DIY Paper Fortune Teller: Fun & Easy Instructions

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Remember those fun paper fortune tellers from childhood? Also known as cootie catchers, these origami creations are super easy to make and provide hours of entertainment. This guide walks you through creating your own paper fortune teller, step by step.

What You’ll Need

  • A square piece of paper (6x6 inches is a good starting size)
  • Scissors (optional, for trimming paper)
  • Pens, markers, or crayons for decorating

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Fold the Paper

  1. Fold in Half: Fold the square paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Unfold.
  2. Fold the Other Diagonal: Fold the paper in half diagonally again, folding from the opposite corners to make another triangle. Unfold. You should now have crease lines that intersect in the center.

Step 2: Fold Corners to the Center

  1. Fold Each Corner: Take each corner of the square and fold it towards the center point where the diagonal creases intersect. Make sure each corner meets precisely in the middle. You should now have a smaller square.

Step 3: Flip and Repeat

  1. Flip the Square: Turn the folded square over to the other side.
  2. Fold Corners Again: Just like before, fold each of the four corners towards the center point. You should now have an even smaller square.

Step 4: Create the Pockets

  1. Fold in Half: Fold the square in half, bringing one side to meet the opposite side. Crease well. Unfold.
  2. Fold the Other Way: Fold the square in half again, folding the other two sides together. Crease well. Unfold.

Step 5: Shape the Fortune Teller

  1. Insert Fingers: Gently insert your thumbs and index fingers under the four flaps on one side of the fortune teller. Do the same on the other side.
  2. Pinch and Push: Pinch your fingers together and gently push the corners towards the center. The fortune teller should now take shape.

Decorating Your Fortune Teller

Numbers and Colors

  1. Outer Flaps: On the outer flaps, write a different color on each. Alternatively, you can draw shapes or patterns.
  2. Inner Flaps: Open each flap and write a number on the inside. Typically, you’ll use numbers 1 through 8.

Fortunes

  1. Under the Numbers: Lift each numbered flap and write a fortune or prediction underneath. Get creative and make them fun!

How to Play

  1. Ask a Question: Have someone ask a question that can be answered with "yes" or "no," or a more detailed question if your fortunes are specific.
  2. Spell a Color or Number: Hold the fortune teller and have the person choose a color. Spell out the color, moving the fortune teller back and forth with each letter. Alternatively, if they choose a number, move the fortune teller that many times.
  3. Choose Again: After spelling the color or counting the number, have the person choose a number from the inner flaps.
  4. Reveal the Fortune: Lift the flap and read the fortune aloud!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use thicker paper for a more durable fortune teller.
  • Get creative with your fortunes – add jokes, riddles, or fun facts.
  • Decorate with glitter, stickers, or washi tape for extra flair.
  • Make different fortune tellers for different themes, like holidays or birthdays.

Conclusion

Making a paper fortune teller is a fantastic way to engage in a simple, fun craft. With just a piece of paper and some creativity, you can provide entertainment for yourself and others. So grab a piece of paper and start folding!