how to make a paper fortune teller

2 min read 16-01-2025

Meta Description: Learn how to make a classic paper fortune teller, also known as a cootie catcher! This step-by-step guide with pictures makes it easy for kids and adults. Create your own fun fortune teller and amaze your friends with personalized predictions! Perfect for parties, classrooms, or rainy day fun.

What You'll Need:

One sheet of paper (square is best, but you can easily make one from a rectangular sheet)
Crayons, markers, colored pencils, or paint
Scissors
Something to write with (pen, pencil, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Making the Square

Start with a square: Ideally, begin with a square piece of paper. If you only have rectangular paper, fold it into a triangle, cut off the excess, and unfold to create a square.
Fold in half: Fold the square piece of paper in half diagonally, crease it sharply, and unfold.
Fold again: Fold the paper in half diagonally the other way, crease, and unfold. You should now have an 'X' shape creased onto your paper.

2. Creating the Flaps

Fold into quarters: Fold the paper in half, then in half again, so you end up with a smaller square.
Open it up: Carefully open the paper, maintaining the creases you've already made. You should have four flaps, forming a shape like a plus sign.

3. Folding the Flaps

Fold the corners to the center: Take each of the four corners and fold them precisely to the center point where the creases meet. Crease well.
Turn it over: Flip the paper over. You should see a smaller square formed by your folded corners.

4. Creating the Inner Sections

Fold the corners to the center (again!): Repeat the process from Step 3. Fold each corner to the center again, creating an even smaller square.
Flatten and Refold: Make sure everything is flat and neatly creased.

5. Adding the Fun: Decorating and Writing Fortunes

Personalize it: Decorate the outside with bright colors, drawings, or patterns. Get creative!
Number the Flaps: On the outside of each of the eight triangles, write a number 1-8.
Write Your Fortunes: Open the fortune teller and write fortunes, advice, jokes, or even dares inside each of the eight smaller sections created.

6. Playing the Game

Choose a number: Have a friend pick a number (1-8) from the outside.
Open and Close: Open and close the fortune teller the number of times they select, following the number sequence. This will reveal one of your inner sections.
Read the Fortune: The section revealed will reveal their fortune, or whatever you’ve chosen to write inside!

Tips and Variations

Themes: Create themed fortune tellers for holidays (Halloween, Christmas), birthdays, or even specific topics like animals or careers.
Different Shapes: Experiment by cutting out different shapes before Step 1 for a more unique fortune teller.
Make it Collaborative: Have friends or family members each decorate a section or write fortunes to personalize the game further.

FAQs:

What is another name for a paper fortune teller?

A paper fortune teller is also known as a cootie catcher, chatterbox, or salt cellar.

How can I make a larger paper fortune teller?

Use a larger sheet of paper to begin! The same steps apply.

What can I write inside my paper fortune teller?

You can write anything you like! Fortunes, dares, jokes, trivia questions, riddles, or even motivational quotes. Let your imagination run wild!

This simple craft provides hours of fun. So grab your supplies and start creating your personalized paper fortune teller today! Share your creations with us – we'd love to see them!