DIY Paper Fortune Teller: Fun & Easy Guide

Hey guys! Ever wanted to make a paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher? It's a super fun and easy paper craft that's perfect for kids and adults alike. Not only is it a blast to create, but it's also a great way to keep entertained with friends. In this guide, I’m going to walk you through each step, making sure you end up with a fortune teller that’s ready to predict the future (or at least pretend to!). So, grab a square piece of paper, and let's get started!

What You'll Need

Before we dive into the folding, let's gather our supplies. The best part about this craft is that you probably already have everything you need lying around the house. Here’s the super short list:

• Square Paper: Regular printer paper works just fine, but you can also use colored paper or even origami paper to make your fortune teller extra vibrant.
• Scissors (Optional): If your paper isn't already square, you'll need these to trim it.
• Pens or Markers: For writing numbers, colors, and fortunes. Get creative with it!

That’s it! Simple, right? Now that we have our tools, let’s get to the fun part.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making your paper fortune teller. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a working cootie catcher in no time!

Step 1: Making the Base

1. Start with a Square: If you don’t have square paper, take a rectangular piece and fold one corner diagonally to the opposite side. Cut off the excess paper to create a perfect square. This is crucial for the fortune teller to fold correctly.
2. Fold in Half: Fold the square in half, making a rectangle. Crease well, then unfold. Repeat this step by folding the other two sides together to form another rectangle. You should now have creases that divide the square into four equal rectangles.
3. Fold Diagonally: Now, fold the square in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Crease well and unfold. Repeat with the other two corners, creating another triangle. When you unfold, you should have an 'X' crease in the middle of your square. These creases are the foundation of your fortune teller, so make sure they’re crisp!

Step 2: Folding the Corners

1. Fold Corners to the Center: Take each corner of the square and fold it towards the center point where all the creases intersect. Make sure each corner meets precisely in the middle. Crease each fold firmly. You should now have a smaller square with four flaps meeting in the center.
2. Flip It Over: Turn the folded square over so that the flaps are facing down.
3. Repeat Corner Folding: Just like before, take each corner of this new square and fold it towards the center. Crease well. You should now have an even smaller square with four new flaps meeting in the middle.

Step 3: Creating the Finger Pockets

1. Fold in Half: Fold the square in half, creasing well, and unfold. Then, fold it in half again in the opposite direction, creasing well, and unfold. This will make it easier to manipulate the fortune teller.
2. Create the Pockets: Now, slide your fingers under each of the four squares to create the pockets. This might take a little practice, but the paper should easily fold along the creases you’ve already made. These pockets are where your fingers will go to operate the fortune teller.

Step 4: Decorating and Personalizing

1. Write Numbers: On the outside squares (the ones you folded last), write the numbers 1 through 8. Each square gets a unique number. These numbers will be used to determine how many times the fortune teller is opened and closed.
2. Add Colors or Symbols: Open the flaps to reveal the inner triangles. On each of these triangles, write a color or draw a symbol. You can use anything you like – colors, shapes, animals, or even little doodles. This is where you can really get creative and personalize your fortune teller.
3. Write the Fortunes: Lift each colored or symbol-labeled flap to reveal another triangle underneath. This is where you’ll write the fortunes! Think of fun, silly, or encouraging messages. Here are a few ideas:
   • “You will have a great day!”
   • “A surprise is coming your way.”
   • “You will meet someone new.”
   • “Good luck is on your side.”
   • “An adventure awaits you!”

Step 5: Playing with Your Fortune Teller

1. Insert Fingers: Put your thumbs and index fingers into the pockets on the bottom of the fortune teller. Make sure your fingers fit snugly so you can easily open and close it.
2. Choose a Color or Number: Ask someone to pick a color or number from the outside.
3. Open and Close: Open and close the fortune teller according to the color they chose (if they chose a color, spell it out, opening and closing for each letter) or the number they picked. Alternate between opening it horizontally and vertically.
4. Pick Again: Once you’re done opening and closing, show the person the numbers inside and have them pick one.
5. Reveal the Fortune: Lift the flap with the chosen number to reveal their fortune! Read it out loud and enjoy the fun.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Fortune Teller

To ensure your paper fortune teller turns out perfectly, here are some extra tips and tricks:

• Crisp Creases: The key to a good fortune teller is sharp, well-defined creases. Take your time and make sure each fold is as precise as possible.
• Paper Quality: While regular printer paper works, using slightly thicker paper can make your fortune teller more durable.
• Creative Fortunes: Get creative with your fortunes! The sillier and more personalized they are, the more fun everyone will have.
• Practice Makes Perfect: If you don’t get it right on the first try, don’t worry! Keep practicing, and you’ll become a fortune-teller-making pro in no time.

Fun Variations

Want to spice things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Themed Fortune Tellers: Create fortune tellers based on specific themes like holidays, movies, or books. Use related colors, symbols, and fortunes to match the theme.
• Question Fortune Tellers: Instead of fortunes, write questions under the flaps. Players can ask a question and then reveal the answer.
• Action Fortune Tellers: Write actions or challenges under the flaps, like “Do a silly dance” or “Tell a joke.”
• Collaborative Fortune Tellers: Have multiple people contribute fortunes or decorations to create a collaborative fortune teller.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Paper Tearing: If your paper is tearing, you might be using paper that’s too thin or folding too aggressively. Try using thicker paper and being more gentle with your folds.
• Corners Not Meeting: If the corners aren’t meeting properly in the center, double-check that your initial square is perfectly square. Precision is key!
• Pockets Not Opening: If the finger pockets aren’t opening easily, try folding the square in half in both directions again to loosen up the creases.

The History of the Paper Fortune Teller

The paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher, has a surprisingly interesting history. While its exact origins are a bit murky, similar paper folding techniques have been around for centuries. The modern version we know and love likely emerged in the mid-20th century, gaining popularity as a fun and simple game for kids. The term “cootie catcher” itself is thought to have originated from the slang term “cooties,” used to describe a fictional childhood disease. Over the years, the fortune teller has evolved, with countless variations and themes, but its basic structure and purpose have remained the same: to provide a bit of fun and playful fortune-telling.

Why This Craft is Awesome

Making a paper fortune teller is more than just a fun activity; it's a fantastic way to boost creativity, improve fine motor skills, and provide hours of entertainment. This simple craft requires minimal supplies, making it accessible to almost everyone. Kids love the interactive nature of the game, and it’s a great way to encourage social interaction and imaginative play. Plus, it’s a nostalgic activity that many adults remember fondly from their own childhoods, making it a perfect way to connect with younger generations.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Making a paper fortune teller is a simple yet incredibly fun craft that anyone can enjoy. With just a piece of paper and a few pens, you can create a source of endless entertainment and playful fortune-telling. Whether you’re looking for a quick activity to do with kids, a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or just a fun way to pass the time, the paper fortune teller is a perfect choice. Now go ahead, give it a try, and start predicting the future (or at least having a good laugh trying!). Happy folding, guys!