Make A Paper Fortune Teller: Easy Origami Guide
Have you ever wanted to know your future? While I can't promise real predictions, I can show you how to create a fun paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher! This classic origami project is perfect for kids and adults alike. It's easy to learn, requires only a few simple materials, and provides hours of entertainment.
What You'll Need:
- A square piece of paper (6x6 inches is a good starting size)
- Scissors (optional, if your paper isn't already square)
- Pens, markers, or crayons for decorating
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Paper: If your paper isn't already square, fold it diagonally, crease well, and cut off the excess rectangle to create a perfect square.
- Fold Diagonally: Fold the square in half diagonally, making a triangle. Unfold, and then fold in half diagonally again from the opposite corners. You should now have a cross crease.
- Fold to the Center: Fold each of the four corners of the square towards the center point, creating a smaller square. Crease each fold well.
- Flip It Over: Turn the folded square over to the other side.
- Fold to the Center Again: Fold the four corners towards the center point again, creating an even smaller square. Crease well.
- Create the Pockets: Fold the square in half, and then unfold. Repeat by folding in half from the other side. This will create the pockets that you'll use to manipulate the fortune teller.
- Insert Fingers: Gently insert your fingers under the four flaps. Use your thumbs and index fingers of both hands.
Decorating Your Fortune Teller:
This is where the real fun begins! Use your pens, markers, or crayons to personalize your fortune teller.
- Outer Flaps: On the outside flaps, write numbers (1-8) or different colors.
- Inner Flaps: Under each number or color, write a different fortune or prediction. Get creative and have fun with it! Examples include:
- "You will have a great day!"
- "A surprise is coming your way."
- "You will meet someone new."
- "Good luck is on your side."
- Inside: You can even add another layer of fortunes inside those flaps for extra fun!
How to Play:
- Ask a Question: Have someone ask a question that can be answered with "yes" or "no," or a specific fortune.
- Choose a Number or Color: Have them choose a number or color from the outer flaps.
- Move the Fortune Teller: Open and close the fortune teller, alternating directions, the number of times corresponding to the number chosen. For example, if they choose "5," open and close it five times.
- Reveal the Fortune: After the final move, have them choose another number or color from the flaps that are now visible. Lift the flap and read their fortune!
Tips and Tricks:
- Use Thinner Paper: Thinner paper is easier to fold, especially for beginners.
- Crease Well: Creasing each fold firmly will make the fortune teller easier to manipulate.
- Get Creative with Fortunes: The more creative your fortunes, the more fun the game will be!
Variations:
- Themed Fortune Tellers: Create fortune tellers based on different themes, such as holidays, animals, or favorite characters.
- Question Fortune Tellers: Instead of fortunes, write questions under the flaps and have people answer them.
Why This is Fun
Making a paper fortune teller is a fantastic way to unleash your creativity and have some lighthearted fun. Whether you're playing with friends, family, or even by yourself, this simple origami project is sure to bring a smile to your face. So grab a piece of paper and start folding! Who knows what the future holds… or at least, what your paper fortune teller says it does!
Call to Action: Try making a themed fortune teller for your next party! It's a great way to entertain guests of all ages.
