have eight unique fortunes in total. Once you’ve written all your fortunes, close the numbered flaps.
Step 7: How to Play
To operate your fortune teller, gently slide your thumbs and index fingers under the colored squares. Push your fingers together from underneath so the fortune teller pops up and can be manipulated.
Ask a friend to choose a color from the ones you wrote on the squares. Spell out the color, opening and closing the fortune teller with each letter. For example, if they choose “BLUE,” you would open and close it four times, once for each letter.
After spelling the color, the numbered flaps will be showing. Ask your friend to choose a number they see. Count out that number, again opening and closing the fortune teller with each count.
Finally, have them choose another number from the flaps now presented. Lift the flap for the number they selected and read the fortune aloud. Enjoy the fun and reactions to the predicted fortunes!
Now you know how to make a paper fortune teller! It’s a delightful craft to share with friends and family, bringing laughter and a touch of playful mystery to any gathering. Enjoy making and playing with your cootie catcher!
