Remember those fun paper fortune tellers you used to play with as a kid? Also known as a cootie catcher, this classic paper toy can provide hours of entertainment and mystery. Whether you want to relive childhood memories or introduce this game to a new generation, making a paper fortune teller is simple and easy. Follow our step-by-step guide below to create your own paper fortune teller!
Materials Needed:
- A square piece of paper (you can use origami paper or just cut a letter-sized piece of paper into a square)
- Markers, colored pencils, or crayons for decorating
Step 1: Fold the Paper
1. Start with your square piece of paper. If you’re using a standard letter-sized paper, fold one corner diagonally to create a triangle, then trim off the excess paper to form a square.
2. Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle shape. Unfold the paper to reveal a crease running through the center.
3. Fold each corner of the paper towards the center, making sure they meet at the center crease. You should now have a smaller square with creases dividing it into four equal triangles.
Step 2: Customize Your Fortune Teller
1. Flip the paper over so the folded flaps are facing down.
2. Use your markers, colored pencils, or crayons to decorate the top layer of the paper fortune teller. You can add numbers, colors, or symbols to each section created by the folds.
Step 3: Write Fortunes
1. Lift each of the eight flaps to reveal the inner side of the paper.
2. Write a fortune or message under each flap. Get creative with your predictions – they can be funny, thoughtful, or even silly!
Step 4: Play!
1. To play with your paper fortune teller, hold it with your thumbs and index fingers in the four pockets created by the folds.
2. Have a friend choose a color or number. Spell out the chosen item while alternating pinching and pulling the fortune teller in and out.
3. Have your friend choose another item based on the final number or color revealed by the fortune teller. Lift the flap corresponding to the chosen item to reveal the fortune inside.
4. Enjoy the fun and mystery of predicting the future with your handmade paper fortune teller!
Tips and Tricks:
- Feel free to get creative with your design – add your own twists and decorations to make your paper fortune teller unique!
- If you’re making this with kids, encourage them to come up with their own fortunes and illustrations for added fun.
- Consider using different themes for your fortunes, such as funny fortunes, inspirational quotes, or even riddles.
- Keep your paper fortune teller in good condition by storing it flat when not in use to prevent the folds from getting damaged.
Now that you know how to make a paper fortune teller, you can enjoy hours of entertainment predicting the future and sharing laughs with friends and family. Whether you’re reminiscing about childhood memories or creating new ones, the paper fortune teller is a classic activity that never gets old.
